Introduction

In 2004, voters approved the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) FasTracks Program,  a multibillion-dollar comprehensive public transportation expansion plan consisting of new commuter rail, light rail, and express bus services.

In November 2013, RTD selected a team for the design and construction of the entire North Metro Corridor commuter rail line which includes the E. 72nd Avenue Commuter Rail Station in Commerce City. Neighborhood improvements around completed FasTracks rail stations in other communities are beginning to take shape with new development, diversified housing, infrastructure improvements, and neighborhood amenities.

The arrival of Commerce City’s commuter rail station brings well-deserved and critically needed focus to the neighborhoods surrounding the Commerce City 72^nd Station.

Open House 

Staff from Commerce City, Adams County, and the Urban Renewal Authority hosted a public open house on Wednesday, Sept. 20, to inform community members about plans for the 72nd and Colorado Blvd. Urban Renewal Area.

Dozens of community members attended to learn more about the project and provide input on the future revitalization of the station area.

Share your input online

STAMP

In 2013, the City of Commerce City adopted the Station Area Master Plan (STAMP) developed through the culmination of efforts by a wide range of community stakeholders to identify improvements to existing neighborhoods, leverage the area’s assets and opportunities, and envision a preferred future for the area.

The STAMP explores transit-oriented and transit adjacent development—one that emphasizes strengthening existing residential neighborhoods and corridors while allowing opportunities for new development. The end result has the potential to enhance connectivity and transit use; strengthen existing building stock; boost economic development opportunities; attract diversified housing, employment and neighborhood-serving uses; and contribute to a strong sense of place for both existing and future residents and business owners.

In 2020, construction of the E. 72nd Avenue Commuter Rail Station was completed and opened to the public. This is the first commuter rail line to pass through Commerce City and the first station to be established within the city are limited.  

The station is in an area with an existing neighborhood that is a patchwork of city parcels and pockets of unincorporated Adams County with low-density single-family homes, schools, and civic buildings next to industrial uses. Within this patchwork, there is currently a lack of “destination” places in the project area. Previously, Adams City High School and Alsup Elementary School served as anchors of the neighborhood, but they have since relocated.

The vision for this station area is one of pedestrian, bike, and automobile connectivity with diverse housing stock, economic development opportunities, employment, recreational amenities, and neighborhood-serving uses. It will take critical thinking and innovative infill to achieve the goal of a vibrant Transit Oriented Development and community center. 

View the 72nd & Colorado Blvd. Conditions Report 

The most feasible option to lead the revitalization efforts and finance public improvements is to establish an Urban Renewal District and utilize Tax Increment Finance (TIF). Local input from area property owners, businesses, and residents is critical to an effective process. Once established, the district would receive a portion of the incremental tax revenue associated with new development. The district can use this revenue to fund area-wide improvements (such as streetscape or pedestrian linkages), or may choose to partner with a developer and invest the proceeds back into the development in order to make the project feasible.