New commercial development is making its way to Elizabeth. Behind the Walmart on Highway 86, big-name international, national and regional businesses will be making their way into the area within the next couple of years.

In an extensive interview with Mitch Trevey and Nick Beach of Trevey Commercial Real Estate on Sept. 15, they shared their plans for the new development, some hopeful retail additions, and some of the future plans for the development of “West Elizabeth.”

“We’ve got a 30-year history of being a part of Parker’s growth,” said Trevey, the company’s managing director. “We want to be a part of the success of Elizabeth and do a thoughtful, diligent job at what comes to town.”

The extended Wild Pointe Ranch Marketplace will include a new McDonald’s at the corner of Highway 86 and Legacy Circle as well as Anna’s Car & Dog Wash between AutoZone and Murphy Oil.

There is also a drive-thru coffee shop under contract. Though the Trevey developers could not disclose the name of the coffee shop, they were excited to share that it will be a large regional-chain business.

One local resident of Spring Valley Ranch exclaimed when hearing the news of a new coffee shop in the area. “I hope it is a Ziggi’s! or maybe even a Scooter’s!” The Trevey developers did, however, note that the new coffee shop was not a Dutch Bros. Coffee, but would be similar.

The developers also noted food and retail business that were likely to move into the extended Wild Pointe Ranch Marketplace, including an automotive store and day care. They also indicated their hopes for a Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops, though thought that was unlikely given the current size of Elizabeth and the surrounding area.

The area will also see extended roadway and infrastructure for the West of Wild Pointe Ranch Marketplace beginning in late 2021. Trevey and Beach indicated that Beverly Street will be extended past the Elizabeth Library to connect to Legacy Circle near the Walmart.

In addition to the new commercial and retail spaces at Wild Pointe Ranch Marketplace, the area will also see the addition of more developed “Elizabeth West.” Elizabeth West will extend from the new development behind the Walmart to County Road 3.

Elizabeth West is a proposed master-planned residential community that was annexed into the Town of Elizabeth in 2019. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) was submitted for approval in December 2020 for 950 residential units, including single-family and townhomes. Development for Elizabeth West is slated to begin in early 2022.

Elizabeth West will also have some space set aside for retail and commercial businesses. The Trevey developers strongly anticipate the addition of a King Soopers at the corner of Highway 86 and Legacy Ridge Street.

When plans for the new development were shared on Facebook by interested locals in late August, there was a whirlwind of both excitement and criticism. Many commenters were very excited to learn of the new business.

“Let’s think of the good things this will bring. Jobs and business taxes, all of which are needed in our county!” said one longtime resident of Elbert County. “Let’s support these businesses coming in! What great jobs for our teens and young adults! It’s here … so let’s find the good.”

The social media announcement, however, sparked strong criticism from some locals who are angry about change in their quickly developing town.

“It’s a matter of a way of life that is now dying. If we wanted to live in the city, we would live in the city,” said an anonymous Facebook user on April 23 in response to learning about the incoming development. “The traffic, the people, the land, and the historical value are all now compromised. Soon Elizabeth will be Parker and swallowed by the progress of city creep.”

In the interview from Sept. 15, Mitch Trevey hoped to reassure the Town of Elizabeth and Elbert County that development in the area would be planned with intention and careful thought.

“I expect Elizabeth to maintain its character more than Parker has,” said Trevey. “Elizabeth will certainly grow more like Parker than Castle Rock, though Parker didn’t have a lot of effective planning. If done right, Elizabeth can maintain its character.”|