Colorado Real Estate Journal - September 3, 2014
The Westminster City Council and San Diego-based real estate developer Oliver McMillan share a vision for the redevelopment of the former Westminster Mall site: a downtown that will be an amenity for Westminster residents and others in the region – one that will last long into the future in the manner of great city centers. In May 2014, The City of Westminster, the Westminster Economic Development Authority (WEDA) and San Diego based real estate developer Oliver McMillan entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement for the redevelopment of the 105-acre site of the former Westminster Mall, located at U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard. The majority of the site was gradually acquired by WEDA over the past five years and is development ready. Prior to Oliver McMillan's’s collaboration on this development, WEDA had established the framework for the site’s master plan, which contemplates multiple phases of development. The plan calls for a high-density urban development with residential, commercial, retail and other uses. WEDA’s plans also call for a public realm with unique parks, a major pedestrian friendly and bike friendly landscaped boulevard traversing the property from north to south. During the planning process, the City of Westminster studied a variety of cities centers including San Diego; Portland, Ore.; Lower Downtown Denver; and Santa Monica, Calif. “We like places that feel good, where residents can gather, families can ride bikes and also where businesses can grow and prosper,” said Westminster City Manager Brent McFall. With Oliver McMillan in the picture, WEDA is working out components and design details of a proposed master plan. Oliver McMillan President Paul Buss said, “We have been working really hard for the past several months to clarify the overall master plan and finalize initial phases for luxury apartments, specialty retail and creative office. We’ve made great progress with creative collaboration from a multi-disciplinary team with great ideas.” Oliver McMillan and the City of Westminster both led a series of charettes for the development recently, intensive design workshops that brought together design experts, city planners, architects, interior designer, landscape architects, real estate developers and community members. “We make an extra effort to ensure that a very special place is created,” said Oliver McMillan CEO Dene Oliver. “The charette process takes time and brings together many points of view, some of which do not always agree. Out of this collaboration and competing ideas come extraordinary solutions.” Denver architect Brit Probst, AIA, LEED AP, Principal of Davis Partnership, was one of the architects included in the charette process. Probst said, “Creating a new downtown for Westminster is an exciting challenge and we are delighted to be part of this effort. The charette process has identified a strong design concept that will reinforce so much of what we value here in Colorado – active lifestyles supported by memorable places.” Managing Director of Oliver McMillan Eric Buchanan added that the downtown atmosphere will provide a lively with a mix of uses and pedestrian-friendly environment. The development includes the chance for a company to create custom corporate headquarters, offering employees a wonderful live, work and play environment and an active Colorado lifestyle halfway between Boulder and Denver. Westminster, Colorado, population 108,000, is a suburb of Denver located in the northwest quadrant of the metro area. A full-service, award winning city, Westminster celebrated its centennial in 2011. Known for its exacting development standards, it is home to beautiful suburban residential neighborhoods and quality commercial and retail developments. Founded in 1978, Oliver McMillan is a forward-thinking commercial real estate developer.
The award-winning firm creates high-quality, artistic, market-appropriate developments and is recognized by industry leaders for its ability to move forward in a nimble and visionary manner. The firm has designed and developed more than 8 million square feet with a total value exceeding $3 billion. Oliver McMillan currently has approximately $2 billion in real estate projects under development in cities across the United States. Approaching each project with respect for the surrounding architecture and local culture, the firm works to create vibrant, enduring destinations. For additional information about Oliver McMillan, visit www.olivermcmillan.com.