Development in Sunnyside (Denver, Westminster: neighborhoods, live, zoning)

[jleonard64]

I am putting an offer in on a property that is close to Federal and 38th in SUnnyside. I am taking the chance that the area will come up a bit but does anyone have any idea about the plans for development in this area? I am not hoping for OVER gentrification but some of my concern is the lack of walkable restaurants and coffee shops as I hate to get in my car to do these things. I know there is plenty w/in a few minutes on my bike but I am hoping the area has plans as resale in the next 10 years is a consideration. Input?

[tfox]

Originally Posted by jleonard64

I am putting an offer in on a property that is close to Federal and 38th in SUnnyside. I am taking the chance that the area will come up a bit but does anyone have any idea about the plans for development in this area? I am not hoping for OVER gentrification but some of my concern is the lack of walkable restaurants and coffee shops as I hate to get in my car to do these things. I know there is plenty w/in a few minutes on my bike but I am hoping the area has plans as resale in the next 10 years is a consideration. Input?

Sunnyside is kind of lagging behind the other north Denver neighborhoods in terms of gentrification, but likely as not it will follow. It is a lot like how Highland was in the 1990s -- it's only been in the last 3-4 years that highland has gained a lot of its walkable restaurants and coffee shops, etc. So, I'd expect things to look more like Highland does today in about 8-10 years. These places open whenever the market will support them; the market in Sunnyside isn't there yet.

Notice that the city is usally very reluctant to convert "R" type zoning to commercial, so expect to see the coffee shops, etc, show up in the existing commercial districts and on land zoned for commercial uses, although some the city is doing more RMU (Residential Mixed Use) zoning which would allow ground-floor retail.

In the meantime, I suggest you enjoy what you already have in Sunnyside. There are lots of Mexican places, greasy spoons, dive bars, etc -- and while those may not be what you appreciate NOW, once they are gone and replace with boutiques and java shops you may find you miss them.

[jleonard64]

thanks, tfox. I actually really like the mexican, greasy spoons and dive bars. Now, all I need is a realiable coffee shop that I can walk to. The rest, I am happy to enjoy just as it is, as long as it is safe.

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by tfox

...In the meantime, I suggest you enjoy what you already have in Sunnyside. There are lots of Mexican places, greasy spoons, dive bars, etc -- and while those may not be what you appreciate NOW, once they are gone and replace with boutiques and java shops you may find you miss them.

This is a pearl of wisdom. Thank You

I think this area of W. 38th and Federal is an interesting area. Certainly it has a mixture of very unique shops and you have access further west, on 38th, to the renewed area of West Highland and Berkeley. In addition, you are near two major bus routes, the 31 on North Federal and the 38 on 38th which can easily take you to more shopping and entertainment from Downtown, to Westminster, to Wheatridge. You are even close to those "boutique shops and Java shops" on West 32th.

Livecontent