Lakewood debates multigenerational community center, downtown park and mixed‑use strategy; staff to begin master planning

Lakewood City Council, aided by outside consultants and staff, spent the bulk of its retreat discussing a proposed multigenerational community center, potential downtown park design, and a broader downtown mixed‑use strategy intended to spur redevelopment and attract residents and businesses.

Councilmember Remack opened the topic with a staff presentation and said the city wanted to explore several paths: a flexible “third place” community center that serves youth, adults and seniors; reuse or redevelopment of existing properties in or adjacent to Lakewood Town Center; and a larger downtown master plan. Consultants Bob Stowe (Stowe Development Strategies) and Gary Lindsey (private developer/financier) described redevelopment case studies and financing tools while Economic Development Manager Becky Newton reviewed examples and program options.

Sites and sizing Staff identified two initial candidate locations for a multigenerational center: the Colonial Theater site and a property known as Little Church on the Prairie. The presentation noted each site is “just shy of 3 acres,” with different zoning, assessed values and environmental constraints. Staff also flagged the city’s recently acquired former QFC parcel as a downtown park opportunity and said the city should not rule that site out.

Design and program priorities Council and staff…