Wheat Ridge council approves $1 million purchase of Parpett Street parcel for public works and parks consolidation

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — The Wheat Ridge City Council approved a contract on Monday authorizing purchase of property at 4593 Parpett Street for $1,000,000 as the site to expand and consolidate public works and parks operations.

City staff and the seller’s broker, Esther Kettering of Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors, presented details to the council: the site is vacant and contiguous to the existing public works property, has roughly 250 feet of frontage on Parpett and is approximately 2.8 acres. The seller had prepared engineering and survey work in anticipation of private residential development; staff said that work reduced due-diligence risk for the city. The contract is contingent on council approval and carries a 60-day inspection period that expires on September 2, with a proposed closing date of October 10.

The presentation noted an Xcel Energy overhead transmission structure crossing the property within a recorded public service easement dating to 1923. Staff described the structure as a large metal tower with a 50-foot easement and said that, while buildings are not permitted in the easement area, the city could use the space for parking, landscaping or a detention area subject to Xcel’s maintenance access requirements. Broker Kettering recommended staff coordinate with Xcel during the inspection period to clarify use limitations and the potential for future pole replacement.

Councilor Leah Dozeman moved to approve the purchase and authorize the city manager to execute the contract; Mayor Pro Tem Corey Stites seconded. The clerk recorded all ayes and no nays and the motion carried.

Councilor Janice Hoppe noted the property is roughly half the price of a previously considered site and carries fewer demolition and environmental liabilities. City staff said the Urban Renewal Authority has agreed to make a $1.2 million loan available to cover purchase and related costs and that the authority is open to increasing loan amounts later if needed. Staff and council also discussed zoning implications (property currently shown as Agricultural 1) and said next steps will include confirming municipal-use allowances and finalizing coordination with Xcel Energy. The purchase closes subject to the inspection period and council approval of closing instruments.