Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Thornton economic development: retail openings, logistics and 650+ jobs highlighted in quarterly update
Summary
Economic development staff reported several near-term retail and employment openings in Thornton's first-quarter update: indoor recreation, restaurants, a cold-storage center and manufacturing/biotech sites. Staff estimated more than 650 new jobs from projects described and noted the loss of one long-term employer exploring relocation.
City economic development staff presented a quarterly update on commercial projects and business activity, citing recent openings, projects under construction and new employers expected to locate in Thornton.
Key openings and near-term launches Adam Krueger, Economic Development Director, listed retail and entertainment openings that have recently opened or are scheduled this year: Pickler (indoor pickleball, opened in January at Thornton Town Center); Malibu Jacks (indoor amusement park, expected by Labor Day 2025); Billy Birch (sit-down restaurant and beer garden, expected May 2025 at 100 & 120th and Holly); Chicken ' Pickle (The Grove, expected June 2025); and a Gordon Foods grocery conversion in the former Kmart building (anticipated May 2025).
Employment and industrial projects Krueger reported primary-sector projects in 25 Commerce Park and 5280 Logistics Park: BHD Test & Measurement opened in Q1 (about 40 employees) and Quorn Pharmaceuticals, Ferguson and a Target Cold Storage facility are expected in 2025. Krueger said the projects on the slide total more than 650 new jobs for Thornton.
Loss and redevelopment notes Krueger also noted a major long-term employer, Hensel Phelps, which had located in Thornton since 2017, is pursuing a relocation because the firm found a facility in another community that better meets its expansion needs. Staff said they had attempted retention outreach but could not secure a suitable site in Thornton.
Redevelopment and incentives Staff reminded council of redevelopment work in the Thornton Center area and Washington Street corridor, including property cleanup and an upcoming RFP later this year. The city is coordinating cross-departmental work on infrastructure and beautification tied to redevelopment districts.
Small business assistance and outreach The Alliance Business Assistance Center reported 77 total business interactions in Q1, nine workshops (45 attendees) and 168 participants at ribbon-cutting and networking events. Krueger outlined recent ribbon cuttings (Pickler, Ace Thermal, Homewood Suites, Regime Sports Cards) and a May 1 networking event at Rose's Mexican Kitchen.
Staff'community context Krueger said WinCo had shown interest in Thornton but had not finalized a site; staff continue to work with the retailer. Council members asked staff to follow up on several site inquiries (including an earlier restaurant proposal) and to keep the council informed about major employers considering relocation.
Ending Economic development staff characterized the quarter as active, with multiple openings and a significant pipeline of industrial and retail projects that together could add hundreds of local jobs. Council asked staff to continue retention efforts and to return with updates on sites of interest.
