Real Estate / Breckenridge 'gateway' projects list shortened

By Bob Berwyn
Summit Daily News
3/19/2007

BRECKENRIDGE — The list of potential developments on the McCain/Block 11 property at the north end of town is growing shorter. Town council members weeded through the laundry list of ideas at a March 13 work session, nixing some facilities that would require intensive development and construction, while leaving the door open for several other potential projects.

A key focus for the town council is preserving open space on the properties, and also making sure that any development includes affordable housing that is well integrated with the Colorado Mountain College campus, planned for the northern end of the property, and with trail and transit systems. Parking needs are also part of the picture, with a 500-space satellite parking lot and future school district site still on the table.

Some recreational facilities, including a disc golf course and a free-ride mountain bike park, were dropped from consideration.

Still on the table, at least for a few weeks, is the possibility of a Nike recreational campus. The Oregon-based company approached the town several years ago with a preliminary proposal to buy some land and develop a demo area for outdoor gear, along with some sort of related retail activities. The talks were dormant for some time, but have recently been rekindled, according to community development director Peter Grossheusch.

"It would be a demo center," said Grossheusch, describing the vision to council members last week. The campus could include things like a whitewater kayak park, tennis courts and even include activities like weeklong soccer camps, he said.

Council members were less than keen on the idea, but left the door cracked for a few more weeks to pursue the talks.

"Unless there is a pile of money that goes with this, I have no desire to incrementally increase visitation to the town," said council member Eric Mamula, expressing concerns about overall capacity issues for the town.

Dave Rossi said there may be some room for Nike to partner with the town using existing facilities.

A reservoir with a 20-acre surface area is still a big part of the plan for the property. A consultant hired to help develop a master plan for the area illustrated a few different conceptual layouts for the reservoir, showing the height of a potential dam. Council members wanted more detail and may ask the consultants to prepare a scale model in order to get a handle on the visual impacts.

A short discussion was also held on the possibility of laying down a short section of railroad track to accommodate historic Engine Number 9, which served Breckenridge about a century ago. John Warner took up the railroad banner long carried by former councilmember Larry Crispell. Leaving the door open for a railroad track is an important part of honoring the town's heritage, Warner said.

Based on feedback from the work session, consultants will further refine the plans and return for more guidance in the next few weeks.