By Chris Michlewicz; graphics courtesy of North Canyons Partners

The Canyons at Castle Pines, the eastern-most portion of the City, will be built out over a 30-year period and will reach as far south as Crowfoot Valley Road, an elevated stretch of roadway connecting Castle Rock and Parker.

It’s been roughly one year since the first resident took occupancy in his home in The Canyons neighborhood on the east side of the City of Castle Pines. This first phase of development provides a glimpse into what’s to come in the next few years.

One hundred fifteen residents now live in the burgeoning community located southeast of the Hess Road/Castle Pines Parkway interchange with I-25. The five homebuilders selected to shape this initial phase of the 3,322-acre master planned community opened model homes in 2019 and 2020, and 20% of what will eventually be a 15-mile network of paved and soft-surface trails has been completed.

“Having owned this property for 36 years, it is very exciting for our group and our family to see this land being developed in such a thoughtful and quality manner,” said Lee Alpert, manager of North Canyons Partners. “I am really proud of what Shea is doing in The Canyons at Castle Pines; we picked the right building partner for this project.”

Shea Homes Colorado, the primary homebuilder on the east side of the City, is in its first phase of home construction with 1,000 single-family homes and multifamily units planned over the next 3-5 years. The second phase mirrors the first in both the number of homes and estimated time frame.

This rendering illustrates one of several conceptual plans for Canyonside. It does not represent or guarantee the final design or amenities of the project.

Of the overall approved 5,000 dwelling units in the planned development (PD), roughly 1,500 multifamily units will broaden the availability of affordable housing in Castle Pines, a subject that has been discussed by City leaders as a priority in the coming years.

The PD allows for approximately 2.1 million square feet of retail and office space, including a mixed-use development. Branded as Canyonside, it is envisioned as a walkable town center with shops, restaurants, services, offices, entertainment, public spaces as well as townhomes and apartments.

North Canyon Partners still owns the western and eastern portions of the PD, totaling roughly 2,000 acres. According to Alpert, there are plans to develop up to 3,000 residential and commercial units, with future plans for a public high school.

Cheryl Haflich, marketing director for Shea Homes Colorado, reported that nearly one-third of The Canyons is set aside for parks, trails and open space. The main community gathering spot – a half-acre area known as The Green at Canyon Village – could host its first concerts this summer, depending on public health guidelines. In the northeastern-most quadrant of the development, 167 acres are dedicated for a regional park known as The Preserve, which could one day be the site of a visitor or nature center, she said.

For now, the information center for The Canyons at Castle Pines acts as the community hub, sharing space with The Exchange Coffee House, a cafe that is open to the public (see E Guide insert page 7).

To learn more about The Canyons at Castle Pines, visit thecanyonsliving.com. To learn more about Canyonside, visit canyonsidecastlepines.com. To view the City of Castle Pines current development activity, visit castlepinesco.gov.