If you’ve lived in Northern Colorado since the early 2000s or before, you’ve probably observed progress at Centerra the same way you watch the growth of a newly planted tree. At first, you’re only vaguely aware it’s getting taller. And the process happens so gradually that one day years in the future you’re actually surprised to realize how much shade and beauty it has added to your yard.
A vision for town living
So what has Centerra brought to Loveland and Northern Colorado? Numerically speaking, Centerra has made room for more than 4,500 homes, 8,600 jobs, 85 shops and restaurants, 150 corporate offices, 700 acres of parks and nature – with more than 10 miles of trails.
Early in its journey, Centerra helped establish the High Plains Environmental Center, whose oversight of Centerra’s lakes, meadows, parks and trails has resulted in Centerra becoming the first place in Colorado to be designated by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat.
If all this looks good on paper, it looks even better in person. Because when you’re on the ground in Centerra – walking its trails, enjoying its restaurants, dancing under the stars at its outdoor concerts, being enriched by the fascinating programs of the High Plains Environmental Center or just living your best life as a Centerra resident – you begin to feel how all the ingredients add up to something larger. Namely, the intent to create a highly diverse, wonderfully walkable, small-town-inspired experience.
Here’s to Loveland
The benefits have reached well beyond the borders of Centerra, supporting the larger Loveland community in a number of ways.
A few examples:
- Loveland Urban Renewal Authority:
Through LURA, the creation of Centerra has provided the Loveland area $200 million in total public infrastructure improvements to date and $3.7 million in net annual tax revenue for the City of Loveland. - Affordable housing: Realberry (formerly McWhinney) donated 4.4 acres (valued at $2.64 million) to the Loveland Housing Authority for 84 affordable apartments.
- High Plains School: The Centerra Metro District provided $31.9 million for the construction and expansion of High Plains STEAM School in Centerra.
- Mountain View High School: The Centerra Metro District provided $1 million for the expansion of the school and Realberry donated 40 acres to the Thompson School District.
- Chapungu Sculpture Park: Realberry donated 26 acres of land and $4 million for improvements for this one-of-a-kind cultural landmark.
- Rialto Theater: Realberry was a main donor to the theater’s “Bridge” expansion in downtown Loveland.
- Environmental sustainability: Realberry provided 78 lakeside acres and both the initial funding and $250,000 additional funding for the High Plains Environmental Center. To date, another $5 million has been raised for the HPEC by commercial and residential building permit fees.
- Public cultural events: Every year, events such as Sounds of Centerra and Wild Wonderful Weekend bring thousands of people together from all over Northern Colorado.
The next big thing: Avenue South
If Centerra has created a sort of recipe for connected town living, Centerra’s next district, Avenue South, will take that concoction and distill it to an even more concentrated and flavorful offering.
Planned to open in 2027, Avenue South is designed to bring together an exciting, carefully curated mix of dining, entertainment and shopping, beginning with a high-end organic grocer. Combined with a variety of residences and infused with outdoor gathering spaces – including a signature event lawn called the Front Porch – Avenue South will create the modern version of the classic Main Street district.
And remember, Avenue South is just the next part of Centerra, not the rest of Centerra. The plan for Centerra leaves room to bring all kinds of good things to Loveland. More parks. More schools. More jobs. And not only more homes but a greater variety of homes, including Centerra’s first neighborhood exclusively for 55+ home buyers.
See what’s now and what’s next
Learn more about the now and future of Centerra at centerra.com/25years
