What is it about Colorado that attracts the masses? Is it that we are a progressive state, setting examples for other states to follow? Is it the skyline that takes your breath away? Is it the thrilling rivers, endless hiking and biking trails, wildflowers, wildlife or four seasons that offer countless outdoor activities to enjoy? Whatever it is, the population is growing. And where there are people, there will always be a need for businesses to support growth.

On the Western Slope, the commercial real estate market has experienced an uptick. Where there were once gaps in the commercial market, the new focus is keeping up with growth and development.

To that end, several buildings in the Grand Valley are undergoing remodeling to breathe life back into outdated structures and bring new businesses to the area.

Here are three examples:

417 Monument Road: Located at the corner of Monument and Broadway, what once was a movie theater and dance studio will offer new opportunities for entrepreneurs. There’s already talk about a bike shop, pizza joint and pub. The space will accommodate four to six businesses. This corner lot has been begging for an upgrade, and I’m sure residents of the area will appreciate the new energy that will come from the project.

750 Main St.: Major renovations are expected to begin in coming months to this retro-style building. Two floors of space will be available for a variety of businesses The owner will bring in fiber optics to allow for businesses to operate with high speed and dependability. This professional complex will be built to suit, offering an open floor plan, solar power and more than 40 parking spaces. Downtown will begin to feel the buzz of this much needed update. 

790 Wellington Ave.: This weary old medical building near St. Mary’s Hospital will be transformed into a fresh and modern office building. The owners will remove interior walls, preparing it for a new office layout. Given the close proximity to the medical complex at St. Mary’s, it would make sense to use the spaces as medical offices or medically related businesses. The project should begin later this summer.