The secret is out! Brighton’s business community is booming and there’s no sign of slowing down any time soon. While Brighton remains loyal to its agricultural roots, it has seen many changes over the years; and this change brings an increased demand from its residents for basic services (retail, restaurants, recreational).
Brighton’s population has exploded from around 21,000 in 2000 to nearly 38,000 today. Although nearly 50 percent of its land mass is not developed, over time vacant land has been filled in with shops, housing developments, and restaurants. Today, the vacancy rate for the downtown Brighton area is roughly 6.5 percent, down from 2012 when vacancy rates were approaching 10.5 percent.
Between the retailers and restaurants opening at the Brighton Prairie Shopping Center and the breweries and boutiques opening in Downtown Brighton, business retention and growth is on a steady path forward.
In 2017 alone, Brighton’s Prairie Shopping Center will see ULTA Beauty, Arby’s, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews and Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom open its doors to the community. Most of these businesses are already under construction and will join a long list of premium retail shops at the Prairie Center in Brighton during the second half of the year.
The Prairie Center, a 396-acre shopping center and pedestrian-oriented retail village, is fast becoming the dominant retail hub of Denver’s Northeast quadrant. When completed, Prairie Center’s retail community will consist of four phases totaling nearly two million square feet.
Then, there’s downtown Brighton. Made up of charming niche and boutique businesses and restaurants, the downtown area allows residents to shop local and linger in one of Brighton’s most historic areas. In recent years, downtown Brighton has grown into a popular destination attracting varied generations. Small-scale developments and redevelopments in the last decade have helped close the gaps in storefront vacancies downtown and businesses last longer.
Something Brewery tapped their kegs to the community about a year ago, becoming the city’s first brewery. Having a brewery downtown has increased the level of interest in attracting other types of breweries and businesses alike. Currently, there are four shops next to Something Brewery that are under construction. At least one space will be a wine bar and another is B Right On Quilting, Sewing & Vacuum, which is expanding from its small store on 1st Avenue.
Also exciting, the renovated historic Buddhist temple will soon be home to Big Choice Brewing. After renovations, the temple now boasts two outdoor patios, high ceilings with exposed wooden beams and 5,300 square feet for both a taproom and brewing.
The business community in Brighton will continue to expand for the needs of its number one costumer — its residents. And although Brighton’s story is still being told as it continues to see change, it’s clear business grows in Brighton, and that chapter is here to stay.
To stay updated on new business opening in Brighton, visit:
www.brightonedc.org
brightonchamber.com
www.brightonco.gov
