Weld’s hot corner sees population, job growth
FIRESTONE — The cost of living in Denver is one of the nation’s highest, so it’s only natural that homeowners would seek a more affordable option. That’s where Firestone comes in.
Firestone’s rich history revolves around coal mining, but the booming community — once known as one of the “Tri-Towns” along with Dacono and Frederick — is discovering even more riches by mining its location in the heart of Northern Colorado’s dynamic growth. The Carbon Valley town has seen a 13.5% population growth just since the 2020 census, and homebuilders and businesses are paying attention.
For instance, Western Midstream Partners LP acquired a building in Firestone that will employ 150 people. The 14-year-old, 41,661-square-foot, two-story facility had been home to Crestone Peak Resources, which put the property on the market in July 2000.
What you’re seeing is a much larger population because of the comfortability with the community.”
Rich Werner, CEO, Upstate Colorado Economic Development
“What you’re seeing is a much larger population because of the comfortability with the community,” Rich Werner, president and CEO of Upstate Colorado Economic Development, told BizWest reporter Sharon Dunn. “There are so many different lifestyle options for people.”
In fact, he said, the Carbon Valley area is now the hottest-growing area in Northern Colorado.
Since Firestone modified its land-use code in 2020 to require different housing varieties every 40 acres, the town has seen 850 housing units be built. Paula Mehle, Firestone’s economic-development manager, said the code’s impact will be seen as the Denmore and Vistosa subdivisions are developed, at the intersection of Firestone Boulevard and Frontier Street as they are truly the first properties platted under the revised code” Mehle said. At buildout, those two developments will create approximately 1,600 residential units, while the Barefoot Lakes community will offer about 5,100.
Two other boosts for Firestone are the new mobility hub that will serve the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang route between Denver and Fort Collins, and the water treatment plant the town opened last year to offer alternative sources other than Colorado-Big Thompson water. The town also settled its long-running lawsuit with the Central Weld County Water District and authorized the retirement of $20 million of water bonds years ahead of schedule.
Firestone’s rich history revolves around coal mining, but the booming community — once known as one of the “Tri-Towns” along with Dacono and Frederick — is discovering even more riches by mining its location in the heart of Northern Colorado’s dynamic growth.
Named after Ohio investor Jacob H. Firestone, the town was established in 1908 to support local coal miners and their families. Five coal mines operated in Firestone until they all closed in 1947. The train track that carried Firestone’s coal was decommissioned with the mines and transformed into the 12-mile-long Firestone Trail. St. Vrain State Park is the only Colorado state park to be annexed into a town.
In January, the Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District opened a new community center in Firestone.
Firestone celebrated its centennial by dedicating the Firestone Centennial Clock, along with a time capsule and brick plaza area, at Jacob H. Firestone Memorial Park.