Major developer, known for projects such as Centerra in Loveland, eyes Greeley for project as city council approves rezoning request

McWhinney Real Estate plans to build nearly 300 new apartments in west Greeley. Illustration courtesy of Greeley City Council.

By Kelly Ragan

McWhinney Real Estate, known for powerhouse northern Colorado developments such as Centerra in Loveland, plans to build nearly 300 apartments in west Greeley with some commercial development to follow. 

“We intend to build it, keep it, operate it,” said Natalie Dustman, a developer with McWhinney, at a city council meeting Tuesday. “We intend to be a part of the Greeley community for the long-term.” 

Back in July, McWhinney requested that two chunks of land near Centerplace and Greeley West High School be rezoned to create a more cohesive parcel of land. On Tuesday, Greeley city councilmembers voted unanimously to approve the request.

McWhinney plans to build a 298-unit complex in the space. Eventually, plans call for commercial development in the northwest corner of Centerplace Drive and 38th Avenue. 

Some residents expressed concern early in the process. In an email, Greeley resident Karin Culter wrote that she believed the project would have a major impact on traffic.  

“I cannot believe that the City of Greeley would approve 298 more multi-family units when we will already be impacted by the two multi-family housing projects which are currently being built very close to the proposed project,” Culter wrote. “Do you realize how many people will be living in this small area when those units are completed? And you would possibly approve the addition of 298 more units?!”

But no one spoke at the public hearing Tuesday. 

At the meeting Tuesday, councilmember Kristin Zasada asked if there had been any inquiries to do single-family housing in the area to address traffic concerns. 

Kira Stoller, a planner for the city, said no.

But Thomas Gilbert, an engineer with the city, said even with additional people on the road, traffic would flow well within the acceptable range, even in the long-term.