Creating exceptional places is no accident, especially for firms like East West Partners in Colorado. The remarkable environments they develop are the result of dedicated effort from communities and their leaders over many years. In places like Colorado, residents deeply value aspects such as historic preservation, maintaining scenic views, and supporting local workforces. This community engagement is what makes these locations so desirable, but it also leads to complex and unique entitlement processes.
Navigating these “unique,” and often challenging, entitlement environments is a key expertise of East West Partners in Colorado. While rezoning projects, like those in Cherry Creek West, can extend beyond three years, and securing entitlements for developments such as The West End in Edwards can take considerable time (e.g., 882 days), the firm has gleaned invaluable lessons. Here are some core principles that East West Partners leverages to successfully create terrific places in Colorado and beyond:
Patience is Paramount in Colorado Development
The timeline for development approvals in Colorado’s sought-after locations often requires significant patience. These processes are inherently lengthy, yet this duration creates a protective barrier, a “moat,” around the most valuable land. For East West Partners in Colorado, recognizing and embracing this reality is crucial. They understand that the most desirable development opportunities are worth the extended time investment required for meticulous navigation of local regulations and community considerations.
Flexibility and Community Input: A Collaborative Approach
While the original article mentions Courier Square in Charleston, the principle of flexibility is universally applicable, including in Colorado. East West Partners understands the importance of adapting plans based on community feedback. Their experience shows that engaging in open dialogues and being willing to modify project designs in response to community input leads to stronger projects and greater local support. This collaborative approach, whether through public forums or direct engagement, ensures that developments resonate with the community’s vision.
Deep Community Integration: Being Part of Colorado
East West Partners distinguishes itself by embedding its team members within the very communities they develop in Colorado. This deep integration goes beyond professional involvement. Team members actively participate in local community boards, volunteer their time, and advocate for policies that enhance the community’s well-being. This commitment to being “in the community” fosters trust, which proves invaluable when navigating complex negotiations, such as community benefits agreements, as seen in projects like Cherry Creek West. This pre-existing trust and understanding of local dynamics significantly streamlines processes and strengthens partnerships.
Active and Engaged Agency Collaboration in Colorado
Developments in Colorado, like anywhere, involve numerous referral agencies, each with dedicated professionals committed to their responsibilities and governmental mandates. East West Partners adopts a proactive approach by integrating these agencies into their design process. By thoughtfully considering the needs and requirements of these agencies, East West Partners can proactively address potential concerns and incorporate necessary amendments. This collaborative engagement ensures that projects are feasible and aligned with regulatory expectations, fostering mutual understanding and smoother approvals.
Conclusion: The Value of Entitlements in Creating Lasting Places
Navigating the entitlement process is undeniably challenging, but East West Partners views it as a worthwhile endeavor. The complexity inherent in gaining approvals in desirable locations like Colorado ultimately protects the value and longevity of the developments. By embracing patience, flexibility, community integration, and active agency engagement, East West Partners successfully creates not just buildings, but truly terrific places that enrich the Colorado landscape and community fabric for years to come.
