Steamboat Pilot & Today

Developers say they have sold five lots, and construction could begin as soon as June at the Valley View Business Park in Hayden.

Included in the transactions was the sale of property for a Coca-Cola distribution plant and a crane operating company.

"Good news for us," Hayden Town Manager Russ Martin said. "It makes us feel good that they are making an investment."

Developer Paul Franklin said there has been a lot of interest in the business park, which encompasses 33 acres on the southwest corner of Crandall Avenue and Routt County Road 37.

"We have had a lot of calls and a lot of interest," said Franklin, who is partnering with Jon Peddie.

Franklin said five of 51 lots have been sold and another is reserved. A catering service has expressed interest in building in the development, as has a veterinarian.

With lots ranging in price from $60,000 to $90,000, some people also have considered purchasing lots as an investment opportunity, Franklin said.

"The price point compared to that in Steamboat makes this a good investment," he said.

They hope to finish installing utilities by early May and will begin paving the roads soon after that. Building construction is expected to begin in June. Their goal is to have all the lots sold by summer 2007.

Franklin said the site has been attractive in part because it is near Yampa Valley Regional Airport and because Hayden is centrally located between Craig and Steamboat Springs.

"More space, less money with all new utilities," Franklin cited as other reasons for the amount of interest in the property. Some of the property is zoned to allow live-work opportunities.

The development will feature an 8-foot concrete path along Crandall Avenue and a 6-foot soft surface trail along C.R. 37. An area of undeveloped land around the development is meant to provide a buffer zone.

-- To reach Matt Stensland, call 871-4210 or e-mail mstensland@steamboatpilot.com.