Demolition crews took down the Qwest Tower, located near West Mineral Avenue and Southpark Terrace in Littleton, on June 11. Originally built as a drying tower by the Gates Rubber Company, its demolition was in preparation for future Mineral Place construction.
Mineral Place is a 63-acre redevelopment initiative that will bring a mix of housing and retail to the area, including a Costco Wholesale store with a 32-pump gas station which will be constructed along the south side of Mineral Avenue, between Mineral Place and Southpark Terrace.
The 130-foot Qwest tower stood at the site for 55 years, serving first as a tire manufacturing plant opened by the Gates Rubber Company. The building was later converted into an office complex by Qwest before it was acquired by Lumen Technologies.
When a portion of the site was rezoned to make way for the Mineral Place construction in 2023, some residents voiced concerns about increased traffic while others voiced support for constructing more housing and business areas.
In February, developers cut down 41 mature trees from the site, igniting pushback from residents. City staff responded by saying the trees that were removed were those on the taller banks of the swale – or the sunken-in area that manages storm water – that would disrupt run-off flow.
The construction of Costco’s gas station has also raised concern among some community members.
On May 6, city council unanimously voted to approve imposing a temporary moratorium on new fuel sales retail applications. The temporary moratorium pauses the submission, acceptance, processing or approval of any new applications related to gas sales for six months. However, the Quick Trip and Costco fueling center were exempt to the moratorium as they were already under construction prior to the vote.
“You passed a six-month moratorium on gas stations,” community member Greg Sullivan said to city council at a May 20 city council meeting. “Then you quickly pivoted and bent a knee to the developers (of)in Costco in Mineral Place and Quick Trip and said, ‘you’re exempt.’”
Despite pushback from some community members, others support the development of Mineral Place.
Phil McCart, a member of Vibrant Littleton, during public comment at the Dec. 19 city council, voiced support for the Mineral Place project: “I’m asking you to please choose the future of our children and our grandchildren over a perceived fear of traffic and a loss of character.”
During the June 11 demolition, the mayor of Littleton spoke about the future of the Mineral Place site.
“This demolition marks a significant step towards reimagining this former industrial site,” said Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter, who attended the June 11 tower demolition. “This large, vacant property can now be transformed into a vibrant space for businesses and housing. Littleton welcomes the economic investment, new jobs, and overall benefit that Mineral Place will bring to our community.”
Tagged: developmentLittleton costcomineral place
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Isabel began reporting as an intern at Colorado Community Media in 2024, covering the Centennial area. She has returned to cover Littleton and is passionate about telling the stories of her local community.... More by Isabel Guzman
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