When the City of Westminster acquired portions of Westminster Mall in 2009, its vision for a mixed-use downtown in the area west of U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard was just coming into focus. The Westminster Economic Development Authority (WEDA) recognized the unique opportunity at hand, so by 2012 the City owned most of Westminster Mall and began laying the groundwork for what is known today as Downtown Westminster.
“The old Westminster Mall site was centrally located, perfectly situated and accessible for residents while also easily attracting visitors from other communities,” said Westminster’s Real Estate Development Manager Heather Cronenberg. “It made perfect sense as a community gathering place.”
Development for areas like this does not happen overnight. In 2011 and 2012, old Westminster Mall buildings began to fall, including the iconic hot air balloons, until only the JCPenney, Bowlero, and McMurtrey Endodontics remained. The City sought feedback from the community and in 2015 implemented the Downtown Specific Plan.
Then, one by one, new structures popped up. Alamo Drafthouse opened its doors in 2019 to welcome moviegoers. The first wave of residents moved into their new homes at the Ascent and Eaton Street Apartments. Soon, the scent of authentic tacos, fresh-brewed coffee, and Korean fried chicken filled the streets from incoming businesses. Slowly but surely, the City’s vision from 2009 inched toward becoming a reality.
“A true organic downtown can take anywhere from 30 to 300 years to fully develop,” Cronenberg said. “So far there’s been incredible momentum supporting this first phase.”
This spring, Downtown Westminster will take another big leap forward with the opening of the highly anticipated Red Lotus Den, Aerostat Park, and Kokopelli Social Bar.
Red Lotus Den, a new full-service food hall and event space, is targeting an opening this June at 5815 W. 89th Avenue. The concept will feature seven food stalls with a variety of global cuisine options, two bars, and even karaoke.
“We’re not just creating a typical food hall — we’re crafting a dynamic social destination where exceptional food, service, and nightlife come together,” said Henry Lee, operator of Red Lotus Den. “Every detail, from the design to the guest experience, has been thoughtfully curated to exceed expectations.” The two-story food hall will fill a space near Vatos Tacos along Central Square.
Just to the east, Aerostat Park, formerly known as Center Park and renamed through a community contest, will become part of the main Downtown community gathering space. Slated for a grand opening on May 30, Aerostat Park will provide residents from across the city a place to go for entertainment, recreation, and enjoyment. Flexible, multi-use spaces and attractive amenities like a stage area and spray pad will work in harmony to create a unique public space.
“As the public centerpiece of Downtown, we are extremely excited to bring this new event venue to fruition — it’s the culmination of many years of planning,” said John Vann, Westminster’s community vibrancy administrator. “Come on out this summer and see what we have created!”
In a win for walkability and wag-ability, the City installed a temporary off-leash dog park at the northeast corner of 90th Avenue and Fenton Street last summer. Beginning in April, Kokopelli Social Bar will offer another foot-traffic draw to the same corner.
Housed in a repurposed shipping container and surrounded by outdoor seating, the bar will offer beer from nearby Kokopelli Beer Company, other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks. It’s designed as a social gathering space for all seasons with heaters available to operate in cold weather.
While not specifically aimed at dog owners, Kokopelli Social Bar will offer dog-specific treats and is zoned to allow owners to take their beverages into the dog park.
These projects represent a new phase of development in Downtown Westminster and will significantly boost recreation and entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
For visitors interested in becoming Downtown Westminster residents, there is plenty to look forward to as well: new ownership condos and townhomes, senior living, and apartment homes are on the way. Sixteen years after the initial Westminster Mall purchase, WEDA’s plan for Downtown Westminster continues to come to fruition.
“A number of exciting projects are coming online in 2026 with additional projects set to break ground in 2027,” Cronenberg said. “The future of Downtown Westminster is bright!”
Explore places to eat, play, and shop at downtownwestminster.us.
For updates on Aerostat Park construction and the grand opening, visit westminsterco.gov/239/Downtown-Westminster-Center-Park.