The City of Westminster is working with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) to acquire the former Moore Middle School property located at 8455 W 88th Avenue and preserve it as a public asset. By pursuing the acquisition now, the City will ensure the community—not private interests—will determine its future.
A future fire station and fire administration building on a portion of the parcel is one strong option that is being evaluated during the engagement process. Westminster voters approved Ballot Measure 3H: Paramedics and Pavement in 2025 to strengthen emergency services and improve neighborhood infrastructure, and the measure provides funding for fire service investments, including construction of fire facilities. If it is determined that a fire station is a suitable public use, existing voter-approved 3H funding could be used for land acquisition and construction of a future fire department facility.
Addressing a Public Health and Safety Issue
While the future use of the parcel is a matter for our community to discuss, the 50-year-old building that housed the former Moore Middle School has reached the end of its useful life after dutifully serving tens of thousands of students and families and needs to be deconstructed. The building in its current condition combined with the presence of hazardous materials—including mercury, asbestos, and other hazardous materials—make renovation cost-prohibitive and unsuitable for future public use.
Exploring Possibilities Together
By engaging the community before acquiring the property, Westminster is committed to making a thoughtful, transparent decision that reflects community priorities and long-term public value. The City has notified JCPS that it is interested in the property and is entering JCPS’s Municipal Interest Process, but no final decisions have been made about its future. Community input will help determine what, if any, public investment should be pursued.
The City is intentionally beginning with community engagement and inviting residents to share their ideas and priorities before determining the site’s long-term use. Community feedback will help shape what uses best meet Westminster’s current and future needs.
In the coming weeks, residents, neighbors, and community stakeholders will be invited to share their ideas for how the property could best serve Westminster for decades to come. The feedback gathered through that process will help inform the City’s next steps.
The City has developed three opportunities for the community to engage on the process.
- Participate through OUR Westminster: our.westminsterco.gov/moore-property
- Join us at the September 15 Community Update with City Council: City Park Recreation Center (10455 Sheridan Boulevard), Longs Peak room, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
- Join us September 30 at a Community Open House: City Park Recreation Center (10455 Sheridan Boulevard), Long Peaks room, from 6 to 8 pm