Revitalizing Evergreen
A Community Effort in Real Estate and Local Development—
Have you looked around our community lately and thought, “What’s going on here?” If you’ve been following my articles, you probably know that I’m a local real estate broker in Evergreen, which also makes me a local business owner. Supporting local businesses and engaging with our community—whether through charities, boards, schools, or recreational projects—is something I’m passionate about. Enhancing and preserving our shared spaces not only improves our daily lives but also adds value to every home in the area. That’s why I make it a priority to support the people and projects driving these improvements—whether through volunteer work, financial contributions, or simply spreading the word about ways to get involved.
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed some incredible changes taking place in our area, and I believe the next couple of years will bring even more transformation!
One of the questions I hear most often is, “Why doesn’t the city or town do something about the sidewalks, crosswalks, or lake?” The reality is that there is no city or town government overseeing these issues. Evergreen, Conifer, and most of the foothills are unincorporated parts of Jefferson County, which classifies the area as “rural.” That means we don’t receive the same funding as urban and suburban communities for public amenities and infrastructure. So, when something needs improvement, it’s not always clear where to turn.
One major recent success is the new trail on the north side of Evergreen Lake, which now safely connects Lakepoint Center, The Lakehouse, and Downtown Evergreen. What a game-changer! But projects like this don’t just happen overnight—they require years of planning and collaboration between entities like Denver Water, CDOT, and Evergreen Parks and Recreation. One key player in making this a reality was the Evergreen Legacy Fund (ELF). While it may sound like just another funding source, ELF is actually the driving force behind many of the changes we’re seeing. They have 17 approved projects aimed at improving our local area, with several set to launch or be completed this year. Their dedicated board carefully selects and designs these projects while also securing funding. If you’ve ever noticed a small extra charge on a receipt from a local business, that’s likely ELF in action—helping to fund initiatives that benefit us all.
Beyond their approved projects, ELF is also advocating for additional community improvements, like installing a pedestrian crossing light at the Evergreen Lake fisherman’s parking area on Highway 74 and creating a pedestrian entrance to Elk Meadow where Bergen Parkway meets Evergreen Parkway. Some of these changes require approval from the state or CDOT, but strong community voices can make a real impact. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, visit their website at https://www.evergreenlegacyfund.org/.
In addition to ELF’s work, Jefferson County has also been making strides in fire mitigation and open space enhancements. Over the last several years, we’ve seen significant tree mitigation efforts along key evacuation routes, including Stagecoach Blvd, Upper Bear Creek Road, Buffalo Park Road, and Highway 73, improving travel safety in case of a wildfire. Both ExCel and CORE have been updating power lines for increased safety, regularly assessing areas that need tree removal around the lines. Jefferson County Open Space has also been busy maintaining our parks, from expanding parking at the Stagecoach Lot in Elk Meadow (which should reopen soon!) to extensive tree work and trail maintenance at Flying J, Alderfer-Three Sisters, and other beloved outdoor spaces.
Private property and business owners have also been making noticeable improvements, especially along Main Street. The Cow Eatery is getting closer to reopening with a fresh new look that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces. Meanwhile, two properties farther east on Main Street have been rezoned for mixed-use development, so we may soon see exciting new plans take shape.
Evergreen and the surrounding foothills continue to be a wonderful place to live, even as our housing market ebbs and flows. If you’re looking for ways to support local property values, there are many ways to get involved. A few months ago, I wrote about the growing challenges in the insurance industry and how homeowners can take wildfire mitigation steps to better protect their properties. Beyond individual efforts, we can all contribute to keeping our public spaces safe and beautiful by shopping at local businesses that support ELF—and by joining ELF ourselves!
When we say “it takes a village,” it really takes an entire community to keep our area safe, thriving, and valuable. Let’s all do our part!
