WHY IT MATTERS

Residents in the neighborhood are asking for a formal seat at the table to ensure Union Square’s voice is truly heard. We’re the ones who live with the daily impacts, understand the corridor’s potential, and know which improvements would actually work. 

Establishing a formal neighborhood role in conversations about direction, oversight, and connectivity would go a long way toward ensuring we can work alongside the developer, the city, and the broader community to shape a neighborhood that thrives as this project moves forward.

The Bend @ Lakewood is a major public-private development that will bring long-term change to the Union Boulevard Corridor. The project is designed for walkability and transit access, and will include:

• ~2,000 market-rate apartments (10% affordable units)

• 100,000 sq. ft. of office and retail space on the ground level

• 3 acres of public open space

• 3 acres of dog park

• ~5,000 sq. ft. trolley/meeting space

To ensure the project benefits the community, it’s important that residents and local businesses of the Union Square Neighborhood engage with the developers and City Council. This dialogue helps address concerns, find positive solutions, and maintain transparency throughout the redevelopment process.

WHAT TO KNOW

The project is currently in it's 2nd Public Hearing (12/8/2025), 1st Hearing (11/17/2025).

The Bend is a 59-acre mixed-use redevelopment along Union Boulevard in Lakewood, built on the former Federal Center site. The project includes residential, commercial, and public space designed to create a walkable, connected, and sustainable urban district.

Metro District – Approved (5-12-2025)

• Lincoln Properties’ Metro District has been approved.

• Mill Levies to pay for infrastructure: roads, water/sewer connections, maintenance, and public amenities.

• Special Taxes only apply within The Bend's 59-acre parcel.

• Funding Mechanisms: Understand where the money comes from - Watch
  
  

Urban Renewal / LRA – Approved (5-12-2025)

• The Lakewood Reinvestment Authority (LRA) approved The Bend as an Urban Renewal Area (URA).

• Uses tax increment financing (TIF) to fund infrastructure improvements, environmental remediation, and public spaces.

• Taxing entities include the City of Lakewood, Jefferson County, West Metro Fire Protection District, and others. No new taxes are created - existing property tax revenue is redistributed.

• Funding Mechanisms: Understand where the money comes from - Watch
  
  

PROJECT OVERVIEW

• Residential: ~2,000 apartment units, with 10% (~200 units) affordable housing

• Commercial: ~100,000 sq ft of office and retail space

• Public/Open Space: 3 acres public space, 3 acres dog park, 5,000 sq ft trolley/meeting space
  
  

Design & Connectivity

• Walkable streets and smaller city blocks

• Bicycle lanes, bike-share programs, and safer pedestrian crossings

• Tree and streetscape improvements for a more attractive urban environment
  
  

Density Strategy

• Mixed-use buildings: 6–12 stories, with ground-floor retail/office and upper-level residential
  
  

Environmental Considerations

• The site has a history of contamination, with remediation measures underway.

• Typically developers pay for infrastructure and cleanup, but Metro Districts and the LRA can shift those costs onto future tax revenues or residents through special financing.

• Not clear how the remediation will be paid. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

If you live or own a business in Ward 1, especially in the Union Square Neighborhood, The Bend development is likely to have a direct and meaningful impact on your community.

• Check Your Ward: Use the Lakewood “My Neighborhood” tool to confirm your City Council ward.
  
  

Phased Development

• The project is expected to be built out in seven phases.

• While the exact schedule hasn’t been publicly defined, construction is likely to span several years.

• Infrastructure work — including street redesign — will happen alongside building construction, which could lead to temporary disruptions.
  
  

Population & Traffic Changes

• Up to ~2,000 apartment units are planned, with 10% (~200 units) committed to affordable housing. 

• The addition of ~100,000 sq ft of office and retail space will likely increase pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Google Sites

• As the area densifies, expect a growing local population and heavier traffic flow over time.
  
  

Community Considerations

• Residents and business owners should be prepared for construction impacts (noise, roadwork, temporary changes).

• Over the long term, neighborhood dynamics may shift as more people move in and new commercial activity takes root.

• Patience will be key, as the transformation will not happen overnight.

WHAT'S NEXT

• Public hearing on December 8 for The Bend @ Lakewood

  1. Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for Sewer Extension – Extends sewer service into the proposed Metro District area.

  2. The Bend @ Lakewood Development Agreement – Includes approval of the open space plan and how public areas will be built, phased, and maintained.

  3. Urban Renewal / Land Use Approval – Establishes density, building height, land uses, and development terms within the 50-acre parcel.

• Both Metro District and URA were approved on 5-12-2025 - watch here

• For more information, see the Planning Commission Meeting from January 22, 2025 (27:55) for details on environmental factors, blight conditions, and costs.

Planning Commission Meeting 1.22.2025 @  27min : 55sec (YouTube)

WHY IT MATTERS

This development could fundamentally reshape the Union Boulevard Corridor, with real implications for the Union Square area and the broader Lakewood community.

Potential Downsides

• Water access: GMWSD is refusing service. The City has committed to stepping in, but new infrastructure is needed. Who will cover the cost, renters, Metro District taxes, or the developer?

• Neighborhood connectivity: Streets like 2nd Place, Cedar Drive, and Van Gordon need safe, accessible routes; most planned improvements focus on 4th Avenue and internal paths.

• Housing: Affordability & Unit Mix: The 10% affordable units must be more than studio units. There must be a mix of multi-room units, and delivered in Phase 1 to benefit working-class families immediately. 

• Retail, parking, traffic impacts: If realistic alternatives to driving aren’t provided, residents will have no choice but to drive

• environmental sustainability beyond electrified apartments: Apartments are to be electrified. What about the rest of the development site?

• Potential apartment and business renters worry about higher property‑tax burdens, especially as future tax revenues are redirected via TIF, and new water infrastructure costs.

• Environmental remediation is needed: parts of the site have soil contamination, and cleanup will likely be expensive. 

• The area could see increased population and traffic, and construction may disrupt nearby neighborhoods for years.
  
  

Potential Benefits

• Long-term investment in the Union Boulevard Corridor, improving infrastructure, walkability, and public space.

• More business activity and job opportunities through new commercial development.

• Expanded housing, including affordable units (~200 of them), which addresses city housing needs.

• Complete and safe neighborhood connections to and from Union Square Neighborhood and the broader community into The Bend and regional transit.

• Enhanced pedestrian and transit-friendly design

• Environmental cleanup of blighted / contaminated land, which could improve health, safety and aesthetics.

• Commitment to electrify all 2,000 apartment units.

• Vibrant community spaces built to include families, students, seniors, pets and everything in-between.

• 3 acres public open space, 3 acres public dog park, and 5,000 sq ft of to house Car 25 and meeting spaces.

WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR

We want The Bend to succeed, not just as a development, but as a place where people can live affordably, move safely, and access opportunity.

With transparency, collaboration, and thoughtful planning, this project can strengthen the community around it and become a model of smart development in Lakewood. 

🤝 Transparent Partnerships

• A formal, ongoing partnership between Union Square Neighborhood Association, the City, and developers. Our proximity gives us insights that should guide design and planning. 

💵 Clarity on Who Pays

• A full public explanation of how millions in added water/sewer costs will be funded and a guarantee that renters and visitors won’t shoulder unfair long-term burdens.

🏡 Affordable, Livable Homes 

• Affordable units in early phases and a meaningful share of 2–3 bedroom units suitable for families and shared households.

🚲 Real Transportation Alternatives

• Protected bike lanes, continuous sidewalks, and shared mobility options implemented before residents move in.

🌐 Equitable Neighborhood Access

• Safe, direct connections between Union Square and The Bend, so people aren’t forced to drive less than a mile.

🏙️  Environmental Sustainability 

• Strong, District-Wide Environmental Standards 

HAVE A VOICE

Since forming the Union Square Neighborhood Association in February, we have been actively engaged in The Bend @ Lakewood planning process. While our discussions with the city and developer have been productive, broader concerns beyond the 59-acre site have not received the attention they deserve.

We are asking for a formal seat at the table to ensure Union Square’s voice is heard and to work alongside the developer, the city, and the broader community to shape a neighborhood that truly thrives as this project moves forward. 

Local residents and business owners can actively participate in shaping how the redevelopment of The Bend at Lakewood impacts our neighborhood. A unified voice helps ensure the project advances in a way that supports our community, local businesses, and visitors.

What You Can Do

• Do your research. Review all publicly posted city documents related to the project via the “Be In The Know” section below.

• Write down your questions or concerns.

• Contact Us for questions and find out ways you can help.

  • Fill Out the Form: 

  • Email: unionsquarenc@gmail.com

• Attend meetings:

  • December 8th, at 7:00 pm, the Lakewood City Council meets and includes second‑reading public hearing items for The Bend.

• Be vocal — in person or online. Attend in person and make a public comment at the hearing items, or submit a written comment via LakewoodSpeaks.org until the comment period closes. 

• Use any City meeting opportunity. Even if a meeting is not about The Bend specifically, you may attend and provide public comment under “Initial Public Comment” or “General Public Comment.”