Timnath appears poised to welcome a Topgolf facility at a gravel pit on the western edge of town.

While no formal plans have been submitted, the town has offered a lucrative incentive package including a 50% reduction in permit, building and impact fees, a sales tax share-back of one-third of the current 3% sales tax for 20 years and expedited entitlement processing through the town, according to a letter sent from Timnath Mayor Mark Soukup to Topgolf real estate manager Jonathan Trenski. 

The letter, dated Dec. 17, 2021, and first reported by BizWest, states Soukup's "sincere desire" to have Topgolf join the community. Soukup was unavailable for comment. 

Timnath has targeted the Ladera project, a 240-acre residential, commercial and mixed-use project being developed by Connell Resources, as a potential site. Connell used the site as a gravel pit for surrounding construction. The site has high visibility sitting just east of Interstate 25 and south of Harmony Road. The area is also slated to be home to a new Floor and Decor retail store.

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The Timnath Town Board in December authorized the creation of two metro districts for the property, which would allow developers to raise about $95 million for public infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer improvements and curbs and gutters. 

In addition to Floor and Decor, the Ladera project has been approved for annexation into Timnath, said town planner Matt Blakely. Ladera would accommodate a large retail development such as Topgolf and is consistent with Timnath's Comprehensive and Transportation plans, he said.

"Topgolf could be a great amenity to Timnath," Blakely said in an email. "We are excited about the possibility of this project; however, nothing has been formally submitted." Any other land designated as regional commercial land would also accommodate Topgolf, he said. 

Officials from Topgolf did not return calls seeking comment. Ladera Development, on behalf of Connell, said in a statement Floor and Decor is expected to open in the fall. "Ladera has a number of other noteworthy users who are interested in the site, but has nothing to announce at this time," the company said in a brief statement. 

If and when plans are submitted, the final decision will be up to the Town Board. 

Topgolf has three other locations in Colorado, one along I-25 in Thornton (at the E-470 exit), about 45 minutes south of Timnath, and one in Centennial just off I-25, about 90 minutes south of the town. It also operates a location in Colorado Springs

Topgolf Entertainment Group operates 60 Topgolf venues in the United Kingdom and U.S. — the first opened in 2000 in the U.K. — serving more than 23 million visitors each year, according to its website. It offers multilevel driving ranges, cocktails, music, event spaces and more. 

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According to reports published by BizWest, Topgolf could be looking at two levels with 72 bays in Timnath, which would be smaller than the Thornton and Centennial facilities. 

Once word about Topgolf hit, Facebook blew up with comments from people opposing the multilevel venue that in Thornton is surrounded by large mesh or chain link-type fencing.

Fort Collins resident Helen Gray objected to the impact it would have on Timnath and Fort Collins' gateways. "The town (Fort Collins) is so pretty and just to have that big chain-link thing at our entrance to Fort Collins is just ewww," she said. 

The nearby I-25 and Harmony intersection is now home to Costco, Walmart and a host of small eateries and businesses on the Timnath side of I-25. The Fort Collins side is currently undeveloped on the south 

"The two cities should work together; it's the entrance to both towns," Gray said, acknowledging she's never been to a Topgolf facility. "I know a lot of people like it and it's fun. Nothing against the business, I just don't think it's the right place for it right on the main thoroughfare." 

Another reader said a Topgolf would be a big improvement over a gravel pit. 

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 Pat Ferrier is a senior reporter covering business, health care and growth issues in Northern Colorado. Contact her at patferrier@coloradoan.com. Please support her work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a subscription today.