Denver’s increasing growth has us wondering: How many more businesses and housing developments can we possibly squeeze into its neighborhoods? The obvious space limitations—and pricey costs on both the residential and commercial real estate—are spurring migration to the city’s outer edges. Case in point: The emerging development dubbed “Midtown”.

The area is just an arm’s reach outside of downtown in unincorporated Adams County (more specifically, it’s nestled between 68th Avenue to the north and 64th Avenue to the south, and between Federal Boulevard and the Clear Creek Trail). Some of the most innovative builders in the state—Brookfield Residential, David Weekley Homes, Century Communities, and Infinity Home Collection—are working to transform what was once dismal manufacturing land into 184 acres of modern living for the next wave of homeowners and visitors alike.

“We think this is the largest development built within five miles of downtown in some 40 years,” says Perry Cadman, vice president of operations for Brookfield. “And we got to start from scratch. You don’t get to do that with other neighborhoods.” Not to mention that the hood provides quick access to I-76, I-25, and US-36.

Midtown surfaced in 2012, when savvy buyers who were watching Denver’s exploding real estate market landed houses within the $200,000s. The neighborhood’s first homeowners moved in by July 2013, even as construction continued. The developers initially planned for 1,300 homes, but the latest projection is around 850 residences (about half of which are already occupied, with two to three years of construction remaining). The new urbanism abodes are of all sizes, energy efficient, and mix cozy earth and modern edges. Current prices range from $300,000 to $700,000.

While Midtown’s amenities are notable—including a clubhouse, community garden, playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, and a developing 47-acre open space park—the ‘hood is also walking distance to the new Gold Line Commuter Rail (G Line), which will open in October at the Pecos Junction Park-n-Ride, just south of I-76. (Cadman also says that a school could open in the area).

Midtown’s residential growth is, naturally, attracting businesses, as well. Bruz Beers recently opened in a section of the 11,000-square-foot retail space that makes up the heart of Midtown, at 67th and Pecos. The Belgian-style brewery will be slinging everything from saisons to sours. “Belgian is classic, yet creative,” says Charlie Gottenkieny, co-founder and brewmaster. “We will be experimenting with a lot of spices and a variety of ingredients, without shifting from core Belgian styles.”

Backstage Coffee will eventually join Bruz in Midtown’s main drag. The bistro—which will serve up coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and dinner specials—is still seeking design approvals with construction yet to be determined.

While Midtown is not technically complete, you can still make a day of visiting the area now. Cycle along one of the eight trails that surround Midtown and hop off at Clear Creek, or cruise north from the 38th Avenue stretch of Highland and get there in minutes. Stroll along blocks flanked with arched streetlights and gawk at the eclectic mix of homes. Then, of course, grab a beer at Bruz and take in your surroundings. After all, Midtown might just become one of Denver’s hottest new neighborhoods.

A rendering of the homes in Midtown —Courtesy of Brookfield Residential
Opening weekend at Bruz Beers —Courtesy of Rachel Evans
The community garden in Midtown. —Courtesy of Brookfield Residential
An aerial map of Midtown —Courtesy of Brookfield Residential
Pecos Junction —Courtesy of Nate Currey, RTD