Lochbuie, CO: See why this place was once known as Space City!
February 2024: During a week of mild winter temperatures, I decided to explore some of the small towns along the I76 corridor, heading to the northeast of the Denver metro area. The first town I encountered was Lochbuie (pop.8,088) and was eager to learn more about this rapidly growing place.
Lochbuie is located on the boundary of Weld and Adams Counties, just to the east of a Brighton (pop.40,083* – another Denver metro city center and county seat of Adams County). As such, Lochbuie is ideally located as a bedroom community for Brighton, as well as the larger Denver metro area. During my visit, I was intrigued by the juxtaposition of older more mature neighborhoods – and a large number of new suburban neighborhoods, each with small well-maintained parks with brand-new children play equipment. The town features two new and large elementary schools.
Lochbuie – A Brief History
Lochbuie was developed in the 1960s as the Spacious Living Mobile Home Park and known as Space City until it was incorporated in 1974. The town was named Lochbuie after Lochbuie, Mull, in Scotland.
Lochbuie – an Eye toward Placemaking
I was intrigued by my visit to Lochbuie! There is no evident town center, with the exception of a couple restaurants on Willow Drive near the older part of town. I enjoyed driving through the older section of town (love that it was once named Space city!), with mature mobile and modular homes outfitted with unique touches and landscaping.
The newer neighborhoods had beautiful 2000-2020 era houses, lovely parks, walking distances to the elementary schools – and lots of active new home construction.
As far as i could tell, there are no walkable community businesses such as groceries, coffee shops, etc aside from 2 small restaurants on the edge of the older section. However, plans appear to be in place on this topic! See below.
More to Explore
There is lots of helpful information on the well-organized and modern Lochbuie town website: Newsletters, services, city government meeting minutes / budgets, community calendar, bill payment, etc. The Annual Events include a variety of community-building activities (calendar):
- Spring Clean Up Days
- Safety Day
- Ice cream social
- Oasis Night
- Fall Festival
- Fall Clean up Days
- Trunk or Treat
- Pictures with Santa
While exploring online, I found the 2017 Lochbuie Comprehensive Plan & Land Development Code prepared under the direction of the Town of Lochbuie, with financial support from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). It includes a vision of a Main Street Revitalization and a Town Center.
“Lochbuie is a family-oriented community that is active and vibrant. Our strong sense of community is built on strong families. We provide for our current and future residents through excellent schools, welcoming neighborhoods, a wide-range of shopping opportunities and affordable housing. With its open space, recreational amenities, and rural lifestyle, Lochbuie provides an attractive location to live, work, and play.”
Lochbuie Comprehensive Plan
