By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Now that Wind Crest is open, it’s clear that the result was worth every ounce of planning. And though the Wind Crest development team had to maneuver a few hurdles early on, local officials and the previous landowners remained supportive from start to finish.

“Toward the beginning of the two-year approval process, local supporters of the Highline Canal spoke up to ensure its future,” says Mike Magle, Wind Crest’s director of development.

And like a good neighbor, the Erickson team listened and responded.

“We made some significant changes in order to preserve the future of the canal, which kept this land irrigated for agriculture for many years,” he says. One of  those changes included placing a 100-foot setback along the entire length of the canal on both sides. This preserved 17 acres of land along the canal.

A matter of respect
“We were happy to agree to this setback, which was proposed by Douglas County,” says Magle. “We felt that it was the right thing to do out of respect for the canal as well as its importance to the public and area wildlife.”

“The development team also agreed to move the Wind Crest Clubhouse and Cottonwood Court farther back from the canal than originally proposed,” Magle says.

Many people, including the land’s previous owners John and Katie Bowen,  were delighted to see Erickson bring Wind Crest to life.

“People had been trying to buy their Flyin’ B Ranch land for many years, but they just felt like Wind Crest would be the right use for what Johnny used to call ‘The Best Little Cattle Ranch in Colorado.’”

As part of the development  agreement with Highlands Ranch Metro District (HRMD), Erickson also dedicated 20 acres of the land for park development, says Tom Hoby, director of parks, recreation and open space for HRMD.

“Most jurisdictions have parkdedication requirements, but Erickson’s contribution was extraordinary,” he says.