Windsor, Colorado

A Vibrant Blend of Small-Town Charm and Big-City Opportunities

Business View interviews Terry Schwindler, Business Development Manager for the town of Windsor Colorado, for our focus on growth and economic development in cities across North America.

Windsor, Colorado, with its expansive skies and stunning mountain views, is a town on the rise. Once a quiet agricultural community, Windsor is evolving into one of the region’s most desirable places to live, work, and play.

Business Development Manager Terry Schwindler highlights the town’s impressive growth: “Since 2012, we’ve averaged a 7.36% annual growth rate. Even with a population of 45,000, we strive to maintain our small-town charm while offering top-notch amenities.”

An Ideal Place to Call Home

Nestled in the heart of Northern Colorado, Windsor lies conveniently between Fort Collins, Greeley, and Loveland, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to urban conveniences. The town boasts over 40 parks, miles of scenic trails, and a wide range of programs catering to residents of all ages.

Windsor Mayor Julie Cline emphasizes “Our Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department is exceptional. With a fantastic Community Recreation Center, which supports programs for all ages, community participation in activities is high. Over the next five years, we plan to expand services and possibly add new facilities to meet current demands and future growth.”

Windsor is a golfer’s paradise, boasting top-notch facilities such as Ptarmigan Country Club, Pelican Lakes Golf Club, Highland Meadows Golf Course, and RainDance National Resort and Golf. Notably, RainDance features an 18-hole course designed by PGA Tour champion Fred Funk, at an impressive 8,400 yards, it is the longest in North America.

The community offers unique attractions, such as Hoedown Hill, a winter snow tubing park that includes skiing, snowboarding, and lessons for kids. “Instead of battling traffic for two and a half hours to the mountains, you can enjoy this local gem,” Schwindler notes.

At the top of the hill, The Grain House—a bar and restaurant housed in a repurposed grain bin—provides a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a ski chalet. “There are numerous festivals, activities, parks, concerts, and farmers’ markets. One standout is the tubing and water play area at the Eastman Park River Experience, where you can float a mile down the Cache La Poudre River,” she adds.

A Hub for Local Business

Windsor fosters an environment where local businesses can thrive, thanks to robust economic development initiatives that support both new and established enterprises. “We’re seeing significant interest from retailers and restaurants at the franchise level,” Schwindler says.

With a growing population that includes nearby Severance, which has limited dining and retail options, Windsor is well-positioned to attract larger retailers and chain restaurants. The town also welcomes local and regional mom-and-pop establishments, aligning with its quaint community vibe.

Intentional Development

As Windsor experiences a surge in new housing developments, Schwindler emphasizes that builders are diversifying housing options from single-family to patio homes, duplexes, apartments, and condos. “We’re encouraging developers to include affordable housing for teachers, police, firefighters, and other essential workers,” she says.

On the commercial front, revitalizing the downtown area is a priority. The Windsor Downtown Alliance (WDA) plays a vital role in this vision. Schwindler explains, “In 2023, we hired Michelle Vance as a full-time director for the WDA. She has created a strategic plan that identified several redevelopment opportunities in the downtown area.”

This plan aims to integrate attractions like Boardwalk Park and Windsor Lake, create walkable spaces, and enhance parking facilities. Windsor’s commitment to the arts is evident through its public art program, including murals on Main Street that celebrate the town’s history.

To further promote development, height limits have been increased in downtown, allowing buildings up to three stories. “We’re making it easier for property owners to expand, encouraging developments that enhance our live-work-play environment,” Schwindler explains.

Commercial and Industrial Growth

Windsor is dedicated to maintaining its character even amid growth. “We have stricter design standards than many surrounding communities to preserve our unified aesthetic,” Town Manager Shane Hale explains. The town emphasizes green spaces, attractive storefront facades, and strategic building placements to enhance the visual appeal of the community.

The East Point area is among Windsor’s fastest-growing districts, offering opportunities for retail, restaurants, and commercial development. Greenspire has begun infrastructure work that will pave the way for offices, restaurants, and retail spaces. Another significant project, Windsor Village, will feature mixed-use developments, including multi-family housing and various retail options.

On the west side, Windsor Villages at Ptarmigan, located near Interstate 25 and Highway 392, is set to attract big-box retailers, chain restaurants, hotels, and medical facilities. “We have the available land and the necessary infrastructure to increase the speed to market for businesses,” Schwindler acknowledges.

The town is also expanding its industrial landscape, particularly in the Great Western Industrial Park, which offers rail access and ample developable lots. Centrally located between Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley, Windsor has access to a labor pool of over 375,000, more than enough to support local industry demand. Windsor continues to attract businesses in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, bioscience, information technology, and food processing.

A Collaborative Approach to Economic Development

Schwindler describes Windsor’s approach to economic development as a “three-legged stool,” balancing efforts between the Town of Windsor, the Windsor Downtown Alliance, and the Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce. “Together, we cover all bases of economic development,” she explains.

Windsor collaborates with regional partners like the Northern Colorado Regional Economic Development Initiative (NoCo REDI), which includes economic developers, workforce partners, educational institutions, and sector partnerships from Weld and Larimer Counties. These partnerships address common industry needs and facilitate events like the Regional Career Expo & Hiring Event, Manufacturing Expo and Construction Con, which connects high school students with local companies for internships, apprenticeships, and career opportunities.

Another vital partner is NoCo Works, a workforce-focused organization. “It’s a comprehensive ecosystem of support for businesses, whether we’re attracting new companies or helping existing companies grow,” Schwindler states.

Windsor also maintains strong connections with local educational institutions, offering a range of degree and certificate programs as well as customized business training to assist startups and growing companies.

A Vibrant Future

Looking ahead, Windsor is poised for continued growth and opportunity. Key initiatives include improving roads and bridges, expanding fiber optics and enhancing public Wi-Fi access in community areas. The town is also collaborating on the Northern Infrastructure System Project (NISP) to develop a new reservoir to accommodate future residents. Additionally, the Weld RE-4 School System is expanding to serve the growing population.

“Windsor’s leadership is always planning for the future,” Schwindler asserts. “Before we reach capacity, we start building the next phase. It’s a positive challenge, and we’re determined to keep pace with our growth.”

AT A GLANCE

Windsor Colorado

What: A small town with a big vision

Where: Larimer and Weld Counties, Colorado

Website: www.windsorgov.com