After breaking ground earlier this month, developers of the Steamboat Airport Industrial Park say they are optimistic that the 24-acre property, located just off Elk River Road near the airport, can be completed by fall 2026.

“Steamboat is growing, and businesses need space to grow with it,” said Ron Wendler, broker associate and partner at The Group Real Estate. “Steamboat Airport Industrial Park gives local and regional businesses a rare opportunity to own space in a professionally planned park built for the future.”

Wendler estimates that the Steamboat Airport Industrial Park, listed by The Group Real Estate, will feature 29 buildable lots designed to accommodate a wide range of businesses. The development offers easy access, available utilities, ample on-street parking, and sidewalks that enhance its pedestrian-friendly design.

“I’ve seen firsthand the critical need for versatile industrial space,” said Wendler, who founded Colorado Group Realty in 1996 before it merged with The Group Real Estate. “For years, my clients have searched for land that allows them to grow their businesses, store their toys and gear and provide essential employee housing or a second home.”

Steamboat Airport Industrial Park will offer lots that range in size from 0.25 to over 3 acres giving buyers options when it comes to selecting the location and footprint that best fits their operation. All critical utilities are available including three-phase electricity, natural gas, fiber and phone. Wendler said the varied lot sizes allow for a business to be able to select the size, and location that will best suit their needs.  

He added that several design features help make Steamboat Airport Industrial Park very attractive for businesses. The attraction includes the location inside the city limits just north of U.S. Highway 40 on Elk River Road adjacent to Bob Adams Field, and the two separate entrances and exits that are designed to alleviate congestion for vehicular traffic and offer easy access.  

“The park has paved on-street parking and concrete sidewalks throughout the industrial park which is a first for any industrial area in the city,” Wendler said. “It’s all industrial use, and all the people that have been putting contracts have been local businesses and developers, which is pretty cool.”

Seventeen of the available lots are already under contract. That does not surprise Wendler, who believes this type of development has been needed in the Steamboat Springs community for some time.

Wendler said this kind of development has been needed in the Steamboat Springs community for quite a while.

“The Steamboat Airport Industrial Park represents the first major industrial development since the nine-lot Captain Jack project in 2015,” Wendler said. “As the last available land of its kind within the city, (Steamboat Airport Industrial Park) offers a rare and final opportunity to secure industrial space in the heart of Steamboat Springs —   I am very excited to represent this development.”

Wendler has partnered with Lynn Bourdon who is currently developing the property. According to Wendler, the zoning regulations permit a wide variety of potential uses, including assembly plants, auto repair shops, contractor facilities, distribution centers, and food and beverage processing operations.

There is also room for general offices, manufacturing and warehouse and storage space. Many of these operations can also be combined with options like live-work units and workforce housing, with administrative review and approval.

“I have done my research for the last couple years and have discussed this project with many investors other brokers feel very good about the reception from the community in regard to our sales activity with many lots under contract and very good lots still available,” Wendler said. “We believe this is validating the need for and design of the industrial park, its location and value for what the residents of Steamboat Airport Industrial Park will experience.”