The original item was published from July 30, 2019 9:09 AM to September 15, 2022 4:28 PM
Business is booming in South Denver. From entrepreneurial startups to major corporations like Charter Communications and Liberty Media, there are countless examples of companies that could have chosen to locate anywhere — but they decided to do business here in the Town of Parker.
It’s no surprise when you consider the area’s many assets, which include a strategic location, skilled workforce and outstanding quality of life.
In the Compark Business Park, situated in Parker’s northwest corner, there are multiple shining examples of business success. The park has cultivated a thriving business culture, drawing in high-caliber tenants like Quantum, LabCorp, Community Power Corporation and Paragon 28
The park occupies a prime location in the middle of South Denver at the confluence of E-470 and I-25 with easy access to Centennial Airport and Denver International Airport, streamlining transportation. It’s also located along the Cherry Creek Trail system, providing wonderful recreation and commuting opportunities for workers.
Support and Infrastructure for Development
Compark Business Park is home to Rocky Vista University (RVU) and Charter Communications, two vastly different organizations that both found fertile ground to grow here.
RVU chose Colorado as its home base because the state had an abundance of medically underserved areas and only one existing medical school. It selected the South Denver area of Colorado due to existing hospital infrastructure as well as proximity to E-470 and the Denver International Airport, according to President and CEO Dr. Clint Adams. He also cites the Town of Parker’s welcoming atmosphere as a significant factor.
“The economic development offices in Parker and regionally are next to none. Their interest and support of our integration into the Parker community has exponentially provided opportunities and incentives to be great partners. We are proud members of the Parker community,” says Adams.
The private, for-profit health sciences university serves about 750 doctoral students. It doesn’t rely on state funding and has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $75 million on the region.
The nation’s leading broadband communications company, Charter Communications, chose Parker for the location of its $25.5 million Charter Technology and Engineering Center (CTEC). The 85,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building serves as a home base for Charter’s research and development operations.
“The South Denver area has developed into an attractive destination for the technology industry, bringing jobs and business to the region,” says Bret Picciolo, senior director of communications for Charter’s northwest region. “Our vision for this community has always aligned with that of the Town of Parker and is one of the reasons we have made such a strong commitment to the area.”
Plans for Future Growth
RVU benefits from South Denver’s status as one of the fastest-growing medical markets in the country. Adams notes that the university has the future in mind. There are plans to increase its master’s degree program offerings as well as emergency medical response support service education in partnership with local fire districts, law enforcement and community colleges.
“Growth is always fundamental for a well-rounded, cost-effective educational institution. We continue to explore additional partnerships and programs in healthcare and healthcare education to assure our students have a well-rounded interprofessional understanding and respect for their co-professionals, Adams says. “This is essential for our students to function in the new medical milieu that requires teamwork and collaboration to assure excellence in healthcare services.”
Charter is benefiting from South Denver’s expanding infrastructure for technology-based companies and its ability to attract top tier tech workers. Picciolo notes that attracting the best talent is one of the keys to Charter’s success. He says CTEC has made Charter a premier destination for top technical talent, which has been a major coup for the company.
Picciolo notes that the area’s highly skilled workforce has been an asset in the company’s rapid expansion. “We look forward to continued growth as a member of the local business community.”