A fresh start: Old factory tower makes way for sparkling new development in Littleton

Littleton, CO — June 10, 2025 — The 55-year-old Qwest Tower is down. In its place, a new pillar of the Littleton economy is taking shape.

Today, demolition crews took down the tower originally built as a drying tower by the Gates Rubber Co. The razing clears the way for the next phase of construction for Mineral Place, the monumental 63-acre redevelopment initiative that will bring a mix of housing and retail uses to the city.

The 130-foot tower dated back to 1970, when Gates Rubber opened a tire manufacturing plant on the site near South Broadway and County Line Road. The facility was later converted into an office complex by the communications company Qwest, before it was acquired by Lumen Technologies. The tower continued to be used by Qwest and Lumen to test optical fiber. “This demolition marks a significant step towards reimagining this former industrial site,” said Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter, who attended the tower toppling event. “This large, vacant property can now be transformed into a vibrant space for businesses and housing. Littleton welcomes the economic investment, new jobs, and overall benefit that Mineral Place will bring to our community.”

The tower toppling is part of a much more comprehensive demolition effort, which is removing about 800,000 square feet of buildings. The first phase of redevelopment is already underway, working on infrastructure for the upcoming Costco Warehouse.

Other new construction on the drawing board includes a second major retail store, nine smaller stores, and a 370-unit luxury apartment community. “We take pride in bringing EMBREY’s award-winning design and meticulous attention to detail to one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Denver metro area,” said Jimmy McCloskey, Chief Development Officer at EMBREY, which is developing the apartments.

“It’s a privilege to contribute to a project as significant and unique as the Mineral Place redevelopment,” said Ryan Balakas, Vice President/General Manager of Saunders Construction, the primary contractor for Mineral Place. “This effort represents an important opportunity to support the City of Littleton’s long-term economic growth, and we’re grateful to be part of the team helping to lay the infrastructure—both literally and figuratively—for its future success.”

“We’re thrilled with the excitement from the crowds that gathered to watch the toppling of the old tower and welcome Mineral Place to Littleton,” said Grant Nelson, owner of Englewood-based Republic Investment Group that spent $50 million to purchase the tower and 63 acres from Qwest Corp. “Saunders, Earth Services and Abatement, and the City of Littleton have been outstanding to work with to transform Mineral Place into a vibrant retail and residential destination.”

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