CENTRAL CITY — Housing, downtown revitalization, and two ambitious gaming proposals dominated discussion at the Central City Urban Renewal Authority meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Board members weighed how much direction to give developers while waiting for the City’s updated Comprehensive Plan.

The Authority met for just under an hour before the City Council work session later that evening, using the time to review new and returning proposals tied to the City’s two urban renewal plan areas.

They also welcomed their newest member, Lindsey Valdez, who brings nearly a decade of experience with the Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation.

City Manager Daniel Miera said the discussion focused largely on Plan Area 1, which has been reopened for proposals, while Plan Area 2 continues to move forward with G3 Gaming’s Gregory Gulch project. Four submissions were received by the November deadline, according to Planning and Community Development Director Jeff Noffsinger.

One of those came from Oakwood Homes, which reaffirmed its interest in building housing in Central City. Noffsinger said the company is looking to develop between 50 and 90 homes and has expressed interest in the Greek Lots, though the proposal is not limited to Plan Area 1.

“They’re interested in developing in the URA,” Noffsinger said, clarifying that Oakwood is focused more broadly on Central City rather than on a specific parcel.

Noffsinger shared his recent visit to Lake County, where Oakwood is partnering with the local housing authority on a modular housing project. He described watching four homes set in place in under four hours and said the developer has experience working with Proposition 123 funding. Board members agreed that, while interest in housing is welcome, they would like to wait until the new Comprehensive Plan is adopted.

“I think to give direction today is premature until we see the Comprehensive Plan,” said authority member Zane Plsek.

Chuck Spencer and Todd Williams said they were supportive of housing discussions, even if proposals ultimately need to change. Mayor Jeremy Fey noted that the board appears unified in its desire for residential growth, calling it a shift from past councils that resisted housing altogether.

Another proposal came from CARE, the Community Alliance for Redevelopment for Economic Growth, which outlined a plan to revitalize the Historic Gaming District by converting the upper floors of downtown buildings into residential units. While board members praised the effort and vision, they raised questions about feasibility.

Concerns included parking, ownership coordination, infrastructure, and whether the proposal duplicated work already being done by the Opera and other groups. Noffsinger also said it was unclear whether CARE founder David Dornbos would serve as a consultant or bring private investment to the table.

“I think this is putting the cart way in front of the horse,” Plsek said, citing zoning, gaming use, and lack of basic services like grocery and pharmacy access.

More enthusiasm followed the discussion of G3 Gaming’s proposal for the Belvidere Theatre. The phased plan includes a ground-floor café and kitchen, followed by renovation of the Shoofly Saloon and restoration of the Belvidere as a 200-seat event venue.

“Their vision is activating the space and bringing it back to life,” Noffsinger said.

The project could launch its first phase as early as spring 2027, with full buildout anticipated in 2028. Board members repeatedly voiced support and urged staff to continue conversations.

“This is absolutely something worth pursuing,” Spencer said.

The final proposal discussed was G3 Development Inc.’s concept for a large destination casino resort on the T-Lot between Spring Street and Central City Parkway. The plan includes more than 1 million square feet of development, 450 hotel rooms, a casino floor, resort amenities, and family-oriented features such as an indoor water park.

Construction would likely occur between 2030 and 2034 and would incorporate historic structures such as the Hawley Mercantile building. Board members described the proposal as ambitious but expressed support, noting that the city could not sustain this project and the Gregory Gulch development at the same time.

“This is ambitious,” Plsek said, considering that the proposal addresses some of the most blighted land in the city.

“If the board is okay with that, we will continue those conversations,” Miera said. Fey responded affirmatively, adding that future discussions should be tied to clear action points to reduce staff time.

The Authority adjourned at 5:50 p.m., with proposals on the table that, if realized, would bring great changes to the city.

CCURA holds its meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m., typically preceding the City Council meeting.