Prowers Economic Prosperity’s “Project One” advances with annexation and rezoning milestones

Project One Advances w/ Annexation &Rezoning Milestones

Lamar, CO — Project One, the inaugural development under Prowers Economic Prosperity’s (PEP) Shovel Ready Program (SRP), has reached a major milestone as it advances through the annexation and rezoning process. This marks a significant step toward bringing new commercial development to Lamar and Prowers County.

On April 13, 2026, the Lamar City Council held a public hearing for annexation of the Project One site and approved the ordinance on first reading. A second reading is scheduled for April 27, 2026, and upon passage, the annexation will take effect on May 27th. Annexation is the formal process of bringing land into city limits and is governed by both state statute and local ordinance.

In parallel, the Lamar Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on April 16th to rezone the property. This rezoning allows for mixed-use commercial development in accordance with Lamar Municipal Code which brings the property in line with the surrounding area. Previously zoned for half acre, residential estates, commercial zoning makes far more sense considering the surrounding land use. While closely related, annexation and rezoning are distinct processes that must occur separately, highlighting the complexity often involved in preparing land for development. The rezoning request will also be presented to the Lamar City Council for final approval on April 27th.

While these steps represent forward progress, they have also reinforced the realities of development in a rural market. Project One has required navigating both expected and unforeseen hurdles, particularly given that an annexation of this scale for commercial development has not occurred in Lamar in recent history. These challenges further underscore the need for coordination between public and private partners, one of the foundational principles of the Shovel Ready Program.

“The willingness of Shamrock Homes to step forward and serve as the pilot developer for this program has been critical,” said Brent Bates, PEP Project Manager and Lamar City Council Representative. “They understood from day one that there would be risks, unknowns, and a learning curve involved. Their patience, collaboration, and commitment have allowed us to refine processes, identify redundancies, and work through challenges in real time which is exactly what this program was designed to do.”

PEP, the City of Lamar, and Prowers County have expressed appreciation for Shamrock Homes’ partnership, noting that the lessons learned through Project One will help create a more efficient and predictable process for future certified sites.

A Development Designed for Both Travelers and the Region

Project One is being developed as a mixed-use commercial concept designed to serve both regional demand and the significant volume of through-traffic traveling along Lamar’s major transportation corridors.

With more than 20,000 vehicles traveling through the area daily, including a large volume of commercial traffic, the project’s concept vision is a “Transportation Hub.” Its focus will be on providing essential services and amenities in a centralized, walkable format to serve the needs of long-haul drivers and travelers alike. At the same time, the development aligns with priorities identified in local comprehensive plans, targeting high-demand sectors such as retail, hospitality, health services, and commercial space
for local businesses. As the regional hub for Southeast Colorado, Lamar already serves a wide trade area, and Project One is positioned to build on that role by expanding available services and strengthening the local economy through new job and tax base creation.

View of  “Project One” site

Next Steps: From Defined Pathway to Site Preparation

Following final approval of annexation and rezoning, Project One will move into Phase II, which includes site preparation activities such as infill and grading, commonly referred to as land development. This phase will be followed by infrastructure installation, including utilities, roadways, and access improvements necessary to support vertical construction. PEP emphasized that reaching this stage is the result of extensive due diligence, coordination, and persistence—highlighting that achieving Shovel Ready Certification is a deliberate and often complex process, not a shortcut.

“This process doesn’t eliminate every unknown—but it shrinks them into manageable, clearly defined steps,” Bates added. “That’s what makes a site competitive. Developers aren’t just buying land, they’re buying a timeline and a level of certainty. This program helps provide both.” PEP also noted that communities interested in developing similar programs are encouraged to reach out to learn more about how the SRP framework can be adapted to their local needs.

View of “Project One” site

A Turning Point for Lamar

Project One represents a turning point—not just for a single development, but for how Lamar and Prowers County approach growth. By investing in preparation, alignment, and collaboration, the community is positioning itself to compete for opportunities that have historically passed by (both noticed and unnoticed).

As the Shovel Ready Program continues to evolve, the progress made on Project One sends a clear message to developers, site selectors, and investors alike: Lamar is no longer waiting to be discovered—it is actively building the conditions for success. With new jobs, expanded services, and increased tax revenue on the horizon, the Shovel Ready Program is unlocking land and long-term opportunity for Southeast Colorado.

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