TED'S EXPRESS

For years, developers looking to serve Colorado’s Front Range focused almost exclusively on the Denver metro area. While Denver remains a major economic hub, population growth has slowed compared to the rapid expansion seen during the previous decade. Today, many businesses are finding their next opportunity in communities that continue to add new residents, new housing, and new retail at a steady pace.

Greeley is one of those communities. The city has consistently grown by more than 2% annually in recent years, fueled by its relative affordability, expanding employment base, and continued investment in infrastructure and commercial development. City leaders anticipate that Greeley’s population will continue climbing for decades, with long-term planning centered around accommodating significant residential and commercial growth.

Nowhere is that growth more evident than on the West side of town. Planned developments call for approximately 12,000 new residential rooftops, creating one of the largest future concentrations of households in Northern Colorado. As new neighborhoods, schools, and retail corridors take shape, the demand for convenient, high-quality consumer services will continue to grow alongside them.

For express carwash operators, these fundamentals make Greeley an attractive long-term investment. A growing population, expanding commuter corridors, and thousands of future customers within a short drive create the kind of market conditions that support sustained traffic and recurring membership growth. It’s exactly the type of location where thoughtful site selection and strong design can position an operator for long-term success.

Vacuum Lot

22 Vacuums

Central Vac on Arches

Recognizing the long-term potential of Greeley’s Westward expansion, Dean Barber, Developer of Ted’s Express Car Wash, selected a site positioned to serve one of Northern Colorado’s fastest-growing markets. Located just a few blocks North of Highway 34 at the intersection of 46th Avenue and Centerplace Drive, this modern express tunnel carwash occupies a prime location on Greeley’s Southwest side, strategically positioned to serve both the established community and thousands of new homes planned for the area.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the project is its use of CMU as a primary architectural element. Rather than covering the masonry with additional cladding or paint, the design incorporates multiple block colors and textures, including split-face CMU, to create a natural, durable exterior that feels appropriate for the Colorado market. The City of Greeley accepted the variation in block finishes as the project’s required architectural enhancement, allowing the building itself to become a key visual feature.

The tower was designed with sharp, angular lines and extensive glazing, giving the facility a clean, modern appearance that stands out along the corridor. Combined with a landscaping package tailored to the Front Range environment, the finished project achieves a look that feels both contemporary and distinctly Colorado.

Because Hover Architecture and Aslan Construction have collaborated on numerous carwash projects, the teams were able to work together throughout design development to balance aesthetics, constructability, and cost. Early contractor involvement helped streamline coordination and minimize the need for significant revisions during construction.

The wash system was supplied entirely by Sonny’s CarWash Equipment, including the tunnel equipment, conveyor belt system, and vacuum package. Integration between the Sonny’s equipment and the MEP systems was coordinated as part of the overall design effort, and the facility also includes a modern water reclaim system to support efficient ongoing operations.

From the initial concept through construction administration, the project demonstrates the value of an experienced, integrated carwash team. With a strategic location, a distinctive architectural identity, and a fully coordinated design and construction approach, Ted’s Express Car Wash is well positioned to serve Greeley’s expanding southwest community for years to come.

Planning your next carwash development? Partner with a team that understands the unique challenges of designing and delivering express tunnels from concept through construction. From early site planning and jurisdictional coordination to architecture, engineering, and construction administration, Hover Architecture helps carwash developers move projects forward with confidence.

Contact Hover Architecture to discuss your next carwash project.