Independence Master Planned Community | Elbert County, CO

Land Development - Civil Engineering

Just outside Elizabeth, Colorado, Independence is reimagining what a neighborhood can be. Set on a 1,000-acre property that was a working ranch from the 1860s through the 2010s, this community blends a deep respect for the land’s heritage with a forward-looking approach to sustainability.

At its core, Independence is a conservation community. That means nearly 50% of the land has been preserved as open space, with miles of trails winding through the natural landscape and historic ranch structures thoughtfully restored. But what really sets it apart are the smart, sustainable systems behind the scenes. Homes here use about half the water of a typical Colorado residence thanks to an advanced recycling system—one of the most progressive in the state. Green infrastructure helps manage stormwater naturally, and neighborhoods are designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency.

CORE has been involved from the start, helping bring the vision for Independence to life. We’ve led the engineering and master planning for the first five of eight filings—laying out roads, lots, and open space connections, and designing everything from utility systems and drainage to grading and erosion control. Our team coordinated across disciplines—working with traffic engineers, architects, MEP teams, and utility providers—to ensure everything works together seamlessly and aligns with the project’s high sustainability goals.