Kroger is expected to anchor 9th and Colorado redevelopment site
“Denver officials hope the news is met with more acceptance from the community than occurred when the last anchor tenant was announced.
Neighbors vocally opposed the 119,000-square-foot Walmart store proposed for the 28.5-acre site that has been vacant since 2007. Residents criticized the discount retailer for its customer base and employment practices and accused Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of destroying small, local businesses. They launched an anti-Walmart website, covered front lawns with protest signs and argued against the store in public meetings.
Council President Mary Beth Susman and Councilwoman Jeanne Robb — who represent the area — said they would oppose tax-increment financing for a Walmart.
Tracy Huggins, director of the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, is confident that the new numbers would work because CU is willing to accept delayed payment for the $31.5 million sale of the property — receiving roughly $15 million over 15 years. The rest would be paid to the university at the July 31 closing.
Developer Shea Properties initially was selected by the city to purchase and redevelop the site, but the company was unable to fulfill its contract. Sembler Co. of Atlanta stepped in to purchase the site, but changes at the company soon led to another switch. Fuqua took over the contract in March after splitting with Sembler, his former employer.”
Mayer, Jeremy and John Mossman. Denver Post 27 November 2012.