The ice cream shop construction uses the fuselage of a Lockheed Constellation airplane with a replica wing.

The ice cream shop proposed at the Eastbridge retail town center will feature a replica wing and partial fuselage of the Lockheed Constellation airplane that frequented Stapleton Airport in the 1940s and 50s. In his presentation to the Stapleton Citizens Advisory Board (CAB), architect Michael Koch said the sculpture is intended to “surprise and delight” and is a “celebration of the history of Stapleton Airport.” It will undoubtedly heighten local awareness of the 354-square-foot Constellation ice cream shop that it surmounts.

The ice cream “kiosk” is located in the central plaza of the retail, restaurant and service center under construction west of Geneva Court and between the east and west legs of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The new business is scheduled for opening in spring or summer of 2017.

The owner and developer of the project is Paul Tamburello who is known for his properties in the Lower Highland neighborhood of Denver. The Eastbridge store will offer Little Man Ice Cream flavors. The Constellation will be open year-round, supplementing its ice cream with hot beverages and soups during the colder months.

The project is currently seeking a right-of-way encroachment permit from the city of Denver because the wing “roof” extends over the sidewalk. At 22 feet above grade, the structure will allow fire trucks to pass under. The wing will have to meet standard building code requirements for snow load and will include heat tape to minimize snow buildup

The fuselage will have an operable door but with a railing for safety. It will be accessible by a spiral staircase from plaza level. The airplane replica is being built by an airplane specialist who has done similar projects for Wings Over the Rockies and the film and entertainment industry.