King Soopers this morning presented to the Stapleton Design Review Committee a conceptual site plan for a full-sized grocery store in Eastbridge of a comparable size and quality as the existing store on Quebec. A final contract hasn’t yet been signed but the two parties seem to be moving closer toward agreement on how the store would sit on the site.
King Soopers says the smaller style stores have not been successful and they are not building any more in that design. The current concept has the back of the store/loading zone on Havana and the front faces west, into the residential community. Kings Soopers expects they could have an exterior walk-up window for the pharmacy but there’s not room for a drive up. The plan also calls for a gas station in the lot to the east of the grocery store.
At the far west end of the Eastbridge town center (in the triangular area west of Geneva), Forest City, as of this conceptual plan, is envisioning a restaurant or two with upper decks that face west and a plaza area with a water feature where the community can gather. Parking lies between the grocery store and the restaurants/plaza.
The committee focused on such issues as pedestrian access (especially to accommodate “moms with strollers and dogs”), traffic flow, and parking spaces. As Forest City has mentioned previously, if this plan moves forward, they are looking at a late 2015, early 2016 opening.
Swoops that Flight line brewery does sound awesome. Looks like they may build that along with other artisan stores in the Stanley Aviation building off westerly Creek. If they get a lot of quality indie businesses there it might negate many of the frustrations about not getting the natural grocer.
A natural grocer would have been awesome but KS is OK with me. Their simple truth stuff is not half bad. Plus anything other than that Quebec store is a move in the right direction IMHO. I am excited to have a gathering place for our community. If we get some nice restaurants I am sure most of this frustration will be defused. Bring on the Town Center! Walking to the grocery store is going to be great, much smaller carbon footprint.
Plus this development will only help our property values. Between the town center and the light rail we could be looking at some nice increases.
We do, in fact, badly need another gas station. The KS gas station on Quebec is a nightmare. The 7-11 is nice but still can't serve the whole neighborhood. Who goes to Sam's? I sure don't.
Even if it' just another KS like we already have, it will greatly alleviate what is the busiest KS in the state. And it will finally jumpstart development on the rest of the Eastbridge Town Center. I say let the games begin.
We don't another gas station. We are surrounded by gas stations. Nothing says pedestrian friendly like a 60,000 sqft. parking lot. This is a strip mall and nothing more, which is very disappointing.
King Soopers has first right of refusal, if someone is willing to offer more, they would be able to build. It does not mean that King Soopers has a guaranteed location. Someone just needs to make a better offer.
First of all, we don't have a choice. If KS wants to build a store, that is the store we are going to get. The best we can hope for is KS to give us a good store that is designed to accommodate the customer base and not be over crowded and impossible to navigate. This goes for the new gas station as well. I HATE the one off Quebec. If you have ever shopped at KS outside Stapleton, you know that not all KS stores are created equal. The Fresh Fare concept seems to be out if it is a smaller store – they said they aren't building smaller stores anymore. Of course it will never be the level of Whole Foods or similar, but a KS is better than no store at all since that is what all the restaurants and shops are waiting for. And second of all, who thinks WALMART is a better option??? I would rather starve than have to set foot in a Walmart on a regular basis. YUCK!
I have a few contacts that may be helpful to voice our opinion:
VP of Development for Forest City is Tom Gleason (303-382-1800, tgleason@stapletondenver.com)
SUN Board: stapletonunitedneighbors@gmail.com
City Councilman for our district, Chris Herndon: Christopher.Herndon@denvergov.org, (720)337-7711
King Sooper Customer Service – 1-800-KROGERS, https://www.kingsoopers.com/customercomments)
I agree with Michelle's comments above. And while I would love to have a Whole Foods, I am more thrilled at the prospect of being able to walk to a grocery store! I also have few complaints about King Soopers. I buy can buy plenty of organic produce and other organic items, they keep expanding their generic items (even organic), and their pharmacy is great … and getting an anchor grocery store should allow for a few restaurants that we can walk to!
I agree Fresh Fare is the way to go if it is going to be KS. I for one am stoked about the restaurants. I hope at least one is that brewery that had been suggested earlier. https://frontporchne.com/article/november-s…
Maybe Kroger/King Soopers could put in their Fresh Fare concept. They have one at University and Hampden. It’s a bit nicer than a standard KS and is meant to be smaller. Much rather have a Sprouts or Whole Foods. But if we are getting a KS, Fresh Fare by KS would be preferable.
Sadly Forest City does NOT listen to the residents of Stapleton. Why have meetings to get our input if it means nothing? Lip Service? Just what we need- ANOTHER king soopers!!! Why have 1 subpar store, when we can be forced to have 2????? I believe that residents place more importance on quality of food. Hopefully, we will all shop elsewhere and "starve" that store.
What about WHOLE FOODS! that would be a great store for the Stapleton community. King soopers? no.
Neighbors have contacted other options. Whole Foods has said no. Sprouts has said no. Vitamin Cottage has said no.
That is so disappointing! What happened to the idea of a storefront co-op or natural foods store? We do not need another KS in the neighborhood! Is this a done deal or can we still have input?
You'd have to ask Forest City if it's too late for input. It's our understanding that this store is the result of the original deal to bring a grocery store to Stapleton and that deal gave King Soopers first right of refusal to build the second grocery store and they are now exercising that option.
Forest City wasn't interested in working with the food co-op, so the food co-op is exploring bigger and better opportunities.
So…what would make you happy, commenters? Should those lots just sit there empty forever because you want to be choosy about exactly what type of store is allowed there? Eventually be filled with more condos/townhouses? I, for one, am thrilled that progress is being made and we’re getting closer to having a grocery store and restaurant at the Eastbridge location. I predict they will do very well and can promise I will frequent both. Let’s look at the bigger picture: having the amenities mentioned in the article are a great start and will undoubtedly raise property values in the area. I am so tired of looking at naked lots & wondering if one day I’ll be looking at yet more homes in that space. In my opinion – bring on the KS! Bring on the restaurant!
Michelle, do you work for King Soopers or Forest City?
No, I do not. I am a resident who lives near the future Eastbridge Town Center. and we purchased our home partly due to the promise of a grocery store/restaurant/town center nearby. What I do not want is for the "alternate" plan to happen – that area to be used for yet more residences. I am also not so picky about where I buy my groceries that I would try to halt the development of the town center because the grocery store anchor isn't one I would normally choose to shop at. I do shop at KS and fail to see what makes them so terrible (and I say this as a health-conscious vegan). Is it the image/clientele of the chain that causes this distress? I hope not…I'd like not to think of Stapleton residents as snobby. Sure, there are always a few odds and ends that require shopping at a natural grocer. That type of market is not an option here, so i would like to see people displaying some flexibility and understanding of the situation. Does anyone really want to slow the progress that's finally happening after years and years of waiting? Again, given the facts and realities of this situation, I don't see what some commentors are fighting for.
Michelle, I think what would make many of the commenters happy is for the promises they perceived to have been made to have been kept, in regards to a natural grocery store. You are correct that an active business like a King Soopers and a gas station are probably preferable to empty lots. There are positives to be noted however it is appropriate for residents to feel upset and irritated at the perceived switch and bait. A large KS will bring with it increased tractor trailer noise at inconvenient hours as well as the usual rat problem due to the dumpsters. Hopefully you will not be too close to the store. At any rate, let's hope it all does work out positively.
I guess I missed something, then. I was never under the impression that any promises were made regarding a natural grocer in that location. When our relator spoke with Forest City administrators prior to our deciding on purchasing our home, we were told clearly that KS had the first right of refusal as the grocery anchor. We we also told that either KS would build there, and other shops/restaurants would fill in the remaining space, OR if KS (or another anchor if KS opted out) did not build there, the land would likely be repurposed for residential use. Who made promises about a natural grocer? If there was a promise made, I can see why people are upset. I only know what I've been told.
How depressing. Would have great to have something good nearby. Will continue driving out of the neighborhood for groceries.
We DO NOT NEED another gas station, nor do we need another sub-par King Soopers. Isn't anyone listening???
An anchor at last! But please, no gas station. Not necessary, and will take up precious space. Leave more room for small stores and restaurants.
That is disappointing. Looks like we will still continue to shop in Cherry Creek. I really dislike King Soopers more than any other store.
Unfortunately we don't have that contact info. and Forest City is closed this afternoon to call and ask. I'd suggest calling Monday (303) 382-1800.
So the concept of an Eastbridge towncenter that was sold to hundreds of Stapleton residents the past 7 -8 years has been erased for a big box store concept. Forest City and King Soopers can attempt to state otherwise by including a "water feature," but the reality is that Forest City and King Soopers continue to ignore the residents interests in the type of store and related food options. I would rather give my business to Walmart in Quebec Square or Albertsons in Lowry than KIng Soopers! I hope others do the same.
Also, can you please provide the names and contact information for the Stapleton Design Review Committee?
Dave– see the link below, which I believe includes the names of those individuals on the Committee; though I don't see contact information.
http://www.sdcdenver.org/design-review/index.htm
WalMart? Hell no.