DENVER – Co-developers Continuum Partners and CIM Group have signed the first retail tenants for the highly anticipated 9th & Colorado development, a 26-acre urban infill project at the site of the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. A 10-screen AMC Theatres® location, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Zoe’s Kitchen, Postino WineCafe, Chase bank and Bellco Credit Union have signed leases spanning three of the 12-block project.
Continuum Partners has engaged Denver-based firms for the design and construction of the project including general contractors Saunders Construction, Kiewit Building Group, and Catamount Constructors; architects Shears Atkins Rockmore, Gensler, and 4240 Architecture.
9th & Colorado is just over the halfway point of the project’s redevelopment that will ultimately comprise approximately two million square feet of new improvements on its 26 acres. A highly-walkable development, 9th & Colorado is designed to complement and connect with the surrounding residential neighborhoods, integrating open space and pedestrian amenities with a mix of uses including residential, office, retail and entertainment.
The approximately $419 million redevelopment project will receive $47.9 million in tax-increment financing approved by the City of Denver and managed through the Denver Urban Renewal Authority.
“Securing these businesses that will serve 9th and Colorado and the greater community is a significant milestone in the ongoing development of 9th & Colorado,” said Frank Cannon, development director for Continuum Partners. “We have made tremendous progress in the last three years and we are at the halfway point in the development. We’ve removed two million square feet of abandoned and deteriorating buildings and completed the first newly-constructed apartment building, Theo, where we will welcome our first residents this month.”
The entertainment anchor at 9th & Colorado will be a new AMC Theatres 10-screen location, occupying approximately 44,000 square feet on Albion Street between 8th Avenue and the new 8th Place. Guests will find a ground floor ticketing lobby with a second floor featuring guest-favorite amenities, including AMC Signature Recliner seats.
Just west of AMC and at the southwestern corner of the project at 8th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, Hopdoddy, Postino and Zoe’s Kitchen will bring diverse dining options to the neighborhood, all with outdoor patio seating. Hopdoddy will serve burgers made with fresh, all-natural ingredients prepared by hand. Postino WineCafe, the wine bar Denver can’t stop talking about, will open adjacent with its second Colorado location, serving its trademark high quality, approachable wines and fresh, colorful bruschetta boards built for sharing. Zoe’s Kitchen will offer a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine.
Two financial institutions will also open branches. Chase bank will be located on the corner of 9th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard and Bellco Credit Union will be located on Colorado Blvd.
In addition to securing retail and entertainment tenants, 9th and Colorado is rapidly advancing additional phases of development and several project milestones. This month, 9th & Colorado’s first residential property, Theo, the 275-unit, nine-story apartment building will welcome its first residents. The second phase residential building offering 319 units is currently under construction, and in May, the first of several open green spaces will be completed for residents, neighbors, and visitors to enjoy.
Renderings courtesy of Gensler Architects
