Centennial is one step closer to revitalizing downtrodden Southglenn Mall into a modern, outdoor shopping center.
Monday night, the City Council unanimously approved forming a special metropolitan district to allow the sharing of sales and property taxes that would be used to repay bonds issued to finance the development.
The special district had to be formed before developers and city officials could move forward with The Streets of Southglenn project.
“This is one of the tools that we get to make this thing happen,” Councilman Vorry Moon said. “How tall, how wide we build it will come, but this is a tool to help build this.”
Developers say the new shopping center would include a European-style design with 350 residential lofts, office space, a natural-foods store, a cineplex and apparel stores. They are also trying to lure retailers who don’t necessarily have stores at nearby Park Meadows.
Most residents at the meeting voiced excitement about the development, but they had questions about how officials should proceed and how much the new development will disrupt their lives.
“I’m hoping this project will be a good thing,” said Ray Dangel, who has lived next to the mall for 35 years. “I’ve watched Southglenn from birth to death. If they are thinking about using eminent domain, Colorado people will fight it tooth and nail.”
Developer Don Provost, of Alberta Development Partners, said he grew up in Centennial and has high hopes for the shopping center. He does not anticipate taking over property outside the project’s scope.
“This is a project that not only has local interest; it has metro and citywide and national interest,” Provost said. “This will be a national model for other cities … who need to revitalize retail.”
Provost said he is going to seek public input every step of the way.
“I want to create something special in our neighborhood because I have to answer to my neighbors,” he said.
The old mall will be demolished next spring. The new mall will resemble the Belmar Center in Lakewood and is projected to open in spring 2008.
Adam Ortiz, who lives a half- block from Southglenn Mall, said he’s happy about the change.
“I think it’s an excellent plan,” he said. “The only thing I ask is, don’t put a Wal-Mart there.”
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-820-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
