As one Colfax institution departs, developers hope several more will emerge in a redeveloped building.
The three-story structure at 1080 E. Colfax Ave. that was the longtime home of Smiley’s Laundromat and Cleaners is being gutted and revamped to house more retail and refurbished apartments that could be for lease as early as this month.
The building was purchased by Slipstream Properties in October 2012, and principal Anthony Loeffler said Smiley’s moved out in January. He said redeveloping parts of East Colfax is a priority for his firm.
“We saw the opportunity in the building because it was old and tired,” Loeffler said.
Stephanie Salazar, economic development director with the Colfax Business Improvement District, agreed with Loeffler and said this is an essential project for her district.
“We think it revitalizes the area by renewing the property itself and will attract a more vibrant crowd,” Salazar said.
Another part of Slipstream’s plan involves the parking lot across the street from the old Smiley’s location. Although early in the planning process, Loeffler said the plan includes a five-story structure with retail on the ground floor.
