Retail Follows Rooftops in Metro North Region
Published Apr 17, 2008
Orchard Town Center will feature space for events, shopping and dining opportunities.
With two of the nation’s fastest-growing suburbs in the Metro North Region (Commerce City ranked 16th and Brighton ranked 74th by Forbes magazine), the demand for quality shopping options is on the rise.
In the Metro North Region, developments such as the impressive FlatIron Crossing, which led the trend in the region to create a shopping destination, are meeting that demand.
And there is much more to come, including the anticipated Orchard Town Center, The Village at Thorncreek and continued expansion of Prairie Center.
More than just shopping, Orchard Town Center is being developed as “a gathering place,” says Dan Hill, project developer. “Orchard is a place to eat, spend time, play and shop.”
Amid big box retailers anchoring the site - J.C. Penney and Target opened in fall 2006; Macy’s and an AMC movie theater are slated for spring 2008 – Orchard Town Center developers are planning 300,000 square feet of specialty and boutique tenants, which will focus on the typical Metro North resident: a casual, outdoors individual.
In addition, Hill says Orchard Town Center plans outdoor seating, rest areas, landscaping and plazas, as well as space dedicated to larger presentations such as summer music, charity auctions and perhaps outdoor movie nights.
“Redevelopment over the last several years here has been progressive and eclectic,” says Dana Talarico, president of Talarico and Associates, the real estate firm in charge of The Village at Thorncreek. “It’s the pedestrian-friendly and the live-work trends, but it’s also neighborhood-friendly.”
The 22-acre Village at Thorncreek project has Class A office, medical, specialty retail, gourmet foods and boutique shopping space.
“We’re taking it further,” says Talarico. “It’s art deco and exposed metal. Village at Thorncreek is a gateway to the city of Thornton and to all parts north.”
Outdoor activities of the “modern village” concept – the growing movement in retailing today – include a farmer’s market and a smaller venue for art shows and other events.
On a larger scale, Prairie Center’s 396-acre shopping center and pedestrian-oriented retail village seeks to be the dominant retail hub of Denver’s Northeast quadrant. With many major retailers in place, the project is now attracting boutique tenants, keeping its focus on restaurant and entertainment venues.
The Village at FlatIron Crossing, built in 2000 with 1.5 million square feet, was a Colorado pioneer, incorporating an outdoor element designed to complement the traditional indoor shopping center.
Story by Paul Hughes
Photo by Michael W. Bunch
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