COMMERCE CITY, COLO. - With construction equipment moving in the background, more than 40 attendees celebrated the official groundbreaking for the 123,000-square-foot King Soopers MarketPlace in Commerce City. The new store, opening in fall 2012, will be the cornerstone for Shea Properties' 22-acre Reunion Marketplace Center, located at 104th Avenue and Chambers Road."Over the last 10 years, the growth in the northern range has helped double Commerce City's population. More rooftops meant more expectations for services and stores," said Mayor Paul Natale. "A grocery store has been a top priority for the city and today's event - thanks in part to my city council colleagues - addresses a long-standing need for our residents and helps fosters a sense of community."
The King Soopers MarketPlace, the second concept store of its kind in the metro area and the fourth statewide, offers a one-stop shopping location that meets the needs of today's busy, health-conscious shopper. Traditional grocery offerings are expanded to feature locally grown produce; chef-prepared meals; specialty food bars such as sushi, cheese, chicken wings and soup; and more than 5,000 natural and organic items. The MarketPlace will also sell quality merchandise including home goods, furniture, dinnerware, small appliances and more.
"This is a great location for metro-Denver's second MarketPlace concept and the partnership with the city was critical to our decision to locate here," said Russ Dispense, president of King Soopers. "As a Colorado company we are very excited about serving this community as a solution for much of what their family needs."
King Soopers estimates that at least 300 construction jobs will be created through Colorado contractor Mark Young Construction and their subcontractors. When the store opens next fall, 250 newly-hired employees will serve residents throughout the city and region.
"It's generally been said government doesn't create jobs," added Natale. "But government can and does create an environment that allows private enterprise to thrive. The city's incentive program is one just one example of this."
A 2009 economic study showed Commerce City residents spent an estimated $59 million annually in groceries outside of the city limits. The city set its sights on attracting a national grocer, leveraging its unique incentive program to provide nearly $2 million in rebates to King Soopers and Shea, allowing the project to move forward sooner than originally projected. To date, the city's incentive program, created to help weather the economic downturn, has spurred more than $61 million in capital investment and created 565 new jobs.
"As the community's developer, we recognize how valuable this is to Reunion and we're excited that King Soopers has chosen to invest in this area," said Chetter Latcham, president of Shea Homes Colorado. "The opening of this store is further indication of the continuing success and growth of Reunion. We realize this provides excellent exposure to our community and further enhances the home-buying and job opportunities available in Commerce City's Northern Range. This store will draw thousands of shoppers."
Last year the city spearheaded 'Operation Food Network' to gain personal anecdotes from residents about the difficulties about not having a nearby grocery store. "While more amenities have come into the northern part of the city, the MarketPlace will fill a void and people will be impressed with the quality and caliber of products," added Councilman Jim Benson, who represents Ward II where the store is located.
