Keeping the original vision of a charming downtown shopping area in mind, Cantor Partners – who recently purchased part of the Brighton Pavilions – sees the shopping destination as a tremendous asset for downtown Brighton.“Every community needs a rich identity, and it starts with Downtown,” said Joel Cantor, owner of Florida-based Cantor Partners. His company purchased four in-line retail buildings in the shopping center, and would like to preserve the original purpose of the center as a core downtown area that will stimulate smart growth and enhance Brighton’s historic downtown.
As a real estate developer, Cantor understands the hardship that landlords have faced during the recent recession. Owners and landlords are often stuck with empty commercial space, because they are unable to lower rents to attract or retain businesses, often due to the owner’s inability to restructure the debt service.
The Brighton Pavilions has a chance to reset, according to Cantor. He sees the value of the shopping destination, and said, the “Pavilions have tremendous qualities which I intend to build upon.”
“There is incredible value for developers in downtown Brighton,” said James Vigaasa, chairman of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation. “Companies from across the country and around the globe are recognizing Brighton as a place to do business. The Brighton trade area is the fastest growing in the nation, but we also have a terrific workforce and a friendly, small-town essence.”
Cantor said, “I purchased BP (Brighton Pavilions) because I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to turn this asset into 'the' city's core destination spot as envisioned by the city leaders and original developer. Despite the circumstances that led to the troubles and challenges, BP has tremendous qualities which I intend to build upon.”
The Brighton Pavilions is currently home to Lone Star Steakhouse, a drive-thru Starbucks, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Cold Stone Creamery. Future retailers will be attracted by the success of these current operations as well as the pavilion’s anchor, an AMC 12 movie theater.
“We are happy to welcome Cantor Partners to downtown Brighton,” said Dave Rose, Chairman of the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority. “Over the last several years, our historic downtown district has thrived, with over $120 million in private investment, and over 900 jobs secured.”
“We are very encouraged and hopeful with this new venture and wish Cantor Partners great success,” Rose said.
Cantor was attracted to the visibility of the Pavilions from Highway 85, the ability to host outdoor community events, and the “Main Street” design.
The Pavilion’s retail center is important not only to the fast-growing city of Brighton, but the surrounding trade area. Brighton is the closest and largest retail hub for many smaller communities in the vicinity, including Ft. Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg, Lochbuie, and northern Commerce City. There are over 83,000 people within a 10-minute drive of Brighton, with most households earning more than $70,000.
