9th and Colorado Redevelopment Goes Forward Without Walmart
Yesterday, Walmart announced that their Neighborhood Market brand would not be part of Fuqua Development’s mixed-use redevelopment of the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center at 9th and Colorado.
Walmart, Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Do It Right on 9th issued the following statements:
“While Walmart will not be part of the planned redevelopment of the former University of Colorado Health Sciences campus, we will continue to evaluate other opportunities to serve Denver area customers and expand access to affordable groceries.
“We are proud to operate dozens of stores in the metro area, including several in the City and County of Denver. Our reputation as a good employer and valued retailer is supported by the fact that everyday thousands of local residents choose to work at Walmart and every week hundreds of thousands of customers shop our Denver area stores. We appreciate their vote of confidence and remain committed to working with the City and County of Denver and local communities to help create jobs, spur business development, and help residents save money.”
— Walmart’s official statement
“The redevelopment of the site at 9th and Colorado is a priority for Denver. Through a collaborative process, the stakeholders have convened to explore the options of this site, and the neighborhoods have been heard. Together we will work to deliver a project that serves the community and will create jobs and prosperity in a central corridor of the city.
“Walmart remains a valued partner to the city, serving many of our neighborhoods and providing thousands of jobs.
“Moving forward, the city remains steadfast in its commitment to see this site redeveloped. We will continue to support the stakeholders – the University of Colorado, City Council, neighbors, local businesses and the developer – and communicate with the neighborhoods in an inclusive and transparent manner.”
— Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock
“We couldn’t be more pleased. We are proud of the role played by concerned neighbors in communicating to City Council representatives that Wal-mart was not the right way to go at 9th and Colorado. It is a real victory for ‘the little guy’. Councilwomen Susman and Robb were so responsive and helpful – we are deeply grateful. Now we can get down to working with the developer, the City and CU on a plan that works for the surrounding neighborhoods and is truly beneficial for all of East Denver.”
— Do It Right at 9th, formerly Stop Wal-Mart Colorado, a volunteer neighborhood group pushing for sustainable development at 9th and Colorado.