Development booms around FlatIron

BROOMFIELD ? Like software downloading from the Internet, development around the FlatIron Crossing shopping center progresses speedily toward “100 percent complete.”

Main Street and Summit Technology at Main Street, two MidCities’ developments southwest of FlatIron Crossing, are on fast forward to build-out.

David Wass, development director for MidCities Co. of Castle Rock, said the company’s original plan was to build in phases. Intense demand, however, for both the smaller retail space in the 3,000- to 8,000-square-foot range and larger retail space in the 10,000- to 50,000-square-foot range forced the company to rethink the plan. “What will ultimately be achieved is all of it coming online simultaneously in a shorter time frame,” Wass said.

The 160-acre, $400 million development will be completely built out in about three years with the bulk being done in the next eight months. Pads on the frontage road for a Texaco and C.B. & Potts restaurant are nearing completion. Retail space equaling 600,000 square feet will be ready in early spring, followed by an additional 100,000 square feet next summer.

Four buildings containing smaller retail-like soft goods and restaurants ? brand names like Quizno’s, Pasta Bella and Kimberly Jewelers ? are part of the mix. Larger retail such as Super Liquors, Ross and Toys-R-Us will be finished in fall 2001.

Summit Technology at MainStreet will consist of 500 upscale condominiums, medical office space and a high-tech health club. Two Marriotts, one a long-term stay and one a moderately priced Townplace, will round out the project. The Marriott Townplace will open in the next two weeks.

The health club will be more than a fitness center, according to Mia Jasper, one of the owners. Jasper and her husband Robert have formed the development company, Paradigm Health Club LLC, to manage the 80,000-square-foot project; however, the name of the club will be something different. “The concept will be different than anything else around here,” Jasper said. “It will be a relaxation center for business professionals, singles and families.”

Jasper said in addition to the usual amenities like racquetball courts and swimming pools, the facility will sport a full-sized NBA basketball court. A day spa, spinning room, mind-body room and pilates area will be part of the modern center, in addition to a huge area specifically designed for children’s fitness programs.

Groundbreaking for the facility will be the first quarter of 2001 with completion of the facility planned for 2002.

FlatIron Marketplace, 70 acres of retail and mixed-use development east of FlatIron Crossing, also is moving toward completion. Greg Mickelson, partner in charge of retail development for Koll Development Co., said 30 to 40 stores will be opening next February and March. By June 2001, 100 percent of the 440,000-square-foot retail center should be complete. As of this week, about 88 percent of the space was leased.

The $100 million project at the southeast corner of U.S. 36 and 96th Street consists of four districts with separate themes. The Fashion District is a collection of clothing, footwear, accessories, home furnishings and dining destinations in one place. Stores such as Nordstrom, Rack, Linens ‘N Things, Zany Brainy, Claim Jumper and Mimi’s Café would be found here.

The Lifestyle District includes gift stores and electronics with names like The Great Indoors ? a home decorating and remodeling store by Sears ? and Best Buy.

The Garden District is a dining destination with choices such as Bahama Breeze, Starbuck’s Coffee, Buca di Beppo, Noodle’s & Co., Carl’s Jr. and Wahoo’s Fish Tacos.

Finally, the Hotel District, with three separate lodging options planned but not yet determined, would serve the needs of the business and resort traveler.

Flatiron Marketplace is a collaboration with Koll Development Co., Prudential Real Estate Investors, and the city of Broomfield. The construction team consists of Altoon & Porter Architects, Koll Construction, Etkin Construction Co., Design Workshop, Redmond Schwartz Design Co. and CLC Associates Inc.

Charles Ozaki, assistant city manager for Broomfield, said the city council also approved 550 residential units for construction on the north side of U.S. 36 between StorageTek Drive and the train tracks. The units will be high-end, multifamily with no affordable housing. Broomfield does not have an ordinance requiring developers to provide a certain percentage of affordably priced units.

“Broomfield is looking at creating a housing authority and developing a strategy to encourage affordable housing,” Ozaki said. Studies in the next year will try and determine if affordable housing is appropriate or necessary.”

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