New tenants were revealed at the event, including Kohl's, a Super Wal-Mart, SoundTrack and Sam's Club. Restaurants will include Darcy's, Ted's Montana Grill, Smokey Bones (the first in the state), On the Border, Olive Garden, Chili's and Red Lobster.

"We are really excited about the opportunities Southlands will provide to residents living in the area, or working at the center, as well as to the City of Aurora," says Don Provost, principal of locally based Alberta Partners. "Southlands will host events from homecoming parades to holiday tree lightings to Fourth of July fireworks-–residents will always have a place to go for special occasions."

It will be the largest economic engine in the city, he says, adding $10 to $12 million annually to city coffers from an estimated million a year in sales. The development will create an estimated 2,000 construction jobs and 4,000 to 5,000 new part- and full-time jobs upon completion. The annual payroll will be $80 million.

"Southlands represents the most exciting retail, entertainment and residential complex in the metro area," says Aurora Mayor Paul Tauer. "The new urbanism and cutting edge development will allow this project to continue to be an innovative and dynamic place to live, shop and dine well into the future."

The 1.5 million-sf retail, entertainment and town center is being built on 301 acres, 25 miles southeast of Downtown Denver. When completed, it will include more than 1,100 residential units and 250,000 sf of office space. Phase I is scheduled to open in fall 2004.

Instant Insights /

Alberta Breaks Ground on Southlands

Related Stories

Recommended For You