Super Target, Office Max Open at Saddle Rock

AURORA, CO-A 176,000-sf one-level Super Target and a 20,000-sf Office Max have opened their doors at Saddle Rock Village in southeast Aurora, which is being developed by Forest City Enterprises and JCI Development. It is the first Office Max in the city.

A 35,000-sf Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts also will open on April 6. "These three retailers are attractive tenants from both a consumer and a commercial viewpoint," says Brian Jones, president, Forest City West. "They are all very successful brands and draw from all customer demographics bringing added value to any center."

Mayor Ed Tauer adds he is "delighted that these anchors are opening and are thrilled that this much-needed center is up and running."

Saddle Rock Village is an 85-acre, 750,000-sf retail development at Gartrell Road and E-470. The total development will span both sides of E-470. Phase I, on the north side, consists of more than 400,000 sf and will include approximately 30 additional retailers. Phase II, on the south side, will consist of three major anchors and 20 additional stores and is scheduled to open in spring 2006.

"Saddle Rock Village is strategically positioned in an area with solid development and the highest average household income in the region as a result of the completion of E-470," Tauer says. "It is strategically positioned to benefit from traffic to and from Denver International Airport, the fifth busiest airport in the US." Aurora is the closest city to Denver International Airport, which is a 15-minute drive from the city's center.

"The combination of easy access and high visibility along E-470 will provide retailers with a tremendous opportunity to serve the needs of this highly affluent and well-educated population," says Jeff Isenstadt, president, JCI Development.

Forest City is involved in two other regional retail projects, NorthField at Stapleton in Denver and the Orchard at Westminster, along the northwest corridor. Both are scheduled to open in 2006.

"Denver is one of our core markets for development," Jones says. "We are building more than four million sf of retail in the Greater Denver area because we believe in the growth pattern we are observing."

Saddle Rock Village is expected to bring approximately $30 million to $40 million in tax revenues to the city over a 10-year period. Architect for the project is the Mulhern Group, Ltd., of Denver, and the Norris Dullea Co. of Denver has been named landscape architect.