The Costco Business Center located on South Zuni Street in Denver, CO, stands as a testament to urban renewal and community revitalization. This bustling retail hub, a cornerstone of the Athmar Park neighborhood, wasn’t always the thriving commercial space it is today. Its story is one of transformation, overcoming economic challenges, and ultimately, providing significant retail and employment opportunities.
Originally known as Alameda Square Shopping Center, this site holds the distinction of being Denver’s first shopping mall development, established in 1959. For decades, Alameda Square was a key retail destination, attracting prominent tenants like King Soopers, Woolworths, REI, and the popular Organ Grinder Restaurant. However, the economic downturn of the mid-1980s brought significant hardship, leading to foreclosure and fragmented ownership of the 20-acre property. By 1989, the once-vibrant shopping center was struggling, with King Soopers closing its doors and numerous other retailers ceasing operations.
Recognizing the site’s underutilization and its negative impact on surrounding neighborhoods, the Denver City Council and DURA (Denver Urban Renewal Authority) took action. In November 1991, they approved the Alameda Square Urban Renewal Plan, aiming to breathe new life into the blighted area. For over 15 years, various redevelopment projects were proposed, including a Denver Department of Social Services headquarters, grocery-anchored centers, a telecom center, and even a Wal-Mart. Despite these efforts, the site remained undeveloped and continued to decline.
A turning point arrived in 2008 when Brighton Corporation acquired two key parcels within the Urban Renewal Area, consolidating over 17 acres. Brighton’s initial plan centered around a Lowe’s Home Improvement store, which opened in 2010. Unfortunately, Lowe’s closed after just 18 months, leaving another large vacancy. After four more years of vacancy, 2016 marked a significant success story as Costco stepped in, opening Colorado’s first Costco Business Center at this very location on South Zuni Street.
This redevelopment project wasn’t solely about the Costco Business Center. It also involved the rehabilitation of approximately 46,000 square feet of retail space, which became home to successful businesses like the Pacific Ocean Marketplace. While redevelopment led to the displacement of some existing tenants, DURA provided over $1 million in relocation assistance to help them re-establish their businesses elsewhere.
The successful revitalization of Alameda Square into a thriving retail center, anchored by the Costco Business Center on South Zuni Street, is a result of collaborative efforts. The City and County of Denver, the Athmar Park Neighborhood Association, the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Brighton Corporation, and DURA all played crucial roles. Today, this redeveloped site provides valuable retail services and employment opportunities, marking a significant turnaround for a once-blighted area and contributing positively to the surrounding Denver neighborhoods.
