John Rebchook is a former Rocky Mountain News reporter with more than 30 years of experience in writing and communications... The historic and hip Larimer Square announced today new tenants opening in 2010 and others moving within downtown Denver’s pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining district.
The additions include:
· Ocean Prime, an upscale seafood restaurant, will occupy the Graham Building (formerly Z Gallerie).
· Goorin Bros, a fashionable hat company founded in 1895, will take the space at 1410 Larimer Square.
· Euclid Hall (formally Martini Ranch) will be home to a new restaurant concept driven by critically-acclaimed Denver chef. Details will be announced at a later date.
· Posh, a gift and home accessory shop, moves to 1439 Larimer Square (currently occupied by Violet).
· Violet, a women’s apparel shop, will be relocated to a new space at 1411 (formally Gelazzi).
· A sixth lease is also expected to be signed with a new women’s apparel boutique that will share the 1411 space with Violet.
Together, the Larimer Square deals span more than 20,000 square feet of retail space.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the changes and additions on the Square,” said Joe Vostrejs, chief operating officer for Larimer Associates, the Denver-based real estate investment and management firm that operates Larimer Square.
“This success is due in part to staying true to our vision for Larimer Square – to create a true destination, featuring chef-driven restaurants and owner-operated businesses that boast regionally-exclusive, innovative and unique offerings,” he added.
Larimer Square will spend more than $1 million on moving tenants and creating new spaces.
“Making our vision of Larimer Square a reality often times requires capital investments,” said Jeff Hermanson, chief executive officer for Larimer Associates. “Making these investments is something Larimer Associates is willing and able to provide, and that’s what makes us different. Many real estate owners can’t or won’t make capital investments in this type of environment.”
For the past 10 years, Larimer Square, under the direction of Vostrejs and Hermanson, has gone through a dramatic repositioning movement.
More than 90 percent of the property has been leased to new merchants in that time frame that fit the vision of distinctive urban shopping and dining. Larimer Square currently has more than 100 tenants with 40 retail/restaurant merchants in that mix.
“The Larimer Square vision will always be evolving,” said Pat McHenry, partner of acquisitions and leasing for Larimer Associates. “We travel the country reviewing real estate and retailer trends and concepts to keep the Square fresh and artisanal.”
McHenry added that the recent deals are true collaborations with proven concepts and operators.
“We are, however, working to create additional retail space at Larimer Square to open up opportunities for new retail entrepreneurs,” she said. “There will be more changes on the Square.”
More information on Larimer Associates is available at this link. . For more information about Larimer Square: go to this link.
Contact John Rebchook at JRCHOOK@gmail.com or 303-945-6865
