You might have heard the rumor that a Trader Joe’s is coming to Lafayette. People keep telling me they read this online and it was from reliable sources like the clerk at such and such store or the person standing in line at the local fill-in-the-blank.
I have to admit I have never been to a Trader Joe’s but due to all the raving about the store I am curious. So far these are locations I have heard about and what I have learned from those in the know in Lafayette.
As you must know by now the King Soopers store in Lafayette will be closing after the shiny new, and larger, store opens at Nine Mile Corner in Erie. I wrote about it in October including an update on what might happen to the empty store directly from our Economic Development Director Brigid Keating. She wrote ”Originally, they planned to sell the site. The direction they are currently pursuing is to maintain ownership and look for a private joint-venture partner for the site. Since they are a private property owner and national firm, we are looking at public-private partnership opportunities to help influence a successful outcome on the site. We are continuing conversations with them as they decide which direction to go.”
TRADER JOE’S BUYS THE KING SOOPERS BUILDING?
I heard this a few weeks back and reached out to Director Keating again. She too had heard this rumor, her reply, “I reached out to the brokerage firm that represents both King Soopers and Trader Joe’s. They confirmed that King Soopers did not sell the site.”
95TH AND ARAPAHOE?
This is a more recent location that has entered the rumor mill. On Dec 7th I contacted Director Keating again, her reply:
“ Hi Karen,
Thanks for reaching out. Trader Joe's is currently evaluating potential sites across the Denver metro region, including within Lafayette. With that said, nothing is official or finalized. I wish I could provide a better update, but that is where Trader Joe's currently stands.
Thanks!
Brigid Keating
Economic Development Director”
THE RED BARN ON BASELINE?
This one made me laugh. The red barn on Baseline is part of the Thomas Open Space property which is owned by the city, is part of our open space holdings, purchased with open space funds, and by law cannot be sold without a vote of the people. We have very specific criteria regarding what can be done with open space properties. Regarding Thomas Open Space we enter into a lease agreement with a farmer for the land and the barn. Ain’t gonna happen here.
How am I so sure about this one? If you’ve read my “about” page you might have seen this “In 2000, I went to City Administrator Gary Klaphake with a crazy idea and kept going back until it came to fruition. That idea became the Thomas Open Space Farm, an accomplishment I am so proud of.” Need more proof? There is a plaque with my name on it in the barn.
At this point I am leaning toward this being a clever advertising scheme by the company to get people talking. It feels like clerks are being told to tell people all kinds of locations for a new store so the word will spread. Hey, that’s no crazier than the red barn location! Will they open a store here? I can’t imagine the city administration not being interested. I know many residents would like to see one. Not long after Director Keating was hired I sent her an email telling her that if she could get them here people might erect a statue of her in Festival Plaza. Riding a unicorn.
CANNON MINE COFFEE
The long-time staple on Public Road closed earlier this year. Some major work is happening both inside and out before Little Herbal Apothecary, currently located at Public and Cleveland, moves in.
In July the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority (LURA) approved an Economic Development Agreement (EDA) with the property owners Karen and Jeff Van Dehy. Karen’s Company occupies half of the building. The EDA will assist with the construction project and rent abatement via a loan of $282,009.42. It also states the space shall be leased to Little Herbal Apothecary for no less than five years.
A couple of tidbits, the owner of Little Herbal Apothecary, Faith Rogers, is a member of LURA. She received advice on the lease agreement from LURA member Luke Arrington. Both members recused themselves from this agenda item.
One LURA member, Kate Williams, voted no on the EDA with the remaining members voting to approve.
607 S. PUBLIC RD - THE FORMER ELIZABETH’S EMBELLISHMENTS
If you are trying to picture this it’s the building south of the post office.
City planning staff tell me the building is being divided into three spaces. I have no info on the occupants. Originally the plan was to give it a more modern makeover. But thanks to our Historic Preservation Board the owners are renovating and updating the façade retaining some of the 1924 Art Deco character.
LAFAYETTE FLORIST MOVING TO ERIE
After 75 years on Public Rd Lafayette Florist has announced they are selling their building, not their business, to a well known and trusted family-owned business that will open a garden center. Lafayette Florist will move to the Arapahoe Shopping Center in Erie, on 287 where the Safeway is located. This has led to speculation about the new owners but I have nothing solid to share about that!
Edited to add: After this post went live I was told there are job postings for McGuckin’s and the address is 600 S. Public Rd, which is the Lafayette Florist address. Take that as you will!
Edited to add: McGuckin’s did not proceed with the contract.
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