Since the September 19, 2023 update, City staff and CASTO have continued to evaluate the best path forward for the Downtown Development Project. While pursuing this effort, CASTO and the City re-engaged with representatives of a grocer who previously had expressed interest in the site but could not be accommodated due to other programming of the site. Those conversations were very productive and resulted in CASTO and the grocer executing a Letter of Intent (LOI).
This grocer offers smaller, mixed use neighborhood markets serving local, urban communities. With a much smaller footprint (30,000-40,000 square feet) than a typical big box suburban grocery store, the neighborhood market concept stores operate similar to a boutique grocer that fits well with Lakewood’s priorities for the downtown development site.
While smaller in overall size, these stores still offer a wide assortment of merchandise including fresh meat and deli items, fresh produce, a bakery, and both value and national brand items. Additionally, this grocer is renowned for their efforts in carrying thousands of local products – from fresh produce to artisan groceries and more – as well as hosting educational and community events. The neighborhood markets also offer a café serving local coffees, beverages, and meals prepared from local foods.
The addition of a grocer to the project also:
- Fulfills a market need with specialty grocery and provides additional grocery options in Lakewood instead of resident income “leaking” to neighboring communities;
- Complements our existing local, independent downtown businesses;
- Activates the site with mixed use development that is compatible and supportive of the surroundings;
- Provides additional opportunities for fresh, quality foods;
- Creates new and better opportunities for public and green space in the site; and
- Maintains all of the original development objectives the community established in pursuing this development.
As a result of the LOI being executed, City staff and CASTO have started to dive deeper into the design elements that will accommodate the neighborhood market footprint. The previous layout of the site remains largely intact, including the provision of central public space. While there is work to be done to finalize the site and building design as well as to convert the LOI into a lease agreement, the City anticipates receiving a formal submittal for these aspects of the project in the near future.
Watch the 4.22.24 Committee of the Whole Meeting below discussing the Downtown Development Project.