The abandoned King Soopers store at West 20th Avenue and Depew Street will in all probability be the new Edgewater Civic Center in the near future.

A public meeting was held Aug. 23 in Citizens’ Park. The approximately 80 people attending seemed to be in accordance with the City Council and Mayor John Fox, who approved an economic development plan completed in December 2001 by Progressive Urban Associates. The plan included a recommendation for purchase of the property for a civic center.

The center would include all city offices, council chambers, police department, courtroom, parks and recreation department, possible indoor court/gym, classrooms, and fire department and public works administrative offices.

The present fire hall and equipment would be relocated from West 25th Avenue and Gray Street to the present public works building at West 20th Avenue and Harlan Street.

Street equipment and other public works vehicles still would be housed at the location but in a building behind the fire department so as not to interfere with the fire bays facing West 20th Avenue.

The plan also calls for a park-like extension of the civic center grounds to connect with the south side of Citizens’ Park.

Even though the store moved to new and more spacious quarters at the Edgewater Market Place, West 20th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard in May 2001, King Soopers still owns the six-acre site, which is the largest single-ownership property within the city.

The economic development planners strongly suggested the city purchase the site as a civic center. It would be a convenience to residents as well as the city, which would have all departments at a central location under one roof. It would also result in a larger recreational facility.

The preliminary estimate of the purchase price for the site is $1.6 million. City officials are planning to utilize various funding resources and grant monies for purchase and renovation so city revenues will not be affected.

The economic development plan also included design guidelines for rehabilitation of the West 25th Avenue corridor, which is already under way.

Meetings for public input will be held concerning the West 20th Avenue location and development of the civic center.