More Markets for Mesa Ridge - Fountain

City of Fountain Press Release

Groundbreaking illustrates Fountain preparation for 5,000 new troops in 2009

Fountain races to meet demands of current residents and new troops’ families


Fountain is getting ready for the estimated 5,000 new troops expected to come in 2009. Studies have shown pent up demand for retail in the vastly underserved market of the Fountain Valley, so retailers are opening new stores.

“The Fountain valley is a market unto its own trade area,” says Lisa Cochrun, Fountain Economic Development Director. “People chose to live here because our small town atmosphere attracts them. We share two gates with Fort Carson; we expect retail to further boom as Fort Carson expands. It should be a highlight in an otherwise gloomy economy.”

Commute time analysis shows new troops are most likely to locate close to the post.
The Markets at Mesa Ridge has scheduled a groundbreaking with the Fountain Mayor Jeri Howells at 8:30AM August 13th on the site at Mesa Ridge Parkway (Powers Boulevard) and Fountain Mesa Road. Shops D tenants include Ent Federal Credit Union, Little Caesars Pizza and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Construction should take approximately 6 months – project complete in February of 2009.
The Markets at Mesa Ridge, LLC is a joint venture between a California-based real estate investment company and members of the Janitell family. The development started in 2001 with the construction of Safeway and Shops A, and will include over 500,000 SF of commercial development when complete. Current national tenants open and operating include Safeway, Lowe's, Walgreens, Advance Auto, Sonic, Subway, Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, Carl’s Jr. ... (the list goes on). Future phases of development include two approximate 6,700-SF pad buildings with drive-thru access to junior-box buildings that will accommodate larger users ranging from 10,000 to over 50,000 SF.

The Markets at Mesa Ridge are just 5 minutes away from Interstate 25 and Fort Carson gate 20, which handles about a quarter of the post’s traffic.

“What our studies show is sustainable demand for electronics, clothing, casual sit-down name brand restaurants, recreation and amusement centers, medical services, sporting goods, hobby stores, a movie theatre… all the things families want close to home.”

At build out, the Fountain Valley will have a population of 217,460. Right now the valley’s population is around 96,000. New apartment buildings and housing developments are planned and the I-25 interchange and bridge at Exit 132 is going up in faster than expected.

The August 13th morning groundbreaking at the Markets at Mesa Ridge is just the beginning,” said Rich Walker of First Properties, broker for the shopping center.