The former Dutch Flower Market in the 2000 block of University Boulevard just south of the Spicy Pickle sandwich shop was reduced to rubble on Dec. 4.
It will be replaced by a single-story food establishment leased to an as-yet undisclosed tenant, says Marty Canino, general partner of the family that has owned the building for decades. Opening is scheduled for spring or sooner.
Building plans and selection of a tenant are still being finalized, Canino says, but the field has narrowed sharply from the extensive local and national-chain interest in the space that began when the flower shop moved out last year.
The 1,800-square-foot retail business was demolished rather than remodeled due to the extensive work it required, says Canino, who attended the University of Denver in 1977–78 before leaving to manage family business interests. Among these was the former Piccolo’s restaurant on East Evans Avenue.
“We’re looking at it to be a family-owned business,” Canino says of the new venture.
Canino says the growth of DU and the construction of new residences on South University Boulevard have driven business opportunities in the area and elevated rents.
Among the newest retailers to open are Jamba Juice and TCF Bank in the University Lofts building on the northeast corner of University Boulevard and East Evans Avenue. The opening of a third business in the building — Jordan’s Bistro and Pub — has been delayed, a spokesperson says.