K
entro Group, a Denver-based firm led by the Balafas brothers, has decided not to pursue rezoning for a 7-acre retail site along Colorado Boulevard after facing opposition from nearby homeowners. The company will instead work within the existing three-story zoning.

    "We're still going to try to do something great here," said Kentro co-founder Jimmy Balafas. "We haven't fully determined what we'll do with the property, but we can likely fit 500 apartments under the current zoning."

    Kentro plans to buy the property from Kroger when King Soopers moves out of its current location on the site. The company had previously drawn up plans for a larger redevelopment project that included 12-story buildings, but neighbors were strongly opposed.

    "We didn't have one person raise their hand in support," Balafas said. "We expected pushback from those closest to the property, but we were surprised by how far-reaching the opposition was."

    The proposed rezoning would have allowed for more ground-floor retail space and a unique project with open spaces, similar to the 9+Co development nearby. However, working within the existing zoning will result in a more standard apartment project.

    Kentro is also considering keeping the existing shopping center and finding new tenants to replace King Soopers and fill vacant units. The company's decision not to pursue rezoning was influenced by the strong opposition from neighbors, who even hired a lobbyist and land-use lawyer to express their concerns.

    Balafas said he understands the community's perspective and is willing to work within the existing zoning. "Now we know what box we're working with," he said, allowing Kentro to move forward with determining a plan for the property.