by Carin Kirkegaard

A proposal to develop a 12.23-acre parcel of commercially-zoned land in Castle Pines North (CPN) has been filed with the Douglas County Planning Division. The site lies directly north of the intersection of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road, between the Douglas County Montessori School to the east, and the Xcel power line corridor to the west.

Walgreens Pharmacy will be the first of five businesses that will eventually fill the proposed shopping center (see the map located on page 3.) According to Walgreens Pharmacy corporate offices, the 12,000 square foot store will open in November 2007, and have a drive-thru pharmacy. Only 30 percent of Walgreens Pharmacy stores are open 24 hours, but the hours of operation for the CPN store have not yet been determined.

According to the conceptual plans submitted with the County, there are two changes to the roadway infrastructure north of Castle Pines Parkway. The proposal currently shows the expansion of Lagae Road extending north into the new shopping center and connecting with a proposed street, Max Drive.

“Our focus at this step in the process is on how the developer is dealing with the traffic flow in relation to the Montessori School, as well as the increased traffic that the new development will bring,” said Bill Ader, Chairperson for the CPN Master Association’s Architecture and Design Review Committee.

The plans submitted by developer Anxon, Inc., indicated the building design of the Walgreens Pharmacy would be similar in style and design to CPN’s King Soopers Shopping Center.

Plans and businesses for the other four sites have not been determined. It is anticipated that the development of the remaining commercial sites will quickly follow upon final approval of Walgreens. Before construction begins, however, there is a lengthy process that must occur with Douglas County. During this time, there will be opportunity for CPN and other surrounding communities to submit recommendations to the County regarding signage, lighting, traffic, deliveries, and other areas of concern.

Currently, the Architecture and Design Review Committee is drafting a response with recommendations to file with the County. To find out more about this committee or for more information, please e-mail Bill Ader at www.drc@cpnhoa.org.