DENVER (KDVR) — An agreement has been put in place for a long-time local bicycle shop to purchase the relocated landmark El Rancho building, but county approval is still needed.
The Evergreen Bicycle Outfitters has operated in the mountain town for 23 years, and plans to move its current shop to the main floor of the El Rancho space, as well as reinstate the original brewery and upstairs lodging, to the historic structure in an effort to revitalize it.
Photos: Inside historic El Rancho as owners speak out on community concerns
However, before that can happen, the developer, Observatory Holdings, is seeking approval from the county for a metro district. Sherry Buchanan, a partner in Observatory Holdings and 1948 Holdings, told FOX31 in September 2024 that she and her husband, Jack, had purchased the building out of bankruptcy to save it from demolition.
The developers said Monday that approval from the county on a metro district would mean the historic building could be relocated across Highway 40 to join The Observatory, a development that will have food, beverage and retail concepts, as well as a 112-key Marriott. The development will be in the same location as the old Observatory bar that was demolished in January 2024 near Interstate 70 and Evergreen Parkway…