A land deal for a proposed 1.9 million-square-foot digital media and technology campus in Parker — touted by Gov. John Hickenlooper last summer as a potential steppingstone toward growing a “more mature film business” in Colorado — has fallen through.
Redbarre Cos., the Denver-based media and tech consulting firm behind the project, announced Friday that it has given up on its plans — for now, at least — to build its campus in the south metro town’s Compark Village subdivision after negotiations with the landowner deadlocked.
A media release issued on behalf of Redbarre did not provide details on what led to the impasse but said the company “remains fully committed to build in Colorado” and will pursue other land opportunities.
The release called the campus a billion-dollar project. When plans were first announced in August, Redbarre officials indicated it could create more than 4,000 full-time jobs. The 70-acre project, which was to be centered on a 75,000-square-foot sound stage, also included retail, office and exhibition spaces.
Officials with the Compark Business Campus Metropolitan District did not respond to requests for comment Friday. The district, which includes pieces of Parker and unincorporated Douglas County, is north of E-470 and west of Chambers Road. American Furniture Warehouse operates a regional distribution center there.
Parker Mayor Mike Waid said he was not involved in the land-deal negotiations but wishes that both sides could have reached an agreement. Waid appeared at an event with Hickenlooper and Redbarre CEO Don Levy, an entrepreneur and former media executive, at the Capitol building in August touting the project’s potential.
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“It’s disappointing when a project that would be so positive for our community has to end in a situation like this,” Waid said. “I very much hope that Parker is still in consideration.”
Panasonic, which has its smart-city business CityNow near Denver International Airport, teamed with Redbarre in May, although details were not announced. The global technology firm, which helps cities develop smarter infrastructure, has installed smart street lights, air and noise monitors, and wireless internet.
“Panasonic CityNow is working with RedBarre to provide smart district master planning services to make the development as smart, efficient and sustainable as feasible, and will serve our customer regardless of final campus location,” said George Karayannis, vice president of Panasonic CityNow.
Andy Boian, a spokesman for the project, said Friday’s announcement does not mean Compark is out of the running for the project, only that Redbarre has “released (itself) from the contractual obligations on the land at this time.”
Denver Post staff writer Tamara Chuang contributed to this report.
