The City of Westminster has announced that a new approach will be taken in the redevelopment of the former Westminster Mall site. Last year the city approved a plan based around a single developer, but now the city has decided to take a "block by block" approach. The aim of this development is to turn the site into Westminster's downtown. The former mall site consists of 105 acres near the intersection of U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard. According to the city, the plan is to transform the site into walkable and bicycle friendly urban development. The new plan will utilize a variety of developers to create a mixed-use development that will feature residential, office and retail space. The city anticipates this will bring variety to the site. “Downtowns traditionally have developed on a block-by-block basis, and that’s key to achieving our goal of a true downtown,” said Deputy City Manager Jody Andrews, who is leading the project team. “Because we control most of the land, we can bring a great synergy to discussions with potential development partners.” The city plans to begin work this summer with infrastructure improvements to roadways and utilities. Westminster is currently looking for developers to shape this project. Westminster Mall opened in 1977. Beginning in the 1990s the mall struggled to retain tenants and attract shoppers and a steady decline continued into the 2000s with the mall officially closing for good in 2011. The city purchased the land after the mall closed. “We’re taking the lead in this development in a time where our Colorado economy is quickly expanding,” said Westminster Mayor Herb Atchison. “We’re confident we are on the right track to achieve our community’s vision for a vibrant downtown.” Last year Westminster was in negotiations with developer Oliver McMillan to develop the entire site, but the sides were not able to strike a deal. “We respect the developments that OliverMcMillan has done around the country, and we worked hard to find a way to bring them to the site,” said Westminster City Manager Don Tripp. “But ultimately we could not agree on a deal that worked financially for the city and would help us achieve this bold vision of an urban downtown.”