A plan to redevelop land on the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center appears closer to reality this week after Denver mayor Michael Hancock reported that the city and an independent developer are negotiating with the supermarket giant King Soopers to put a store on the site.

The area—just off Colorado Boulevard—has been a point of contention among residents who opposed an initial redevelopment proposal that would have made Wal-Mart the site’s retail anchor. The Arkansas-based company backed out of its plan in October after residents voiced their disapproval in community meetings and with protest signs that lined nearby neighborhoods.

The King Soopers store would be just one part of a larger plan that would redevelop the 28.5-acre site. According to a press release from the city, the developers are “reviewing proposals [that] include… a potential hotel and possible senior-living options.” Additional tenants also are negotiating space at the site and include Vitamin Cottage, Larkburger, and Chase Bank.

“The city and our partners have worked tirelessly for nearly a decade to create a development at 9th and Colorado that the neighbors—and the entire city—can be proud of,” the mayor said, according to the press release. “Although negotiations are ongoing, I am excited at the prospect of one of Denver’s best-known and respected retailers stepping forward to work with us in fulfilling our vision for this area.”

Any redevelopment would need approval from Denver’s city council.

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