Fort Collins executives paved the way for Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply to take the next step in the redevelopment of the former Midtown JCPenney store that has been vacant for two years.
Murdoch’s rep John Aitchison said they hope to be open by the end of the year, but there are still a few small things to sort out before construction can begin.
Murdoch’s currently has 13 stores in Colorado, including Greeley and Longmont as well as others in Nebraska, Idaho and Wyoming. Opening in Fort Collins allows Murdoch to better serve its customers, Aitchison said. “We realize that Fort Collins is booming and we want to be able to serve our customers there so they don’t have to leave town.”
Murdoch’s plans to lease the building now owned by Boniuk Interests Ltd. of San Jacinto, Texas, according to Larimer County property records.
Downtown revitalization:The Midtown Fort Collins group wants the area to be a place where people ‘must go and want to stay’
Fort Collins Senior Zoning Inspector Missy Nelson approved a Murdoch’s request to install a new front facade with covered storage and a Murdoch panel, install a fenced storage yard in the front parking lot and Improve landscaping as needed to meet city requirements.
In April, Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply applied for planning permission to begin renovations to the 99,351 square foot Midtown store at 135 Bockman Drive.
The permit includes interior and exterior renovations such as new checkout counters, change rooms, jeans lockers, storage areas and updated finishes.
Murdoch’s has a nearly 30-year history in the Mountain West, opening its first store in Bozeman, Montana, in 1994. Two years later, the store moved to larger premises and began an expansion that spanned to dozens of stores in five states and approximately 1,300 employees.
Pat Ferrier is a senior reporter covering business, health care and growing issues in Northern Colorado. Contact her at [email protected] Please support his work and that of other Colorado journalists by purchasing a subscription today.
Comments are closed.