A Colorado Coca-Cola distributor is looking to strike a $271 million deal with Denver International Airport to build a new bottling plant on its property. If the project is approved, it’s a big win for the airport’s commercial development plans.<\/p>\n
A subsidiary of Swire Coca-Cola USA, which produces, sells and distributes the beverage throughout most of Colorado, is seeking to secure a 75-year ground lease to build the manufacturing plant, according to a March 23 proposal. The new facility would replace both its production center at 3825 York St. and its sales center at 2145 E. 40th Ave.<\/p>\n
If finalized, Swire would lease 97 acres east of Tower Road and north of Pe\u00f1a Boulevard, with more than 1 million square feet of new construction. Denver City Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, April 5, to consider the lease agreement, according to a meeting agenda.<\/p>\n
“As part of our long-term planning and growth goals, we are seeking to lease property near Denver International Airport for potential future business use,” said Swire Coca-Cola USA spokesperson Jenifer Freeman in a Friday email. “While no final decisions have been made, we plan to keep the community informed about potential future development of the site.”<\/p>\n
The move represents the next chapter in the Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola battle in Colorado. Last year, PepsiCo Beverages North America announced its plan to open its largest U.S. plant in Denver this summer.<\/p>\n
It bought more than 150 acres at the Denver High Point development area near DIA to replace its facility at 3801 Brighton Blvd.<\/p>\n
On Coca-Cola’s end, Swire plans to put $350-500 million into the project, with the airport also putting up to $10 million for infrastructure work, according to the proposal. Swire aims to create up to 200 new jobs as a result.<\/p>\n
The company would be given three opportunities to extend its lease by eight years each, with the potential to reach a total of 99 years. It’s also presented with a right of first refusal for 30 extra acres.<\/p>\n
The airport is marketing for commercial development, with a real estate team dedicated to “a visionary master plan to transform 16,000 acres of commercial airport land at Denver International Airport,” according to DEN Real Estate.<\/p>\n
The airport first received an inquiry from Swire with its interest in the site, said DIA spokesperson Alex Renteria.<\/p>\n
“This development will be the first within our Second Creek Campus District, and is a prime location for light manufacturing and distribution use,” Renteria said in a Friday email, adding that it would keep more than 700 jobs within Denver.<\/p>\n
Swire Coca-Cola USA serves 13 states, including most of Colorado. In the Centennial State, it operates eight facilities with 1,250 employees, Freeman said.<\/p>\n