415,000-SF IKEA Construction On Track

CENTENNIAL, CO-Steel framing on the 415,000-square-foot IKEA here has progressed far enough that installation of the iconic blue composite panels has begun on its future Denver-area store, set to open next fall. Installation of the blue panels is a construction milestone that ensures the store will open fall 2011, and reflects the unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide, according to a prepared statement. 

Also, reflecting a commitment to sustainable building practices, IKEA Centennial will be the first US IKEA store to integrate a geothermal system into its heating and cooling system. “With the store’s structure significantly formed and blue paneling now going up, we definitely are on track for a grand opening next fall,” says Doug Greenholz, IKEA US real estate manager. “We hope to be enclosed fully after the New Year, and cannot wait to open IKEA Centennial in fall 2011.  We know there are many Denver-area customers who are excited for us to open, including more than 50,000 customers in Colorado who currently are driving great distances to shop at our stores.”