Is Belmar Up for Sale?

I've heard a rumor that GF Properties Group, the investment arm of the Southern Utes and the majority owner of Belmar, is looking at putting Belmar on the market. The speculation is that the Southern Utes, whose reservation sits on large natural gas deposits, need to free up cash to compensate for falling energy prices. 

The Southern Utes, through GF Properties Group, have been good for Belmar, staying true for the most part to the original vision of Belmar as a vibrant, urban center. 

If they do decide to sell, we'll have to look carefully for signs that the new owners remain as committed to that vision.

Belmar Loses Its Farmers Market

Belmar's summer farmers market-- which for nearly a decade set up shop along Alaska Drive before moving last year to the Best Buy parking lot-- is officially gone for good, according to a press release issued last month on www.belmarcolorado.com.

I don't have any information as to why Belmar and its farmers market parted ways. I personally enjoyed having it around, but more as background ambiance. I rarely bought anything at the market. If this was a common experience, then that may be the explanation. Or maybe it has something to do with Sprouts opening up their new downtown Lakewood store. Really, I don't know.

The press release from Belmar mentions a new farmers market setting up shop later this summer/fall on the corner of Alameda and Garrison. This is outside of walking distance from most of downtown Lakewood, but would be an easy bike ride following the Alameda bikeway.