Developers offer to move Evergreen’s El Rancho Colorado across the road

Evergreen s El Rancho Colorado a legendary roadside eatery along Interstate that closed its doors late last year is now seeking a new owner or operator Earlier this year QuickTrip purchased the land where El Rancho sits for million and plans to begin construction in However the convenience store and gas station chain has agreed to allow the relocation of the El Rancho structure across the road if a new owner is determined The -year-old restaurant and events venue is available for sale with an asking price of million that includes about million worth of nearly-new brewing equipment However the clock is ticking and a new owner operator must be identified within the next sparse months or the structure may be demolished This new location boasts far better views of the Continental Divide and high visibility for travelers on I- noted JLL Senior Vice President Stephen Markey who together with JLL Senior Sales Broker Sarah Sparks is marketing El Rancho for sale on behalf of Observatory Holdings LLC El Rancho was originally built as a roadhouse for travelers and that s the legacy we all hope continues It lost that visibility when Highway was replaced by I- as the main direction west As part of the plan to move the building from its original location developers Observatory Holdings have designated a lot for El Rancho in their rise directly across U S once a new owner operator is identified QuikTrip purchased the current El Rancho site earlier this year and plans to break ground in but is looking to confirm an owner operator for the former restaurant before engaging in the process of moving the structure across the street Image from JLL listing brochure While there is no obligation to move El Rancho we see this as a unique opportunity to breathe new life into this business stated Jack Buchanan on behalf of the developers Buchanan alongside Denver developer Travis McAfoos purchased the restaurant and acres of surrounding land out of bankruptcy in November before selling to QuickTrip In addition to the improved location placing it on a new foundation will eliminate a lot of the costly infrastructure issues that plagued the business in newest decades and will set the site up for success for years to come he explained Colorado-based Mammoth Movers was consulted to discuss the viability of moving El Rancho across the street according to a Friday morning news release of the sale listing Mammoth proven that it is realizable to move the historic part of the building including the old post office bar main dining room and upper level Structural engineers have also been on-site and endorsed the move s feasibility Developers will not move El Rancho unless a new owner operator has been identified The new location will offer frontage along I- mountain views ample parking a future patio a -barrel brewing system and strong visibility for events and travelers alike Additionally it will benefit from proximity to a Marriott-branded hotel planned for an adjacent lot Site plan image from JLL listing brochure The costs associated with the move are substantial and it makes no sense to undertake this unless someone has stepped up to own operate the business Buchanan explained If no one is interested it may be the end of the road for El Rancho If a new owner operator is identified the developers propose to complete prep work on the new site build a new foundation and move the El Rancho structure Related Articles Brewery near Red Rocks Amphitheatre announces closure QuikTrip pays M for El Rancho site near Evergreen How Evergreen s famed El Rancho absolutely unraveled Historic El Rancho in Evergreen opening this fall as a brewpub The new building owner would then complete renovations giving them control over costs and preferences regarding finishing the property Expected investors may also be available for the right owner operator JLL plans to offer a type of open house for interested parties including tours of El Rancho and the new location on Aug and Sept Markey stated The Post that the property has already sparked interest among promising buyers A new Marriott-branded hotel is planned in the new maturation site where El Rancho would be moved Get more business news by signing up for our On The Block newsletter