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USOC wants deal to remain in Springs

Developers told more housing, offices needed

Rich Laden, The Gazette

Published October 17, 2007 at midnight

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COLORADO SPRINGS - The US Olympic Committee wants 90,000 square feet of prime downtown office space and 200 new residences for athletes if it's going to remain in Colorado Springs.

City officials invited four Springs real estate companies to submit proposals on providing such facilities - part of an effort by community leaders to dissuade the organization from moving its administrative offices and an Olympic Training Center out of the city.

Two of the firms said Monday that they've responded.

Realty Development Services has said the USOC could move to Cooper Tower, a more than 20-story retail, hotel and residential building the company has proposed for Nevada Avenue and Kiowa Street.

Classic Cos. also has submitted a proposal. The city has told developers the USOC needs a variety of housing needs. The USOC also needs parking for 240 employees at its downtown offices and would like retail space as part of any project, with an anchor in place by April 30. Construction on offices would begin June 18.

The Gazette examined a copy of the document sent to developers after city officials, including Mayor Lionel Rivera, denied the newspaper's request for the information. City officials also refused to provide copies of correspondence with the USOC. City officials cite a portion of the Colorado Open Records Act that they say allows such information to be kept private if parties outside the city expect the communications to remain confidential.

First Amendment attorney Steve Zansberg, who represents The Gazette, said it's difficult to accept at face value the city's assertion the USOC wanted all of its communication to be kept confidential.

The USOC acknowledged this month it was evaluating relocation proposals from other cities, which has sent Springs city officials and leaders scrambling to keep the USOC here. They fear losing millions annually in economic impact and prestige.