“This project is, to us, more than just something to make money off of—it’s for the community."”

– Ben Meyers, Tebo Properties

NEDERLAND — The line at the Train Cars Coffee and Kava stretched all the way to the back of the caboose, as more and more former tenants of the Caribou Village Shopping Center gathered for the first anniversary of the tragic Lakeview Fire.  

Nederland business owners had already planned to meet to catch up and commiserate over coffee and tea on October 9, 2026, but the day ended up bringing a new statement from state authorities, extra attention from major news outlets, and Tebo Properties’ detailed plans for the new center.

The year had worn on each person differently, as many expressed feeling shock that a year had gone by, while simultaneously being in disbelief of all that’s happened in that time. Most businesses have moved to new locations—some quickly and with luck on their side, others through struggle and their own tenacity. All have experienced hardship and frustration in the wake of great loss. 

Sitting in the Train Cars’ front courtyard, staring at the hill of dirt where the shopping center used to stand, the group of survivors spoke about their new spaces and shared their plans for the future, as they dissected the statement from the Colorado Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

What once was a place full of life is now a blank canvas, waiting for Tebo Properties to plan a new development—perhaps utilizing the thoughts of Nederland residents.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

“We know this fire devastated the tight-knit Nederland community, not only on an economic level, but on a deeply personal one,” reads a statement written by Special Agent Brice McCracken and sent to The Mountain-Ear to be published to the Nederland community at 5 a.m. Friday morning.

“Caribou Village was a local hub where memories were made, friendships were built, and communities were forged. We recognize this tremendous loss, and understand the frustration that naturally comes with waiting for answers. 

“We cannot provide an exact publication date for our final report. However, we can confirm that we are currently in the final stages of technical review and laboratory testing. Once finalized, our findings will be provided directly to the Nederland Fire Protection District and partner public safety agencies. The report will become available via a Freedom of Information Act request once local authorities deem the overall investigation is closed.”

Joining the group was Ben Meyers of Tebo Properties, who treated everyone to drinks and presented detailed designs and preliminary renderings of the new shopping center. Meyers announced that the company planned to apply for permits with the Town of Nederland on that Friday, and the project was expected to break ground in the spring of 2027, with a hopeful 2028 completion. 

The group of business owners were curious about the designs. Some knew they were not going to move again, a few had expressed interest in having a space in the new shopping center, while others stayed neutral or pragmatic, as a lot can happen in two to three years. 

Meyers detailed how the new building will be constructed with fire-resistant materials and will be “fully sprinklered.” A center atrium is designed to split the building in the middle, creating an open environment with skylights for natural lighting. Patio space will be returning for spots facing Lakeview Drive from the second floor and those around the atrium.

Additionally, a kids’ play area will be built on the side closest to the Carousel of Happiness, and many landscape features will be created out of decontaminated steel from the old building. 

Many of the 24 units will be designed with flexibility in mind, as they will already come installed with the necessary plumbing, HVAC, and ventilation required for a variety of businesses, including a brewery or restaurant. Previous tenants will have the ability to reclaim their old locations, if interested, and will most likely be awarded an allowance to work with Tebo’s architects or their own on planning out their space. 

 The group had questions and suggestions for Meyers about the new building regarding ADA accessibility, the possibility of installing underground heaters for the lower floor sidewalks, and about the projected rents for the units. 

Despite many having already settled into new locations, the former tenants reviewed Tebo Properties' preliminary designs and plans for a new shopping center.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

Meyers fielded all questions, assuring Tebo Properties will work with their architects and consider certain suggestions regarding the placement of handicap parking spaces and the potential for putting in elevators for greater accessibility. He also addressed the question of rents, though he stated the company has not yet factored in the cost of construction of the new building. 

“We’re going to try our best to keep it close to what the prices were before,” Meyers said. “This project is, to us, more than just something to make money off of—it’s for the community. So we’ll work with everybody, especially the previous tenants, to find a way to make this work.”