SouthGlenn Redevelopment: New Apartments Planned in Centennial
The Streets at SouthGlenn has been part of Centennial's shopping and dining scene for years, but two of its largest former department stores could soon give way to housing. Alliance Residential Company has proposed 358 apartments on the former Macy's property, while the old Sears site is also being marketed for residential redevelopment.
Located at the southwest corner of Arapahoe Road and University Boulevard, SouthGlenn already has much of what developers look for when building a residential community: established retail, restaurants, grocery shopping, and surrounding neighborhoods. Adding apartments would bring more residents directly into the center rather than requiring them to drive there for everyday errands.
The two projects are moving at different speeds. Macy's has a formal development application under review and a preliminary opening target in 2028. Sears is further behind, with no application or construction timeline announced. Meanwhile, the existing shopping center is expected to continue operating as redevelopment plans take shape.
Former Macy's Site Could Bring 358 New Apartments
Alliance Residential submitted its application to the City of Centennial on April 30, 2026, proposing a five-story residential building on approximately 5.2 acres. The development would include studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with two-story townhome-style residences.
Plans also show landscaped courtyards, resident amenities, and approximately 557 garage parking spaces. Rather than building a traditional apartment complex separated from surrounding businesses, the proposal places residents within walking distance of SouthGlenn's existing stores and restaurants.
The developer's preliminary construction schedule calls for demolition of the former Macy's building during fall or winter 2026, followed by site preparation and construction in 2027. An opening is tentatively anticipated for summer or fall 2028.
That timeline isn't guaranteed. According to the City of Centennial's SouthGlenn redevelopment update, the application remained under review as of September 2026. The city had not established an approved construction schedule, and the developer's dates remain subject to change.
For renters interested in the future community, there are still plenty of unknowns. Rental rates, floor plans, leasing incentives, and final amenities haven't been released. The proposed opening is also far enough away that the apartment market could look considerably different by the time leasing begins.
The Former Sears Property Is Also Being Considered for Housing
On the opposite end of SouthGlenn, the former Sears building represents another opportunity for residential development. The property owner is marketing the site for that purpose, although no formal application had been submitted as of the city's September update.
That means there isn't a confirmed number of apartments, building design, developer schedule, or opening date. Any specific plans would need to go through the city's development review process before construction could begin.
SouthGlenn's existing zoning permits up to 1,125 residential units across the center. Currently, The Portola at SouthGlenn accounts for 214 apartments. Adding the proposed 358 units at Macy's would bring the total to 572, leaving capacity for additional housing elsewhere within the development.
The Sears property also comes with a public open-space requirement. Before residents can occupy the first new residential building on that parcel, at least 25,000 square feet of public open space must be provided along East Easter Avenue.
That could become an important addition to the south end of the center, particularly if the eventual development includes several hundred apartments. The precise design and use of the space will depend on whatever proposal is ultimately submitted.
SouthGlenn's Existing Shopping Isn't Going Away
For people who already shop at SouthGlenn, one of the biggest questions is what happens to the businesses between the two former department stores.
Whole Foods Market, Sephora, restaurants, and other retailers remain central to the shopping center's appeal. Their presence is also part of what makes the location attractive for new housing. Residents could walk to groceries, meet friends for dinner, or handle everyday errands without leaving the development.
In early 2026, The Luzzatto Company purchased approximately 100,000 square feet of retail property within SouthGlenn. The transaction did not include the former Macy's or Sears sites, and the city reported that no immediate tenant changes were expected because of the sale.
SouthGlenn's zoning also requires the center to maintain at least 621,000 square feet of retail space. Even with the former department-store buildings removed, the remaining shopping area would exceed that requirement under the city's reported figures.
The result is a redevelopment approach that adds residential density while retaining the commercial businesses already serving the surrounding neighborhoods. New apartments could bring more regular customers to those stores, although the eventual impact will depend on how the projects are designed and occupied.
Traffic and Parking Remain Major Questions
The proposed Macy's redevelopment has generated considerable public discussion, particularly among residents concerned about traffic along University Boulevard and Arapahoe Road.
During the city's public comment period, supporters pointed to the benefits of replacing an underused department-store property with housing. They also highlighted SouthGlenn's walkable layout and the opportunity to support existing businesses with additional residents.
Opponents raised concerns about congestion, parking, building density, infrastructure, and construction activity. Those are practical considerations in an area where major roads already carry substantial traffic during commuting and shopping hours.
As part of the development review, the applicant must provide a traffic impact assessment comparing the proposed apartments with the traffic assumptions in SouthGlenn's approved master plan. Depending on the results, the city could require further analysis or improvements involving intersections, turn lanes, or circulation.
The proposed garage would provide approximately 557 parking spaces for the new community, but parking capacity alone won't answer every question about traffic. The final assessment and city review will be important in determining whether additional changes are necessary.
Residents can review the proposal and public discussion through Centennial's former Macy's development page.
What This Means for Apartment Renters in Centennial
SouthGlenn occupies an established part of Centennial, with access to Arapahoe Road, University Boulevard, surrounding residential neighborhoods, and employment areas throughout the south Denver metro.
The Portola at SouthGlenn already offers apartment living within the shopping center. The proposed Macy's development would expand that residential presence with a broader mix of floor plans, potentially appealing to renters who want everyday conveniences close to home.
There is also a practical difference between renting near a future construction site and moving into a completed development. Depending on when demolition and construction begin, nearby residents and businesses could experience temporary changes to traffic patterns, parking access, noise, and pedestrian routes. The exact effects aren't known yet.
Anyone planning a move to Centennial in the near future should focus on existing apartment communities rather than waiting for an unapproved project with a tentative 2028 opening. There are established rental options throughout Centennial, Greenwood Village, and neighboring south Denver communities.
The next significant step for SouthGlenn will be the city's decision on the Macy's application. The Sears site could eventually bring another residential project, but its timeline remains much less certain.
As Centennial continues to grow and older commercial properties find new uses, SouthGlenn is worth watching. The center already has the shopping, restaurants, and neighborhood infrastructure that new mixed-use developments spend years trying to establish. What changes now is how many people may eventually call it home.
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