Castle Rock's Rivers Church buys strip mall, forcing two local businesses to close
Rivers Church in Castle Rock is set to buy a strip mall block near the Phillip & Jerry Miller Library. The deal, worth $4.5 million, will see the church take over as landlord for several longstanding businesses. However, two tenants—CrossFit Loop and Stumpy's Pizza—will need to close to make way for a new sanctuary.
The church has already raised 70% of the $4.5 million needed for the purchase. Once completed, it will own the entire block, including 140 South Wilcox, where businesses like Castle Rock Dance Academy and Stumpy's Pizza currently operate. Most existing tenants will remain under month-to-month leases after the church takes ownership on April 13.
The current building owner is selling the property to fund an affordable housing project in the Vail Valley. While many businesses can stay, CrossFit Loop and Stumpy's Pizza will lose their space. Stumpy's owner has said relocating is not financially viable, meaning the pizzeria may have to shut down permanently.
Castle Rock, a town of roughly 80,000 residents, has seen steady growth since 2020. The church's expansion reflects its increasing presence in the community, though the changes will displace some local favourites.
The deal will reshape part of the strip mall, with Rivers Church becoming the new landlord for most businesses. CrossFit Loop and Stumpy's Pizza, however, will close to allow the church to build its sanctuary. The transition begins on April 13, though the church will not immediately occupy the space.
