Citadel Crossing Shopping Center
975 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
975 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nestled at the bustling intersection of Academy Boulevard and East Platte Avenue, Citadel Crossing Shopping Center stands out as the premier power center in Colorado Springs, CO. Boasting 488,494 square feet of retail space sprawled across a 31.68-acre site, this open-air complex marries convenience with variety to serve a thriving trade area of more than 121,000 residents within a three-mile radius. Since opening its doors in 1988, Citadel Crossing has continued to attract retailers and diners alike, drawing 86,430 vehicles past its entrances each day and welcoming over 639,000 annual visitors.
Citadel Crossing Shopping Center
Citadel Crossing’s design and tenant mix reflect both the evolving needs of modern shoppers and the enduring appeal of anchor-driven retail. At its heart sits Lowe’s Home Improvement, a nationally recognized anchor that provides the center with a stable traffic generator. Complementing this are national and regional favorites ranging from quick-service dining at Chick-fil-A to the value-priced selections at Five Below and Dollar Tree. Footwear and specialty retailers such as Red Wing Shoe Store stand alongside family-friendly dining at Black Bear Diner, and entertainment options like Picture Show Entertainment ensure that Citadel Crossing remains more than just a place to shop it is a destination for everyday errands, special outings, and leisurely weekends alike.
A Diverse Tenant Mix that Drives Repeat Visits
The true strength of Citadel Crossing lies in its thoughtfully curated combination of home improvement, discount, dining, and entertainment options. Lowe’s Home Improvement anchors one end of the center with a full spectrum of building materials, appliances, and garden supplies, reinforcing the center’s role as a resource for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors. Immediately adjacent, Chick-fil-A offers a quick-service dining option that capitalizes on the high visibility along Academy Boulevard, while Black Bear Diner provides a counterpoint with its hearty, made-from-scratch comfort food. Discount retailers Five Below and Dollar Tree add an element of budget-friendly discovery, making Citadel Crossing appealing to families, college students, and value-conscious shoppers.
Moreover, specialty tenants such as Red Wing Shoe Store elevate the center’s appeal by offering premium work and casual footwear, while Picture Show Entertainment transforms Citadel Crossing into an evening destination with its movie theater setting. This combination encourages extended visits and repeat foot traffic, as patrons can seamlessly transition from browsing hardware aisles to catching the latest film release.
Strategic Location and Demographic Reach
Strategically positioned at 975 N Academy Blvd, Citadel Crossing benefits from the region’s expanding residential and commercial growth corridors. The center’s primary draw is fueled by more than 17,200 people living within a mile, escalating to over 121,400 people within a three-mile radius. This dense population base, characterized by an average household income of $64,203 in the three-mile trade area, provides a robust consumer pool for both established and emerging retailers.
Furthermore, Academy Boulevard’s status as a major north-south arterial thoroughly integrates Citadel Crossing into Colorado Springs’ transportation network, providing easy ingress and egress for commuters and local residents alike. The center’s ample parking facilities and pedestrian-friendly design ensure that visitors experience minimal friction, thereby enhancing overall satisfaction and dwell time.
Competitive Advantages and Future Outlook
Citadel Crossing’s standout advantage is its status as the largest contiguous power center in Colorado Springs. This distinction not only elevates its visibility among competing retail destinations but also enables scale economies in leasing and marketing. The presence of a robust anchor lineup underpins rent stability, while the center’s ongoing improvements and modernization initiatives continue to attract new tenants that align with shifting consumer preferences.
Looking ahead, Citadel Crossing is well positioned to capitalize on the area’s residential expansion and the growing trend toward experiential retail. Planned enhancements ranging from enhanced landscaping and seating areas to potential outdoor event spaces—are poised to further cement Citadel Crossing’s reputation as a one-stop hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Conclusion
In sum, Citadel Crossing Shopping Center at 975 N Academy Blvd embodies the synergy of location, tenant diversity, and demographic strength. Its substantial retail footprint, coupled with high daily traffic counts and a compelling mix of national anchors and specialty retailers, establishes it as a premier destination within Colorado Springs. Whether patrons come for home improvement essentials, crave a quick bite, or seek an evening at the movies, Citadel Crossing remains the go-to power center that consistently delivers variety, convenience, and value.
