A contentious real estate transaction in Old Colorado City is now a thing of the past as Iowa-based Kum & Go announced this morning that it's canceling plans to purchase property from Goodwill between 23rd and 24th Streets. Kum & Go had originally sought to build on the 2.3-acre site, but according to a press release today, the company has decided to terminate the contract "in order to give the City and Goodwill an opportunity to find a buyer who is a better fit for preserving and enhancing Old Colorado City's historic atmosphere." The company has 10 locations in the Colorado Springs market, and plans more.

The full press release is as follows:

Kum & Go Forgoes Store Location in Old Colorado City

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – (Sept. 4, 2013) – Kum & Go has canceled its plans to purchase the property in Old Colorado City between North 23rd and 24th Streets.

Kum & Go originally agreed to purchase the property occupied by Discover Goodwill in order to build on the 2.3-acre site on the south side of Colorado Avenue. Today, the company announced its business decision to terminate the contract in order to give the City and Goodwill an opportunity to find a buyer who is a better fit for preserving and enhancing Old Colorado City’s historic atmosphere.

“We appreciate the input we received from the neighbors and community leaders about this project,” said Kolby Jones, Real Estate Development Representative for Kum & Go. “We value our partnership with Goodwill, and we hope that a suitable buyer will be found quickly.”

Kum & Go has opened 10 locations in the Colorado Springs market during the past 15 months and will continue with its growth plans in this community. Each of the new convenience stores have been designed and constructed to achieve LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The stores also support Kum & Go’s partnership with Community Intersections – providing recycling opportunities at the pump for customers and creating jobs for adults with disabilities.

Each year Kum & Go donates 10 percent of its profits to charitable causes in the communities it serves, including a recent donation of $15,000 from the company and its customers to the American Red Cross to help people and communities affected by the Colorado wildfires.

For more information about Kum & Go’s store locations, services and green initiatives, visit kumandgo.com. Customers can also find the latest promotions and news by “liking” Kum & Go on Facebook and following the convenience store chain on Twitter (@kumandgo).

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About Kum & Go, L.C. Kum & Go has maintained 50+ years of dedicated community commitment, each year sharing 10% of its profits with charitable and educational causes. Kum & Go is the fifth largest privately held, company-operated convenience store chain in the United States. Founded on exceptional customer service, Kum & Go is a pioneer in the convenience store industry. The family-owned company began in 1959, in Hampton, Iowa, and has grown to more than 420 convenience stores in 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming). Thanks to the efforts of its 5,000 associates, Kum & Go convenience stores continue to lead the industry in customer service and convenience.