Boulder's Zayo Group (NYSE: ZAYO) is expanding its footprint at the Twenty Ninth Street mall, taking over two vacant spaces to accommodate its rapidly growing workforce.

The telecommunications firm will be moving into the former Whole Foods' regional headquarters at 1821 30th St., and the previous home of advertising agent Sovrn, which recently moved to Flatiron Park from 1750 29th St.

Zayo's headquarters are at 1805 29th St.

"Since 2013, Zayo's employee base in Boulder has grown from 100 to more than 500," said Director of Corporate Communications Shannon Paulk.

"The expansion will accommodate the continued growth in Boulder and provide us with more flexible space. We're excited (about) creating a campus-like environment in the heart of the community."

Whole Foods in June announced its intention to leave the approximately 45,000-square-foot office and move its regional headquarters to Denver.

The Austin, Texas-based natural grocer itself took over the space from Boulder-born Wild Oats Markets, which it acquired in 2007.

Property managers at Twenty Ninth Street said Zayo expressed interest almost immediately after learning Whole Foods was leaving.

"It was a perfect fit," said Kate Taggart Honea, senior marketing manager at Macerich. "They were the perfect tenant and partner for us and really continue to keep Twenty Ninth Street strong."

The mall is close to full after a series of moves.

Furniture retailer West Elm claimed the spot left by Sports Authority's S.A. Elite store, Zoes Kitchen took over for the shuttered Daphne's California Greek, and Bentley's Pet Stuff settled into a location previously home to Sleep Number that has seen a rotation of short-lived tenants since 2014.

Zayo's Paulk said no timeline has been set yet on when the company will occupy the new offices.

At least 100 workers were displaced from their offices at 4772 Walnut St. when the second story floor partially collapsed, the cause of which has still not been determined.

Many of those employees are working either from home or at Zayo's Twenty Ninth Street location.

Paulk said the company hopes the move will allow Zayo to stay and grow in Boulder for the long term. The expansion will bring the telecom's total space at Twenty Ninth Street to more than 60,000 square feet.

"Zayo is committed to Boulder," she said.

Shay Castle: 303-473-1626, castles@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/shayshinecastle

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