DENVER -- A battle brewing in northwest Denver -- one that pitted residents of the area around the old Elitch Gardens and retail giant Wal-Mart -- took an unexpected turn Tuesday night.

Residents of the West Highlands neighborhood learned at a neighborhood association meeting Tuesday that developer Chuck Perry has already sold his land near 38th and Tennyson to Wal-Mart.

Last month, protesters marched outside Perry's home, saying they were promised new urbanism and stand-alone buildings with small businesses. They believe Perry misrepresented plans to develop the land, located next to the historic Elitch's Theater.

The Coalition To Stop the Elitch Wal-Mart said it has no plans to give up, having gathered almost 3,000 signatures to keep Wal-Mart out of the historic neighborhood.

According to the coalition, Wal-Mart does not reflect the values of the community, lowers property values, and puts local merchants out of business.

City Councilman Rick Garcia, who informed the residents of the Wal-Mart purchase, said that the sale of the land does not constitute an end to the debate.

A mediation session is scheduled next Thursday with Wal-Mart and residents of the neighborhood to see what can be done to ease the impact of a huge store in a low-profile neighborhood.

Garcia encouraged the residents to attend the April 15 meeting to let Wal-Mart know their position on the proposed store.

Friends of the Perry family say the Perrys are pillars of the community and that Wal-Mart would bring in much-needed jobs to the area.