Our Five Core Values guest column, page 3
The Dogs of Downtown page 4
The “New� South End page 6
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Pictured: Two Rings, 8’ diameter, 4� Square by artist Dee Briggs. Photo by Bryan Oller.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLACE IN BUILDING A STRONG COMMUNITY
When we entered “Germantown” into the GPS, we ended up on a three-hour ride that landed us at Possum Pizza. I eventually found Germantown – the one we were looking for – several months later, just 3 miles from where I lived.
a sense of place. Although cities may have many wonderful neighborhoods, shopping districts, parks and museums, downtowns provide the civic, cultural, and economic heart. A central point of connectivity and commerce, cities with strong downtowns attract more businesses, tourists, and residents alike.
Living in Nashville, and this particular experience, had a few major impacts on me. The first was learning that as a Colorado native, I was completely unprepared to live in the South. Note: Possums are not in any way similar to cats. The bigger impact, however, was seeing how important it is to relate to the place you call home, even if it is only temporary – as a tourist, a student, stationed military, and so on.
Strong downtowns create strong cities. The next few pages provide examples of placemaking that is happening downtown today: neighborhoods transforming, businesses and creativity growing, and faces bringing an undeniable and unique personality to a place.
Thankfully GPS technology has improved. Today, if I enter “Germantown, Nashville” into my phone, it takes me to the quaint neighborhood I was looking for, not the rural town where we found Possum Pizza. But beyond technology, communities themselves are embracing the importance of place as a part of their identity.
Today’s GPS search is easier because the technology acknowledges that people aren’t just searching for intersections and addresses, but rather places like neighborhoods and community hubs. What made Nashville my temporary home were the places where I connected, whether it was seeing a concert at Riverfront Park, searching for the best scone in East Nashville, or exploring Music Row. Places are what make a city home.
A few years ago, my mom visited while I was living in Nashville. She was interested in finding the quaint Germantown neighborhood she had read about in a magazine. It had shops, dining and historic homes, so we decided to go for a lunchtime adventure.
People seek destinations, not coordinates. The concept of “placemaking” includes planning, design, management and programming of public spaces. At Downtown Partnership, we facilitate cultural, economic, and social activities and connections downtown – the very things that define an area and create
Sarah Harris is the Business Development Manager with Downtown Partnership. Pictured above: Sarah enjoys a snow cone and live music during The Palmer Center’s Friday Lunch Concert series.
EVENT & ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Phantom Ph P haan han ntto om om
Indy Music Awards
Colorado Springs Half Marathon
Celebrating the best local music FREE, Thursday, September 4 6 p.m. to Midnight Tejon between Pikes Peak and Kiowa
City-wide marathon; registration required Saturday, September 28, Acacia Park
First Friday Downtown
Sunday, October 19, Acacia Park
Venetucci Pumpkin Patch at Downtown Sunday Market
First Friday of every month FREE, 5-8 p.m., galleries throughout downtown
What If Festival Annual festival of innovation and creativity FREE, Saturday, September 5 Tejon and Cascade, between Colorado and Vermijo
The Waldo Waldo 5k registration required Sunday, October 26 America the Beautiful Park
More events, activities, and details at DowntownCS.com The articles contained in this insert are provided by Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, ©2014. No photos or content may be duplicated without written consent from Downtown Partnership, 719-886-0088 or 111 S. Tejon Street, Suite 404, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. www.DowntownCS.com /DowntownColoradoSprings
Innovative If you’re maintaining status quo then you’re really falling behind. That’s why innovation is key to economic vitality. Primarily through our Downtown Development Authority, we support and encourage catalytic projects that move our community in innovative directions. Earlier this year, the Downtown Development Authority provided a grant supporting GoCode Colorado, a statewide apps challenge hosted locally at Epicentral Coworking (congrats to Colorado Springs’ own LocalSage for placing third at the state level!). Through the past few years, DDA has provided more than $1 million in grants that have lured the USA Pro Challenge cycling, improved building facades and strengthened the business climate downtown. Livable A livable urban center activates public spaces with art and activity. We do this through events produced through our downtown nonprofit arm, By Susan Edmondson, Downtown Partnership President and CEO Community Ventures. I like to call these “events that create a habit,” because they’re intended to “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” bring people downtown over and over again. This – Lewis Carroll includes WinterFest, in partnership with the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural With new projects and new businesses popping up, Vibrant Services, bringing eight weeks of ice skating to This is our overarching value: When we live out it’s clear downtown has forward momentum. But Acacia Park during the holidays; our Core Culture how can we ensure that momentum leads us down our values daily, downtown will pulsate with tours exploring public art and historic architecture; the best path not just for downtown but our entire opportunity and excitement. Consider this value First Fridays, with galleries and shops open late for your very own: Vibrant was the top answer when city? exhibits and fun; the Acacia Park Concert Series; we asked survey participants about their wish for and our newest initiative, the weekly Downtown Recently, Downtown Partnership and our family downtown’s future. Sunday Market, with all Colorado-grown produce, of organizations (the Greater Downtown Coloartisanal rado Springs Business Improvement District, the Welcoming Downtown Lowdown: We Asked, You goods, live Downtown Development Authority and ComWhat is your experience when Answered: Results of Our Online Survey, music and munity Ventures) worked with Progressive Urban Plus Other Downtown News you’re downtown? Do you know more. Management Associates (PUMA) to hone our core how to get where you’re going? Wednesday, August 27 values and position downtown for the next investIs it clean, safe and accessible? Are Valued 7:30 a.m. coffee and networking, ment cycle. Consulting firm PUMA specializes in you aware Colorado 8-9 a.m. informal program downtowns and community development, and has of the vast variety of dining Springs is a Carnegie Reading Room worked in cities as diverse as San Diego, Grand options, cultural and recreational city of nearly Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave. Rapids, Mich., Indianapolis, Milwaukee and towns opportunities, and shopping 200 square and cities here in Colorado. experiences available? Free, but RSVPs preferred, call 719-886-0088 miles, yet
DOWNTOWN’S FIVE CORE VALUES
or email info@DowntownCS.com
We explored national trends regarding the resurgence of downtowns as economic drivers for cities and examined pertinent data and demographics. PUMA also conducted an online survey with more than 1,200 responses. The process helped us to prioritize the work we do and what is needed to effectively continue moving downtown forward. I’m proud to share our core values– principles that don’t change over time and guide us in the work we do every day.
Primarily through the work of our Business Improvement District, we strive every day to ensure sidewalks are clean, flowerpots are blooming and streets are humming with activity. Our marketing efforts draw people to downtown for unique shopping, dining and one-of-a-kind events such as the Olympic Downtown Celebration, the Waldo Waldo 5K, and the annual Holiday Stroll. Downtown welcomes you, 365 days a year.
downtown’s footprint is a mere one percent of the city’s land mass. This comparatively tiny area bustles with a workforce of 23,000, historic churches serving 8,000 parishioners, the majority of the region’s cultural and heritage offerings, scores of locally owned restaurants and shops, and a burgeoning start-up scene. Downtown generates more economic activity and variety per square mile than most anywhere else
DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS • WWW.DOWNTOWNCS.COM
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THE DOGS OF DOWNTOWN We’ve always heard that a dog is man’s best friend, but it turns out a dog can also be one of the best…employees. Colorado Springs has been named “the most dog-friendly city,” and downtown is no exception. Water bowls dot the sidewalks in front of shops and dogs accompany their owners to sidewalk cafes. Perhaps the luckiest dogs get to come to work, and they are some of the happiest employees around. Some are pure breeds, many are rescue dogs, but one thing they all have in common is a true love for people. Bella and the Bug, by Louise Peterson, 2005.
Jake, 14 year old Samoyed Claim to fame: once leapt over the counter and stopped a robbery. Jake is the third “Jake” to come to work at Knight Watch and Jewelry Repair. Always a Samoyed, and always named “Jake,” he truly is a watch dog (sorry, we just couldn’t resist). Coming to work since he was a pup, he considers the air conditioning one of his favorite things about coming to work. Jinx, 15 year old Poodle mix Special talent: Camouflage - expert at hiding for a game of “find the dog” while sleeping on his sheepskin rug. A rescue dog from the Humane Society, Jinx absolutely loves the people who come to see him at CJ Kard. Despite his small stature, Jinx has a big presence, and both dog and human customers come to the store just to see him. Kealy, 5 month old Boston Terrier/ Chihuahua mix Claim to fame: Escape artist. The youngest of the dogs interviewed,
Kealy comes to work twice a week at Rocky Mountain Cowgirl. As a puppy with a tendency to bolt for the door, his primary job is to manage the back room. He’s pictured with his best buddy, Corban. Koda, 4 year old Whoodle Extracurricular activities: visiting grandma at the nursing home. A Wheaton Terrier/ Poodle mix, Koda has been coming to work at Sparrowhawk Gourmet Cookware since he was 10 weeks old. With a multi-cultural palette, lunchtime is his favorite part of the workday, when he enjoys cuisine from a variety of the local restaurants. Not surprising for a dog that works in a cookware store. Winston and Abby, 7 year old English Pointers Gaining notoriety: As pups, the duo took out at least 10 lamps on a mad dash through the store while they were leashed together. Brother and sister, Winston and Abby have been working at Home Lighting ever since they arrived from New York via National Mill Dog Rescue. They both adore people, greeting customers and even going on service calls. As hunters, they love to chase birds. However, nowadays the running is always outside.
Magee, 1 year old Scottish Terrier Career progression: promoted from VP Magee to CEO At just 8 weeks old, Magee started coming to work at Bellissima. When the store moved downtown earlier this year he received a promotion to CEO. Canine Engagement Officer, perhaps? He loves people and has customers who come just to see him. Buddy, 6 year old Yellow Labrador BFF: his “baby” who has endured several “surgeries” and is always by his side. Another Humane Society rescue, Buddy gets to work at two downtown businesses: Lay’s Furs and Ad-A-Design. He can tell which business customers enter by the different ringers on the doors. An enthusiastic greeter, he also has a protective side and large stature, making him the perfect host and guard dog. Bebu, 3 year old Miniature Poodle Favorite thing about work: People! As a rescue dog with an unpleasant background, at first Bebu was intimidated and fearful of people. But after coming to work
Dogss of Downtown, continued from page 4
every day at Everest Nepal Imports, she has transformed. Now, she is a confident and happy dog, greeting customers with enthusiasm and a whole lot of wiggles. Chester, 4 year old Goldendoodle and Emmitt, 7 year old Labradoodle Employment status: Part-time/ Seasonal. Both recipients of Canine Good Citizen® distinction, you’d never guess that ball-obsessed Emmitt once removed all the tomatoes from a plant, or shoe-obsessed Chester takes individual shoes into the yard. Aside from a few teeth marks neither tomatoes nor shoes were harmed. It’s perhaps this instinctual sensitivity that make them such good employees at Zerbe Jewelers. Known as “the Doodles” they use their youthful charm on everyone they encounter.
Dogs like shopping, too: Hunter shops with his owner at Lululemon.
Reiden, 20 month old Aikita and Marley, 2 1/2 year old Lab mix Favorite thing about coming to work: Daily walks through downtown. Among the jackets, hats, and various gadHallie, 7 year old Labradoodle gets at Bing Promotions, you’ll find Reiden Claim to fame: Best marketer on staff. (Japanese for God of Thunder and Lightning) Hallie greets clients–and attracts new and Marley, a rescue dog. While Reiden ones–from the patio in front of Years takes a more watchful approach to his work, Ahead Salon. She’s so popular, in fact, that clients bring her Christmas gifts. But Marley isn’t shy about asking for a belly rub don’t let her day job fool you into thinking or two. Both walk 10-12 blocks through downtown every day, with a favorite stop she’s all fluff, because outside of work she being the tellers at their bank. loves to go for rides on boats, ATVs and snowmobiles with her owner, and salon These are just a few of the many dogs who work, live, and play downowner, Paul. town. One missing from this section is Phoebe, known affectionately as “speedbump” for her habit of laying in the middle of the sales floor at Maggie, 4 year old Cocker Spaniel The Sound Shop. More than 12 years old (ancient for a Bernese MounJob assignment: Mascot and Ambassador tain Dog) Phoebe passed away just as this article was being written. Among business cards and brochures, there A longtime downtowner and popular with her customers, she will be is a small jar of dog treats on the front missed. counter at ReVibe Pilates and Bodywork. Maggie, who comes to work every day, For more dog photos, check Facebook.com/DowntownColoradoSprings. greets everyone who comes in, whether for a massage or class. According to one student, “Maggie makes the studio perfect.” What Belissima more could a dog hope for?
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Ka’Noa, 8 1/2 year old Borkie Claim to fame: She’s hiked two 14ers Adopted from the Humane Society, this Beagle/ Yorkie mix comes to work every day at Art Hardware. Her regular customers know exactly where her treats are kept, and sometimes even bring in a special snack just for her. When she’s not at work, she enjoys watching TV, and will come running if she hears dogs on TV.
¦¤ ¦ ျ ¦ Ť £ ¡ ျ ¤ ¡ ¡ £ All Under One Roof
104 N. Tejon 632-5009
DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS • WWW.DOWNTOWNCS.COM
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THE NEW SOUTH END THE RENAISSANCE OF DOWNTOWN’S SOUTH SIDE Head to the Green Man Taproom on the occasional Thursday afternoon, DQG \RX·OO ÀQG WKH ROG &DUWHU 3D\QH church-turned-taproom at Pueblo and Wahsatch avenues, full of neighborhood
South Side Johnny’s
leaders.
12 years ago, owner Johnny Nolan with Concept Restaurants made a bold move locating their newest restaurant and bar on the south end of Tejon. Today they are not alone, with plenty of businesses and UHVLGHQFHV ÀOOLQJ WKH south end of downtown.
It is a diverse group of business owners, lawyers, non-profit leaders, restaurateurs and community builders all with a vested interest in their neighborhood’s organic growth. They come together in part because of Darsey Nicklasson, an individual who saw a need for more residential living downtown and created a plan to make it happen. That entrepreneurial spirit resonated with others in the neighborhood, including Jenny Elliot of the Downtown Development Group, who has her own residential plans for downtown, and Sheila Ferguson of The Resource Exchange, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Their enthusiasm is making a visible difference.
and McCabe’s Tavern – has revitalized the 500 block of South Tejon. Across the street, Fieldhouse Brewery opened earlier this year, and Northstar Bank is completing its cornerstone location on the southeast corner of Tejon and Cimarron. It has been a slow, but evident transformation.
Downtown’s south end actually started “We love how eclectic A block away, Art Hardware’s its transformation over 15 years ago. The Colorado Springs Convention and the neighborhood is, and move to Costilla made room for the new Iron Bird Brewery Visitors Bureau moved to its current the ‘can do’ spirit of the at the corner of Nevada and location at Cimarron and Cascade in business owners.” Costilla. Around the corner, 2001, joining its longtime neighbor –Darsey Nicklasson Mountain Fold Books will The Sound Shop. South Side Johnny’s open soon, and new bike lanes opened around the corner soon afwill provide access from “the ter. Since then, the renovation of the purple castle” King’s Chef diner all the way to historic streetcar warehouse – now home to NES, Memorial Park. Nicklasson’s new residential develOz Architecture, Computer Resources, Coffee opment is planned nearby on South Nevada. Exchange, Years Ahead Salon, Red Rocks Crossfit,
Although creating something new isn’t easy, Nicklasson pushes forth and believes in this neighborhood. She and her family live downtown, and she knows there are plenty more people with a desire to live downtown – they just need a place. “We love how eclectic the neighborhood is, and the ‘can do’ spirit of the business owners. Once we add a residential component, this neighborhood will have potential to become a truly sustainable place,” Nicklasson said. “Besides, who else has a purple castle in their neighborhood?” They haven’t yet agreed on a name for the neighborhood, but the enthusiasm and camaraderie is undeniable. Whether you call it SoDo, Southside, SNeDo, or simply the South End, its growth continues as more business opportunities arise, and more people can call the neighborhood home.
Brown’s Shoe Fit
Zerbe
Engaging Colorado Since 1972 t Shoes!
212 N. Tejon Downtown Colorado Springs 719.635.3521 www.ZerbeJewelers.com ~6~
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DOWNTOWN BUSINESS PROFILE:
THRIVE WORKWEAR Thrive Workwear embodies the industrial roots of their 1920s car-dealership-turnedcorporate-headquarters through innovative workwear products and daily operations. Q & A with President and CEO Dale Pelletier
about. We’re putting the finishing touches on our showroom, and plan to open to the public in October for retail sales.
Q: Who is Thrive Workwear? The business launched in 2006, when we entered the work apparel marketplace with a kneepad pant. We sew a gel pad technology permanently into work pants and coveralls to protect from potential knee injuries in the workplace. The kneepad is a patented technology, and with “We have a wonderful product, and wonthe success of that product derful story, and we want to open the front line, customers come to us doors to the community. This building is just a with other problems to solve part of that story,” said Pelletier. with workwear. We are not just a commodity workwear product; we define a product niche, and then develop a solution for it. We currently have two other patents pending, including a harness compatible winter jacket. There’s nothing else like it.
Q: Established on the west side of the city, why did you decide to relocate your headquarters to downtown? Our growth forced us to look for additional space. We looked at a variety of areas including business corridors throughout the city. We purchased the building almost a year ago. I’ll never forget the day I first walked in here, saw the potential, and realized I didn’t need to look anywhere else. A lot of people questioned whether a corporation like ours could operate downtown, and we proved that it does work. We’re thrilled to be here.
Q: +DYLQJ D VWRUHIURQW LV GLIIHUHQW IRU D KHDG RIÀFH :KDW ZDV your vision? The space supports our core business, which is importing of manufactured goods, doing all the product logistics, utilizing the back as warehouse and production space. We wanted to use the storefront to maximize our exposure. The showroom is really our marketing piece, a space where we can bring our business to business customers, and show them and the community what we’re all
Q: How did the renovation inspire or motivate the growth of Thrive Workwear? As history buffs, we were intrigued by the potential of taking a historic shell and revitalizing it. It was exciting to work with the Penrose Library and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum to unveil the history of the building, which dates back to 1922. We wanted to preserve the integrity and continue to tell the story of Renovations to the former what was here. Capitalizing on the Down- Colburn Motor building on East Bijou exposed the brick and town Development Authority’s Building original wood beam ceilings. Enhancement Grant program made it possible for it to happen. It was a project we knew we wanted to take on. It made sense. We peeled away layers and layers of construction, exposing the original brick, wood beamed ceilings, and steel trusses – really exploiting the beauty of the architecture. As a workwear manufacturer, this building gives the energy of “worker.” I think we did a pretty nice job preserving that character.
Q: How important is the idea of “place” to your work? Place is vital. Not just for our customers, but for our people who come here five or six days a week to hang their hats and pour out their blood, sweat and tears into the mission that is our company. To be inspired and motivated is vital. The energy and vibe this building and downtown gives to our employees is incredible. I’d really like to see more start-ups and young entrepreneurs be able to be a part of this place. If we can recreate this type of building product for young companies, we will fuel more jobs, more growth, and more business downtown. For more information on locating your business downtown, or applying for downtown’s Building Enhancement Program, go to DowntownCS.com/Doing-Business.
Core Values continued from page 3
in the city. That activity provides a sales and property tax base that supports all of our city. A strong downtown is the beating heart of a thriving city. We know it. Downtown stakeholders know it. But helping others – wherever they live or work in our vast city – to understand that a strong downtown helps us all is a con-
stant effort of education, relationship building and engagement. When our downtown is valued for the unique and essential role it plays in our community, our entire city wins. Learn more about the programs and activities of Downtown Partnership at www.DowntownCS.com.
Vibrant was the top answer from survey participants about their wish for downtown’s future. Other responses are shown with the highest priorities the largest.
FINE DINING TO FINGER FOODS: CUISINE FOR EVERY CRAVING downtown location at Nevada and Bijou in 2008. Downtown restaurants Over Easy and Il Vicino also opened second locations in Colorado Springs within the past year. Community minded Innovation isn’t limited to technology, as proved by Seed’s Cafe. Tucked behind Josh and John’s on Pikes Peak Avenue, Seed’s serves healthy meals based on a pay-what-you-can model. The cafe is run by carefully vetted volunteers and popular for business lunches as well as catering. Short on cash? You can get a meal by helping out with sweeping up, taking out the trash and other tasks.
Patio dining is one of the many draws of downtown’s restaurants. Photo © Allison Daniell, Stellar Propeller Studio.
With cuisine from America to Italy, China to Greece, south of the border and a whole lot more, there is certainly something for everyone at one of downtown’s locally owned restaurants. Local and regional favorites are opening, and longtime favorites continue to thrive downtown. The newcomers Coquette’s Bistro and Bakery now offers their gluten-free fare and a full bar from their new, larger downtown location. Restaurateurs Kevin and Suzette Megyeri also chose downtown for their newest restaurant, The Skirted Heifer. There’s Bella’s Bakery and Bistro on East Bijou, Couture’s Bistro on Tejon, and Lucha Cantina now occupies the former Olive Branch location. And now, Denverites and locals alike no longer have to drive to Pueblo to get a regionally famous Bingo Burger. Longtime favorite reaches the big four-oh A downtown staple, Jose Muldoon’s is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. With the lure of salty chips, sweet margaritas, and two great patios, they continue to be a favorite for locals and visitors alike. In fact, their popularity supported the opening of a second location in 2010.
Bellasbakeryandbistro.com 3 E. Bijou St. Downtown 719.434.8957
Make that two Other downtown restaurants also have proved so popular they’ve opened more than one location. With big meals like The Grump or The Thing, King’s Chef Diner outgrew the tiny purple castle on East Costilla and opened a second
Bella’s
NEWLY OPENED! JUST A TASTE OF OUR MANY HOMEMADE BAKED GOODS COME TRY OUR MEATABALLS! Specializing in meatballs and catering
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Something for everyone Foodies love the small plates at Nosh. Families love the play area at Poor Richard’s. Students love the new French Fry Heaven. Intellectuals join the reading table at the Wild Goose Meeting House, and Packer’s fans are enjoying a new, double-the-size Tony’s Bar. If you just can’t make up your mind, a food or cocktail tour from Colorado Springs Food Tours gives you the opportunity to sample from several downtown restaurants and bars, perhaps finding a new favorite or two along the way. Restaurant Week For a citywide event that celebrates food, mark your calendars for Restaurant Week, taking place September 19 to October 4, 2014. You’ll get a three-course meal for $30, $45, or $60 at participating restaurants, and some The popular Surf and Turf at The Famous. locations are offering drink specials as well. To date, the following downtown restaurants are participating in Restaurant Week 2014: • Coquette’s Bistro and Bakery • The Famous • Fujiyama • Judge Baldwin’s • The Melting Pot • Phantom Canyon • Sonterra Grill • Springs Orleans • The Warehouse For a complete list of participants, check www.csrestaurantweek.com. To find downtown restaurants go to www.DowntownCS.com and select the map from “Getting Around.”
Fujiyama
Daily Specials Lunch Monday-Friday (11am-2:30pm)
50% Off Rolls • 20%Off Sushi Voted Best Japanese, Sushi and Tempura! 22 S. Tejon • 719-630-1167 • Fujiyamasushi.com
ENGAGEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS, A CERTIFIED CREATIVE DISTRICT &XOWXUH DQG ZHOO EHLQJ LGHQWLĂ€HG E\ FLW\ IRXQGHUV DV FRUH YDOXHV IRU &RORUDGR 6SULQJV FRQWLQXH DV YLWDO FRPSRQHQWV of our modern-day downtown. This summer, downtown Colorado Springs became a Colorado Certified Creative District, through Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Downtown Colorado Springs now joins 10 other creative districts throughout Colorado. But certification is more than being part of an elite group: It brings with it community pride and opportunities to lure tourists and attract new jobs and creative entrepreneurs. In 2011, the Colorado legislature passed and Governor Hickenlooper signed into law HB11-1031, encouraging the formation of Creative Districts in Colorado communities and neighborhoods. The result: jobs, animated public spaces, rejuvenated structures and streetscapes, and opportunities to bring diverse people together to celebrate, inspire and be inspired. Downtown Colorado Springs was one of 45 applicants in 2012, achieving candidate status in 2013. Full Colorado Creative District certification
came in June 2014. While the size of our creative district represents only one percent of the land mass of Colorado Springs, the district contains an abundance of our city’s creative industries, nonprofit arts organizations, historic architecture and cultural events. Of more than 2,000 cultural events in El Paso and Teller counties listed on PeakRadar. com during 2013, nearly half of them took place within our downtown creative district. Certified creative districts are more than areas with a concentration of creative activity. Districts proactively leverage the power of arts and creativity to strengthen the community and enhance pedestrian experiences, such as the performance pictured above. Contributing factors to certification included programs operated by Downtown Partnership and its family of organizations, including: • Art on the Streets public art program, now in its 16th year. • Acacia Park Concert Series, featuring local
bands and original music each summer. • First Friday Downtown gallery hop. • WinterFest ice skating and performances in Acacia Park. • Core Culture Guided Tours of history and public art. Creative district certification is supported by much more than fine and performing arts. Creative industries downtown include advertising agencies, software developers and technology firms, graphic artists, architectural firms, an independent movie theater, musical instrument stores, bookstores and recording studios. Creative workspaces such as Epicentral Coworking and the Machine Shop are ideal examples of the collaboration and connectivity that develop within a concentrated creative sector. As a Certified Creative District, downtown will continue to be a showcase for cultural and artistic organizations, events and amenities. State and foundation grants will help to support and enhance
continued on page 10
Above, an audience of young and old alike stop for an unexpected street performance by Taiko Society drummers at the corner of Pikes Peak Avenue and Tejon during First Friday Downtown. Also look for: Van Briggle ceramic tiles on the planter beds; bronze statue Spencer Penrose (artist Avard Tennyson Fairbanks, 1957); bronze Spring Bouquet (artist Gene Adcock, c. 2005); Wings of Fire EXWWHUĂ \ DUWLVW E\ $O % -RKQVRQ
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Creative District continued from page 9
district activities, and Downtown Colorado Springs will be promoted statewide as an appealing place to live, visit and conduct business. Visual Storymap Downtown Colorado Springs’ creative district celebrates and strengthens an identity rooted in creativity and wellness. To learn more, view the visual storymap available online at bit.ly/ArtHistoryMap, or visit www.DowntownCS.com/creativedistrict. Core Culture: guided tours Hour-long walking and biking tours focusing on the art and history of downtown are available each month. Second Saturday tours focus on either art, historic architecture or notable historic people, and include a cup of coffee from The Perk Downtown. The Third Thursday happy hour tours combine art and history, and include a happy hour beverage from Phantom Canyon. Creative industries reach far beyond First Friday bike tours with UpaDowna stop at galleries ÀQH DQG SHUIRUPLQJ DUWV $ERYH VRIWas well as public art along the way, and even include ware engineers, designers, and other innovators participated in the Go Code a bike if you don’t have one! Information on tours is available online at www.DowntownCS.com/tours. Colorado challenge weekend held at Epicentral Coworking. Photo Š Allison Daniell, Stellar Propeller Studio.
By the numbers • More than a dozen art galleries participate in First Friday Downtown art walks every month. • Downtown is home to more than 50 permanent pieces of public art, many of which were acquired through the Art on the Streets program. • Nearly one-third of the properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places for El Paso County are in the Downtown Creative District. Connecting Art and Business Want to know more about the connection between art, business and economy? Nationally, October is Arts month, and this year the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPeR)is facilitating numerous arts events throughout El Paso and Teller counties. • Business and Arts Luncheon, Oct. 7 • Arts Incubator of the Rockies (AIR) Shift workshop, Oct 24-26 Details on these and other activities are available at www.coppercolo.org.
&RORUDGR &HUWLĂ€HG &UHDWLYH 'LVWULFW SURJUDPV DUH IXQGHG in part by the Colorado Creative Industries Division, a State Agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal Agency.
Opening New Doors
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We are excited to open doors at our new downtown location on the corner of Cascade & Cimarron! Stop by, check out our new building and see how we can serve all of your business and personal banking needs. ANB Bank
Cascade & Cimarron • Circle & Uintah • Academy & Carefree Briargate & Rangewood • Garden of the Gods & Forest Hill 719-473-0111 • ANBbank.com • Member FDIC
IT’S ONLY DOWNTOWN: BRANDS YOU LOVE Some things you simply can’t do while shopping online...smell a fragrance, feel the softness of a garment or even try it on. That’s where the in-store experience at local UHWDLO VKRSV UHDOO\ PDNHV D GLIIHUHQFH DORQJ ZLWK SHUVRQDO VHUYLFH WR KHOS \RX ÀQG just what you’re looking for. And, local retailers have another advantage over the big-box stores: They can carry the brands and products they know you want. One of the great things about locally owned small businesses is the ability to specialize and carry unique products that you just won’t find at the mall or in a big-box store. Not only do independent rePetunia Pickle Bottom bags and purses are only tail stores offer a personal sold in Colorado Springs at Vie Boutique. shopping experience, but many downtown stores are the only ones in town to carry certain brands and products. 2QH RI D NLQG ÀQGV Fair Trade: Owner Amy Stretmeter at Koru Street only sells items that are recycled, upcycled or verified fair trade. In fact, she won’t sell anything from a source that she hasn’t personally visited, so she can verify the conditions where the product is made. From seat-belt purses to hand crafted jewelry, clicky-clack boxes and flip-flop animals, Koru Street is one of many downtown retailers who offers items you simply won’t find anywhere else in the city. Koru Street, 224 N. Tejon St., 695-0065. Spinning yarns: The only all-yarn store around, Woolly Works Knit Shop offers everything a knitter could want or need, including special yarns, needles, patterns and classes for all ages. The cozy little shop is celebrating their second anniversary this month. Woolly Works Knit Shop, 327 N. Tejon St., 433-3207. Popularity rules If you don’t think of buying big-name brands at local stores, you may just be missing out. Not only can you find beloved brands downtown, it may be the only place in to find them within the city, if not the region. Often, local retailers are even able to offer better deals than what you’ll find online.
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Exclusive brands sold downtown: • Lampe Berger and Fat Paint,What’s In Store, 125 N. Tejon St., (719) 633-4582 • Simpli travel apparel, Bellissima,104 N. Tejon St., (719) 632-5009 • Petunia Pickle Bottom, Vie Boutique, 8 S. Tejon Street, (719) 287-4011
What’s In Store is the only place in town ZKHUH \RX FDQ ÀQG Lampe Berger.
• Lululemon, Lululemon Showroom, 115 N Tejon Street, (719) 633-8157 • Cloud 9 Organic Fabrics, Stitch Studio, 50 S. Sierra Madre, (719) 422-9688 • Title Nine, Title Nine, 210 N Tejon Street, (719) 227-3674 Other popular brands downtown: • Vera Bradley, CJ Kard • Le Creuset, Sparrowhawk Gourmet Cookware • Picolino and FLY London, Saboz/Brown’s Shoes • Desigual, Terra Verde • Pandora, Zerbe Jewelers • TOMS footwear and Smith sunglasses, Mountain Chalet • Kiels, Vince, and Alex+Ani, Colorado Co-Op • English Laundry men’s shirts, State of Mind • Folkmanis Puppets and Playmobil, Little Richards Toy Store • Paige Denim & Hudson Premium Denim, Halo Boutique • Cannondale, Old Town Bike Shop • Lucchese, Rutledge’s
COPPeR Fill your night with our local stars!
Find over 2,500 events, 300 cultural groups and 365 artists, day or night, with just one click ...
Rare Steak Done
31 N. Tejon Street Well 719.227.7333 www.thefamoussteakhouse.net
Your source for arts, culture and fun in the Pikes Peak region ~ 11 ~
All Colorado Grown • Sundays Acacia Park • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
OUTDOOR MARKET RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN The new Downtown Sunday Market was brought to life earlier this summer. With a requirement that all produce and farm products be Colorado-grown, the selection changes weekly, as the short harvest season moves through its various phases. Cherries and peaches are done, but berries and apples will arrive soon. Rocky Ford melons and sweet corn are here, along with an assortment of squash, beans, herbs, greens and more. The market is a collaboration between Downtown Partnership and Hunt or Gather, a Pikes Peak Community Foundation project. Through Hunt or Gather, more than a half dozen farmers are represented each week, in addition to the farmers who come themselves. “Sunday is usually the day farmers don’t want to come to market,” said Megan
Andreozzi of Hunt or Gather, “We’re able to sell their produce for them and they get the day off. Now there is a way to get fresh, local produce in the urban core of the city.” More than a farmer’s market, the outdoor venue offers ready-made food, crafts, and special theme days. Weekly you’ll find baked goods, Callicrate meats, Roasted! coffee, Mountain Pie Co., and Radiantly Raw chocolates. Guest vendors such as Potato Potato food truck, Ola Juice and the Photo Love Bus add variety among flowers, jewelry and more. Music also fills the park with weekly entertainment on the ANB Bank/Bryan Construction stage.
Aug. 24: Urban Gardeners music: New Century Big Band Aug. 31: Regular market & guest vendors music: Gertrude Told Us So Sept. 7: Regular market & guest vendors music: Woodshed Red Sept. 14: Closed Sept. 21: Upscale Flea Market music: Fountain Creek Brass Sept. 28: Closed (Colorado Springs Half-Marathon) Oct. 5: Arts Month Kick Off Oct. 12: World Food Day Oct. 19: Venetucci Pumpkin Patch music: Out Of Nowhere Oct. 26: Halloween Spirit
For market, performance, and theme day schedule check www.DowntownCS.com/market.
www.DowntownCS.com/market
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DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS • WWW.DOWNTOWNCS.COM