Professional Documents
Culture Documents
OF COLORADO SPRINGS
2 0 0 8
ANNUAL
REPORT
Board
Message from Members
Downtown Partnership Downtown Partnership Colorado Springs Community
Board President Board of Directors Ventures, Inc.
Richard Celeste, President Judy Noyes, President
Richard Celeste Chris Jenkins, Vice President Lana L. Yeakel, Vice President
Gay Hatler, Secretary/Treasurer Mary Kay Burnett
Brian Burnett Michael Collins
As President of the Downtown Partnership, I am happy to present Ron Butlin Kate Faricy
our 2008 Annual Report to partners, patrons, friends, and purveyors Pat Doyle Jessica Larsen
of our own Colorado Springs Downtown. Why, as President of Steve Engel Matt Mayberry
Colorado College and a relatively recent transplant from Ohio, am I Sam Eppley Blake Milteer
such a strong advocate of the Downtown? Les Gruen Chuck Murphy
Rich Guy Eve Tilley
Downtown has always been our city’s heartbeat. By now you are like- Kailash N. Jaitly
ly aware of the new Downtown marketing campaign, “There is only Colorado Springs Downtown
Jim Kin
one Downtown™,” which conveys the vast and varied experiences
Chuck Miller Development Authority
of living, working, dining, shopping, learning and playing here. From
Chuck Murphy Nolan Schriner, Chair
eclectic eateries and shops, galleries, and nightspots to parks, busi-
Judy Noyes Larry Small, Vice Chair
nesses, government, music, art and theatre, we can do it all Down-
Paul Perea Steve Engel, Secretary/Treasurer
town.
Lisa Rosintoski Susan Edmondson
Even in times of economic transition, Downtown Colorado Springs Nolan Schriner Sam Eppley
endures. The Downtown Partnership — working closely with Brenda Smith Rich Guy
Community Ventures, the Greater Downtown Colorado Springs Busi- Terry Sullivan Mike Hassell
ness Improvement District, and the Downtown Development Author- Wayne Timura Chris Jenkins
ity — continues to champion efforts aimed at sustaining the health and Michael Willis David Lord
vitality of our unique district. Challenge grants for projects, new shop Doug Woods Chris J. Melcher
fronts and pedestrian amenities, Art on the Streets, marketing, and Lana L. Yeakel Roger Sauerhagen
improved medians and streetscapes are just a few manifestations of Michael Zahler
Downtown Partnership’s leadership for Downtown.
The Greater Colorado Springs
We played a vital role this year in the return of two-way traffic to Tejon Business Improvement District
Street — a change that has enhanced retail activity in spite of the Dan Robertson, Chair
difficult economy. Like the creation of the Downtown Development B.J. Hybl, Vice Chair/Secretary/
Authority, this step was called for in the Imagine Downtown Plan au- Treasurer
thored under the aegis of the Downtown Partnership. Linda Bridger
Tom Brita
As the heart and soul of our community, Downtown is essential to the Jim Brodie
health of our entire city. I invite you to read on to learn more about Ralph Hibbard
what the Downtown Partnership has accomplished with your help
Randy Price
and support. There IS only one Downtown—enjoy it!
Stephen R. Schreiber
Greg Timm
Sincerely,
Janelle Walston
Richard F. Celeste
President, Downtown Partnership
the Downtown Partnership
of Colorado Springs City Senior Planner Ryan Tefertiller led efforts
this year to re-write Downtown building code
and to incorporate DP’s Imagine Downtown
The Downtown Partnership (DP) is a 501(c)4 nonprofit serving as
Plan into an official master document.
Downtown Colorado Springs’s primary leader and advocate. It’s also
the management organization for three affiliate Downtown groups: The
Greater Downtown Colorado Springs Business Improvement District
(BID), Community Ventures, Inc. (CV), and the Downtown Development
Authority (DDA).
Spirit of Collaboration
People new to town or becoming involved for the first time in a
Downtown effort often ask why we’re called the Downtown Partnership.
Our name signifies our primary belief that achieving a vibrant, stimulating,
and eclectic-use Downtown is dependent on quality partnerships and
collaborations. Bringing together individuals, businesses, community
organizations and government entities to work toward common goals is
what we do and how we succeed. The strength of the whole outweighs
the expertise of the parts — frequently producing a faster and superior
result. And costs are more manageable when shared!
Ryan Tefertiller, a Senior Planner with the City who has worked exclusively
on Downtown projects since April this year, says community collaboration
is essential, especially Downtown.
• A new marketing message. Our This year the Greater Downtown Colorado Springs BID began promoting “There is only one Downtown™”
best yet! See story this page. via a clever and colorful marketing campaign covering the gamut of all the district uniquely offers. Months of
planning and creative effort shepherded by the 33-member Marketing Committee finally launched the
• Mapping Downtown. A new largest, most comprehensive downtown marketing campaign ever.
cost-efficient, user-friendly Downtown
Map debuted this year. While featuring
the same solid information — The tagline and a different
categorized directory of restaurants, activity focus now stream through-
shops and service businesses and their out Downtown on each of the
location on the map — the 2008 seven new DASH buses. Ads are
publication was printed on 50 single
sheets bound to a simple tear-off pad.
regularly appearing in a variety of
It was distributed free throughout print publications, splashed across
the district, at the Colorado Springs billboards and floating on banners
Airport and at area hotels as part of a above Downtown sidewalks. They
new Concierge Program. are also airing on KRCC radio and
• A Greener Downtown. In the
the campaign has come to life on
spirit of good environmental local TV.
citizenship, Downtown holiday lights
were changed to L.E.D lights. And in “This campaign is helping give
the spirit of keeping the district Downtown its voice,” said
beautiful, streetscape improvements
got underway along Nevada —
Committee Chair Kate Faricy. “It
encouraging more pedestrian reminds people all over the city
flow along that corridor with wider of the eclectic and unique gems
sidewalks, colorful planters and retro waiting for them Downtown.”
style street lamps. Elsewhere, more
seasonal plants and hanging flower
baskets were also added during the
summer.
Colorado Springs
Community Ventures, inc.
Community Ventures, Inc. provides a variety of public benefit programs Downtown. Its primary focus is on public art, housing and economic
development.
Key 2008 Activities: size from four to more than 12 feet in • New Commissioned Art for one brass sphere rotates from east to
diameter and in price from $4,500 to Downtown. This year Nor’wood west, and is coupled to an electronic
• Art on the Streets 10th $120,000. Development commissioned a mechanism that automatically adjusts
Anniversary Exhibition. Selected sculpture, 38,104 Helios (the sun’s its angle above the south horizon
by Star Juror Adam Lerner of The Three artists were awarded portions address!), for a permanent Downtown — thus matching the actual sun’s
Lab at Belmar in Denver, 13 new of the $30,000 prize pool. Nicholas location. Created by Montana artist seasonal changes. The reflective brass
works with unique interpretations Ordahl took top honors for his steel, Patrick Zentz, whose body of work globe mirrors the apparent arc of its
of a “City of Sunshine” theme were solar, glass and L.E.D.-lit Day Break includes 19 public commissions, the solar inspiration.
installed Downtown in June. The (south side of Pikes Peak between sculpture graces the northeast corner
yearlong exhibit features artists from Cascade and Tejon). Michael Whiting’s of Cascade and Kiowa.
Colorado, California and Wisconsin, playful Buck and Doe (northwest
and art that incorporates steel, glass, corner of Bijou and Cascade) earned The intersecting steel legs of 38,104
iron, limestone, ceramic tile, paint, second place, and Steve Lynch’s Helios relate metaphorically to the
solar panels, L.E.D lights and a riot Solar Iron (Cascade median north of street intersection. An anemometer
of recycled materials. Works range in Colorado) took third place. (wind gauge) with seven cups and
Art on the Streets (AOTS) has captured the fancy of major financial sponsors and interest from national and
international artists. It’s attracted prominent jurors of regional and national renown, and established an
unprecedented cash prize pool. It was an early front player in an evolving revitalization of the local arts scene
— which has included formation of a first-ever cultural office (COPPeR), the Fine Arts Center’s major expansion,
and Colorado College’s new 70,000 square-foot Cornerstone Arts Center, among others.
AOTS has influenced purchase and installation of many of the nearly 50 works of public art permanently
placed Downtown — from life-size portrayals of city founders to contemporary, interactive, non-
representational works tucked into medians and pathways along the urban landscape. Since the program’s
1999 inception, more that 150 works of art have visited the district.
Patrons recognize both economic and cultural value. Chris Jenkins, Vice President of sponsor Nor’wood
Development, sees his company’s involvement as a sound investment. Speaking at the opening reception in
June, Jenkins said, “If we want to be a city of excellence, we’ve got to have a healthy arts and culture
component. Art on the Streets is a foundational piece of that puzzle.”
In a downtown where the Wild West meets contemporary commerce, public art fosters an inclusive sense of
community pride and engagement. “We couldn’t have imagined it a decade ago,” said Judy Noyes, President
of Community Ventures, Inc. and founding “mother” of AOTS. “Public attachment to the artwork is great
affirmation. People are stimulated, conversations ensue, and Downtown is truly energized.”
Art on the Streets has been made possible by founding support from US Bank and ongoing support from
Nor’wood Development, GE Johnson and nearly 100 private patrons.
Colorado Springs Key 2008 Activities:
Downtown Development Authority • 18 Challenge Grants Awarded.
Downtown’s vibrancy got a boost this
year as DDA Challenge Grants totaling
The self-taxed Downtown Development Authority provides programs and financial incentives that help
$330,000 were awarded to a variety of
fast-track innovative Downtown development. projects. The grant recipients match
the DDA investment dollar-for-dollar
The Power of Transformation and all projects support the Imagine
Downtown Plan. Funded projects
included façade improvements,
Making Downtown more attractive, functional, and fun to be in is often the oomph behind DDA Challenge
streetscape and alleyway
Grants. Additionally, these projects advance the goals of the Imagine Downtown Plan, because each must enhancements, and special events
achieve at least one of them. designed to attract more people
Downtown. Several research and
Retail growth is one such goal. For years Sam Eppley ran his popular Sparrow Hawk Gourmet Cookware assessment efforts were also
supported, including a feasibility study
in extremely tight quarters. Eppley finally found a bigger and more prominent location — but the building
for Downtown streetcars, a historic
around the corner at 120 N. Tejon, sandwiched between Old Chicago and the former Michelle’s, needed a building assessment, and an
major facelift. A DDA Challenge Grant allowed Eppley to remain and reinvest in Downtown. The building was informational signage study.
painted, the front entry moved to the side and a striking display window was constructed as part of the new
façade. • Helping land the U.S. Olympic
Committee Downtown. Ultimately,
a complex $53 million public/private
The 40 or so congregants of Perfect Peace Baptist Church, 832 S. Nevada, were beyond thrilled when they incentives deal convinced the USOC
landed a DDA grant to transform the roughshod building exterior and surrounding landscape. Physically to not only commit to Colorado
enhancing Downtown property and buildings is another Imagine Springs but to also relocate its
Downtown goal. The grant paid for façade painting, paving and striping of the gravel parking lot, new frames offices to Downtown. The agreement
included 90,000 square feet of office
and storm windows, a handicap ramp and rail, and fabrication of an awning for the main entrance. Billy
space in LandCo Equity Partners’s
Stewart, who spearheaded the effort, said focus now is on improving the landscape, moving the church sign, Stratton Pointe project on Tejon Street,
and replacing a chain link fence. “We want to be good neighbors, and this grant is certainly helping,” he says. as well as 40,000 square feet of space
for National Governing Bodies in a
A DDA grant to NPR affiliate station KRCC was definitely music to Jeff Bieri’s ears. The station’s music retired Utilities building adjacent to
America the Beautiful Park. The DDA
director is also the point man behind the city’s first-ever outdoor Blues Under the Bridge festival. Creating
supported the package with a tax
special events to attract more people to Downtown is an Imagine Downtown goal. With the grant, Bieri was increment financing (TIF) agreement.
able to attract major headliners like Coco Taylor, Coco Montoya and George Whitesell, among others, and
offer two performance days — albeit during different summer
months — which drew 2,000 attendees to the funky-fun location
under the Colorado Avenue bridge. The grant will help grow a two
consecutive days event in 2009, and give organizers more
opportunity to partner with Downtown merchants and hospitality
interests. “We’d like to see it become a destination event,” Bieri says.
Donors
(Up to $500)
A. Marvin Strait, CPA John & Peggy Fuller Mary Ellen McNally Attorneys at Law
Marjory R. Abbott Carlton Gamer Mediterranean Café Anne Hopley Watson
Deborah R. Adams Barbara & Don Gazibara Jon J. & Becky Medved WEM Investment Co.
The Albany Gill Foundation Paula & Jay Miller Barbara Webb
Presenting Honorary Judith M. Bell Sam & Mary Alice Hall Robert & Judith Mollo Kathy & Blake Wilson
Sponsors Sponsors ($1,000) Benefit Resources, Inc. Ava & Gernot Mountain Chalet Judith & John Wray
U.S. Bank Chamber of Commerce Cate & Tim Boddington Heinrichsdorff Susan B. Mulvihill YOW Architects, P.C.
Nor’wood Development Cynthia & Elliot Cohn John Boddington Bill & Nancy Hochman Red & Eloise Noland Herman & Ann Zwinger
G.E. Johnson J.E. Dunn Construction Gary & Anne Bradley Sara & Robert Howsam Dick & Judy Noyes
Kate & Ben Faricy Ron & Una Brasch Elizabeth M. Kane The Old North End In-Kind
Supporting Kris & Patrick Faricy Dwight & Sue Brothers Phillip & Meg Kendall Neighborhood Contributions
Sponsors ($2,000) Lyda Hill Charles L. Campbell Artie Kensinger Association Mary & Antlers Hilton Hotel
Esther Beynon & Alfred Timothy C. Hoiles Jane Cauvel Shirley A. Killeen Edward Osborne Bristol Brewing Company
Metzger Katherine H. Loo Richard Celeste & Tobias & Summer Kircher Peak Performance Physical Centerplate Catering
Gay & Lesbian Fund for Jacqueline Lundquist Isabel H. Laber Therapy Colorado Springs Utilities
Colorado Contributing DLR Group Anita K. Lane Elmer & Judith Peterson Michael Collins
H. Chase Stone Trust Sponsors ($500) Robert & Joan Donner Craig & Irene Larimer Jim & Lee Ringe Architecture
Pikes Peak Association of The Kathleen Horrigan Hybl Jane A. Emery Terry & Elizabeth Lilly Richard & Charlotte Rixon Fine Arts Center
Realtors Fund of the Pikes Peak Experience CS at Pikes Suzanne Macaulay & Allan S & R Construction Murphy Construction
SSB Charitable Foundation Community Foundation Peak, Convention & Lazrus Raphael Sassower Nosh
Nolan & Sharon Schriner Kirkpatrick Family Fund Visitors Bureau Mary Lou Makepeace David & Joann Pikes Peak Center
Julia & Matt Wills David & Judy Finley Jan Martin Supperstein Tejon Street Wine & Spirits
First Community Bank James & Myra McCoy Susan B. Tyson Whitney Electric
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