Dine Out Downtown, a summer program to expand outdoor dining, will allow for on-street dining in the 00 block of Tejon Street in the heart of Downtown.
Category: In The News
A statement from Downtown Partnership:
The tragedies and tumult of these past days and weeks have left many of us reeling. We honor the memories of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many African American men and women before them whose lives were violently and senselessly ended.
As our nation mourns, voices are rising up to proclaim ENOUGH to systemic racism – and these voices resonate throughout Downtown Colorado Springs.
Downtown is our city’s front porch: All year long we come here to be the best of what Colorado Springs embodies. Children splash in fountains, veterans march in parades, cowboys ride astride their horses, and every day we enjoy the arts, we worship in our historic churches, we explore locally owned shops and meet friends at independent restaurants and breweries.
Yet we also come Downtown for the hard stuff: gathering in public spaces to speak out in justified anger, to challenge, to demand a better way. There is a reason why Downtown is center stage in our city at difficult moments like this: We are the heart and soul of our community – where government, commerce and culture coalesce.
We thank the vast majority of protestors Downtown who have spoken from their hearts and demonstrated peacefully. We share your grief and vow to LISTEN with intentionality and humility to the lived experiences of those who have been marginalized for generations. Downtown Partnership always will strive to foster a city center that welcomes all voices, and to channel our efforts toward sustained progress for true justice and equity for all.
June 4, 2020
Photos by STELLAR PROPELLER STUDIO
$650,000 in grants were awarded today to 95 Downtown businesses by the Downtown Development Authority. Grants range from $2,500 to $20,000 and may be used to support payroll, rent or mortgage, utilities and payment to vendors/suppliers.
Temporary rainbow crosswalk brightens Downtown street
After research, interviews and discussion, the Downtown Partnership board has made several endorsements for the upcoming election.
Kinship Lands in Downtown Colorado Springs
Welcome to the neighborhood!
Downtown Colorado Springs will soon be home to Kinship Landing, a brand new hotel concept that will offer what today’s travelers demand: authentic and engaging travel experiences that connect them to the local community. The timing couldn’t be better. Travel to the Colorado Springs area has seen unpreceded growth in recent years, welcoming over 23 million visitors in 2017, according to Visit Colorado Springs.
Kinship Landing, a boutique-style hotel will offer shared dorm accommodations, private rooms and luxury suites, something for travelers in every price point. Located in a growing section of southeast Downtown, Kinship Landing broke ground on January 31, 2019, at 421 South Nevada Avenue. This prime location has seen an influx of new businesses in the last few years, located just across the street from The Bench, Blue Dot Place apartments, and Loyal Coffee.
Inspired by outrageous hospitality
The experience-driven concept began with husband and wife team, Brooke and Bobby Mikulas, inspired by a year of global travel across seventeen countries. During their travels, the couple connected to local communities through food, family, and experiences. “We jumped on every opportunity to immerse ourselves in local cultures,” said Bobby. From Italy to New Zealand, Thailand and Zambia, the Mikulas’ found “unsolicited hospitality, undeserved generosity” and formed authentic relationships with locals through shared experiences. “A loose acquaintance in Thailand gifted us an apartment, a phone and meals at no cost for three months. A pizza shop owner in Italy closed his shop, pulled out four bottles of Prosecco and five meters of pizza and sat with us all evening,” Bobby explained.
“Kinship Travels” as they came to be called, lead the Mikulas’ to corners of the world where the couple was embraced as family and offered kindness and generosity beyond measure. From this “outrageous hospitality” as they call it, came the idea for Kinship Landing, a space where visitors are warmly welcomed and connected to the local community through organic interaction.
Travelers want more than packaged travel
Upon returning from their travels, the Mikulas’ partnered with longtime friends Nate Grimm (Chief Business Officer) and Jason Phillips (Chief Relations Officer) who had accompanied them abroad in 2016. Together, the young professionals began to explore how they might bring an experience-driven hotel concept to Colorado Springs. “We were convinced we were the only ones in the world thinking about the model we came up with. It turns out we were just on the front of the wave of a huge shift in hospitality,” Bobby said.
In fact, a report by American Express found that consumers illustrated their demand for more enriched lives and personal fulfillment through experience and learning. Over 72% of respondents said they would rather spend money on experiences than things.
Travelers are asking for packages beyond packaged travel. Visitors seek immersive experiences in local culture including art-themed walking tours, food tours, connections to local history and outdoor adventure. Perfectly situated Downtown – in the cultural and historic heart of the city at the foot of America’s Mountain – Kinship Landing plans to offer personalized concierge service connecting guests to first-rate cultural and outdoor offerings.
Pictured: from left Jason Phillips, Brooke Mikulas, Bobby Mikulas, Nate Grimm. Photo courtesy Kris Peters.
A rad place to stay
Brooke and Bobby envision themselves gathering with guests at the elongated bar or around the community table enjoying fresh, local food and drink with guests, “One thing we love to do with visitors to our area is to sit around the table, grab a map and give them a lay of the land.” In addition to outdoor adventure, the Mikulas’ hope to unite guests with the thriving urban Downtown area. Bobby explained, “Downtown is a great place to be. While people want to spend the day exploring the mountains and trails, at night they want to connect to the energy of the city. Locally-owned craft breweries, distilleries, coffee houses and dozens of restaurants will be within walking (or biking) distance. With the (Colorado Springs) Philharmonic, Pikes Peak Center, the Fine Arts Center (at Colorado College) and First Friday art-walks each month, our guests will have ample opportunity to engage in the vibrant cultural scene Downtown. Live music, local events, and experiences lie just beneath the surface, and we are excited to connect both locals and travelers to these wonderful things that add to the cultural heartbeat of our city.”
With thoughtful design by the Kinship Landing team and Downtown firm Echo Architecture, the hotel will feature a Discovery Platform: a community space for events and meetings, or a place to talk about the day’s adventure with fellow guests. Lockers equipped with charging stations will be available for gear storage, an inviting bar area to share a brew or cocktail, and a variety of accommodations to fit the preferences and budget of every traveler. “Kinship Landing is designed with the demands of the modern traveler in mind. We really want to make sure that people who are traveling and choose to allocate their budget towards experiences still have a really rad place to stay,” said Bobby. He continued, “We also realize that there are those that want something with a bit more grit and texture, that’s why we also have luxury suites and private rooms.”
Pictured: architectural rendering of Kinship Landing, courtesy Echo Architecture
Downtown support
With a uniquely collaborative startup community in Downtown Colorado Springs, Kinship Landing was embraced by local support and financing. In addition to TIF funding provided by the Downtown Development Authority, local investors rallied behind the concept. “Our investors are absolute rockstars…we are proud to have raised the majority of our equity capital from investors here in town who see the vision behind the project and were willing to take a risk in order to see something new and innovative come to the city,” Bobby said.
Even before they broke ground, the team was given a warm Downtown welcome. “From professional contractors and service providers to neighboring business owners, we have felt supported along this non-traditional journey from the very beginning. It was a lot of hard work and hustle, it’s been incredibly humbling. We are grateful to have the right people with the right hearts at the table helping us to make this a reality.”
Pictured: Susan Edmondson (Downtown Partnership), Brooke Mikulas, Bobby Mikulas, Mayor John Suthers, Nate Grimm, Jason Phillips. Photo courtesy Kris Peters.
Skate in the Park is open! See the full schedule of hours and special activities.
Much of Downtown falls within a federal and local Economic Opportunity Zone, created as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and designed to drive long-term capital to distressed communities by providing tax benefits on investments in Opportunity Funds.
Don’t miss the annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale, July 20-22! Fantastic deals from your favorite stores, special sales, clearance items and more.
PikeRide, Colorado Springs’ first bike sharing program, will launch Tuesday, June 26. PikeRide will feature more than 200 purple bikes and 28 hubs serving 12 square miles. The program kicks off with a press event and opportunities for members of the public to try the new bikes.
WHAT: PikeRide bike share grand launch and ride
WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 26; riders begin gathering at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: South side of Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St.
SCHEDULE: Remarks and ribbon cutting begin precisely at 10 a.m.
INAUGURAL RIDE: City leaders and PikeRide sponsors will depart at 10 a.m. from the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum for a circular, 10-minute ride. The ride will depart from the museum and head west on Vermijo, north onto Cascade, east onto Pikes Peak Avenue, south onto Weber and then west on Vermijo to return to the museum.
More about PikeRide and the event:
PikeRide, Colorado Springs’ first bike sharing program, will launch Tuesday, June 26. PikeRide will feature more than 200 purple bikes and 28 hubs serving 12 square miles. The inaugural ride with city leaders and PikeRide sponsors will depart at 10 a.m. from the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Afterward, members of the public who register online at pikeride.org or through the Bcycle app will be able to try the bikes for free during Food Truck Tuesday on the museum grounds (until 1:30 p.m.).
PikeRide inaugural riders at the event will include Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, City Council President Pro Tem Jill Gaebler, many sponsors and volunteers, as well as Holly Kortum, Kaiser Permanente Southern Colorado executive director. Kaiser Permanente is Title Sponsor for PikeRide.
“We are so excited to be the title sponsors for PikeRide, which is an amazing community collaboration,” said Kortum. “We hope to engage people in active and healthy lifestyles, supporting our mission to improve the health of our members and communities we serve!”
Bike sharing is the fastest growing form of transportation in the world, in which riders check out bikes for use in short trips around the community. PikeRide “smart bikes” are equipped with solar-powered GPS-enabled display screens; users purchase annual, monthly or 24-hour memberships or single-ride passes. PikeRide is a program of Downtown Ventures, the charitable nonprofit arm of Downtown Partnership.
PikeRide is supported by Title Sponsor Kaiser Permanente, as well as many other key sponsors to include Colorado College and Nor’wood Development Group. Additional information is available at PikeRide.org.
We are not currently hiring. Please check back as we update our site for new positions.
Third and final speaker for this year, don’t miss the author of Thoughts on Building Strong Towns.
Singer, songwriter and author Dar Williams is the second speaker in our City Center Series.
The City Center Series kicks off the 2018 season with a talk from internationally regarded urban planner Brent Toderian.
The board of the Colorado Springs Downtown Development Authority unanimously approved a funding commitment of up to $750,000 for the next phase of an Artspace project.
Shop at your favorite boutiques, mingle among friends, family and holiday carolers…even get a photo with Santa!
Join the festivities at the annual Downtown Holiday Stroll, 5-8pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.Take advantage of one-night-only specials during this fun holiday shopping event. Strolling carolers and Santa himself will greet you as you wander from shop to shop.
Park: Find convenient, easy parking in the city garage at Bijou/Cascade for only $1. Coins, credit cards and dollar bills accepted. Well-lit and patrolled by security, the garage is only steps from shops on Bijou and Tejon. More details.
Skate: Let the unwilling shoppers skate while you shop! Admission is $10 and includes skates. More details.
Plus, swing in to your favorite coffee shop for hot cocoa or grab a tasty cocktail at one of the dozens of locally-owned cafes and restaurants. Check out the directory here.
Get your Downtown Holiday Coupon Book on Small Business Saturday!
Help replace the stolen Kissing Camels sculpture in Downtown Colorado Springs!
A beloved sculpture – a miniature tribute to the Kissing Camels at Garden of the Gods– was stolen from its home in Downtown Colorado Springs on the night of August 30, 2017.
The artist, Scottie Burgess, has graciously offered to replace the Kissing Camels (aka Civic Treasures #1). Because the mold for the sculpture still exists, he is able to make a replacement charging only for the cost of materials. See our to donate.
If the original is found or we exceed our goal, any additional funds will go toward the design and purchase of a fourth Civic Treasures sculpture – another piece that celebrates the places and things that make Colorado Springs special. Any info on the disappearance of the sculpture should be reported to Colorado Springs Police at 719-444-7000.
Downtown diners have new lunch options with the City of Colorado Springs’ Food Truck Tuesdays!
The new food truck pod is located on the west lawn of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum at 215 S. Tejon Street. Trucks are open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday through October 29, 2019. Check out diverse dining options from as many as 10 local food trucks, including regulars as well as “wild card” slots with different vendors each week.
The Colorado Classic kicks off in Downtown Colorado Springs with Stage I of the professional men’s and women’s cycling race. The start and finish take place Downtown, where you’ll also find an all-day festival, community fun run, post-race concert and activities for the whole family. Learn more about the event here.
The following is information specific to Downtown in the days leading up to and during the event. If you have additional questions, please contact The Colorado Springs Sports Corp at info@thesportscorp.org or by calling 719-634-7333.
Road closures
Phased road closures in the Downtown core will begin as early as 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8, and continue to midnight on Thursday, August 10. See Downtown map for specific streets and times.
Downtown access
Cascade and Tejon will be closed, as will the exit ramps at I-25 and Bijou. The best north/south access to Downtown will be Nevada, and/or I-25 exiting at Uintah or Cimarron. All streets on the route and/or crossing the race route will be closed no later than 9 a.m. on August 10. See the full route here. Please note, there is also ongoing road and utility work that may impact access to Downtown, see details here.
Downtown employee access
Employees arriving after 9 a.m. on August 10 should allow extra time and have alternative parking areas in mind. Employee access to the alley west of Tejon will be at CSPD discretion, and may not be allowed depending on the speed and proximity of cyclists. Employees wishing to access this alley should proceed to the CSPD officers located at Platte Ave (or further north) and await their instruction.
Downtown CLIENT and PATRON access
Those with appointments at Downtown offices and businesses should be aware that access and parking will be significantly impacted on Thursday, August 10. Please plan extra time to arrive and park. There will be access to the city garage at Nevada/Colorado, but spaces may be limited.
CITY PARKING GARAGEs
City parking garages at Nevada/Colorado and Nevada/Kiowa will be open. Rate is $3 for all-day parking, and must be paid upon entry. Cash and credit cards accepted.
On First Friday, June 7, get to know the new ART ON THE STREETS PUBLIC ART EXHIBIT through a passport-guided scavenger hunt featuring giveaways, samples and goodies at 12 different sculpture and mural locations around the Downtown Creative District from 5-8 p.m.
Play in the Park returns Memorial Day Weekend 2018 with free outdoor games
Current hours of operation: May 26 – Sept 3; 11:30-6:30 p.m.
Challenge your friends, family and co-workers to a fun outdoor game in Acacia Park. All summer long you can check out games from the Visitor Hub with your photo ID. Choose from:
- Giant chess
- Cornhole
- Bocce
- Shuffleboard
- Giant Connect Four
- Jenga
- Checkers
- Bowling
Parking: On-street parking, or park in the Bijou/Cascade garage just one block away. Map to Acacia Park.
Play in the Park is a program of Downtown Ventures, Colorado Springs Urban Intervention, the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and Connect!COS.
The 2017 State of Downtown Report, featuring data and statistics about development, investment, workforce and more, is now available.
Gil Penalosa opens City Center Series
Downtown’s Culinary scene is ready to welcome chef Mark Henry and his Rooster’s House of Ramen.