The Colorado Springs Business Journal recently addressed the development of Colorado Springs Colorado real estate at its urban core. Writer Amanda Miller shared research about urban projects, interviewed developers with downtown plans, and talked to city commissioners about the challenges and solutions to developing thriving live/work/play real estate in downtown Colorado Springs.
The question: Is the desire strong enough to overcome the challenges to a vibrant, artsy urban core? In essence, the downtown area today lacks Colorado Springs homes. Without nearby places to live, how does the urban chemistry support the revitalization of downtown Colorado Springs Colorado real estate – including business, retail, and entertainment sectors?
A downtown solutions team has juices flowing with ideas that encompass retail, office, residential, arts and culture, and hotel development. Over the past decade, several groups have discussed the rejuvenation of downtown. Most of those big ideas shrank into the background as the economy slowed. But some are alive and well.
Obstacles to downtown development
As with many downtown areas, suburban growth has moved away from downtown. The Journal articles elucidate several problems in recapturing the city core in the current downtown. For example, parking is a problem today as is the use of Acacia Park as a backyard for the homeless.Colorado Springs needs pedestrian connectors and/or transportation between the arts sectors, universities, the parks, and main attractions.
Along more structural lines, historical downtown Colorado Springs excluded industrial buildings and warehouses. In contrast, other cities with contemporary urban cores such as Denver and Chattanooga began the urban trend by rebuilding existing warehouses. However, Colorado Springs lacks those old buildings. Our founder marketed the city as a healing resort and the Broadmoor Hotel & Resort is ensconced near downtown. Industrial areas are further away.
Presently, a number of existing buildings that could be redeveloped are only one or two stories tall — versus the 4-10 stories prominent in other cities. In urban core development, those upper stories serve as homes.
Many projects are on hold.Miller spoke of a project by Steve Engel who has drawings for 12 acres of live/work/play real estate in the area known as City Gates near Cimarron and Sierra Madre streets. An architectural rendition of the Bijou Lofts across the street from Acacia Park will remain in the drawing stage until the economy improves, according to its developer Daniel Robertson. Pike Peaks Place is a high-rise idea for the quarter of Nevada and Pikes Peak avenues.More hover around the corner.
Essentially, developing a vibrant urban core in Colorado Springs will take a lot of hard work and money – and a desire greater than the challenges.
For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, contact award-winning REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978. In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.