Imagine Downtown Colorado Springs Master Plan
Imagine Downtown Colorado Springs Master Plan was developed and synchronized with other local plans to encourage the continuing revitalization of a two square mile area of Downtown Colorado Springs. This Master Plan was published in 2009. It includes a wonderful chronicle of the rich history of Colorado Springs and the Vision and Objectives deemed necessary for a healthy urban environment.
The idea of revitalizing the historic downtown area is not new. In 1971, the first Downtown Plan sought address many issues but did not spur new development downtown. In the 1980s, civic leaders expressed concern as widespread residential development moved north, south, and east of the city. By 1992, the Downtown Action Plan was instrumental in establishing downtown districts. Important land use recommendations and purposeful projects were outlined in the plan. For example, the organization improved landscapes, streetscape, and encouraged pedestrian-friendly corridors. It also re-energize the educational, cultural, and business sectors of downtown.
Downtown Partnership
As the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs achieved many of its purposes to revitalize the downtown area in its Downtown Action Plan, it moved towards a community wide initiative entitled, “Imagine Downtown.” As the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs achieved many of its purposes to revitalize the downtown area in its Downtown Action Plan, it moved into a new community wide initiative entitled, “Imagine Downtown.” This was an exciting collaboration. It gathered resources from hundreds of residents and organizations, studied what worked and did not work for similar cities. The Imagine Downtown Master Plan is based on the work of the larger community.
Eighteen months of imagining a thriving future for downtown Colorado Springs resulted in a workable document that acts as an updated land-use Master plan for the downtown planning area. It is consistent with plans created by the parks and recreations department, for trails, transportation, neighborhoods, drainage basin plans, along with economic focus. It recognizes many efforts will occur at the same time and in coordination with one another.
The Vision: Downtown
“The Vision: Downtown is an image and symbol of the region and has an opportunity to reaffirm its identity as the epicenter and economic engine of the city, a desirable place to live, work, learn and play, and a point of public and private investment.” A number of key goals address several primary issues in the downtown area. These include:
- Residential Development
- Jobs and Retail Development
- Entertainment, Arts, and Culture
- Environmental Improvements
- Transportation, Pedestrian Orientation, and Parking
- Technology and Sustainability
- Urban Design and Land Use
- Historic Preservation
Imagine Colorado Springs Master Plan has gone even further. For example, the Primary Objective with regards to Residential Development is to identify needed housing types, price points, and tools to encourage downtown housing production. It pinpoints:
- Challenges and Opportunities as Higher Construction Costs
- Need for Higher-Density Development Market
- Need for a Cohesive, Phased Residential Development Plan
Land Use
To create a Land Use Framework, Imagine Downtown refers to the 8 districts outlined in the Downtown Action Plan. These neighborhoods surround The Core downtown area. Each neighborhood has a distinctive character and personality. The Districts include Near North End, Middle Shooks Run, South End, Las Vegas, Drake, Citygate, South Wahsatch, and Lowell.
Colorado Springs REMAX Agent
For more information about Colorado Springs real estate near Colorado Springs CO, please call top REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010.
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