DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIPOF COLORADO SPRINGS

ANNUAL REPORT2011

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Of Visions and VisionariesDowntown, like any neighborhood, is ever evolving. In past decades, we’ve seen what we think of as “everyone’s neighborhood” transform, piece by piece, until the whole has become something once unimaginably rich and textured. Change comes in its own time, in its own ways, and the process is often the most interesting part of the journey.

Early visionaries like Lucy Ross understood that. Lucy was passionate about Downtown; she was one of its earliest proponents, the founder and president of the Downtowners and co-chair for the historic Downtown Bed Races. She knew that Downtown held and will always hold more promise than whatever is “right now” and she ensured its growth by leaving a generous bequest to us in her estate.

We mention Lucy Ross not only for her financial gift, but primarily because she represented all that every great Downtown needs: a spunky, tireless and unstoppable advocate. All that we know

of Downtown now was sparked in part by Lucy and has been championed since by a growing cast of other visionaries. All of what fuels Downtown is its people: shopkeepers, professionals, artists, musicians, and volunteers, as well as the patrons who come to “shop, wine, dine and play.”

Downtown Partnership serves as the district’s leader and a leadership catalyst. Four separate Boards of Directors and 11 committees are staffed entirely by volunteers, who work long and hard to bring to fruition a variety of visions. From the young to the mature, our champions reflect every stripe of vibrant.

This year we both had the privilege of traveling on a Chamber of Commerce-led trip to Oklahoma City to learn more about how that city has revitalized itself. Aside from learning Oklahomans’ story, what most impacted us was seeing, among our group and theirs, the power

of community pride and spirit. We felt privileged for the extended quality time with some of our elected officials and for the opportunity to continue to advocate for Downtown.

Inside these pages we recap what has been an inspiring, adventuresome and productive year Downtown. We hope that as you review our accomplishments, sparked within you are fresh ideas and a renewed sense of community spirit.

While we continue to cast a wider collaborative net and spin loftier visions of tomorrow, we are grateful to help lead the process. We thank all of you who share in this exciting journey.

Chris Jenkins Ron ButlinPresident Executive Director Downtown Partnership Downtown Partnership

Our MissionTo achieve a world class, vibrant Downtown Colorado Springs that serves as the civic, cultural, and economic heart of the city.

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Organizations & LeadershipThe Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs (DP), a 501 (c) 4 nonprofit organization, provides leadership and advocacy for Downtown Colorado Springs while supporting partner organizations with strategic guidance and administrative and accounting services.

Brian BurnettRandy CaseScott ClintonMichael CollinsSteve EngelSam Eppley, Vice PresidentLes GruenRich Guy Jim HarrisGay Hatler, Secretary/TreasurerKady Hommel

The Greater Downtown Colorado Springs Business Improvement District (BID) focuses on beautification and maintenance of public spaces Downtown, parking and transportation, and marketing.

James BrodieSteve Condon, Secretary/TreasurerGary FefferSusan GodecRalph HibbardWilliam J Hybl Jr.

The Colorado Springs Downtown Development Authority (DDA) advances Downtown revitalization and economic development through special programs and financial assistance.

Merv BennettSusan Edmondson, Vice ChairSteve Engel, Secretary/TreasurerSam EppleyRich Guy

Colorado Springs Community Ventures, Inc. (CV), a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, focuses on the growth of arts and culture but also provides public benefit programs and education.

Mary-K BurnettMichael Collins, PresidentKris FaricyLara Holman GarritanoMatt Mayberry, Vice President

Kailash N. JaitlyChris Jenkins, President Mark JonesJim Kin Chuck MurphySusan PrestiDoug PriceJim ReesNolan SchrinerChris SohnWayne Timura

Cari Karns Hannah Parsons Randy PriceRyan Riesterer, ChairJanelle Walston, Vice Chair

Jay Miller Blake MilteerChuck MurphyTariana Navas-NievesSharon Schriner

Mike HassellChris JenkinsDavid Lord Roger Sauerhagen Nolan Schriner

Mayor’s Breakfast 2010

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Year in Review

Downtown Partnership (DP)

ADVOCACY was at the forefront of Downtown Partnership efforts this past year.

Downtown Partnership set the stage last fall with its annual Mayor’s Breakfast on Downtown that brought to the podium, alongside Mayor Rivera, Governor John Hickenlooper, whose election had been sealed only a day prior. The Fine Arts Center SaGaJi Theatre was packed and an enthusiastic crowd spilled out into the adjacent corridors. In his first public appearance as Governor, Hickenlooper challenged us to dream bigger and do more.

In the spring, with Colorado Springs voters charged to elect a first-ever “strong mayor” as well as new City Council members, a wide slate of candidates emerged. Utilizing Facebook, Twitter and e-blasts, Downtown Partnership encouraged citizen engagement.

We interviewed 14 City Council candidates and nine Mayoral candidates, and posted their responses to five questions about Downtown on our website.

We helped educate voters by disseminating information about the change of form in government.

We also joined others in sponsoring a live interactive online Young Professionals Mayoral Forum, facilitated by Springs Vision Forum, a foursome comprised of Marcus Haggard (Magneti Marketing), Etienne Hardre (Next Exit Advisors), Tucker Wannamaker (Magneti Marketing) and Ashlee Springer (Smash Events). Users posed their own questions, dialogued with the leading candidates — then Richard Skorman and Steve Bach — and with each other. The forum brought to the table the tech-savvy and a newer generation of voices and vision.

Downtown Partnership also continued its tradition of FACILITATING CONNECTIONS AND COLLABORATIONS.

Membership mixers promoted real time, face-to-face networking. First Commercial Bank, HB&A Architects and RTA Architects generously hosted these much-anticipated get-togethers.

Our monthly newsletters profiled Downtown merchants, promoted events and revealed pieces of Downtown history.

Community conversations, communications about Downtown and event promotions took off exponentially this year via Twitter and Facebook. Individuals and businesses were no longer simply responding to our outgoing messages, but initiating their own.

DP also provided financial and management services to its partnering organizations: the Downtown Development Authority, Business Improvement District, and Community Ventures.

Mayor’s Breakfast 2010

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Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The DDA focused this past year on continuing SUPPORT for mainstay events, building funds for future investment, nurturing the VISIONARY PROCESS and in general, STIMULATING ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.

The Blues Under the Bridge music festival and the Pikes Peak Arts Festival drew thousands into Downtown.

A giant image of local cycling pro Danny Pate on the west side of the Alamo Building (see BID below) drew attention to DDA’s sponsorship of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The timed Prologue stage that culminated Downtown helped shine a national spotlight on the City. The preceding People’s Pedal Party engaged the cycling community and others enthused about the event.

DDA propelled new discussions about the future of Acacia Park. This city-center resource, many believe, is underutilized and not meeting its potential. With community input, HB&A Architects created 3D-virtual renderings of numerous concepts. Those concepts can be viewed at http://www.hbaa.com/portfolio/on-the-boards/acaciapark/.

Taking a cue from the imaginative and increasingly popular efforts of Modbo owners Brett and Lauren Andrus, the DDA also began reconsidering how Downtown alleyways are utilized. Conversations have been stimulated around the viability of an Arts Alley District.

Business Improvement District (BID)

The Business Improvement District expanded the “There is only one Downtown” MARKETING CAMPAIGN through increased social networking and the development and growth of signature Downtown events.

Links were established between all social media platforms: website, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Tumblr. Close to 4,000 people have “liked” our Facebook page, and there are more than 3,000 monthly active users.

The Acacia Park FARMERS MARKET returned for a second year, drawing larger crowds vying for the weekly opportunity to purchase fresh produce and a variety of other goods from area vendors. Most weeks offered live music, themes and related activities for all ages. Our appreciation to Miller Farms for its outstanding offerings of fresh, high-quality Colorado produce.

Photo by Charlotte Geary

Alley wedding

Acacia Park Farmers Market

Marketing Campaign

Acacia Park concept by HB&A Architects People’s Pedal Party

www.downtown80903.com

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BID continued. The Acacia Park CONCERT SERIES launched this summer with nine Saturday evenings of two 60-minute, back-to-back live concerts. A variety of local talent, encompassing folk, bluegrass, blues and more, kept the crowds captivated and coming back. Our sincere thanks to Lauren and Brett Andrus for their extensive work lining up and facilitating the performers and concerts.

CHICK CRAWL, a wildly popular nationwide concept of guided shopping tours with exclusive discounts at local shops, came to Downtown Colorado Springs in April and again in July. These infectiously fun outings introduced many newcomers to the unique and varied wares offered by Downtown merchants. Appreciation goes to Chris Colean of Colorado Co-op and Susan Wolbrueck and Sara Keller for organizing the events.

Beautification efforts in the BID included adding 24 more GIANT FLOWERPOTS planted and placed on the streets (bringing the total to 36); streetscape improvements on Cascade Avenue; and regular

seasonal plantings and hanging of banners — as well as their maintenance and that of sidewalks and alleys, too. Thanks to Timberline Landscaping for its inestimable assistance getting those flowerpots in place, and to the City of Colorado Springs for carrying out streetscape work.

The BID also promoted Downtown as the endpoint of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge’s Prologue by purchasing and installing the giant cyclist mural wrap on the west exterior of the Alamo Building. Rotation of themed street banners, window clings and print posters throughout the district, as well as a variety of broadcast and print advertising, rounded out the marketing thrust.

The Downtown Gift Card continued to be a popular choice year-round, and especially around holidays. Cards are available for purchase online at www.downtown80903.com or by calling or visiting the Downtown Partnership offices.

Derby DamesBlues under the Bridge Concert Series

Building mural of pro cyclist Danny Pate

Concert Series

Downtown BID flowerbeds

Pikes Peak Arts Festival

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Community Ventures, Inc. (CV)

ART ON THE STREETS installed its 13th annual exhibition in Downtown public spaces this year, kicking off with a reception in late June. Noted arts aficionados Kathy Loo and Jim Raughton juried the exhibit that lured entries from thirty-eight artists from across the U.S. and abroad. Art on the Streets was made possible again by presenting sponsor US Bank, along with support from Nor’wood Development, G.E. Johnson, H. Chase Stone Trust and numerous individual contributions.

Eleven artists were selected to exhibit, with first place and a generous cash prize going to Bill Mueller of Sedalia, Colorado. His piece, Journey to Paradise, is located at the south entrance to Plaza of the Rockies.

Local favorite Sean O’Meallie took second prize for his Tree Ring Circus, a series of 22 unique black and white installations adorning tree trunks along Tejon Street. Yet another local artist, Dan Romano, earned third prize for his lightning bolt-shaped Nikola 20, striking in the flowerbed at the northwest corner of Pikes Peak and Tejon.

Walking tour maps were again produced and made available online as well as at the Downtown Partnership offices.

ART ACQUISITION was furthered by many contributions to this year’s fundraising campaign. Scan the QR code here or visit

downtown80903.com for a complete list of contributors to our art acquisition efforts.

This year’s art purchase was Grizz II, by Black Forest artist Richard Jagoda. Long loaned to its spot in the median on Pikes Peak Avenue at Cascade Avenue, Grizz II has been gifted to the City for its permanent collection.

Pikes Peak Arts Festival People’s Pedal PartyDerby Dames

Bill Mueller’s winning Journey to Paradise

Richard Jagoda’s Grizz II

USA Pro Cycling Challenge

We would love to add you to the Downtown Partnership membership roster! Scan the QR code here or visit www.downtown80903.com to access our membership application.

Downtown Partnership Staff

MEMBERSHIPPRESIDENTS COUNCILNor’wood DevelopmentUS Bank

ExECUTIVE COUNCILColorado CollegeColorado Springs UtilitiesGay & Lesbian Fund of ColoradoGE Johnson Construction Co.Great Western BankGriffis/Blessing, Inc.H. Chase Stone Trust

PARTNERS COUNCIL Mortenson ConstructionMurphy ConstructorsPhantom Canyon Brewing Co.Wells Fargo Bank

SUSTAINING MEMBERAntlers Hilton Colorado SpringsBank of ColoradoCase International Co.Centennial ReproductionsColorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority Colarelli ConstructionComputer Systems Resources, Inc.El Paso Western PipelinesFirst Bank Holding CompanyFirst Presbyterian ChurchFountain Colony LLCFreedom Financial ServicesMichael Collins ArchitecturePikes Peak Association of Realtors, Inc.Saks Building, LLCUnited States Olympic CommitteeYMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

MEMBERAspenPointeBain Family Foundation Bank at Broadmoor; The Bestway DisposalBetter Business BureauBKD, LLP CPAs & AdvisorsBroadmoor; TheBryan ConstructionCatholic Charities of Central ColoradoChamber of CommerceCity RockCJ Kard Colorado Springs Business JournalColorado Springs Health Partners, PC

Colwebb, LLCConcept RestaurantsCSNA ArchitectsDavid Lord Ecumenical Social MinistriesEnt Federal Credit UnionExperience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak Convention & Visitor’s BureauFirst Business BrokersFirst Christian Church First United Methodist ChurchLindsay FischerGazette; TheGriffis GroupHB&A ArchitectureHeating & Plumbing Engineers, Inc.Hibbard Family, LLCHogan Lovells US LLPKaiser PermanenteLSC Transportation ConsultantMcDivitt Law Firm, P.C.Melting Pot; TheMemorial HospitalMulliken Weiner Karsh Berg & Jolivet, P.C.N.E.S. Inc.Nevada Auto Sales, Inc.David and Julia NevilleNew Colorado Square, LLCNext Level DevelopmentNoshDick and Judy NoyesPenrose St. Francis Healthcare SystemsPepsi-Cola Bottling Co.Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLPSchuck Interests, Inc.Senger Design GroupSierra Commerical Real EstateSonterra GrillSound Shop; TheSprings Rescue MissionUMB BankUrban StrategiesUSAAVectra BankWahsatch Investments, Ltd. World Arena Pikes Peak CenterWynne Realty, Ltd.YOW Architects, PCZions Management Services

ASSOCIATEA. Marvin StraitAA Construction Company, Inc.Adams Bank and TrustAlpern Myers Stuart LLC

American Numismatic AssociationBee Vradenburg FoundationBoulder Crescent ApartmentsGary L. BradleyBryan & Scott Jewelers Ltd.Buffalo Builders, Inc.Cameron Butcher CompanyCascade Park ApartmentsColorado Springs Fine Arts CenterColorado Springs PhilharmonicColorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corp.Brian and Tiffany ColvertCook Veterinary Hospital PLLCCottonwood Center for the Arts Craddock Columbine Realty Co., LLCCushman & Wakefield Bruce and Pat DoyleDHN Planning & DevelopmentDLR Group, Inc.Early Connections Learning Centers Equity Group; TheFamous; TheFirst Commercial BankFirst Congregational Church Flynn, Wright & Fredman, LLCGreat Southwest; TheHoff & Leigh Management Inc.Holland and Hart, LLPHunan SpringsHUB InternationalIl VicinoInfront Webworks, IncJack Quinn’s Irish Ale House and PubJaitly, Dr. KailashJennings & Jennings, Inc.Lawyers TitleLouden Family PartnershipMountain ChaletMountain View BankNAI Highland Commercial Group, LLCOfficeScapesOld North End Homeowners AssociationOld Town Bike ShopOlive Branch RestaurantOsborne Parsons & Rosacker, LLPPikes Peak Arts CouncilPikes Peak Library DistrictPikes Peak Regional Development Corp.Pioneers Museum Foundation Poor Richard’s Restaurant

Rasta PastaReal Estate Network; TheRegina’s Unique BotiqueResource Exchange; TheRTA ArchitectsSandiaS & R ConstructionSouthside Johnny’sSparks Willson, Borges Brandt & Johnson, P.C.Sparrow Hawk Gourmet CookwareBrenda L. Speer, LLCStatus Symbol Auto BodySummit Economics, LLCTerra Verde, Inc.Thomas & Thomas, IncTolin MechanicalUniversity of Colorado at Colorado SpringsUniversity of the RockiesWalston Group Real Estate, Inc.WEM InvestmentsWoodford Manufacturing Co.Lana YeakelYoung Life

FRIENDS LEVELMichael A Cimino D.D.SColumbine Capital Services, IncConover RealtyCultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region – COPPeRFirst Church of Christ ScientistsGain-Stovall, IncKady Hommel and Dave AndersonMcAllister House MuseumJames D. Nelson, D.D.S. Gary Sondermann

Ron Butlin, Executive DirectorBeth Ortiz, Public Space ManagerDenise Schall, Program CoordinatorJacque Stanley, Business Manager