Downtown Partnership February 2010 Newsletter

The city's primary repository of local and regional history dodged a bullet late last year when City Council restored $365,000 in funding. That, coupled with the use of $300,000 in accumulated private funding has kept the doors open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.

FREE. Where else can you go to see extensive art (including the spectacular Eric Bransby murals and Van Briggle art pottery), permanent and changing exhibits (some historical, some cultural-like the new "It's Only Rock and Roll"), access extensive archived material and view one of Downtown's last remaining "birdcage" elevators? Take a gander at Helen Hunt Jackson's replicated home (with original furnishings), view Native American artifacts, and more?

Housed in the historic 1903 El Paso County Courthouse at 215 S. Tejon St., The Pioneers Museum is also worth visiting simply to take in the remarkable architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens and accompanying sculptures. The landmark property was actually the ninth building to serve as County Courthouse. Beginning in 1966, the building was threatened with demolition, but there was massive public outcry. In 1973 the County decided against the wrecking ball. Then El Paso County deeded the courthouse to the City of Colorado Springs - for one dollar.

Originally set up in a building adjacent to the historical Carnegie Library, The Pioneers Museum moved into the courthouse in 1979.

Inside The Pioneers Museum, you'll discover a rich and varied mix of architectural detail-including, believe it or not, faux marble. The elegant columns and pilasters on the first two levels are actually scagliola, a process developed in the 15^th century utilizing gypsum, glue, isinglass (gelatin) and coloring matter. And if you check out nothing else, head upstairs to the fully, impeccably restored Division I Courtroom. Covered floor to ceiling in gleaming, polished woods-in the gallery, on the bench, even the ceilings-the room evokes a hushed reverence for the countless dramas that surely unfolded here.

There's a whole lot more to The Pioneers Museum, and we're going to share it with you in upcoming issues. Can't wait? Learn more online at www.cspm.org or become a Facebook fan. The Museum regularly posts fascinating photos, compelling historical vignettes and, of course, announcements of events and exhibits. For more information, call 385-5990.

Downtown challenged

DP tackles Downtown concerns

The Downtown Partnership and several of its affiliated committees are working on several important issues currently facing downtown. Two that top of the list: safety and security late at night, and the tent camps along the creek as you enter town.

Regarding late night safety, there are many solutions utilized around the country-staggered closing times, increased area lighting and changing music in the clubs 30 minutes to an hour before closing. Some communities have driver's license readers that can stop a problem patron from entering another club down the street after being removed from the first one.

The Colorado Springs Police Department and the Downtown Partnership are looking into these and other options. Sergeant Strossner wants his officers to diffuse situations with words whenever possible. The Downtown Partnership intends to take positive steps to impact the situation. An important first step is to get Downtown bar and club owners together to come up with an agreed-upon minimum code of conduct, not to impede competition or variety, but to ensure that downtown is a safe place for all to enjoy. We are striving to have tools in place by summertime to enhance Downtown's nighttime safety.

On February 9, City Council passed a first-vote, 8-1, on a ban on camping along the creek areas Downtown. The City Attorney will review the ordinance and language may be modified before Council takes a second vote later this month.

While we endeavor to be compassionate toward the homeless community, the Downtown Partnership does view the camp clusters as negatively impacting companies wanting to invest in Downtown (and the City) as well as individuals who want to enjoy downtown. We will move forward working with Council and other interested parties to develop and implement solutions that respect a variety of factors.

Read what some Downtown merchants had to say about Council's ban of the camps at: http://csbj.com/2010/02/10/business-owners-agree-with-council-ban/.

AOTS Acquisitions

"Flora" to stay home

Jason Stillman's engaging sculpture, "Evolution of Flora" certainly engaged the Art on the Streets juror last year; the Mesa, Arizona artist won third place in the annual exhibit and a cool $5000 cash prize. The lyrical, kinetic sculpture Flora has seemed so at home in front of the Pikes Peak Center that the Board of Directors for the World Arena (which manages the performing arts venue) decided to purchase it.

"We fell in love with "Flora" the day she arrived at Pikes Peak Center," said General Manager Dot Lischick. "Her leaves flutter in the wind and she glistens in the night light. You can almost hear a soft melody around her...the piece truly is the Evolution of Flora."

We agree!

Call for entries

Art on the Streets deadline looms; art for sale

The annual call for entries for Community Ventures, Inc.'s flagship program, Art on the Streets, has gone out. The submission deadline is March 1. Selected artists will be notified by mid March. This year's prize pool includes $15,000 for first place, $7,500 for second, and $2,500 for third. More information can be found online at www.artonthestreets.com.

The current exhibit will be removed in May-so if you've had your eye on a potential purchase, now's the time to get moving! Contact Denise Schall at (719) 886-0088

Art on the Streets is a yearlong outdoor art exhibit featuring work selected from around the nation and abroad. A star juror selects approximately 12 to 15 pieces each year. The 2010-2011 exhibit will again be judged by Jan Schall, Ph.D., Sanders Sosland Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO. Art on the Streets is proudly presented by US Bank, and supported by Nor'wood Development Group and G.E. Johnson.

On view

It's Only Rock-n-Roll

After traveling nationally for the past ten years, The Pioneers Museum presents its collection of rock-n-roll concert images by local photographer Larry Hulst. "It's Only Rock-n-Roll (But I Like It)" opened January 29 and runs through May 29, 2010. The exhibit features photos of rock legends from Janice Joplin and Jimmie Hendrix to The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Unlike most musical concerts, admission to the Museum is free! Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Downtown Development Authority

Challenge Grants around the corner

Want to improve a storefront façade? Or a residential entry for that matter? These and other improvements may qualify for financial assistance in the form of Challenge Grants from the Downtown Development Authority. This year there will be two grant cycles; April and September.

Beginning March 1, look for the application form online at www.downtown80903.com. First cycle applications will be due by April 23, 2010.

Grants ranging from $500 to $30,000 will be considered. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a 100 percent funding match. For more information, contact Jacque at (719) 886-0088.

Can you guess?

Downtown puzzler

Few have had the privilege of viewing these gears in person, but anyone can see the results of their labor. Where are they and what do they do?

Go green

Go love a parade

The 27th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will roll down Tejon Street on Saturday, March 13, beginning at noon. The parade starts at St. Vrain and travels through the heart of downtown. Marching bands, floats, cars and lot of leprechauns will help us all be a wee bit Irish for the day.

Historical preservation

McWilliams House receives CHS grant

The State Historical Fund of the Colorado Historical Society (CHS) has awarded $170,700 for the preservation of McWilliams House, a significant local landmark that houses the offices of Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, at 601 N. Tejon St. Built in 1899 at a cost of $40,000, the house was first owned by grocers Mr. and Mrs. George Bernard. Prominent architect Augustus J. Smith, who designed the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, designed this home as well.

Stabilization and rehabilitation of the exterior is a dire need, said spokeswoman Clelia deMoraes. Without immediate work the building is in jeopardy of permanently losing historic character-defining features: its distinctive porches, wood siding and other decorative elements.

Grace and St. Stephen's are contributing $114,468 in support of the project, which is scheduled to get under way in the summer of 2010. For more information, contact deMoraes at (719) 291-0284 or 360-5712; or email her at demoraesc@aol.com.

Go green

Grants for sustainable housing

Enterprise Green Communities is offering several grant programs to help cover the costs of planning and implementing green components in affordable housing developments.

Planning & Construction Grants up to $75,000 will cover planning and construction expenses, additional cost of architectural work, engineering, site survey and more. Click Here to learn more.

Charrettes Grants

up to $5,000 will assist developers with integrating green building systems and engage discussions of design possibilities. Click Here to learn more.

Sustainability Training Grants up to $5000 are available to cover the design and distribution of an operation and maintenance manual and development of a training curriculum. Click Here to learn more.

Puzzled no more

We've got answers

They're big ol' fat timekeepers is what they are! The gears pictured are inside the iconic four-sided clock tower at The Pioneers Museum. Access to the tower is closed to the public, but the clock that keeps on ticking can keep us all on time!

Membership

Welcome back renewing members!

Click Here for a complete list of

Downtown Partnership Members