Downtown Colorado Springs revitalization proponents hope more choose the heart of the city
“Proponents of downtown revitalization efforts hope more people will move to the heart of the city. Bring in more residents to downtown, urban planning experts say, and they’ll fuel retail development and create a more vibrant city core.
“The panel believes that a renaissance for downtown will depend upon additional residential that brings with it daytime and nighttime activity, street animation and vibrancy,” concluded the 2012 Joint Urban Land Institute/International Downtown Association Advisory Panel report on revitalizing downtown Colorado Springs.
“Also, residential is the prime ingredient for supporting new retail,” the report’s authors added.
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Nicklasson and Matt Craddock, principle with Craddock Commercial Real Estate, echoed the notion that residential construction – especially on the north side of the downtown core – is hampered by limited parking and property size. But they also say homeless and destitute people attracted by the Marian House Soup Kitchen present an obstacle.
“If you were trying to do something next to Marian House, that would be a deterrent,” Nicklasson said.
Craddock agreed.
“They do a wonderful job,” Craddock said of the Marian House, “but it helped sterilize downtown. It has to be in a different spot.””
Hunter, Ned. The Gazette 15 December 2013.