For More Information

Contact: Kitty Clemens

Economic Development Director

719-685-9741

CELL (719)-321-8561

For Immediate Release

Manitou Springs Ahead With Groovy New Pavement and Streetscape Enhanced by Student Art

May 15, 2007 (Manitou Springs, Colorado) The old saying “if we build it, they will come” is ringing true in downtown Manitou Springs. Three phases of 5 planned streetscape improvements will be complete just in time for Memorial weekend, the traditional start of the summer tourism season. To celebrate the end of numerous construction projects in the downtown and removal of all the “cone zones”, merchants are throwing a street party on May 19^th from 10AM to 1PM.

Original art from Manitou Springs students in grade school, middle school and high school was juried by their respective teachers and 50 of the most outstanding pieces were selected to appear on banners throughout the newly completed streetscape in the historic downtown shopping and dining district. City workers will install the banners for a much anticipated “official opening” slated on May 19^th from 10 AM to 1:00 PM. Carnivale Puppets and Bagpipers will hold a sidewalk parade. Street performers, mimes and balloon artists will also be active on the newly finished sidewalks. Downtown merchants will provide snacks and hold pre-summer special sales in their stores during the event.

The art banners became a reality in the style that won Manitou a Governor’s Award in Excellence for Downtown Partnerships in the winter of 2006. (A little help from a whole lot of people). The Business Improvement District wanted to adorn the new streetlights with festival banners enhancing the overall experience of coming to the Historic downtown but, did not have funds. Roy Crawford, superintendent of School District 14 asked art teachers if they could help out by having students make the banners. Art teachers teamed up with The Sign Shop to identify a process to transfer student art to banners that would withstand the elements. The Sign Shop went one step further and donated materials to make the banners more affordable. The Manitou Springs Education Foundation hosted an event to promote the student art banners and parents stepped forward to purchase the banners. The City of Manitou Springs Public Works Department and Comcast will install the banners on Friday night and residents will awaken to beautiful “one-of-a-kind” street banners befitting a community that prides itself on being unique. Each banner will feature 2 original pieces of art and will hang throughout the summer and fall.

New wider sidewalks and removal of overhead power lines is paying off for this small historic community of less than 5000 people. Since the construction began 3 years ago, there has been nearly $30 million in private sector investment announced. The only infill lot in the historic shopping and dining district has been developed into a mixed use live/work place and the two largest buildings in downtown sold to redevelopment interests. The Spa Building is receiving a $6 million facelift and the Cliffhouse Hotel acquired the Wheeler House to allow for future growth and a multi-million dollar expansion.

The downtown streetscape project and revitalization effort will cost approximately $7 million and is slated to be completed in 2009. Funds for the public infrastructure improvements come from a voted approved bond and federal highway user funds. The construction has also been supported by grants from the El Pomar Foundation and the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado.

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Project Summary: When completed the project will:

Replace over 5000 lineal feet of sidewalk with wider more pedestrian friendly sidewalks.
Remove the visual pollution created by 53 telephone poles and power lines from the 600 block of Manitou Avenue to the 1000 block of Manitou Avenue.
Cost approximately $6 million
Add 33 park benches
Create new safer crosswalks in 18 locations, 10 on Manitou Avenue and 8 on side streets
Plant 63 ornamental trees
Plant 60 street trees
Add 63 historic street lights