[Front_Range_Guy]

Very cool. Do you know how many rooms the hotel will have?

119 according to the Indy article.

[acw007]

This is actually like the third version of the same design. The end product should be better. In Fort Collins a minimum of 50% of all wall space must be covered by windows. Windows would greatly improve this beast.

[acw007]

119 according to the Indy article.

Cool. The virtual tour thing is pretty interesting. They could funk it up a notch though.

[Front_Range_Guy]

Windows would help.

I agree, the decor is nice, but a little plain.

[Eeyore]

FYI I just got back from the Springs as I had my birthday dinner and went to the Q. I have some pictures of the Broadmore and the Q but can't figure how to download them, I got a new camara for my birthday, so tomorrow when I am not drunk I will hopefully figure out how and post them.

[acw007]

Well happy birthday you drunk. Good luck with the new camera. :)

[Front_Range_Guy]

Sounds like you had a good time Eeyore. I'm sure the camera will make more sense when you're sober. Can't wait to see your pics.

[Eeyore]

Thanks FRG and 007. I did have fun. I got it to work tonight so here are some pictures.

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/josseppie/Pueblo213.jpg

This is a side view of the main building at the Broadmore

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/josseppie/Pueblo212.jpg

This is the building the Penrose Room is in. Its 9 stories and was built in 1961.


http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/josseppie/Copy2ofDSC00006.jpg

This is the Penrose Room. It is by far my favorite resturant in Colorado. The view of Colorado Springs and the mountains are amazing.


http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/josseppie/Copy2ofDSC00013.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/josseppie/CopyofDSC00012.jpg

This is club Q. It is on the north side of Colorado Springs off Accademy Blvd.

[Front_Range_Guy]

What floor is The Penrose Room on and if the view is so amazing, why didn't you take any photos!?!

[Eeyore]

The Penrose room was on the 9th floor. When I first got there I was afraid to ask if I could just walk up to a window and take pictures as the people were eating then when I got the liquid courage to ask I was drunk and my camera did not do a good job of showing the lights. Also, I had thought downtown would look good once it got dark but you could not see it as good as I thought.

Here was my drunk atempt:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/josseppie/Pueblo214.jpg

I want to make this my birthday tradition for now on so next year I will take pictures before it gets dark now that I know they encourage it.

[Front_Range_Guy]

:cool:

I'm glad you at least gave it a shot. I would be disappointed in you if you didn't.

[Eeyore]

Yea I should of posted it the first time. I was just afraid I would give everyone a headache by looking at that picture.

:haha:

[Front_Range_Guy]

Even when you're sober, taking photos at night can be a challenge if you don't have a decent camera, and you don't have all of the settings just right.

I'm guessing you've got a good enough camera, but I doubt you've learned all of the settings yet. I've also found it helps if have a tripod, or if you can stabilize the camera on a table or window ledge or something.

[Eeyore]

A tri pod is a good idea because there are many times there is not a place to set my camera down. My last camera not so good at night but my friends bought me this camera as they said its good for night shots. As I get to use it more I will figure it out I am sure. For example the Q was taken with me holding the camera and it came out great, better then when i would of set down my last camera.

[Front_Range_Guy]

I would like to get a high end camera with a tripod so I could take great night shots, and I would like to learn how to do HDR photography. I don't really have the money right now, though.

[Eeyore]

What is HDR photography

[Eeyore]

FRG,

I saw this so I thought I would post it.


ST. PAUL, MN--(Marketwire - May 17, 2010) - Internet Broadcasting (IB, www.ibsys.com), the leading provider of local websites, content and advertising solutions to major media companies, announced today a new partnership with News-Press & Gazette Broadcasting (NPG, www.npgco.com), a diversified media company with operations in television broadcasting, newspaper publishing and cable TV services in seven Western and Southwestern markets.

IB will provide NPG with a strategic mix of online products, content and services that will help create relevant and memorable consumer experiences that engage target audiences. IB will manage the websites of NPG's local broadcast stations KESQ-TV (Palm Springs, California); KVIA-TV (El Paso, Texas); KRDO-TV (Colorado Springs, Colo.); KJCT-TV (Grand Junction, Colo.); KIFI-TV (Idaho Falls, Idaho); KTVZ-TV (Bend, Oregon).

About News-Press & Gazette Broadcasting (NPG)

News-Press & Gazette Broadcasting (NPG), based in St. Louis, Mo., is a division of the News-Press & Gazette Company, a media holding company owned by the Bradley family based in St. Joseph Missouri operating cable, newspaper and broadcast properties. The Broadcast Division operates television and radio stations and station specific websites in seven Western and Southwestern markets including Colorado Springs-Pueblo, El Paso-Las Cruces, Palm Springs, Idaho Falls-Pocatello, Grand Junction-Montrose, Yuma-El Centro, and Bend, OR.


The link: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Internet-Broadcasting-Announces-New-Partnership-With-NPG-1261315.htm

[Front_Range_Guy]

Yeah. We officially switched from WorldNow to IB about a month ago.

[TonyAnderson]

Tripod will make a world of difference for night shots.

[Front_Range_Guy]

:previous:

That's an investment I may be willing to make fairly soon. I want to start getting out and taking more photos, during the day and at night. I think a tripod would improve the quality of my pictures considerably.

[Eeyore]

I agree. I will look around. Is there any tri pod that you guys would recommend that is small and easy to carry around?

[acw007]

Sports eXchange to open
Wednesday

By David Young • DavidYoung@coloradoan.com •
May 18, 2010

A new Old Town restaurant banking on a stock
exchange model for its menu opens to the public
tomorrow.

Sports eXchange, 214 Linden St., opens Wednesday
at 5 p.m. to the public. Last weekend it held a soft
opening with drinks and free appetizers and
reported upwards of 200 people there Saturday.

The new sports bar and restaurant bases its drink
and some food prices on a stock-exchange model,
which are displayed on a large LED board, much like
the stock exchange. A large clock will count down
from 240 seconds, resetting the prices every four
minutes.

Patrons hold the power of determining the value or
"stock" of a drink, items ordered more often rise in
cost, while those that are less popular drop in price.
Everything rises and falls based on a total food cost
of 100 percent so the restaurant breaks even.

Sitting at the bar Tuesday afternoon, Brittney
O'Daniel, owner, said the whole idea is to make the
bar a fun and entertaining environment, one where a
person could come alone and have a great time.

"We are just having fun with it. For us it's more of a
game too," O'Daniel said. "It's fun, something
interactive.

The innovative concept is intended to create an
atmosphere where customers work together to drive
down the price of a drink they want to order. Within
the software that controls the fluctuating prices of
each drink or menu item is a market. Certain
markets, such as all domestic or wheat beers, are
connected, which means that in time customers can
learn how to play the market and control prices.

In addition to changing prices, each hour the bar
has a "market crash" where all the drink prices drop
across the board.

The initial reaction by customers this weekend to
the unorthodox pricing method has been good
O'Daniel said.

"There is a learning curve for customers and there is
a learning curve for us," said O'Daniel of the
exchange method. "When a customer walks in they
go 'what?'."

The menu composed by executive chef Jordan
Rogers is a mixture of typical bar food – chicken
wings – but also includes some more upscale items
– lobster roll.

Rogers said he wanted to make the menu simple
enough to accommodate a rush of orders when a
menu item's price drops, but made from all freshly
prepared ingredients that would be found in a
higher end restaurant.

"I wanted to stay away from the frozen fried food you
typically get at a bar," Rogers said.

Other signature items, ranging from $6 to $16,
include: Kobe beef meatloaf, chicken fried steak and
citrus smoke infused ice cream.

[TonyAnderson]

I agree. I will look around. Is there any tri pod that you guys would recommend that is small and easy to carry around?

I got a pretty cheap one at Walmart actually with a three-legged stand that folds up (think tents). You can carry it around anywhere.

[Eeyore]

Sports eXchange to open
Wednesday

By David Young • DavidYoung@coloradoan.com •
May 18, 2010

A new Old Town restaurant banking on a stock
exchange model for its menu opens to the public
tomorrow.

Sports eXchange, 214 Linden St., opens Wednesday
at 5 p.m. to the public. Last weekend it held a soft
opening with drinks and free appetizers and
reported upwards of 200 people there Saturday.


Sounds interesting although that is one thing Pueblo has plenty of, sports bars. If I remember right Fort Collins is the same way. However, the concept is unique so that is kewl.

[Eeyore]

I got a pretty cheap one at Walmart actually with a three-legged stand that folds up (think tents). You can carry it around anywhere.

Thanks. I will look.

[Front_Range_Guy]

What a week it has been at work. Seriously. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Anyway. Today is my Friday. Hopefully tomorrow (real Friday) I'll be able to get some photos of the Mining Exchange Building. I haven't photographed it since they stripped it down to it's original facade.

[acw007]

Its been a crazy week for me too. I put in an offer on a new place so we'll see how that goes. And my mother in law is coming to stay for a week. Fun fun. Looking forward to your photos :)

[Front_Range_Guy]

A new place? House? Condo? What part of the city?

[Eeyore]

FRG,

I want to see the new photos too.

007,

I have the same question as FRG.

I am remodeling my house so that has been fun but frustrating.

[acw007]

It’s a condo on… drum roll… Harmony. Obviously I would rather be downtown but this condo is like a quarter mile from my boyfriends work and the Mason Corridor. Plus its like a third of the price I’d be paying downtown. Magically all my shopping needs are with in walking distance as well. It should fit my needs for a couple of years until I can afford something a little more urban. Possibly in the penny flats.

[Eeyore]

Sounds nice plus its not like any of us live in downtown. I know I get way more house and land for 1/3 the price I would pay for a condo on the Riverwalk and even though I would love to live there I just can't justify selling my house and having a huge mortgage just for the privilege of living on the Riverwalk.

[Fir Na Tine 343]

I just moved into a new place a couple weeks ago closer into the downtown core than my last one. 7 blocks from the middle of downtown, its a great neighborhood and I will probably be here for the long run, I couldnt give up living in this area.
There is a lot for sale in this area FRG, I know you said it may be out of your price range, but I think you would be surprised what some of them are going for.

[Eeyore]

I forgot that you live in downtown Colorado Springs, my bad.

Congratulations on your new pad. Just curious what is the price range for condos in downtown Colorado Springs?

[Front_Range_Guy]

I just moved into a new place a couple weeks ago closer into the downtown core than my last one. 7 blocks from the middle of downtown, its a great neighborhood and I will probably be here for the long run, I couldnt give up living in this area.
There is a lot for sale in this area FRG, I know you said it may be out of your price range, but I think you would be surprised what some of them are going for.

The biggest problem I ran into when I was looking back in 2007 was that all of the houses in my price range downtown and on the west side had major structural problems... specifically foundation problems. I know the market has changed a lot since then, though.

The house I'm in now would need A LOT of mostly cosmetic work to get into selling condition. I'd also feel a little silly selling my place after less than 3 years. On the other hand, hopefully prices and interest rates are about as low as they're going to go... that makes the thought of trying to make a move sound appealing. I probably could get more house, or a house in a better location, for a lower rate and monthly payment.

Where abouts downtown are you now?

[Front_Range_Guy]

I've seen condo's priced between about $150,000 and over $1 million in downtown Colorado Springs, depending on the buildings age, location, and what floor it's on.

Citywalk is a good example. Check out the price differences depending on floor. (http://www.colorado-springs-real-estate-4-sale.com/residential/Citywalk-Downtown-Lofts-Central.asp)

[Front_Range_Guy]

I'd still really love to live in The Daniel's Lofts (http://walstongroup.com/lofts/index_316.cfm), but it's out of my price range by a lot.

Click the link and look at the 3rd picture.:slob:

[acw007]

The windows in that place are killer.

[Front_Range_Guy]

I consider Daniel's Lofts pricey, but theoretically achievable. I don't imagine I'd ever be able to live here. (http://ppar.com/search/gallery.aspx?q=3) The Penthouse at Citywalk has a high "neato" factor, but I think I like the charm and location of Daniel's better.

[Front_Range_Guy]

The windows in that place are killer.


When will you know about your place? Does it have a website?

[acw007]

I will find out tomorrow morning by 9. Well at 9 when I meet my agent. No website but I will definitely post pictures soon.

[Front_Range_Guy]

Cool. :cool:

Moving is a lot of work, but always exciting.

[Fir Na Tine 343]

The biggest problem I ran into when I was looking back in 2007 was that all of the houses in my price range downtown and on the west side had major structural problems... specifically foundation problems. I know the market has changed a lot since then, though.

The house I'm in now would need A LOT of mostly cosmetic work to get into selling condition. I'd also feel a little silly selling my place after less than 3 years. On the other hand, hopefully prices and interest rates are about as low as they're going to go... that makes the thought of trying to make a move sound appealing. I probably could get more house, or a house in a better location, for a lower rate and monthly payment.

Where abouts downtown are you now?

Foundations can be a concern, Old Colorado City has a large amount of bad foundations. Make sure you have the right people (engineers) inspect them, I can tell you after living in a 120 year old house that sometimes the foundations may look rough but structurally are not a concern. The house I just moved into was vacant and foreclosed. I closed on it for 70,000 dollars less then what it was for sale for 10 months earlier. There are deals to be had, they just take a watchfull, eye. You were asking about location, its just west of Institute and Boulder.

[Eeyore]

I've seen condo's priced between about $150,000 and over $1 million in downtown Colorado Springs, depending on the buildings age, location, and what floor it's on.

Citywalk is a good example. Check out the price differences depending on floor. (http://www.colorado-springs-real-estate-4-sale.com/residential/Citywalk-Downtown-Lofts-Central.asp)

Interesting. It sounds like the same price range in downtown Pueblo altough I would think you guys have more houses/ condos above 1 million dollars.

Question: What is the population of downtown Colorado Springs?

[Eeyore]

Foundations can be a concern, Old Colorado City has a large amount of bad foundations. Make sure you have the right people (engineers) inspect them, I can tell you after living in a 120 year old house that sometimes the foundations may look rough but structurally are not a concern. The house I just moved into was vacant and foreclosed. I closed on it for 70,000 dollars less then what it was for sale for 10 months earlier. There are deals to be had, they just take a watchfull, eye. You were asking about location, its just west of Institute and Boulder.

I think I know that area. Is that kind of north by Colorado College?

[Front_Range_Guy]

He's East, actually, near the Deaf & Blind School if I'm not mistaken.

I have no idea what the downtown population is. It depends on how you define downtown. There aren't that many people living in the CBD. The number gets higher if you take the homeless into a account, and of course once you start adding in downtown neighborhoods surrounding the CBD, that's where most of the people live.

[Front_Range_Guy]

I ended up with 40 photos from downtown today. I'm a little disappointed with how a couple of them came out, but I'll go through and post several of them later on tonight or tomorrow morning.

[Eeyore]

I can't wait to see your pictures!

If I was to define downtown Colorado Springs I would take the 4 block area around the Wells Fargo Building. That way downtown Pueblo is larger. :haha: just joking.

Let me think.

I would actually say I-25 on the west. Colorado College area and the "downtown" public golf course on the north. I would either go with the train tracks that you drive under on the south or even I-25 again as it kind of circles around. Not sure about the east.

Any thoughts on those boundaries?

[Front_Range_Guy]

West = I-25
South = I-25
East = Institute
North = Uintah

[Front_Range_Guy]

I decided to put my photos in a new thread in the my city photos section.

Here's a link.
(http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=181923)

[Eeyore]

West = I-25
South = I-25
East = Institute
North = Uintah

I agree with the south and west. North I am not sure as when I was at the golf course it felt like downtown to me and its north of Uintah and I don't know where the Institute is.

Great pictures!

I would like to know more information on the mining and exchange building. Why was it the busiest stock exchange building in the country and why did it end?

[Front_Range_Guy]

Institute is the western edge of the school for the deaf and blind. The Gazette is on Institute.

[Eeyore]

Humm. Sorry I don't know where the Gazette is located. Can you give me a major north south street?

[Front_Range_Guy]

I'm wrong. The Gazette is not on institute. LOL. I think The Gazette is on Prospect.

The old St. Francis Hospital is on Institute. Do you know where that is?

[Front_Range_Guy]

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/ColoradoSpringsNov4th06010.jpg

In my mind, the green apartments on the left more or less represent the Eastern edge of downtown. The taller brown building beyond the apartments is the old St. Francis Hospital, and the street in between the two is Institute.

[Front_Range_Guy]

I know which golf course you're talking about. I don't think that you can reasonably argue that it's downtown. It's central for sure, but not downtown.

[Fir Na Tine 343]

I agree with those boundries. I am near institute but not next to Deaf and Blind School, further North by the Columbia School.

The mining exchange was so busy back then because of the gold boom in Cripple Creek and Victor. There was an extremly large amount of fortunes being made up there and it was all being processed down here.

[Fir Na Tine 343]

Question: What is the population of downtown Colorado Springs?


Well the zip code that covers a large portion of the downtown boundries
has 15,000 people in it, so taking into account the blocks it does not cover I would guess somewhere between 15 and 20,000.

[Eeyore]

Well the zip code that covers a large portion of the downtown boundries
has 15,000 people in it, so taking into account the blocks it does not cover I would guess somewhere between 15 and 20,000.

Interesting. That is the same as Pueblo. This is what I found for 81003:

Estimated zip code population in 2008: 14,907

So I would say 15,000 to 20,000 as well.

Now 007, do you know what the population is for downtown Fort Collins?

Interesting news about the mining and exchange building. I had no idea. Its nice to see them use that building again.

[Eeyore]

I know which golf course you're talking about. I don't think that you can reasonably argue that it's downtown. It's central for sure, but not downtown.

I was there are night. So I will go with your definition. The picture makes sense about the east part. Thanks.

[Front_Range_Guy]

Of the photos I took yesterday, the ones related to the Mining Exchange project are probably the most relevant for this thread.

The Independence Building.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA3.jpg

The Mining Exchange.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA4.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA5.jpg

Where the Independence Building and Mining Exchange meet.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA6.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA7.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA8.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA9.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA10.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA11.jpg

The back side of The Mining Exchange.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA13.jpg

The old utilities building.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA12.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Chris80906/DTA14.jpg

I love this project not only for it's potential impact on downtown, but also because I love that the Mining Exchange exterior is being restored, and the fact that this group of historically important, beautiful old buildings are getting the respectful TLC that they deserve.

[acw007]

Interesting. That is the same as Pueblo. This is what I found for 81003:

Estimated zip code population in 2008: 14,907

So I would say 15,000 to 20,000 as well.

Now 007, do you know what the population is for downtown Fort Collins?

Interesting news about the mining and exchange building. I had no idea. Its nice to see them use that building again.

I have no idea. College avenue bisects downtown Fort Collins. The area to the west is 80521 and the are to the east is 80524. Both have a population of around 30,000. Depending on how you want to define downtown I could say maybe 2,500 people live there or as many as 15,000.

[Front_Range_Guy]

How'd yesterday's meeting go 007?

[acw007]

Great, thanks for asking. I move in July 2nd. Very exciting except for the fact that I'll be hiding my little dog since the building doesn’t accept dogs but everything went really well. I’m a little annoyed about the dog thing since every other building in the complex allows them but oh well. I can give him to my mom if it really becomes a problem.

[Front_Range_Guy]

I'd probably be living in a condo several floors up if it weren't for the ridiculous "no dogs allowed" rules that most of the buildings in this town have. The idea that they expect you to "buy" a place, but tell you you can't have a pet is total b.s.

Otherwise, congrats. Can't wait to see pics.

[Eeyore]

Great, thanks for asking. I move in July 2nd. Very exciting except for the fact that I'll be hiding my little dog since the building doesn’t accept dogs but everything went really well. I’m a little annoyed about the dog thing since every other building in the complex allows them but oh well. I can give him to my mom if it really becomes a problem.

Congrats on your new place. Can't wait to see the pictures as well.


:fireworks

[Front_Range_Guy]

I've decided I need to take an indefinite hiatus from SSP. I've been working very hard over the past couple of months to build a happier, healthier, more engaged and active life... and this place continually brings me down. I don't need the negative influence. Having said that, I will miss a lot of you... here's a link to my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Loveless/1104332135). Send a friend request if you want. Be sure to let me know who you are on here. I don't approve friend requests from people if I don't know who they are.

[Eeyore]

^

Why does SSP bring you down?

[The Dirt]

I've decided I need to take an indefinite hiatus from SSP. I've been working very hard over the past couple of months to build a happier, healthier, more engaged and active life... and this place continually brings me down. I don't need the negative influence. Having said that, I will miss a lot of you... here's a link to my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Loveless/1104332135). Send a friend request if you want. Be sure to let me know who you are on here. I don't approve friend requests from people if I don't know who they are.

FRG, I don't know what's going on with you, man. All I ever see is 5 drama-free posts in this section from you and then something like the post above, then you're gone for 2-6 months. Then the cycle resumes. I don't get it.

[Eeyore]

I thought I would help bring up FRG's spirits by talking about the good qualities of Colorado Springs, at least through my perspective.

Colorado Springs has the second best sky line in the state that can be seen in many parts of the city and metro area. A metro area that is over 600,000 people and the city has a estimated population of 414,358 in 2009 making it the 48th most populous city in the United States. The Wells Fargo Building is by far the best highrise outside of the Denver msa and looks awesome at night. Colorado Springs has the Broadmore which is second to none plus the Antlers hotel in downtown and a new hotel that when finished should be another gem with great restaurants that are normally only found in large metro areas. Not to mention world class suburbs such as Manitou Springs that is known for its beauty, great architecture, and restaurants. Colorado Springs has a great airport that has non stop flights to DC, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Houston, LAX, etc. Finally, Colorado Springs has 2 growing tech parks with companies like Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Northrop Grumman, and Oakley among others.

EDIT:

I forgot to mention that Colorado Springs is home to the United States Olympic Center headquarters.

[Eeyore]

Random question but I am good at them. I was bored last night so I called Pueblo's airport a international one but in reality I know that will not happen. However do you think Colorado Springs airport has a chance of becoming a international airport in the next 20 years? Its so close to Pueblo, only a 35 minute drive from downtown Pueblo, it would be good for us as well.

[EngiNerd]

Well Colorado Springs airport has the Boeing 787 there right now being tested....

[Eeyore]

Well Colorado Springs airport has the Boeing 787 there right now being tested....

What is it being tested for?

[wong21fr]

High altitude field operations.

[Eeyore]

Would their altitude be a issue for non stop flights to London etc? It should be ok because Quito Ecuador has them and they are 10,000 feet high.

[acw007]

I was driving around today, enjoying the weather when I passed the RMI2 site I was surprised to see the steel framing was already in place all the way to the top floor. Sadly I didn’t have my camera but I also passed by Otter Products new site and leaned that they broke ground earlier in the week. I was told by some people who work for Otter that they are planning multiple new buildings in the immediate vicinity of their new HQ. The company currently employs about 150 people downtown but they plan on increasing that number to around 200 by the time they move to the new building next summer.

[Eeyore]

^

And that is why I always keep my camara in my car!

[acw007]

Well I didn’t have my camera on me because I took it inside to load some photos of the Fort Collins Brewery I took last week. But I will be sure to snag some photos this weekend. Well my weekend which is Monday threw Wednesday this week.

[Eeyore]

I look foward to seeing them!

[Eeyore]

I saw this on KOAA and think it is a very bad idea. Why would the Springs want to move more goverment offices from downtown?

El Paso County Commissioners are considering a $50 million consolidation project that would relocate several of their offices into one central building.

Should the Sustainable Facilities plan be approved, a vacant office building at the former Intel Processor Plant on Garden of the Gods Road could house the Health Department, Human Services Department, Coroner's office, County Treasurer and the Clerk and Recorders Office.

The link: http://www.newsfirst5.com/news/county-mulls-move-to-old-intel-building/

[Eeyore]

This is kewl for Colorado Springs:

The final public meeting of the Colorado Springs Streetcar Feasibility Study will be 5:30-7 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the City Administration Building, 30 S. Nevada Ave.

Local residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the idea of an electric streetcar system in downtown Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, including a route to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. The study team wants feedback on proposed routes, funding and types of streetcar vehicles.

The Streetcar Feasibility Study, a private-sector effort, is evaluating the economic feasibility and cost of building a modern electric streetcar system here. The study also is gauging community interest.

The study is being conducted by Mountain Metropolitan Transit, the city’s bus service, and is funded by federal planning grants, Colorado College, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, the Downtown Development Authority, the Business Improvement District, the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority, the Old North End Neighborhood Association and Bircham’s.

[rds70]

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs released the July 1, 2009 population estimates for municipalities late last week. Here is a list of cities over 100,000:

Denver - 618,665
Colorado Springs - 407,739
Aurora - 326,654
Lakewood - 145,990
Ft. Collins - 139,367
Thornton - 118,985
Westminster - 108,832
Arvada - 108,539
Pueblo - 106,896
Boulder - 102,210
Centennial - 101,657

[Eeyore]

^

I know for a fact they are off with Pueblo as the latest numbers have us over 108,848 closing on 110,000.

I really hope our growth trend continues then Pueblo will see some significant growth by 2020. Here is the trend since the economic collapse of the 1980's:


1990 98,640 −3.0%
2000 102,121 3.5%
2010 110,000

[k0k0kabana]

Question:

Am I the only one who has a problem with the fact that the Colorado Springs powers-that-be have spent $200 million of our hard-earned taxpayer monies on a great big altar to the olympic thundercats, that can only be seen by birds, airplanes, flying mummies, Hitler's ghost and UFO spaceships???

http://spydrasweb.blogspot.com/

[Eeyore]

^

What?

[Cirrus]

Eeyore: The numbers aren't "wrong", they just come from a different source, with a different estimation methodology. Yours probably come from other more local source, right? In any event, they are all estimates. We only get "correct" counts every 10 years with the census. Everything else is an estimate.

k0k0kabana: I don't know much about the Olympic thing, but Colorado Springs has never had a problem with spending too much taxpayer money. It's one of the worst largish cities in the country because they don't spend nearly as much as is necessary to actually run a halfway decent city.

[Giovoni]

Question:

Am I the only one who has a problem with the fact that the Colorado Springs powers-that-be have spent $200 million of our hard-earned taxpayer monies on a great big altar to the olympic thundercats, that can only be seen by birds, airplanes, flying mummies, Hitler's ghost and UFO spaceships???

http://spydrasweb.blogspot.com/

You're not really from COS or you would have mentioned God being able to see it too. Go back to your own city.

[acw007]

A new office building is making its way threw the development review process. The five story building is being proposed for the south west corner of Mason Street and Magnolia. The project is seeking LEED Silver certification. If the architecture looks familiar that’s because it was designed by the same architect who designed the Urban Living Lofts at Magnolia and is directly across from that project. The building will replace a dilapidated single story office building.

The building:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg152/acwilson007/401MasonStreet-2.jpg

The Lofts at Magnolia across the street:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg152/acwilson007/Magnolia.jpg

I find it pretty interesting that the majority of construction downtown right now is office space considering I don’t think a single office project was constructed between 2001 and 2009 when the Mitchell Block was constructed. There are currently two 40,000ish square foot office building under construction downtown. Throw this and Wirsol's planned HQ into the mix and that’s probably the most office construction downtown Fort Collins has seen since the late 60's. Sad but true.

[Front_Range_Guy]

FRG, I don't know what's going on with you, man. All I ever see is 5 drama-free posts in this section from you and then something like the post above, then you're gone for 2-6 months. Then the cycle resumes. I don't get it.


Well, basically I've developed a thin skin. I fight so hard to maintain a positive attitude, which isn't easy for me because I'm a naturally negative person, and all it takes is one negative comment to send me spiraling into the depths of the psychological abyss. Is it normal? Probably not. It's something I need to work on for sure.

[Front_Range_Guy]

Question:

Am I the only one who has a problem with the fact that the Colorado Springs powers-that-be have spent $200 million of our hard-earned taxpayer monies on a great big altar to the olympic thundercats, that can only be seen by birds, airplanes, flying mummies, Hitler's ghost and UFO spaceships???

http://spydrasweb.blogspot.com/

The wording of this post is a little bizarre, but I assume you're b*tching about the deal to keep the USOC in town. You won't find much sympathy here. I'm very happy the city did what it had to do to keep the USOC here, and I'm thrilled they chose to build the headquarters downtown. This deal was a very important long term investment in the economic future of our city. I know a lot of people refuse to see that right now, but it is fact. This falls under the category of decisions that might not be popular, but are definitely right.

[The Dirt]

FRG, you add a lot to this forum, so I'd hate to see you go.

[Front_Range_Guy]

:previous: Thanks.

I'm not leaving for good. I can't. I've tried. I'm way too addicted to this place. I've just got to find a more appropriate way to deal with my emotions here. Namely, I've got to learn that if a post pisses me off... it's okay to take a week or so break from the forum without having a tantrum and announcing my departure.

[acw007]

I was reading threw the packet for the next downtown development meeting and there was this massive report and market study the DDA had commissioned regarding their hotel project and it was pretty interesting. A lot of boring facts but I was surprised to by the reports suggestion. Based on the report and the feed back from developers interested in partnering with the project the DDA is either going to pursue a 180-200 room full service hotel that will most likely be a Renaissance or Westin. Or a 150ish room Aloft Hotel. The report suggested they could build a Hyatt Place but I don’t think that’s very likely because there is already a developer downtown who is trying to build one. Aloft would be pretty cool and very trendy but the Fort Collins Market is over saturated with select service hotels. It would a great deal easier to develop though. The other problem if we went that route is the hotel wouldn’t have the meeting / banquet facilities that the report suggest we need to be most competitive. We’re aiming for at least a 20,000 square foot ball room.
In any event this could get pretty interesting. I didn’t expect the hotel to grow larger and if they stick with the current site we could be looking at a 11ish story building. Fun fun.

Oh in other random news the year round community marketplace of it all is now in the design phase. The architects are designing two different buildings for two different sites and the DDA will chose after that. Both sites are in the River District. That was a smart choice if you ask me. The market place construction could tie in with all the infrastructure work that will take place next year.

This is the first little sketch they provided of what the market place could look like:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg152/acwilson007/MarketHall.jpg

The Market will feature both temporary and permanent stalls indoors and outdoors. The upper floors will feature 32,000 square feet of event space and office space for non profit organizations. As well as an outdoor terrace for small gatherings.

[bunt_q]

k0k0kabana: I don't know much about the Olympic thing, but Colorado Springs has never had a problem with spending too much taxpayer money. It's one of the worst largish cities in the country because they don't spend nearly as much as is necessary to actually run a halfway decent city.

Streetlights - bah - halfway decent cities leave streetlights to the private sector. If people really wanted them, the market would turn them on.

[Eeyore]

Glad to see you back FRG!

007,

Those are some great ideas. I am a little confused on the convention center. Will the main ball room that is 20,000 square feet be the largest?

[acw007]

Yes that ballroom would be the largest in the hotel. It would also be the largest in the city. I’m about 90% sure there are no plans for a separate conference center at this point but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

[Eeyore]

^

Interesting. To be honest I am surprised Fort Collins does not want a larger room as Pueblo's total room is 49,000 square feet and we lose out on conventions why they want to make it larger, 94,000 square feet. That is more like the one Grand Junction has. Other then that I think its a good plan.

[acw007]

That's only one room in the hotel and it would be larger than the grand hall at the Pueblo Convention Center. Their website says AB&C total 16,200 sq ft. The website also says the total room in the Pueblo Convention Center is only 21,000 square feet. I dont know where you get your info bud.

[Eeyore]

The information comes from the Pueblo Urban Renewal web site. They have a slide presentation, that I posted earlier, for the planned expansion and it has the current numbers and the numbers after the expansion.

Expands from 49,000 sq ft to 94,000 sq ft -- would rank 61st percentile nationally

The link: http://www.pueblourbanrenewal.org/

[acw007]

I wonder why the convention center's own website lists a different figure. Maybe the number they site is the amount of actual meeting space and the 49,000 figure includes the rest of the square footage in the building. As in hallways and what not.

[Cirrus]

Sorry bunt. I don't know what I was thinking.