Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog

Happy Birthday Bon Shopping Center

Located by The Old North End

and Patty Jewett Neighborhoods in Colorado Springs 

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Bon Center is having a birthday party!  Its opened in 1953 as Colorado Springs first strip mall (still located on Wasatch) and is celebrating its 55th birthday with an open house.  Though most of the “ultra modern” look is gone, the original sign still remains to give us a small glimpse into its past.

When it opened it was Colorado Springs first strip mall and still survives and thrives today even though many of its counterparts are no longer in existence.  How is that possible?  The center was originally planned into the community and its still supported by the residents and of The Old North End and Patty Jewett neighborhoods.  The center’s owners try and keep the rents low enough that the Mom and Pop operations can make a living and be supported by its local homeowners.

Much has changed over the years, but a few of these stores still remain.  Safeway is still there, though its relocated to the opposite end of the center.  The original Safeway is now the ENT Credit Union.  The local restaurant, The Shoppers Grill which opened 50 years ago is still going strong, so if you’re hungry stop in for a bite to eat and for a sweet treat try the yummy bakery. Does your pooch or you need a haircut or trim?  Well, there’s a  beauty shop and dog-groomer right here.  You can also pick up a nice bottle of wine at the liquor store and buy some flowers for the special someone in your life.  Need a prescription filled?  Got it covered, as the local pharmacy is right here too.  Need a special tool for a project?  No need to drive to one of the big box stores; just come and check out Ace Hardware. Is your hearing aid on the fritz?  Then visit the hearing aid shop  located right on site.  Have a special event planned and need something fine to wear?  How about some new shoes or new bauble?  Well guess what?  Bon also has a shoe store and a jewelry shop.  

Need some exercise?  Then walk across the street to Bon Park where you can play some baseball or have a fine soccer game.  You can also have a picnic and afterwards try your hand at a game of tennis.  There’s also a playground for the wee ones.  Not enough to do yet?  How about a nice bike ride on the Rock Island Trail , an easy 12 mile round-trip ride that can be accessed behind the Bon Shopping Center which follows the original Rock Island Railway.

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Tags: Bon Center, Old North End Homes, patty jewett homes

This entry was posted on Monday, August 11th, 2008 at 10:02 am and is filed under History, Neighborhoods - Central and Downtown. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

1. shopping-center said at May 10th, 2009 at 1:27 am

   I love these old shopping centers! They look like they were stuck in time! I like the mix between vintage and modern!

2. condo said at January 3rd, 2012 at 10:23 pm

   condo…

   [...]Bon Shopping Center | Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog[...]…

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