Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog
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VanBriggle Pottery set to move
Van Briggle
Newsflash! Van Briggle Pottery Company has sold the old Midland Roundhouse which they’ve occupied since leaving the downtown area last century has sold the building and hopes to let the public know in the next two weeks where they’ll be relocating. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, the old Midland Roundhouse , which is on the National Registry of Historic Places will be home to a very tough gym aimed at extreme sports enthusiasts. They also hope to put in some retail shops and will build some new entrances as well as some extensive renovations, including a new roof. Look for it to open sometime in 2009. Read the rest of this entry »
Old Colorado City Commercial district…fun to visit and lots of history
Old Colorado City during the early years
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The commercial district of Old Colorado City, located on W. Pikes Peak Ave., dates to the turn of the century (20th that is) when it was quite productive and prosperous. Due to the closeness of the railroad yards and ore mills it became a transportation and gold processing center. The railroads brought lots of tourists as well, creating a thriving hospitality business.
The business district reflected this economy. You could buy dry goods, furniture groceries. There were also drugstores and meat markets. Many of these building’s brick facades were provided by The Stucco, Brick and Cement Company located in Old Colorado City. Many of the buildings also housed meeting rooms, business offices, dentists, doctors and lawyers in the upper floors.
There were no shortage of saloons as
more than a dozen were in operation to provide refreshments and recreation for the populace, tourists and Colorado Springs residents trying to escape the city’s liquor free atmosphere. Places like Hoffman House, Oxford Club, Arcade, Colorado City Beer Hall and Bucket of Blood where many of them had second floor dance halls and gambling dens. The Cucharras Street Red Light District was on the adjacent street where you could indulge in more racier recreation if desired. Liquor, gambling and prostitution was banned in 1913 though you could still indulge in the town of Ramona which was founded by the bar owners for only those purposes. These buildings were later razed and Thorndale Park now occupies part of that scarlet town site.
Colorado City was annexed to Colorado Springs during World War I and became a bedroom community , which is now known as the westside. Due to the waning of Cripple Creek an economic decline started in the 1910’s and lasted until the mid 1900’s. Several of the original buildings were updated to unflattering modern renovations and several burned to the ground. Traffic declined even further when Highway 24 opened in the 1960’s.
Finally in the 1970’s, the district underwent a revival, supported by the City of Colorado Springs. Many properties were restored to the turn of the century looks and even some compatible new buildings were constructed on the vacant lots. Today the district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As in yesteryear, today “Old Town’s” ambiance attracts Colorado Springs residents and tourists. There are lots of shops, restaurants and interesting storefronts. Wide sidewalks, shade trees and park benches allow folks to stop, shop, eat and stay awhile. Notice the cornices, patterned brickwork and other wonderful architectural features of these historic commercial buildings.
If you liked this article, try reading some of these:
- Cripple Creek Gold Rush and what it meant to Colorado Springs
- Old Colorado City Springs to Life with a Vigilante System of Government
- 33 Unique things to do-#5 Van Briggle Pottery and Museum
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Front Range Barberque in Old Colorado City
A Smokehouse Bar and Grill
in Old Colorado City
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Part of what makes this restaurant so special is that its located smack dab in the middle of Old Colorado City on Colorado Blvd on the west side of Colorado Springs.
The Old Colorado City Neighborhood was incorporated in the 1850’s (and was originally called Colorado City); the older homes we see today where built starting around 1890 as the original buildings were mostly shacks. Residents and visitors alike love to walk the streets of Old Colorado City and enjoy its many delightful restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
Love bar-b-q? Love live music? Then come to the Front Range Barbecue located at 2330 W. Colorado in Old Colorado City.
This delightful, locally owned place opened in Read the rest of this entry »
