Steamboat Springs Impressive Improvement
Downtown Steamboat Springs

Revitalizing Downtown Steamboat Springs

By Riley Polumbus
Reprinted from 'Boat Biz, August 2006

Ignorance often breeds fear.  Steamboat Springs is entering an era of unprecedented re-development and the natural reaction to change is fear.  The fear of losing a sense of community to development often leads to comments in the paper crying out against downtown development because, "We do not want to become another Vail or Aspen."  Hopefully the information provided in the next two issues of 'Boat Biz will help to inform and help alleviate those fears.

In truth, downtown Steamboat Springs will not become another Vail or Aspen because the same characteristics local residents take pride in: historic buildings, the Yampa River and bike path, Howelsen Hill and the width of Lincoln Avenue are not going away.  Current and future developers will bode well by taking advantage of the unique characteristics found in Steamboat Springs that set it apart from other mountain towns. Abiding by the recommendations by groups such as Main Street Steamboat and the regulations set by the City's planning department will also help insure that the future of Steamboat Springs will look and feel as unique as its past.

Fear not, future developers are paying attention, and in some cases tribute, to the essence of downtown Steamboat Springs.

Growth is inevitable, and as the population grows so does demand.  The most productive way to manage growth is to work together with a common vision.  The City of Steamboat Springs' planning department states in their vision statement,

We are committed to protecting the historical integrity of the community and the unique natural resources that make up the Yampa Valley. We positively influence the preservation of our community's character, one that promotes a healthy, desirable quality of life.

The planning process takes at least three months and not only includes making sure a project follows the rules and codes regulated by public works, fire, and streets, in Steamboat Springs, plans are also submitted to the City's historic preservation department for review.  Of course all plans are also open to public comment at city council meetings, a process in which any citizen can take part.

Sometimes development translates as "Out with the old and in with the new" which is not always popular. Hometown pride is perhaps one of the reasons for the Harbor Hotel controversy.  It was the oldest remaining hotel in the downtown area.

Old does not always translate to historic however, and while the Harbor had unique character, the integrity of its original structure had been compromised through renovations.  It also had structural problems which costs multiplied after it closed its doors.

"As sad as we are to see the Harbor Hotel go, the new project directly addresses the goals and principles of the Main Street program," said Tracy Barnett, executive director of Main Street Steamboat Springs. The Harbor's replacement, Howelsen Place, will strive to acknowledge attributes that make Steamboat Springs unique as well as attract more people downtown for shopping, eating and living.

Main Street Steamboat Springs bases its principles on the national Main Street Program, an organization established to help communities in the United States "…encourage economic development within the context of historic preservation in ways appropriate to today's marketplace." Main Street's belief is that downtown districts are either an asset or a liability in the area of attracting new businesses, industry, and residents as well as tourists. One of their main goals is to create and maintain a vibrant downtown atmosphere. 

Main Street Steamboat Springs already helps bring people downtown with events and activities organized by their promotions committee.  They also help property owners to decide what type of businesses to recruit as tenants in order to create a better mix of businesses to attract more people and prevent locals from shopping out of town.

In addition Main Street's design committee also offers future developments input and advice from an informed general public prior to applying to the planning process.
Jim Cook of Colorado Group Realty, developer of the new Howelsen Place, Alpen Glow and River Walk projects, approached Main Street Steamboat Springs prior to submitting to the planning department.  Cook was able to use some of the design committee's suggestions to enhance his designs.

With Main Street's suggestions and the planning department's recommendations (including public comment) Steamboat Springs will not lose its character.

In fact, future developments have the potential to enhance its character.

Cook's Riverwalk project is intended not only to attract more unique "boutique" business, it hopes to create an "art district" where artists can show and sell their crafts.  It will also feature an outdoor venue for events along the Yampa River.

 

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Upcoming Projects

Howelsen Place
7th & Lincoln
Replaces: The Harbor Hotel
83,000 square feet: 24,000 residential; 59,000 commercial
Unique Features: Two mixed use buildings, a shopping promenade on 7th street and a sculpture of Carl Howelsen at the entrance.
Breaks Ground: Fall 2006

 

 

Provided by Colorado Group Realty

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Alpenglow Visit their website!
Location: 6th & Lincoln
Replaces: The Nite's Rest Motel
43,000 square feet: 36,000 residential; 7,000 commercial
Unique features: Two mixed-use buildings, the main one with a strong architectural element at the corner using native quarried stone and brink complimented by tasteful detail elements.  The townhomes, located in the alley, can be used as "live/work" spaces by converting the garage into a studio.
Breaks Ground: Fall 2006

 

 

Provided by Colorado Group Realty

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Riverwalk Visit thie website!
Location: Yampa Avenue from 3rd to 5th Streets
Replaces: The Westland Mobile Home Park
230,000 square feet: 38,000 residential; 192,000 commercial
Unique features: Mixed-use buildings with 760 feet along the Yampa River, a public trail along the Yampa River, public courtyards with performing venues, "parade of sculptures" to pay homage to Steamboat's Olympians, Spring Creek will be "daylighted" and flow through one courtyard to the river.
Breaks Ground: Fall 2006

 

 

 

Provided by Colorado Group Realty

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Victoria
Location: 10th & Lincoln
Replaces: The building housing Rocky Mountain Wine and Liquor Company (the business will return in the new space)
32,000 square feet: 12,000 residential; 16,000 commercial & office; 4,000 common area
Unique features: Mixed-use building combining retail, office and living space, will bring the property to the corner for a more prominent look, emulate the traditional stone and brick architecture found on Lincoln Avenue.
Breaks Ground: March 2007

 

 

 

Provided by Moon Hill Designs