The Manitou Springs Urban Renewal Authority (URA) oversees an area generally located north of Highway 24 on both sides of Manitou Avenue from the east gateway arch to the U.S. Highway 24 interchange. City Council created it in 2006 with goals of removing blight and encouraging development and redevelopment.
By realizing these goals, the city’s tax base will increase, benefitting all residents. Although substantial work has been done along Manitou Avenue through the URA, more work needs to be done.
The URA has been working on several projects to increase pedestrian safety and connectivity. A study is underway to evaluate the Manitou Avenue/Highway 24 interchange to make a safe pedestrian connection from where the Westside Avenue Action Plan work stopped, through the intersection, to facilitate a safe sidewalk connecting to Schryver Park.
It is anticipated that preliminary plans and a project estimate will be ready for the URA Board to include funding of improvements in its 2023 budget.
Another streetscape improvement is being considered for the south side of El Paso Boulevard along the School District 14 property.
Improvements could include a sidewalk to connect the Beckers Lane intersection to the gravel path that runs along the east side of the ball fields and connects to the Midland Trail/Creek Path. Additional improvements could include under-grounding of overhead power lines, landscaping and formalization of on-street parking.
The URA board envisions two additional pedestrian connections from Manitou Avenue to the Midland Trail/Creek Path.
Currently, pedestrians can access the trail along Fountain Creek at Adams Crossing, Beckers Lane and Schryver Park. Acquisition of easements for a bridge connection west of Adams Mountain Café is underway, and the bridge can be installed once engineering design is completed.
A second bridge location near the former car wash, on the north side of the 100 block of Manitou Avenue, is also envisioned in conjunction with redeveloping the car wash site.
A recent Creative District survey has indicated a strong preference for additional art in the corridor and beautification of Manitou Avenue through the URA. Look for two new sculptures within the URA area in the coming months.
This year, Jodie Bliss’ “Spirit of Manitou” sculpture will be relocated from near the Lulu’s entrance, in the 100 block of Manitou Avenue, to a more visible site at the Holiday Inn. A pilot project will put an artist-created vinyl wrap on a utility box in the corridor, adding color and interest.
The Marcy Morrison Bridge on Beckers Lane will be decorated with glass panels selected through community review and engagement. The panels will be installed in spring 2023 after fabrication.
The URA has funded a Pike Ride station that will help promote mobility alternatives, a City Council priority. A new location near Lulu’s will soon be in place. Two other potential Pike Ride stations are being investigated, to be located near the two proposed bridges linking Manitou Avenue to the Midland Trail/Creek Path.
The URA board has entered into an agreement with a developer who will be required to remove the La Fun motel at 123 Manitou Ave. Demolition of the motel will prepare the site for development of a tax-producing enterprise; removal of this blighted structure has been a city and URA priority.
Take a walk through the URA and look for these changes in the coming months! And while you are taking your walk, look closely at the “Spirit of Manitou” sculpture for a synopsis of our city history. It is an amazing piece of art.
Learn more about the Urban Renewal Authority at msura.org or www.manitouspringsgov.com/222/_Urban-Renewal-Authority-Board-URA.