Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/74664
ON THE GROUND: GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLO. Public-private alliances make a small-town retail hub thrive There is a certain appeal to historic downtowns, with their charming atmosphere and unique retail experi- ences. One such is Glenwood Springs, Colo., 180 miles west of Denver. Originally called Defiance when it was incorporated as a silver- mines frontier town in 1883, the city soon became the center of commerce in the area. Today scenic beauty and the presence of medici- nal hot springs draw tourists, and the city's downtown dis- trict continues to thrive, even in the wake of big-box retail openings in the surrounding suburbs. And with major revitalizations under way, business is looking even bet- ter for the town's retailers. town area. The DDA is working with Denver- based Westbrook Development Partners to help identify in-fill retailers and downtown expansion opportuni- ties for existing local retailers. DOWNTOWN GLENWOOD SPRINGS' HISTORIC FEEL HAS HELPED DRAW TOURISTS AND KEEP RETAILERS' COFFERS FULL. "We've been look- ing at what is a good fit for our downtown, and we're going out and finding it," Bethel said. "We look at who our anchors are, where they're located and how we can get people to walk from one block The downtown has held its own for 2007 through 2011, according to a report by the Glenwood Springs Finance Depart- ment comparing retail sales-tax collec- tion in eight local regions. These include Glenwood Meadows (located northwest of downtown and containing Target and Lowe's), West Glenwood (home to Glen- wood Springs Mall and its JCPenney and Staples anchors) and Roaring Fork Market- place (south of the downtown, with anchors Walmart and Office Depot). Interestingly, downtown's sales tax in- crease of 1.7 percent for the period was re- markably close to that of Glenwood Mead- ows, the city's largest sales-tax generator, which increased 2.6 percent. Meanwhile, the sales-tax change in the other retail areas for the period was relatively minimal: If anything, West Glenwood slipped 0.9 per- cent, while Roaring Fork Marketplace saw a modest 0.6 percent increase. 50 SCT / AUGUST 2012 Downtown's success can be at- tributed to the efforts of the Glenwood Springs Downtown Partnership and the Downtown Development Authority. "Thanks to our partnership with the DDA, we are encouraging property owners to spruce up their properties," said Tom Fleming, the GSDP's program manager. "If they are doing an exterior makeover that adds to the visual appeal of downtown, we will grant up to $5,000 — but no more than half of the cost — for that improvement project." Additionally, the DDA worked with the city of Glenwood Springs, the Garfield County Public Library District and Colorado Mountain College to build a $17 million shared facility. "The new library could easily dou- ble the number of visits to the downtown area," said Leslie Bethel, executive director of the DDA. Roughly 100 busi- nesses operate in the down- to the next. We're getting some great restaurants, and that's creating a critical mass for downtown. We also see some young-blood retailers that are coming up with creative ideas." One such creative retailer is Cakes and Cuffs, which offers lingerie, and bath and body products — and cupcakes. "Downtown Glenwood retailers are places you go for possibility — the pos- sibility of finding a treasure, or something to exclaim over or something that calls your name," said Cakes and Cuffs co- owner Nicky Soupal. Thus, it seems, shopping centers and historic city centers are by no means mu- tually exclusive. "People want choices, and communities need both," Bethel said. "Glenwood Springs is interested in respect- ing and embracing its context. It's trying hard not to be like anybody else. It's just trying to be Glenwood." — Misty Milioto