(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs has reopened after months of construction, featuring new pavement and upgraded parking options.
The first phase of the project, which stretches from Colorado Avenue to Pikes Peak Avenue, has been completed, bringing much-needed improvements to the area. Jack Quinn’s Bar and Grill, a popular local establishment, reported its busiest week since the construction began, highlighting the positive impact of the street’s reopening.
“I think it’s worth the wait,” said Elo Fontanez, a local business owner. “The aftermath is good.”
Many business owners, Jack Quinn’s General Manager Cooper Davidson, expressed relief over the new parking options.
“People not being able to park when there’s only so many spots downtown feel like, oh, we’ll just go up to the something up the next block,” Davidson said.
The construction has addressed several issues that plagued the downtown area, particularly parking. The upgrade includes a new parking kiosk that accepts tap-to-pay, making it easier for visitors to find and pay for parking. “Cards are being read. You can add it from the app instead of just having to go back out to see the meter. So that’s definitely helped out,” said Davidson.
In addition to parking improvements, the road itself has been narrowed with the removal of the center lane to enhance safety for delivery trucks and drivers. Specific spots have been designated for delivery vehicles, allowing them 15 minutes of free parking. “You don’t just have one truck stop in front for one package, you know, blocking up 30 minutes just to deliver one box,” said Fontanez.
The sidewalks have also been expanded to 10 feet wide on both sides of the street, featuring a six-foot amenity zone for new trees, streetlights, and benches, which enhances accessibility and encourages foot traffic. “As a business owner, it kind of helps out because you get more walk-in traffic, especially from the people down here and most of the restaurants,” Fontanez noted.
With the completion of the first phase, Tejon Street is set to become a more accessible and business-friendly area, benefiting both local businesses and visitors. Phase two of the project is already underway, promising further enhancements including a new gas pipeline along Tejon Street between Pikes Peak Avenue and Kiowa Street.
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