What is the Tejon Street Revitalization Project?

Led by the City of Colorado Springs in collaboration with the Downtown Development Authority, this initiative is part of the larger Experience Downtown Master Plan. The project aims to modernize and enhance the South Tejon corridor from Colorado Avenue to Pikes Peak Avenue, creating a safer, more attractive, and business-friendly environment.

Key Improvements

• Wider sidewalks for pedestrians, ensuring better accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices.
• Expanded outdoor dining areas to support local restaurants and create a more inviting atmosphere.
• Removal of the center lane (previously used for deliveries) to improve safety and enhance the pedestrian experience.
• Preservation of diagonal parking to maintain convenient access to businesses.
• New short-term parking zones for food delivery services and ride-hailing pickups.
• Improved landscaping and shade with larger trees and additional plantings.
• Enhanced lighting, public seating, and opportunities for public art to make the area more welcoming.

Why is Historic Uptown a Stakeholder?

The Historic Uptown Neighborhood borders downtown and is home to a diverse mix of businesses, historic buildings, and residents. As downtown continues to grow, changes to Tejon Street will directly impact the walkability, economic vitality, and livability of our community.

Key Concerns and Opportunities for Our Community

• Accessibility: Ensuring that the revitalization benefits all community members, including those with mobility challenges.
• Small Business Support: Making sure businesses remain accessible during construction and benefit from long-term improvements.
• Preserving Historic Character: Advocating for design choices that respect the historic nature of our neighborhood.
• Traffic & Parking Adjustments: Keeping the community informed about parking changes and traffic flow impacts.
• Public Safety: Encouraging thoughtful design that prioritizes pedestrian safety.

What Officials Are Saying

📢 “Downtown Colorado Springs has seen incredible growth over the past decade. This project will ensure that Tejon Street remains a welcoming, accessible space for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.”
— Mayor Yemi Mobolade, City of Colorado Springs

📢 “Our goal is to create a downtown where people can walk, shop, dine, and enjoy public spaces safely. Wider sidewalks, better lighting, and more green space will make South Tejon a premier destination.”
— Susan Edmondson, Former President & CEO, Downtown Partnership

📢 “We recognize that construction can be disruptive, but this investment in Tejon Street will pay off for years to come. We appreciate the patience of business owners and residents as we work to complete these improvements.”
— Aaron Egbert, City of Colorado Springs Public Works Manager

How Can You Get Involved?

Community input is essential to shaping this project. Here’s how you can stay informed and make your voice heard:

• Attend public meetings – The City and Downtown Partnership are hosting discussions on the project. Your input matters! See the project meeting schedule for upcoming dates.
• Sign up for project updates – We will be posting regular updates here on the Historic Uptown website. Stay informed about progress, construction timelines, and upcoming meetings.
• Support local businesses – Construction can be disruptive, so let’s continue to shop, dine, and support our local businesses during the process.
• Share your thoughts – Email us at info@historicuptown.org or comment on our Facebook page to share concerns, ideas, or feedback.

Construction & Parking Updates

• Phase 1 construction (Colorado Ave. to Pikes Peak Ave.) begins March 2025.
• Temporary parking zones have been designated for businesses and residents (see map below).
• New loading zones have been set up for deliveries (red zones are closed for deliveries).
• View the project maps below.

Tejon Street Revitalization Project – Initial Phase Plan

Delivery & Parking Zones During Construction

Pedestrian Walkway Guidance During Construction

Project Updates

March 18, 2025

Project Progress

Construction of the Tejon Street Revitalization Project — designed to boost public safety, increase accessibility and grow business activity — is about to get under way!

Construction on Block 1 (Colorado Avenue to Pikes Peak Avenue) will begin Monday, March 24. Initial activities are expected to include:

• Removal of east side patio railings at Red Gravy, Jack Quinn’s and Chipotle
• Relocation of east side pedestrians to the former patio areas immediately beside the buildings — safe and sound
• Demolition of the curb and sidewalk in front of USOPC, Red Gravy, Jack Quinn’s and Hibbards/Chipotle

Tree removal Tuesday, March 25

Sadly, the existing trees on Tejon from Colorado Avenue to Kiowa Street must go to make room for their new cousins. We need to construct more roomy “vaults” underground so that the new trees can flourish. Please stay safely away from trucks and crews as they cut the tree trunks and feed limbs into a woodchipper to become yummy mulch for the next generation. Short parking and lane closures will occur around the tree work. Watch soon for news of what beautiful tree species are coming to Tejon Street!

Street lights going for refurbishment

Also the week of March 24, our wonderful, old-fashioned street lights on the east side of Tejon Block 1 will be taken down and sent for refurbishment. We’re looking forward to them coming home looking even spiffier than ever. We will install temporary lighting on the block while the streetlights are having their spa days.

Traffic Updates

Remember that while parking is not permitted on Block 1 of Tejon during construction, we have three City Parking Garages to choose from. Starting Monday, March 24, the project will make changes to traffic:

• Closure of northbound Tejon Street on Block 1 (Colorado Avenue to Pikes Peak Avenue)
• Closure of street parking in Block 1 (Parking is $1/hour at our 3 city garages)
• Note that Block 2 (Pikes Peak Avenue to Kiowa Street) should retain its parking spaces and north-south traffic until further notice.
• Closures of lefthand and righthand turns from Colorado onto Tejon
• Preservation of southbound Tejon
• The ZEB route will continue with a northbound detour, and the northbound stop on Tejon at Colorado will be removed temporarily during work on Block 1.