Downtown Woodland Park will get a facelift

Woodland Park is undergoing an extreme makeover.

Face-lifts for 19 buildings in the heart of the downtown business district began Wednesday. Completion is scheduled for July 11. That's less than five weeks to paint, hang new signs and awnings and redo landscaping.

Local businesses are investing in spite of the recession, and see the improvements as a way to attract customers. Costs are expected to reach about $300,000, said Beth Kosley, executive director of the Woodland Park Downtown Development Authority, which was founded in 2001 to promote economic sustainability.

Grants from the Downtown Development Authority and the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Co. got the project started, and Park State Bank & Trust offered low-interest loans.

The project includes such landmarks as Bucks Mountain Saloon & Grill, Cowbells Gifts & Gourmet, and the Ute Inn.

The tight time frame will minimize disruption to tourism and business and take advantage of the fair weather, as well as maximize the visual impact at the unveiling, Kosley said.

"It's incredibly fast," she added.

Two of the historic buildings, the Studio West Aveda Salon & Spa and the Cowhand Western shop, need major structural work. Several others are making cosmetic changes to their rear entrances as well.

Every shop will have its own style, ranging from Western to mountain lodge, but each will look crisp and contemporary, Kosley said.

All businesses will remain open during renovations.

"It has brought this little town together," said Darlene Holloway, owner of Studio West.

"Everybody has agreed to go ahead and is so into it."

The pressure is on to complete the project by July 11, when there will be a celebratory street dance and pancake breakfast. Kids will be able to ride on firetrucks and pan for gold.

The Cowhand is holding a contest to name the iconic horse that has perched on its roof for 44 years, said the store's owner Merry Jo Larsen. The winning moniker will be chosen at the event.

The Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce is aiming to set a new world record by holding the largest ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The details aren't nailed down yet, but it may entail wrapping ribbon around the project's radius, which is just over three blocks long, Kosley said. Chamber of Commerce officials hope this will mark a first with Guinness World Records.

DETAILS

Mainstreet Makeover Celebration

WHEN: July 11

TIME: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Kicks off with an American Indian blessing and $5 all-you-can-eat breakfast.

Music, fire truck rides and pictures with firemen, face painting, panning for gold, and digging for turquoise ongoing all day. Food vendors available.

Street dance begins at 6:30 p.m.

For more information go to www.mainstreetmakeover.org.