EL POMAR AWARDS GRANT TO HELP MANITOU SPRING AHEAD WITH DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENTS

February 6, 2004 (Manitou Springs, Colorado) – Trustees of the El Pomar Foundation announced a $25,000 grant award for Manitou Springs to be applied toward the Shoshone Springs Plaza demonstration project in historic downtown. The demonstration project is the first phase of a $4 million revitalization plan. The multi-phase downtown Manitou Avenue plan will utilize funds from a $1.8 million bond approved by voters in November 2003, as well as federal and charitable foundation grants. When complete, a new public park at Shoshone Springs Plaza will be the cornerstone for other improvements in historic downtown Manitou Springs including new pedestrian amenities such as wider sidewalks, traffic calming measures, new period street lighting and street furniture.

El Pomar’s support will facilitate the re-opening of a significant spring which has been closed to the public for nearly 50 years. The site was owned by the Broadmoor Hotel and sold to General Motors in 1954. General Motors operated an automobile test facility on the property until 1999. When the property was sold to local investors, Bill and 2 Chucks LLC, it was discovered that El Pomar still owned the land surrounding Fountain Creek which runs through the property. El Pomar agreed to deed this land to the City of Manitou Springs while the developers dedicated additional land. Together these generous donations provide space to add Shoshone Springs Plaza and an important link for the American Discovery Trail which runs through historic downtown Manitou Springs and will link America coast-to-coast when complete.

“We are thrilled to have this tremendous support from the El Pomar Foundation”, stated Fran James, Grant Committee Chairman for downtown revitalization. “El Pomar is renowned. Their support of this project will encourage other foundations to join in with financial support and keep the momentum going” James concluded.

Final design and engineering for the Phase 1 Shoshone Springs Plaza is underway. Construction will begin mid-year, 2004.

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For More Information Contact:

Kitty Clemens

Economic Development Director

606 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Tel: (719) 685-9741
Cell: (719)-321-8561
Internet: kitty@clemens.com

Manitou Springs Ahead is a citizen driven volunteer effort to implement the Manitou Avenue Master Plan. Citizens from numerous community groups formed Manitou Springs Ahead to submit charitable grant requests, solicit individual legacy gifts and work with government agencies on final design and construction in historic downtown. Progress updates can be found at www.manitouspringsahead.com.

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