The west side dates to the 1859 origins of Colorado City. It grew into the gold-mill, railroad, industrial-union, working-man’s side of town. While everyone knows about the 1890s’ wild reputation of the saloons on Colorado Avenue, all along Pikes Peak Avenue, one block north, there was a church on every corner, and they kicked out the saloons in 1913. Ever since the neighborhood was annexed, the 20,000 people in their small but quaint Victorian homes have perpetuated a friendly, laid-back neighborhood with traditional values.

The interests of its neighborhoods have been advocated since 1978 by the Organization of Westside Neighbors, and its history has been promoted by the Old Colorado Historical Society. Its small businesses continue to sponsor many festive events.

Unlike the historic west side, Pleasant Valley is a relative newcomer, developed in the 1950s astride Camp Creek, which runs north along 31st Street. From the beginning, Valley folk have banded together to get things done for their tight-knit community and their children.

The Valley Swim Club is now more than 50 years old. Residents lobbied Colorado Springs School District 11 to get Howbert Elementary School built right in their Valley and ensured that Holmes Middle School and Coronado High School nearby were well-led.

And through their long-standing Pleasant Valley Association, residents have made sure their neighborhood has kept its leafy, somewhat secluded character.

Details

CABLE COMPANY

Comcast

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Colorado Springs School District 11 (www.d11.org)

UTILITIES

Electric, gas, water: Colorado Springs Utilities

EMERGENCY SERVICES

• Colorado Springs police, Goldhill substation:
955 W. Moreno Ave., 385-2125

• Colorado Springs fire

• Station 3: 922 W. Colorado Ave.

• Station 5: 2830 W. Colorado Ave.

Carrie VanVoltenberg, Sales Associate for the Squash Blossom decorated one of the storefront windows of the Old Colorado City shop Photo by Carol Lawrence/The Gazette