Nonprofit News is a monthly Gazette publication featuring stories submitted by nonprofit organizations and individuals in the Pikes Peak region. Submit content and events for consideration to nonprofitnews@gazettedev.gazette.com.

Pikes Peak Historical Streetcar Railway Foundation has a voter-approved franchise to construct and operate a streetcar system in Colorado Springs, using historic and vintage streetcars.

Following the recommendations of a City-sponsored feasibility study completed in 2011, it is discussing with BNSF Railroad the acquisition of property along the study’s proposed route from downtown to the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, connecting five destination points and assuring high ridership. It has also opened discussions with the Union Pacific Railroad about the delivery of rail cars and equipment to the site once acquired, as well as plans to approach the city about a potential public-private partnership to operate and maintain the system.

The all-volunteer Foundation, incorporated in 1982, owns 18 streetcars and two electric trolley buses, built from 1901-1949; the machinery is under restoration. The Foundation also operates a museum and restoration facility in an 1888 Chicago Rock Island & Pacific roundhouse in north-central Colorado Springs.

Over the years, the Foundation has developed the expertise to design, build and operate an in-street system, obviating the need for excessive outside planning consultants and design/engineering work. With its current assets, expertise and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, Enterprise Zone status, and through obtaining needed funding through charitable foundations and the private sector, the Foundation believes it can put a system in place at a fraction of the cost of systems in cities that have used federal, state and local tax dollars.

The Foundation intends to acquire more real estate than it needs for its own uses, parlaying the balance into a revenue stream that will sustain itself without supplementing funds from the City. With the acquisition of property adjacent to the proposed North Nevada route and after moving the bulk of its operations there, the Foundation will commence planning a street system starting at UCCS on the north end and running south past Penrose Hospital, the Old North End Neighborhood, and Colorado College to the downtown area. Nevada, Tejon and Weber streets are possibilities for parts of the final alignment. Visit coloradospringstrolleys.com for more information.