Amid bulldozers moving dirt, construction crews wrapping up, designers ready to entice, the Tava House is nearing completion.  While the center of downtown Woodland Park might be all torn up, the mess moves the city into the big time.

“We are installing drywall, the woods are all in, some concrete poured,” said Chris Hansen, construction supervisor, speaking at the DDA meeting Dec. 2. “We are scheduling the final walk through at the end of February.”

After the meeting, Mark Weaver, investor in the project and spokesman, said the group is planning a soft opening in March and grand opening in April.

After reconsidering, the investor group, led by Chief Executive Officer Derek Waggoner, is asking for reimbursement through tax-increment financing, TIF. 

With the approval of Josh Myers, a DDA attorney, the board agreed to form a two-person committee to gather information about the request. Of three who volunteered to serve on the committee, Jon Gemelke, DDA chair; Eric Cabrera and George Jones, Gemelke chose himself and Jones, the city council’s liaison to the DDA board. 

If approved, the Tava project would receive up to 75% of the increase in property value due to the development the first taxpaying year.

In other business, the board approved applications from five businesses to receive up to $5,000 in the mini-grant program: Joanie’s Deli and Bakery, Dana’s Dance, Zebz Outfooter, Colorado Gear Lab and the Old Library. 

The DDA board and the Woodland Park City Council held a joint work session on Dec. 4 to discuss details around the sunset of the DDA in 2032.  The session was chiefly educational with the DDA lead attorney, Marcus McAskin, present to answer questions.