Author: RICH LADEN and BREANNA JENT The Gazette
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New hotels, stores and attractions: Updates on high-profile Colorado Springs-area projects
The Colorado Springs-area population continues to grow and its economy continues to evolve — and that means changes to the local residential and commercial landscape, including new stores, restaurants, housing projects and the like. Some of those projects take shape without much difficulty after developers obtain financing and government regulatory approvals; others might drag out longer…
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Historic Briarhurst Manor, a fine-dining icon, closes in Manitou Springs
The Briarhurst Manor Estate in Manitou Springs, a Pikes Peak region landmark that’s operated as a fine-dining restaurant for a half-century inside a Victorian manor house built by the city’s founder nearly 150 years ago, closed its doors Sunday and it’s unknown if it will reopen. The venue, which also has hosted weddings, banquets, parties…
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Homebuilding rose last year in Colorado Springs, but the housing market faces challenges in 2025
Colorado Springs-area home construction rebounded in 2024 from the previous year, though one local builder labeled last year’s activity as just so-so, while uncertainty about mortgage rates and Trump administration policies on tariffs and immigration could pose challenges for the industry in 2025. Building permits issued for the construction of single-family, detached homes mostly in…
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Openings? Closings? Numerous Colorado Springs-area stores and restaurants came and went in 2024
Like previous years, Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region saw their share of retail and restaurant openings and closings in 2024 — whether they were locally owned stores and eateries or familiar regional and national chains. Stores and restaurants have grown their presence in the Colorado Springs area because of a desire to expand…
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Tougher times ahead? Recent Colorado Springs restaurant closures highlight ongoing industry challenges
Industry leaders worry more closures could be on the horizon.
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Chipotle eyes Polaris Pointe for its 12th restaurant in the Pikes Peak region
Chipotle Mexican Grill plans to expand to Polaris Pointe, which would continue the fast-casual chain’s recent growth spurt in the Pikes Peak region. The California-based Chipotle, which specializes in burritos, tacos, quesadillas and other items, has proposed construction of a 2,327-square-foot restaurant at 99 Spectrum Loop, southwest of North Gate Boulevard and Voyager Parkway, according…
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Barnes & Noble might expand to shopping center on Colorado Springs’ east side
Retailers haven’t abandoned brick-and-mortar locations just yet. Barnes & Noble, the nation’s largest bookseller, appears poised to build a nearly 18,000-square-foot store at the First & Main Town Center, the sprawling retail complex that runs along Powers Boulevard, from North Carefree Circle to Constitution Avenue, on Colorado Springs’ east side, documents submitted to city government…
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‘Always been better than In-N-Out’: Longtime burger favorite Drifter’s closes
Drifter’s Hamburgers, popular for more than 15 years in Colorado Springs for burgers that loyalists touted as a step above In-N-Out Burger, has shut its doors. The restaurant, on the southeast corner of Mark Dabling Boulevard and Garden of the Gods Road in the north central part of town, apparently has closed for good. Owner…
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The nation’s hottest housing market in 2025? It’s Colorado Springs, new forecast says
Colorado Springs ranks as the nation’s No. 1 housing market for 2025, thanks to hefty increases in home sales and prices, according to an annual forecast released Tuesday for the nation’s 100 largest metro areas by Realtor.com, the California-based online real estate service. The Springs’ top spot results from a 27.1% expected jump in the number of home…
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Developers taking crucial next steps for apartment high-rise planned in downtown Colorado Springs
Developers who’ve proposed a controversial 27-story, 300-foot tall apartment tower in downtown Colorado Springs submitted their project this week to city government planners — a key next step as they seek to construct what would become the Springs’ tallest-ever building. At the same time, the Colorado Springs City Council is expected to decide Tuesday whether to…