Howdy Pardner

I thought the title of this sculpture would be "Real Men Read Newspapers".

Instead, this work of art in downtown Colorado Springs, CO is a tribute to Hank the Rodeo Cowboy. He is, however, reading a copy of the local Gazette right in the middle of the main drag, and you gotta love him for that.

Here are a few more things that worked nicely in this slice of traditional downtown:

Attention to detail:


Little urban niceties: inviting storefronts and signage, sidewalk pavers, outdoor dining tables, city benches, and low-scale streetlights.



They also have bump-out curbs. When a shopping street is wide, as it is in Colorado Springs (and another downtown I could name), bumping the curb out to the back of the parking stall makes it easier for pedestrians to cross the street. It says loud and clear: people are walking here, and you're welcome to park your car and stay awhile. In Colorado Springs, the bump-outs make a nice spot for plantings and more sculpture.

Designated parking for motorcycles and bicycles..





and a polite reminder to walk those bikes, scooters and skateboards when you're on the sidewalk.




What's in this block?

The easiest customer to attract is the one who is already standing outside your shop, right? Colorado Springs seems to get this, because they make it easy for pedestrians to find what they want in the area.



Just FYI, Middletown will be getting a wayfinding system soon (cross your fingers!) but the first phase will focus on helping drivers find parking and major attractions. It's on my wishlist to someday have this kind of pedestrian signage in Middletown. It shows visitors all the stores, restaurants and other stuff within a 5-minute walk, but it takes dedication (and funding) to keep this kind of sign current, since businesses open and close so frequently.

You Scream, I scream...

In spite of what you might think from my posts, I know that it's not just historic buildings and street furniture that make downtowns work. In the best downtowns, there are businesses that have so much personality that even a tiny mom-and-pop-shop can become a destination.

In Colorado Springs, that prize would go to Josh & John's Ice Cream. They display their antique ice-and-rocksalt mixers in the window, where they make every batch. It's the kind of place that develops cult loyalty, as evidenced by the sign-up lists for Flavor Alerts by email - no need to wonder if Chocolate Cinnamon or Malted Vanilla are on the menu today, because they'll be sure to let you know. I loved their punch card, where you get a free scoop after 15 punches. Sure, lots of places do this, but J&J gives you more punches if you come for ice cream in bad weather...2 punches if it's raining, 5 for snow, and 8 if it's below zero outside!

I meant to take a photo of my dish of coffee ice cream with m&m's....I really did.