By Bob Volpe
There was some big news at the August 6th regular meeting of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
The board of directors heard a presentation by developer Mark Weaver and his team on their proposal to develop 1.4 acres of lot 2 on Woodland Station.
Weaver introduced Derek Waggoner and his wife Nicole of Divide, who are part of an investor group that currently has another Pikes Peak region project in the works, Gripstone Climbing and Fitness, under construction in northeast Colorado Springs.
Waggoner gave a lengthy powerpoint presentation of his vision for the project and introduced the rest of the team. Waggoner wants to create a “destination spot” with the project, which he called Tava House.
Waggoner’s architect Ryan Lloyd said, “We want Tava House to announce itself to the city, to the traffic and travelers. We really want Tava House to speak to the city, capture the views to the south, which we all know are amazing.”
With indoor/outdoor space, a terraced area and plenty of glass, the Tava House will be similar to a greenhouse, Lloyd said. “The building can really become a catalyst for Bergstrom Park,” he added.
The presentation met with great enthusiasm from the board and the packed house of onlookers.
DDA Board Chairperson, Merry Jo Larsen asked Waggoner if he would consider a collaboration with George Christian, who also has a plan to develop a part of Woodland Station. Waggoner said he would consider such a partnership, but Christian seemed reluctant to the idea.
Larsen asked Weaver if he would mind the DDA review and possibly modify the plan. This met with discontent from some in the crowd and Weaver reluctantly said yes, but touted the scope and design that he already proposed as being in complete adherence to the western theme of the city. He said, “Our theme for Woodland Park has always been mountain western, which doesn’t necessarily mean cowboy but western,”
DDA Board Member Ellen Carrick asked Waggoner if he would seek a TIF agreement to which he responded, “Yes.”
The plan now goes to DDA Attorney Paul Benedetti and further review and consideration by the board. Should all go well, Waggoner hopes to have Tava House open sometime in 2021.
In other DDA news, City Council Liaison to the DDA, Kellie Case was removed from the board and the board will ask council to appoint Noel Sawyer to that position. Sawyer served as council liaison to the DDA before Case’s appointment and said he would be happy to serve again.
Taylor Mountain Enterprises, who are building the coffee kiosk next to the Dinosaur Museum, was granted an extension for their completion date to November 1, 2019.
Kory Katsimpalis was introduced as the new assistant to the board. His position is a contract position and his pay was not disclosed. Katsimpalis is the husband of the new city finance director Emily Katsimpalis.DDA hears Woodland Station Proposal
By Bob Volpe
There was some big news at the August 6th regular meeting of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
The board of directors heard a presentation by developer Mark Weaver and his team on their proposal to develop 1.4 acres of lot 2 on Woodland Station.
Weaver introduced Derek Waggoner and his wife Nicole of Divide, who are part of an investor group that currently has another Pikes Peak region project in the works, Gripstone Climbing and Fitness, under construction in northeast Colorado Springs.
Waggoner gave a lengthy powerpoint presentation of his vision for the project and introduced the rest of the team. Waggoner wants to create a “destination spot” with the project, which he called Tava House.
Waggoner’s architect Ryan Lloyd said, “We want Tava House to announce itself to the city, to the traffic and travelers. We really want Tava House to speak to the city, capture the views to the south, which we all know are amazing.”
With indoor/outdoor space, a terraced area and plenty of glass, the Tava House will be similar to a greenhouse, Lloyd said. “The building can really become a catalyst for Bergstrom Park,” he added.
The presentation met with great enthusiasm from the board and the packed house of onlookers.
DDA Board Chairperson, Merry Jo Larsen asked Waggoner if he would consider a collaboration with George Christian, who also has a plan to develop a part of Woodland Station. Waggoner said he would consider such a partnership, but Christian seemed reluctant to the idea.
Larsen asked Weaver if he would mind the DDA review and possibly modify the plan. This met with discontent from some in the crowd and Weaver reluctantly said yes, but touted the scope and design that he already proposed as being in complete adherence to the western theme of the city. He said, “Our theme for Woodland Park has always been mountain western, which doesn’t necessarily mean cowboy but western,”
DDA Board Member Ellen Carrick asked Waggoner if he would seek a TIF agreement to which he responded, “Yes.”
The plan now goes to DDA Attorney Paul Benedetti and further review and consideration by the board. Should all go well, Waggoner hopes to have Tava House open sometime in 2021.
In other DDA news, City Council Liaison to the DDA, Kellie Case was removed from the board and the board will ask council to appoint Noel Sawyer to that position. Sawyer served as council liaison to the DDA before Case’s appointment and said he would be happy to serve again.
Taylor Mountain Enterprises, who are building the coffee kiosk next to the Dinosaur Museum, was granted an extension for their completion date to November 1, 2019.
Kory Katsimpalis was introduced as the new assistant to the board. His position is a contract position and his pay was not disclosed. Katsimpalis is the husband of the new city finance director Emily Katsimpalis.
