Teamwork plus flower beds equals state recognition

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Sep 20, 2003 by ED SEALOVER

When Colorado Springs development manager Jim Rees suggested sprucing up downtown flower beds with tiles three years ago, others recognized it as a good idea.

The Downtown Partnership, two private businesses and area schools jumped in to help sketch and execute the plan.

That recognition spread further Friday. The city and its Downtown Tile Project received a Governor's Award for Downtown Excellence for having the best partnership in the state.

"I've worked in a lot of downtowns . . . and I've never seen anything quite like that," said Beth Buehler of the Colorado Community Revitalization Association. "I think it was a true demonstration of a partnership."

In mid-2000, Rees wanted to tile flower beds at intersections on Cascade, Nevada and Tejon avenues, Downtown Partnership executive director Beth Kosley said. Contractor Chuck Murphy talked to the historic Van Briggle Art Pottery, and the project took wing.

Local high school students made the designs under the guidance of the pottery-makers, and Murphy got some of his work crews to lay the tile. It was completed by summer of 2002 with no taxpayer money involved.

"You will be talking to somebody (today), and they will say, 'I've never noticed them' because they are very subtle," Kosley said.

"But once you notice them, they're just gorgeous."

The awards, given for the first time Friday in Montrose, are meant to recognize downtown contributions that add to the state's economy and quality of life.

No money comes with the honors, but the city received recognition and a plaque at a statewide ceremony.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0184 or sealover@gazette.com