Representatives from towns around the state came to Lyons this week to talk about revitalizing downtown districts, and their conversations centered on the small-town charm of their host.
The Colorado Main Street Managers Summit, which brings together representatives of towns across the state to talk about revitalizing downtown districts, is an annual gathering of members of the Colorado Main Street Program. The program is managed by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and provides funding to the state’s downtown areas.
The group met just a couple of blocks from Lyons’ Main Street, where a new structure could bring a general store and coworking space, according to the town’s planning and building director, Lisa Ritchie. The new building, at the northwest corner of Fourth Avenue and Main Street, would replace one that was severely damaged in a fire at the end of 2022. That building had to be razed.
A proposed building design will be presented to the town’s Board of Trustees later this month. If it’s approved, construction could start before the end of this year.
Kim Mitchell, director of community programs and relations for the town of Lyons, advocated for Lyons to host the summit this fall. The summit’s location typically changes each year, Mitchell explained, and 2025 was the first time it was held in Lyons.
According to Mitchell, Lyons is the only Boulder County community that is in the Colorado Main Street Program. Lyons joined the program in 2010.
On Wednesday and Thursday, roughly 25 participants from various Colorado communities came to Lyons to discuss how they can strengthen their downtown businesses and infrastructure. Representatives met at the Lyons Regional Library, stayed in Lyons hotels and explored town staples including Oskar Blues and Moxie Mercantile.
Mitchell said it was heartwarming to see the summit guests patronize Lyons businesses and learn more about the town.
“It was inspiring, it was rewarding,” said Mitchell, who represented Lyons at the summit. “Our business community was stellar.”
Lisa Popovich, executive director of Main Street Steamboat, said she was excited to learn that this year’s summit would take place in Lyons. She had previously only driven through the town on her way to and from Steamboat Springs.
Popovich called the current economic climate an “uncertain time” for small, independent businesses. She said spending money at downtown businesses is one way to support local entrepreneurs and rural towns in general.
“We all benefit from a strong downtown,” Popovich said. “It’s the heart of your community.”
During the two-day summit, participants tackled topics from increasing volunteerism in downtown communities to preserving historic sites. Tera Wick, community initiatives facilitator for the town of Ridgway, shared that her community recently used a $20,000 grant to install a mural downtown.
Wick said Lyons reminds her of her own town on Colorado’s Western Slope.
“I’ve been really struck with how resilient Lyons has had to be in the face of flooding and fires,” said Wick, who explained that Ridgway has also dealt with flooding threats. “It really seems like a community that’s determined to continue to be here.”