Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority - Page 4

In 1989-90, an additional phase was begun. This included West Elkhorn parking lot acquisition, creation of the playground area in the East Confluence Park, Big Thompson Riverbank stabilization, river corridor improvements from Confluence Park to the Chamber Visitors Center, Streetscape IV on West Elkhorn to West Park Center,  East corridor Riverwalk, and the plans for the Estes Park Conference Center development. The new Conference Center adjacent to the local Holiday Inn opened in 1991. 

Looking at the south side of East Elkhorn Avenue. Many will recognize both the Wheel Bar, and a corner of what was then the Plantation Restaurant.		Looking through trees and flowers at The Municipal Building east of the 100 block of Elkhorn Ave. where gasoline stations used to be. Just east of town hall is the new Public Library.		A birds eye view of Riverside Plaza in mid to late 80s. Now, with mature trees, this shot wouldn't show much of the plaza itself.		This is a good representation of how the river corridors throughout downtown have been improved ... kind of a "water level" view of Riverside Plaza.

In the early 1990’s the scope of EPURA broadened to include the Stanley Historic District, the Knoll property just northeast of the Municipal Building, the new Public Library, plus design work for the west corridor Riverwalk, Del’s Drive-in parking lot, continuation of the East Riverwalk to Park Center Mall, Streetscape improvements along Moraine Ave. and the Authority’s participation in the Lake Estes Hike/Bike trail construction in 1994. 

Looking at the Lake Estes Hike/Bike Trail along the north side of the lake. Old Man Mountain, Deer Ridge, and Lumpy Ridge are to the west.		The Lake Estes Trail as it winds across the meadow to the east below Olympus Dam.		Estes Park Conference Center was opened in 1991 and has been a very successful revenue generator for the community.		The Conference Center also serves important community functions like the Taste of Estes, High School Prom, and other local events.