|
|
|
2009: Business & the Economy Business & Economy 2009/10 by Jennie Lay Evolution of a Base Area
Plans move forward for Ski Time Square and base area redevelopment
Steamboat Springs is undeterred in its commitment to building a new and improved ski area base area in a public-private redevelopment plan known as Steamboat Unbridled.  | | One Steamboat Place sits at the east end of an all-season promenade that will link businesses and lodging all along the base of the Steamboat Ski Area. Photo by Deborah Olsen. |
|
Initial work on modernizing Ski Time Square infrastructure was completed in summer 2007 under direction of the Urban Renewal Authority, the entity that collects taxes within the base area to fund public improvement projects inside that boundary. During summer 2008, the aging Ski Time Square and Thunderhead Lodge at the Christie base were demolished. And in spring 2009, just as the URA was set to run out of money, city council voted unanimously to issue a $12.5 million bond to keep ongoing base area projects alive.
Among the top priorities for the next phase are an all-seasons promenade to link One Steamboat Place with Torian Plaza (and eventually Thunderhead) and returning Burgess Creek to its free-flowing, above-ground route. The first section of the promenade is expected to be a large public plaza between Slopeside Grill and the Thunderhead development site.
At the same time, city council approved The Atira Group’s final Thunderhead development plan, a 390,000-square-foot luxury project that aims to be LEED Silver-certified and include 100 whole-ownership units and commercial space, plus a public turnaround for Ski Time Square, a hospital transfer facility, public restrooms, public seating areas, fire pit, pop-jet fountain and play area. – J.L. To follow progress, visit www.steamboatredev.com.
Fast Facts
Business & the Economy
• Steamboat Springs’ major industries include mining, agriculture and residential industries, which includes the second-home sector and location-neutral businesses.
• Tourism is a major contributor to Steamboat’s sales tax revenues: an estimated 35-40% is attributed directly or indirectly to the tourism industry.
• An estimated 350,000-400,000 people visit Steamboat each winter. Another 250,000-300,000 people visit during summer.
• Winter (November to April) generates approximately 25-30% of city sales-tax revenues.
• Peabody’s Twentymile Coal Mine in Routt County is one of the largest coal-producers in Colorado.
•Twentymile Coal Mine employs 515 people and shipped 8.6 million tons of coal in 2008 – more than 25 percent of Colorado’s total coal production.
• Agriculture continues to be a significant driver in Routt County’s economy. Major crops include cattle, sheep, horses, hay, alfalfa, wheat, barley and oats. Organizations that help protect these assets are CSU Routt County Extension, Community Agriculture Alliance, Historic Routt County! and Yampa Valley Land Trust.
• Steamboat has 10 depository institutions, each offering comprehensive banking services.
• Steamboat is home to many entrepreneurial companies as is evidenced by two of our local companies, Big Agnes and Boa Technology, winning the Colorado Companies to Watch Award for 2009.
• In a 2006 survey, location-neutral businesses and location-neutral employees were identified as contributing least $35 million to the local economy and $600,000 or more in annual sales tax. For 2006 that was 3% of the annual sales tax.  | | City Sales Tax Collected By Month Source: City of Steamboat Springs. For most current monthly report, visit www.steamboatsprings.net |
|
|
| |
|
|
