New transit and streetscape improvements are coming our way, and the city project team shared new information at a business event on March 27. Here’s a quick summary of the first of several “Colfax Chats” in our district:  

Denver Water Project

Most street work now underway is the Denver Water lead pipe replacement project. This is being done in advance of the BRT construction. Workers should not block business access. More info and assistance at www.denverwater.org/Colfax. 

Xcel Energy  

Some of the street work underway is Xcel upgrading transformers, relocation of power lines, and relocation of gas lines. This is being done in advance of, and sometimes in the same area, the BRT construction. Workers should not block business access.

BRT Project: Pre-Construction/Lane Alignment will begin in Segment 3

Starting in April, this includes utility locates, core samples in the street, removal of medians, construction cones, and reconfigured travel lanes. Lane alignment will be done up to Albion St. in April. Lane alignment in Segment 3 past Albion St. has not been scheduled at this time. Business access will be maintained.

BRT Project: Construction

Large-scale construction of transit stations, reconfigured lanes, enhanced crosswalks and streetscape improvements is scheduled to start this fall in the Mayfair BID area. 

• Construction zone: The construction zone will be in place 18-24 months, first on one side of Colfax, then on the other side, and finally in the center. Traffic will be managed on the side that is not in the zone. Transit stations will be built at Colorado, Cherry, Elm, Hudson, and Krameria Streets, and the east side of Monaco.
• Our stretch of Colfax is different than Capitol Hill. The right-of-way from curb to curb is 100-120 feet, vs 80 feet, and our side streets are less congested. This gives everyone a little more room during construction. We will also benefit from many lessons learned further west.
• Parking: The BID is working with the construction team to provide short-term, on-street parking in locations along Colfax where possible. We are also advocating for short-term parking for a few spaces on side streets. Businesses that have off-street parking in front, on the side or behind the building should promote that with high visibility signage and marketing.
• Business operations: the project team will work directly with businesses this spring to identify and plan for operational needs, such as loading, deliveries, customer access, etc. A hotline for businesses will help facilitate problem-solving during construction. That number is 720.336.0025.  
• Mayfair Town Center: streetscape improvement planning is underway and will be installed during the BRT project. Schedule is TBD.

What to Do Now

1. Complete this self-assessment to see if your business is ready for construction. City staff will provide you with resources to help you navigate it.
2. Read this small business toolkit on ways to prepare for construction and plan operations and marketing.
3. Small business grants will be available to our segment after construction is underway here. Grants range from $7,500 to $15,000; applicants must demonstrate a 3-month decline in revenue caused by construction. 
4. Sign up for news and construction updates here.
5. Watch for news about the next Colfax Chat in our district (April/May).
6. Explore the BRT project website: www.colfaxbrt.org.

Meeting Materials: Here’s a link to the March 27 presentation and handout.

Why is this Project Important:

When the Colfax Mayfair BID was formed in 2015, the top priority for property owners was to make the area safer, more attractive, and easier for everyone to get around. For main street to thrive, we need a better place for customers. The current conditions—speeding traffic, no tree cover, no pedestrian lighting, etc—are hostile to people, and contribute to regular turnover of community-serving businesses.