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Colorado - Tue. 06/03/25 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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DENVER'S OUTSIDE FESTIVAL SELLS OUT WITH NEW OFFERINGS, LARGER VENUE
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The Outside Festival returned to Denver’s Civic Center Park last weekend with a bigger footprint than its inaugural year, and initial numbers say the multi-day event attracted a bigger audience than last year. The Outside Festival, put on by Boulder-based Outside Interactive, the city of Denver, corporate partners and other partners, debuted last year at Civic Center Park, drawing nearly 17,500 people for live performances, a film festival, speakers and panelists and booths from outdoor brands.
This year, the festival significantly expanded its footprint, adding 40 percent more room by using space on South Broadway, inside the newly renovated Denver Public Library, part of the Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park and the Denver Art Museum. The event attracted a larger crowd and sold out of tickets. It was originally predicted that the festival would attract around 25,000 people, but the initial figures show that at least 30,000 people attended, and another 700, about 200 more than last year, attended the Outside Summit. The festival’s permit is limited to 30,000.
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DENVER GIVES FUNDING GO-AHEAD FOR NW EQUESTRIAN CENTER
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A resolution that would gradually release $800 million over 35 years to provide financial support for the National Western Equestrian Center project was approved by the Denver City Council by a 9-4 vote Monday night. The city’s approval of the agreement marks the final asset required to complete the initial phases of the 2015 voter-approved master plan and opens the door to further development in the Triangle. Historical challenges with the proposed measure have centered around a community investment fund created to support residents of nearby Globeville, Elyria and Swansea impacted or displaced by the project.
The 4,500-seat horse-centric center, along with its 160-room full-service hotel, a parking garage and income-restricted workforce housing, will create jobs and could contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to the CIF through a 1 percent hotel room fee and a “round-up” which would allow National Western retail customers to “round up” their purchases at the center. Construction on the equestrian center project is slated to begin in fall 2025, with community engagement continuing throughout the full campus build-out.
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SNOWFLAKE TO BUY CRUNCHY DATA FOR $250 MILLION
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Snowflake has agreed to acquire database startup Crunchy Data, aiming to win over customers seeking to build their own artificial intelligence agents. The deal is valued at roughly $250 million. The deal comes less than a month after Snowflake rival Databricks said it was purchasing Neon, a similar database startup, in a deal valued at about $1 billion. Snowflake, a cloud-based data-warehousing company, and Databricks, a data analytics firm, are going head-to-head as they both chase businesses who want to build AI agents and other applications with their own data. Crunchy Data’s roughly 100 employees will join the company once the deal closes, which is expected in the next couple of weeks, and Crunchy Data will be part of an offering called Snowflake Postgres.
With its deal for Crunchy Data, Snowflake joins not only Databricks in pursuing clients who want to build their own AI agents, but also tech giants including Nvidia and OpenAI. Tech vendors have been vying to capture their share of the market for business-related AI tools as the technology moves from AI chatbots to AI agents. Snowflake reported quarterly revenue that topped $1 billion for the first time in its first quarter ended April 30—higher than analyst expectations. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
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BEST PLACES TO STROLL IN COLORADO & EXPERIENCE ART SANCTUARIES
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Several towns in Colorado prioritize outdoor artwork. Loveland, Grand Junction, and Aspen are among the top destinations for outdoor galleries, housing original artwork in museum-like quantities amid the fresh air.
- Loveland: Venture to this small city north of Denver to discover one of the highest concentrations of outdoor artwork in America, with not one but two sprawling sculpture gardens. Launched in 1985, Benson Sculpture Garden is a Narnia-like wonderland of 183 stone and bronze figures, each occupying a special corner of a manicured 10-acre park. Each sculpture is designed and created by Colorado-based artists, as well as many nationally and internationally renowned artists. Chapungu Sculpture Park spans 26 acres of lush, green outdoor space on the other side of town. The park is home to 82 monumental stone sculptures by Zimbabwean artists.
- Grand Junction: Downtown Grand Junction has always been a pleasant place to stroll, with its historic Western buildings, buzzy restaurant patios, and independently owned boutique shops. Still, the most aesthetically fascinating downtown features sit on the corners. Celebrating 40 years back in the 1980s, Grand Junction’s Art on the Corner became America’s first outdoor sculpture program. Over the years, the program has displayed nearly 900 original sculptures from 285 artists. The 128 permanent pieces, known as the lasting gems, are located downtown. Colorful murals also abound in Grand Junction.
- Aspen: Celebrating its 20th year, ArtUP has hosted the rotating work of world-famous artists at the base of local ski resorts, on the slopes, and even on lift tickets. In more obvious places, long-time local artist Travis Fulton helped launch Snowmass Village’s Anderson Ranch Arts Center in 1969 and 1980, co-designing and creating Colorado’s first computerized dancing fountain. The Aspen Art Museum's original incarnation sprang up in 1976, leading the town’s ever-growing art scene until it landed in its current downtown location in 2014. The 33,000-square-foot, four-story museum is home to six galleries and changing exhibitions that rival big cities.
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ASPEN/PITKIN COUNTY AIRPORT INTRODUCES NEW CHECKOUT-FREE PARKING SYSTEM
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Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is introducing a new drive-in, drive-out parking management system at the Bear and Elk Lots. The new parking system was active starting June 1, in alignment with the airport’s reopening following May construction. This is the first phase of the airport’s partnership with Metropolis, an artificial intelligence company that currently operates mobility and baggage services for more than 75 airports. To save time and avoid delays, the airport recommends travelers register at app.metropolis.io/sign-in instead of waiting until arrival at the gate. New signage will direct drivers to an open spot into the airport lot, and pre-registered travelers will automatically get a confirmation text after parking. For those who didn’t pre-register, signage with a QR code/website will provide parking instructions and the airport recommends budgeting extra time.
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HOME SALES CONTINUE TO SURGE IN MESA COUNTY
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The Mesa County housing market continues to surge year-over-year through the first half of 2025. Bray Real Estate’s residential report containing data through the end of April shows that home sales haven’t slowed down from a scorching start to the year.
- Through the first four months of 2025, 866 properties were sold — up 11.3 percent from 778 through April 2024 — for a volume of $390.7 million, up 18.8 percent year-over-year from April 2024 ($328.8 million).
- April did see a decline in two areas, however: total sales (271 in April 2024 and 267 in April 2025) and median home price (from $410,000 down to $400,000).
- Of the 866 homes sold through the first four months of 2025, 126 were in the city of Grand Junction, 122 were in north Mesa County, 111 were in southeast Mesa County, 110 were in northeast Mesa County, 84 were in Fruita, 75 were in Orchard Mesa, 73 were in the Redlands, 68 were in Clifton, and 49 were in the Loma and Mack areas.
- Of the home sales, 262 (30.3 percent) were in the $300,000-399,999 range, 179 (20.7 percent) were in the $500,000-749,999 range, 166 (19.2 percent) were in the $400,000-499,999 range, and 132 (15.2 percent) were in the $200,000-299,999 range.
- There were 29 homes sold costing at least $1 million (10 in the Redlands and 10 in Loma/Mack) and 77 homes sold costing at least $750,000 (27 in the Redlands, 14 in Loma/Mack and 12 in north Mesa County).
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GVT AWARDED GRANT TO FUND NEW PILOT ROUTE
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Grand Valley Transit has received a $389,626 grant to be used for improving transportation frequency along the North Avenue Corridor. The Mesa County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the grant contract last week. Regional Transportation Planning Office Director Dana Brosig said the grant will fund a pilot route connecting North Avenue to the Grand Valley Transit West Transfer Facility. “Something we have heard over the years is the need for increased transit frequency. While we don’t have the funds to do that for the entire system, we are working to provide this on the most utilized corridors,” Brosig said. “The North Ave. routes see our highest ridership and this new route will increase frequency on North Ave. so that a bus comes every 30 min. Additionally, it connects North Ave to the GVT West Transfer Facility which is near the Mesa Mall."
The Regional Transportation Planning Office expects to be able to fund the new route permanently once the grant funds are used up. GVT fares are currently free through August in an effort to reduce the amount of ground-level ozone by increasing transit use.
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SURVEY SHOWS SUPPORT FOR MORE SENIOR SERVICES IN EAGLE COUNTY
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The Eagle County Board of Commissioners on May 27 heard a presentation from Bill Ray of WR Communications. Ray presented the brand-new results of a county-commissioned Healthy Aging Survey that included information on whether residents might support ballot measures on issues such as additional funding for Castle Peak Senior Life and Rehabilitation. That 44-bed facility is currently the Eagle River Valley’s only skilled nursing and long-term care facility.
By the numbers:
- 61.7 percent: Survey respondents who said keeping Castle Peak Senior Life and Rehabilitation open is “very important.”
- 67.5 percent: Survey respondents who would be “very” or “somewhat” supportive of a dedicated property tax to raise $5 million per year to build senior housing rental units at Castle Peak.
- 85.3 percent: Survey respondents who said Eagle County needs a skilled nursing and assisted living facility.
- 89.3 percent: Survey respondents who said it’s “very” or “somewhat” important for Eagle County to work to keep Castle Peak open and accessible to local residents.
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EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF EAGLE COUNTY AWARDS $74,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO DISTRICT EDUCATORS
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The Education Foundation of Eagle County has distributed $74,000 in scholarships to 34 Eagle County Schools teachers and staff pursuing degrees and certifications through its 2025 EFEC Scholarship Awards. Established in 2001, EFEC’s Scholarship Awards have provided over 150 Eagle County School District educators and support staff with more than $250,000 in scholarships for professional development, advanced degrees and certifications. Recipients of this year’s EFEC Scholarship Award include professionals looking to pursue advanced degrees in school counseling, Spanish language, education, curriculum development, principal licensure, and a variety of other degrees and professional certifications, and conferences.
Each scholarship recipient commits to a minimum of three additional years of service within the Eagle County School District, guaranteeing that the benefits of this program are felt directly in local pre-K through 12th-grade classrooms. For more information about the EFEC Scholarship Awards or to support the important program, visit EFEC.org/scholarship-awards.
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DILLON FARMERS MARKET KICKS OFF THIS WEEK
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The Dillon Farmers Market will have its opening day Friday, June 6. The market will be on Fridays through Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Park. There will be over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious food and unique local crafts. For more information on the market, visit TownofDillon.com/events/dillon-farmers-market. For more information on specific vendors, visit TinyURL.com/4vnk3zvm.
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EXPLORE THE POWER OF HISTORY: SHOSHONE HYDROELECTRIC PLANT
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The Glenwood Springs Historical Society, in partnership with Xcel Energy, is hosting an Exclusive In-Person Tour of the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant on Wednesday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take a rare, guided tour of the historic Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant, operating since 1909 in the heart of Glenwood Canyon. Josh Mattson of Xcel Energy will guide the tours. Space is extremely limited. Not ADA accessible. Reserve your spot with a $25 donation at glenwoodhistory.com. A Speaker Series Presentation takes place on Thursday, June 12, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Library. Josh Mattson of Xcel Energy will present a fascinating look at the construction and modern operation of the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant. For more information, call 970-945-4448 or visit online at glenwoodhistory.com.
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VOLUNTEERS FOR OUTDOOR COLORADO’S CAIRN PROGRAM ACCEPTING MENTOR APPLICATIONS
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Are you passionate about the outdoors and looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is seeking adult mentors for its Cairn Program—a year-long leadership and outdoor education experience for high school students (ages 14–18) along the Front Range. As a mentor, you'll guide a small group of students through monthly outdoor adventures, help foster their leadership skills and play a key role in shaping the next generation of environmental stewards. It's also a great opportunity to grow your own leadership experience in a collaborative, impact-driven setting. Applications are due July 31, 2025. Apply now at voc.org/cairn-applications-mentors.
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RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE RANKS BEHIND VAIL, NEW JERSEY VENUES IN NEW POLL
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Colorado counts three of the nation’s top 10 amphitheaters in a new study compiled by readers and editors of USA Today. The United States has more than 1,000 amphitheaters, according to the Reader’s Choice Ten Best awards, but hardly any rise to the level of Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison and Dillon Amphitheater in Dillon. The fact that Red Rocks landed at No. 7 on the list may surprise some, given its annual dominance on Pollstar and Billboard charts, where it’s been rated as the top global amphitheater in sales and concerts so often that editors must weight rankings against Red Rocks so other venues even have a chance to top the list.
- USA Today readers and editors praised the recently bustling Dillon Amphitheater as No. 9 on the list, lauding “breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains” across Lake Dillon, making it “one of Colorado’s most scenic live music destinations.
- Red Rocks made the list’s No. 7 spot with mentions of its carved, towering red sandstone formations, calling it a “one-of-a-kind open-air amphitheater” that “offers unparalleled acoustics and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding foothills,” editors wrote.
- Finally, Vail’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater — a.k.a. the Amp (not to be confused with Colorado Springs’ Ford Amphitheater) — notched the No. 4 spot because it “blends world-class performances with breathtaking alpine scenery. Located in Vail, this open-air venue features a covered pavilion and a lush, sloping lawn, ensuring every guest enjoys both stellar acoustics and views,” editors wrote.
Here’s the full list:
- Pavilion at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, N.Y.
- PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, N.J.
- The Gorge Amphitheater – Quincy, Wash.
- Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater – Vail
- Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville, Tenn.
- Koussevitzky Music Shed – Lenox, Mass.
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – Morrison
- Tuacahn Amphitheatre – Ivins, Utah
- Dillon Amphitheater – Dillon
- Moody Amphitheater – Austin, Texas
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MARKET UPDATE - 06/02/2025 Close
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(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
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Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
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Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
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30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 05/29/2025)
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*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
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Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado's Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank serves customers with retail, business, wealth management*, mortgage and electronic banking services. Learn more at alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the bank.
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