A combination of a few random shops, vacant buildings with the remains of past businesses and restaurants scattered throughout the streets was what Greeley looked like six months ago. Not only can the same be seen walking downtown today, but there have been some improvements in the form of new businesses.
“Any investment in downtown Greeley is a good thing. The more businesses added, the more pleasant of a walk it is downtown,” said Annie Epperson, head of reference services at the Michener Library.
To have a thriving downtown, Greeley may have to do more than just adding a few random businesses. The simple answer is opening businesses that will be popular with Greeley residents. In the past six months, a French creperie, coffee shop, sewing shop, bakery and a few boutiques have opened up in Greeley.
Greeley resident Terri Ball said that she loves the new shops downtown. Ball said her experience taking a sewing class from Sew Downtown has been fun and unique.
Funding issues are part of the reason Greeley doesn’t have a successful downtown. The resolution passed by Greeley City Council on Jan. 17 may help this funding problem. By combining the district containing UNC with the surrounding district, the Creative District was born; this merged district will qualify to possibly receive funds as part of the legislation passed last year by the Colorado General Assembly to make Colorado a center for culture.
“I’ve noticed that downtown is beginning to gear towards college students. It is becoming more accessible and enjoyable for my friends and me,” said Nick Denenberg, a UNC student.
At the end of February, the state review panel will select districts in Colorado to each receive $15,000 to fund art and culture initiatives. Even if Greeley doesn’t get the money, combining the districts is still a step towards improving the city.
“By combining districts, Greeley is recognizing that UNC is part of Greeley and that students make a greater impact on the town than people think,” Epperson said.
The resolution itself will unite Greeley and is expected to encourage more financial activity. Together, the resolution and adding new businesses that are not chains, shows that Greeley is becoming the bustling city residents hope it to be.
