Meet the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association

We had the good fortune of connecting with the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

What matters most to you?
The value that matters most to us at the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association is stewardship. Stewardship means honoring what came before us, caring for what we’ve been entrusted with, and shaping a better future for the next generation. It’s a principle that guides everything we do, from advocating for preserving historic homes and buildings to cultivating deeper connections between neighbors and participating in city planning conversations that impact our daily lives.

Historic Uptown is more than just a neighborhood. It’s a living story. Stewardship reminds us that preserving our past is not about resisting change but ensuring that growth is thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in community values. When we protect our architectural heritage and invest in our public spaces, we’re not just saving bricks and mortar but nurturing identity, pride, and belonging.

We believe community change doesn’t begin with billionaires or institutions. It starts on the block, between neighbors. Stewardship empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things for their neighborhoods, and that’s why it remains our most important guiding principle.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association is not a business in the traditional sense, but we operate with just as much passion, purpose, and impact. Our product is activism that connects past and present neighbors, our community, and the broader city of Colorado Springs. Our focus on preservation as a tool for progress sets us apart. We believe you don’t have to choose between history and growth. You can have both, as long as people are invited to sit at the table and discuss solutions.

We’re most proud of how grassroots this work truly is. We’re volunteers who are parents, artists, educators, retirees, renters, and homeowners. We work together to protect what makes our neighborhood special. From securing a local Historic Preservation Overlay to partnering with city leaders on infrastructure and housing decisions, we’ve built a reputation for being collaborative and courageous. We show up, speak out, and follow through.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Like many neighborhood organizations, we’ve faced burnout, limited resources, and the challenge of bridging different perspectives. What’s helped us overcome those hurdles is remembering why we’re here: to care for something bigger than ourselves. We’ve learned that success isn’t just about wins at City Hall. It’s about who feels welcomed, heard, and proud to call this neighborhood home.

What we want the world to know is that neighborhood associations are more than lawn signs and monthly meetings. They’re powerful tools for democracy, equity, and belonging. And we’re just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Colorado Springs for a week, I’d start by giving them a taste of the Historic Uptown neighborhood, because there’s no better place to feel the city’s heart.

Day 1: Welcome to Uptown
We’d start with a slow morning walk through Acacia Park, one of General Palmer’s original gifts to the city. After that, breakfast at Bird Tree Cafe for craft coffee and sandwiches. We’d stroll the neighborhood to admire historic architecture, from the stately Hagerman Mansion to the colorful bungalows, and stop by Eclectic CO downtown to shop for goods made by local makers.

Day 2: Arts + Culture
We’d explore the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and maybe the galleries in the neighborhood, such as Auric Gallery. Then, we’d have dinner at Skirted Heifer for hamburgers. Then, we’d have a nightcap at Allusion Cocktail Bar, a quirky local favorite with rotating themes, decor, and cocktail menus every 2-3 months.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
No trip is complete without visiting the Colorado College Campus. We’d stroll the campus, take in the historic buildings, and grab lunch at the Evergreen Restaurant. If we feel ambitious, we’d take a longer walk through Monument Valley Park, one of Palmer’s original gifts to the city.

Day 4: Hidden Gems
We’d spend the day at Poor Richard’s shopping and people-watching, then stop at Sushi Row for traditional Japanese fare and cocktails.

Day 5: Local History Day
Time for the McAllister House Museum, a self-guided walking tour of historic homes, and maybe even a meet-up with our Historic Uptown board to talk preservation over pastries from The Best Coffee & Lounge. We’d walk Tejon Street to take in the murals and see how the city blends old and new.

Day 6: Chill + Community
A lazy day at Story Coffee Company, reading and catching up with neighbors. We’d swing by a local neighborhood gathering if there’s one happening—it’s the best way to feel like a local.

Day 7: Sunday Sendoff
To wind things down, we’ll have brunch at Odyssey Gastropub, visit Colorado Springs’ Sunday Market in Acacia Park if it’s in season, and walk around Tejon St. One last toast to community, connection, and Colorado sunshine.

The magic of this neighborhood is how well it blends small-town charm with big ideas. Historic Uptown Neighborhood has something that’ll surprise and inspire you, whether you’re into nature, art, food, or civic engagement.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We’d like to dedicate our shoutout to the long-time residents, neighbors, and volunteers who have poured their hearts into the Historic Uptown Neighborhood for decades. Their quiet acts of care include organizing block parties, planting flowers in public spaces, advocating at city council meetings, and sharing stories about the past. These acts are the foundation for everything we do today.

We especially want to recognize the past board members and founders of our neighborhood association, whose vision and persistence helped protect the character of our historic district even when it wasn’t popular or easy. Their legacy continues to guide us as we take on new challenges like responsible development, walkability, and cultural preservation.

We also thank our local partners, including the Colorado Springs Historic Preservation Alliance and the City’s Historic Preservation staff, who provide expertise, resources, and encouragement. This work is only possible through collaboration, and we’re proud to be part of a wider network of neighbors and advocates who believe in the power of community.

Website: https://historicuptown.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historicuptowncos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historicuptowncos

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HistoricUptownCOS

Image Credits
Ice Skate Fest Photographs by Ralph McCoy (https://www.instagram.com/phfdesign)