New Brewery District Proposed for Old Colorado City
A consortium of local entrepreneurs has submitted plans to the Colorado Springs Planning Commission for a brewery and artisan food district in Old Colorado City. The proposed development, called the Westside Craft Quarter, would occupy a three-acre parcel of underutilized land along West Colorado Avenue between 25th and 27th Streets, adjacent to the existing arts district.
The plan envisions five small-scale craft breweries, a cidery, a distillery, two farm-to-table restaurants, and a central outdoor gathering space with a permanent stage for live entertainment. Developer Nathan Reeves said the project draws inspiration from successful craft districts in Asheville, North Carolina, and Portland, Oregon, while maintaining a distinctly Colorado Springs character.
Total investment is estimated at $18 million, with construction expected to take 18 months if approved. Reeves said the project would create approximately 200 permanent jobs and attract an estimated 300,000 additional visitors per year to Old Colorado City. The development team has pledged to source at least 60 percent of food ingredients from farms within 100 miles of Colorado Springs.
Initial community response has been largely positive, though some residents have raised concerns about increased traffic, parking, and noise. The Old Colorado City Association has endorsed the concept with conditions, requesting dedicated parking solutions and quiet hours after 10 PM on weeknights. The Planning Commission is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposal in December.