If downtown Colorado Springs had its own mayor, her name might be Susan Edmondson. After more than 10 years, Edmondson is stepping down from her role as president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership.
Edmondson will be missed and difficult to replace. Under her leadership as a tireless advocate, downtown has transitioned from sleepy to vibrant — bustling with new apartment complexes, hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, two new athletic and entertainment complexes, the new state-of-the-art U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and too much more to list.
Amid the commercially progressive vibe, nearly 30 businesses opened in downtown just last year. The past year also saw the opening of 431 apartments with nearly 2,000 more under construction.
Downtown’s economic and population growth is occurring amid public art displays, clean sidewalks and the omnipresence of law enforcement.
Under Edmondson’s leadership, the partnership has played a key role in transforming dark, dingy, unwelcoming alleyways — replete with crumbling asphalt and drainage problems — into welcoming, pedestrian-friendly plazas. Gone are the dumpsters and grease containers, making way for murals, sculptures and gardens.