The West Colfax BID heralded Rick Garcia and Jim Hannifin as Champions of West Colfax Avenue’s revitalization at an event attended by dozens of BID members, partners and supporters this past July 12th at the newly completed West End Flats.
The BID dedicated its new median sculptures to former Councilman Garcia, as shown in the image and plaque to the left. This reflects our deep appreciation for Rick’s leadership, from setting the stage for the BID’s formation to enacting Main Street zoning and securing funding for bond funded projects for R-O-W reconfiguration/on-street parking and the new Westside library. Rick’s crucial support for the West End Flats made the new mixed-use project the perfect setting for the celebration.
As many of you know, it was Jim Hannifin who Rick tapped to take the lead on West Colfax, and he proved to the be the textbook “champion” that sets West Colfax apart from so many aspiring commercial corridors. Jim championed the BID to ensure its formation, and Main Street zoning to secure its adoption. He also conceived of the on-street parking you can now see in use in front of the Lake Steam Baths and elsewhere, slowing traffic and, with medians and street improvements, making the street more hospitable for pedestrians. Jim also lobbied long and hard to bring the library and other investments to West Colfax that are now going in. As Dan Shah observed, the BID would not exist or have achieved any of the changes now in evidence today without Jim’s incredible focus and vision, and long hours championing the corridor. To commemorate his contributions and many years of leadership as board president, Jim was recognized as West Colfax BID’s Champion for “His Years of Visionary Leadership and Uncompromising Commitment to the West Colfax BID”.
Profound thanks, Rick and Jim!
