About Us: Alamosa Uptown & River Association
The Alamosa Uptown & River Association (AURA) was formed March 1, 1999 by a group of citizens concerned about Alamosa losing its heritage and its historic buildings. The downtown core had been struggling with vacancies and an unwelcoming look to visitors. After a series of community work sessions, the organization chose to join the National Trust for Historic Preservation and adopt the principles of the Main Street Program as the best way to preserve and celebrate Alamosa’s heritage. AURA has been active in the community as a 501(c)(3) since 2000 under the guidance of a Board of Directors and an Executive Director.
AURA office 1999-2009, Alamosa, Colorado
For a decade (1999-2009) the AURA enjoyed an attic office in the Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce Building. Our deepest thanks go to the Chamber for this generous in-kind contribution. Built as a railroad museum by Carl Helfin, the building is a 1953 replica of the former Mancos depot and was moved to Cole Park in 1969.

With support from the State Historical Fund, AURA has successfully implemented 4 prominent historic restoration projects in downtown Alamosa since 2000. AURA has assisted 7 property owners with obtaining grants for historic structure assessments through the SHF to provide them with vital information on the condition and preservation possibilities for their buildings. AURA is currently managing a Phase II project for the 1887 Alamosa Masonic Hall, which includes masonry restoration and construction documents for future preservation projects, accessibility and operational system needs.

Programs, Activities, and Past Accomplishments:
AURA’s Board of Directors and volunteers advocate for historic preservation and downtown revitalization, as reflected in the following accomplishments:

Downtown Improvements:
Following the principles of the Main Street program, AURA established volunteer work groups to develop community projects in the areas of downtown design and aesthetics, economic restructuring, and promotional events (1999-2007). Partnered with Alamosa Downtown Merchants, Inc. to promote downtown through events and promotions.

Highlights:

  • Advocated for CDOT Enhancement Grant ($347,600) in 2001 through the City of Alamosa for new streetscape elements—sidewalk, curb, gutter, pedestrian street lighting, planters, trash receptacles, and benches in three blocks of the historic downtown. Hired architect, helped to facilitate community input into planning and design, and write the grant. Worked with City to develop streetscape plan and improvements to parking lot at Main and State (architectural elements and pocket park), now home of seasonal farmers’ market. Project completed in 2002-3.
  • In partnership with the Healthy Habits Group and Adams State College, established two seasons (summer-fall) of banners for Main Street (2004-2009).
  • Based on community work group input, proposed revisions to Alamosa’s sign ordinance to assist downtown merchant promotions (reviewed and adopted by City in 2004).
  • In collaboration with City of Alamosa Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, an AURA volunteer work group wrote design guidelines (reviewed and partially adopted by City in 2007) to promote and preserve authentic look and feel of historic downtown.

Community Events

  • Brought the Valley Farmers’ Market to historic downtown Alamosa in 2001 and grew it from annual gross sales of around $34,000 to over $95,000 in 2009, increasing average vendor numbers per market from 10-12 to 25-30. Working with local partners, developed the market as a seasonal central community gathering place with access to local and regional foods, cooking demos, live music, and cultural events.
  • Initiated and developed the annual Downtown Alamosa ArtWalk, 2002-2007, 2009 to celebrate the San Luis Valley’s vibrant arts community in a full day of visual arts, live music, dance, and spoken word performances.
  • Established annual heritage events such as Train Lighting Ceremony in 1999 (awarded 2003 Governor’s Merit Award for Best Promotion) and Train Day in 2000 to celebrate the community’s railroad heritage.
  • Worked with Alamosa High School to organize a community volunteer and student Downtown Clean-Up Day every spring, 1998-2007.
AURA 2003 Downtown Excellence Award, Alamosa, Colorado
AURA receives recognition at the Capitol from Gov. Bill Owens and Lt. Gov. Jane Norton for the Colorado Community Revitalization Association's 2003 Downtown Excellence Award for the annual Train Lighting event in partnership with Alamosa Downtown Merchants, City of Alamosa, and Alamosa County. From left: AURA board member Dave Reschke, Exec. Director Tawney Becker, and AURA president Rob Oringdulph.

Historic Preservation

  • Advocated for and wrote a historic preservation ordinance with the City of Alamosa, which was passed on August 7, 2002. The city became a Certified Local Government in 2004, and the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee has established a local register of historic places with new listings added each year.
  • Acquired or supported preservation and assessment grants for 7 downtown buildings in addition to other preservation and enhancement projects, for a total benefit of over $815,000. Successfully nominated 4 structures to the National Register of Historic Places (also to State Register) since 1999 and 9 structures to Alamosa’s Historic Registry since 2002.
  • Produced a full-color historical downtown walking tour brochure in collaboration with City of Alamosa’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and Alamosa County Tourism Board.

AURA’s Board of Directors

Rob Oringdulph, President
David Svaldi, Vice-President
Dave Reschke, Treasurer
Karen Bates, Secretary
Martha McDaniel