Officials in Woodland Park and Cripple Creek celebrated last week after learning of their official designation as a Colorado Main Street by the Department of Local Affairs. Acceptance in the program opens opportunities for the cities to receive DOLA grants to include consultations with professionals on revitalization projects.   The two cities join Victor to make Teller County a trifecta of DOLA-designated Main Streets. “I wish to send my sincere thanks to Gayle Langely with Colorado Main Street, the city staff and the Main Street board for their hard work to make this designation happen,” said Cripple Creek Mayor Annie Durham. “I’m confident that being a Main Street community will be very beneficial for Cripple Creek.” A release from DOLA emphasizes the city’s gold mining history from the late 1800s and the Victorian architecture of buildings constructed after two devastating fires in 1896. The city offers a mix of historic tours, entertainment provided by the casinos and dramatic mountain views. In anticipation of the designation, the city hired Amanda Benson to be the city’s Main Street coordinator. “Mayor Annie Durham and city administrator Frank Salvato have long dreamed of this designation, and their leadership made it possible,” said marketing director Marie Rieger. “This marks a milestone for downtown revitalization across our region and positions these towns within Colorado’s system that supports vibrant, livable downtowns through community-led effort, resources, and collaboration.” Anita Riggle manages Woodland Park’s Main Street program and is the city’s economic development and budget analyst. “We are excited about becoming a Main Street and are grateful to DOLA for the support and assistance during this process, thankful for the city council and city leadership for their support and positive environment to allow Main Street to move forward,” Riggle said. “Now that Teller County has three Main Streets, we look forward to collaborating with Victor and Cripple Creek.” The release from DOLA highlights the city’s blend of small-scale commercial buildings, historic structures, and modern development, unified by rustic mountain-inspired architectural elements. Mayor Kellie Case sees a broader impact of the announcement. “This designation provides valuable resources to strengthen our downtown while preserving its character,” Case said. “The opportunities for further collaboration between Main Street, the Downtown Development Authority, the Chamber and other groups will enhance Woodland Park beyond what anyone can imagine.” The announcement generated all-around good vibes to begin the year 2026. “The City of Victor is thrilled that our neighbors in Cripple Creek and Woodland Park have officially joined us as a Main Street Community,” said Bobby Tech, the city administrator who hired Jessica Thurman to lead the program. “We have seen how helpful this designation is for mountain communities – strengthening partnerships, unlocking funding opportunities and supporting downtown revitalization. We look forward to working alongside them to advance Main Street principles and strengthen our main streets together.”  The city of Woodland Park hosts a volunteer Main Street kickoff from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 2 in the downstairs meeting room at the Woodland Park library.    ...read more read less