Let's Talk Business in Pueblo: Library upgrades, real estate sales, new podiatrist and more
Pueblo library district launches $2 million capital campaign
A $2 million capital campaign launched Wednesday by the Pueblo City-County Library District aims to raise funds to assist with $8.9 million in renovations to two branch libraries.
“This is the beginning of a transformative chapter for our community as we launch the Building Community Together campaign to renovate and expand the Barkman and Lucero Libraries," said Nick Potter, executive director of the library foundation. "This project is about more than just buildings — it’s about ensuring everyone in Pueblo has access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive."
The Barkman Library, 1300 Jerry Murphy Road, has served the Belmont neighborhood and northern Pueblo for more than 30 years. The ongoing renovation and expansion of the Barkman will improve both the interior and exterior while adding an additional 2,643 square feet onto the building.
More than 1.6 million visitors have used Barkman Library during the past 11 years.
Lucero Library, 1315 E. Seventh St., will receive an expanded public meeting room and revamped front entrance that will increase the branch’s footprint to 10,000 square feet. Since opening to the public in December 2014, the Lucero Library has welcomed more than a million visitors.
More than $525,000 has been raised so far through a combination of public and private funding.
Lucero Library will close to the public Aug. 3 and won't reopen until work is complete in 2025. Barkman Library work is expected to wrap up in early September with an official ribbon cutting set for 9 a.m. Sept. 10.
Donors wishing to support the Building Community Together capital campaign on a more personal level will have the opportunity for naming rights within each branch. Available options range from $50,000 for the children’s areas in both libraries to $5,000 for a study room at Barkman Library.
To donate, visit pueblolibrary.org/BuildingCommunityTogether.
Pueblo real estate market remains stagnant
Without an uptick in sales during the spring selling season, the Pueblo residential real estate market is continuing the same lackluster trend experienced in the past year and a half.
New listings dropped by 15.6% compared to June 2023, and are down a total of 3.5% year to date. Pending sales are down 12.6% from June 2023 and are down a total of 13.7% year to date, said Dave Anderson, spokesperson for the Pueblo Association of Realtors.
Sold homes dropped 22.6% from a year prior and are down 14% year to date.
"None of this is good news for sellers as buyers continue to wait for interest rates to come down with additional concerns ranging from economic uncertainty to the upcoming election to employment," Anderson said.
Sellers are holding strong on prices and the median sales price held steady at $315,000 with the percent-of-list price received at 98.4%. The average number of days a home is on the market moved up to 93 days.
"With just 18 new home building permits pulled in June, it was the second worst month this year as builders continue to be careful with their money,” Anderson said.
Pueblo Ankle & Foot welcoming new doctor Monday
Podiatrist Dr. Stewart Kite is set to start work Monday, July 22, at Pueblo Ankle & Foot.
The business has two offices at 1619 N. Greenwood St., #300, in Pueblo, and 323 S. Purcell Blvd. in Pueblo West.
Kite is a native of Texas. The podiatric surgeon specializes in both conservative and surgical management of a wide range of conditions and injuries.
He has worked in wound management for patients with diabetes, vascular disease, trauma and dermatological conditions and has experience with injection therapy, Charcot Neuroarthropathy management, gait optimization and more. For details, visit puebloankleandfoot.com.
Applications open for food business grant program
Fuel Kitchens and Minnequa Works Credit Union are taking applications for a grant program designed to help up-and-coming food businesses in southeastern Colorado.
Grants funded by the credit union are designed to support individuals looking to offset the costs of entrepreneurship by using the Fuel Kitchens incubator commissary kitchen facility at 1745 N. Erie Ave. in Pueblo. Up to 10 entrepreneurs will receive $3,000 to offset membership costs at Fuel Kitchens during a period of six months.
Award winners must open a checking account at Minnequa Works Credit Union for their business, where the funds will be deposited. Applications for the grant will be accepted on a rolling basis until all grant funds are expended,which is expected to occur by Aug. 1.
Learn more and apply for the grant at Fuel Kitchens Grant at Minnequa Works Credit Union mymwcu.com.
Educators get free memberships at YMCA of Pueblo through Aug. 31
The YMCA of Pueblo is supporting local K-12 educators in the Pueblo area with free memberships through Aug. 31.
"Recognizing the hard work and dedication of our educators, the YMCA of Pueblo aims to provide them with resources to support their physical and mental well-being. This initiative is our way of saying 'thank you' for their commitment to shaping the future of our community," YMCA officials said in a press release.
To sign up for the free membership, educators need to visit the front desk at the YMCA of Pueblo, 3200 E.Spaulding Ave., and provide proof of active employment, such as a valid school ID or a letterfrom their school.
Pueblo West Chamber director resigns; search is on for a replacement
Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Samantha Hardcastle announced she will resign her post Aug. 16 to pursue a new direction in her professional career after a year heading the chamber.
"It has been an honor to serve this wonderful community and contribute to the growth and success of our organization. I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration from our members and partners," Hardcastle said.
"As with all things, change is inevitable, but at the Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce, we choose to embrace and celebrate change. The board of directors is determined to examine all available avenues and opportunities for our organization," the board announced in an email.
Latino Chamber to 'toast' Larry Atencio Aug. 16
The Latino Chamber Foundation is set to host the 19th Annual Joe T. Ulibarri Tostada at 6 p.m., Aug. 16, at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave.
This year, the light-hearted event honors Larry Atencio, former city council member, business owner and ballet instructor. Atencio will be mildly insulted, amused, embarrassed, and generally highlighted by friends and acquaintances as they recall old stories, jokes, appearances, and miscues over the years.
Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m. with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and a mariachi performance. The program and dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and run until 9:30 p.m.
The theme of this year’s event is ballet, so participants are encouraged to break out their dancing outfits and bright colors. Tickets are $50 per person and are available online or by calling 719-542-5513.
Does Pueblo have a contender for 'Coolest Thing Made in Colorado?'
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its third annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition sponsored by FirstBank.
The contest aims to highlight the vibrant and diverse manufacturing industry across the state. Nominations will be accepted through July 26, then an independent panel of judges will review the nominations and select the top ten finalists in August, crowning the winner on Oct. 17.
Eligible products must be made in Colorado using a manufacturing process. Past finalists have represented diverse industries, from musical instruments to outdoor equipment to life-saving medical devices. Finalists have represented regions all across the state, as well as companies large and small.
The 2023 winner was the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and asteroid-sampling mission by Lockheed Martin Space of Colorado Springs. Launched on Sept. 8, 2016, the spacecraft conducted a detailed two-year survey from orbit, and successfully collected a sample.
Colorado’s 4,900-plus manufacturing firms contribute more than $28 billion to the state’s economy, accounting for 6.58% of total output and employing approximately 149,000 Coloradans. Nominations can be submitted online at coolestthingcolorado.com/nominations.
Pueblo's 'The Green Solution' offering new S'mores treats
The Cannabist Company is expanding its Hedy Krispy treat line by adding "S’mores" treats to the offerings at The Green Solution at 1207 Southgate Place in Pueblo.
Consumers are invited to indulge in the rich blend of cannabis oil, cereal, marshmallows and chocolate. Each treat contains 100mg THC with 10 doses scored for 10mg THC breakaway pieces.
The Hedy Krispy treats are also available in Cocoa Crunch, Cinnamon Crunch, and Fruity Crunch.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo library launches capital campaign to revamp 2 libraries
