Extracts of Colorado Springs Business Journal June 16th

http://www.csbj.com/

Van Briggle leaving historic location

By Becky Hurley

Van Briggle Pottery's two-story brick and stone structure has stood at the unofficial gateway to Ute Pass and the Highway 24 corridor west for 120 years. But the landmark might soon be replaced, a casualty of declining tourist traffic and the reality of a changing business climate and changing times.

No redevelopment limitations

The building's status on the National Register of Historic Places has attracted history lovers through the years, but the owners have never claimed any of the tax credits allowed by the state.

As a result, marketing broker Ed Rudolph of The Rudolph Co., said whoever buys the land and building, offered at $2.5 million or $18.31 per square foot, will be free to move ahead without the architectural or construction limitations usually required of NRHP buildings or choose to pursue available tax credits and redevelop the site in keeping with its historic theme.

"There's a good chance a local buyer would want to keep the building's original historic character, but there are some prospects out there who might want to clear the site and do a new ground-up building," he said, adding that redevelopment of a nearby commercial site netted $18.69 per square foot just last month.

So far, five letters of intent to purchase the property have been received, Rudolph said, including one local investor who would consider maintaining the building's historic look and feel.