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The Town of Erie is bringing new life to Historic Old Town! The Town of Erie Urban Renewal Authority (TOEURA) has unanimously approved a plan with local developer Rearview Mirror Concepts to build a new 10,000 sq. ft. mixed-use development at 130 Wells Street and 570 Kattell Street. This marks the first new commercial project in Historic Old Town since 2021 and represents a significant milestone in expanding the vibrancy of Downtown Erie.

The new 1.5-story building will feature a full-service restaurant, a local homemade ice cream shop, a bakery, and two small retail spaces at the corner of Wells and Kattell. The design will make the area more welcoming and walkable, connecting Briggs Street to Coal Creek Park. The developer is focused on bringing in local businesses, and recruitment is already underway for a bakery and boutique retailers.

This project is expected to become a favorite spot for families visiting Coal Creek Park and for anyone exploring downtown Erie. It will also create a friendly entrance to the east side of downtown and complement the nearby Park West building, home to Erie Social Club.

“This is the kind of project that adds life to Old Town,” said Economic Development Manager Stephanie Pitts-Nagus. “It builds on the momentum of recent investments and brings more places for residents to gather, eat, and enjoy our downtown. Tonight’s approval sets the foundation for new activity, new jobs, and a stronger downtown overall.”

TOEURA bought the site in 2025 to help revitalize an underused part of Downtown Erie. After a competitive search, Rearview Mirror Concepts was chosen for its local experience and alignment with Erie’s vision. The project includes community-driven design features, like pedestrian-friendly landscaping, outdoor patios, and storefronts that face the street.

To support the project, TOEURA will convey the property to the developer at no cost and cover a validated $1 million financial gap with up to $1.9 million in new incremental property tax and sales tax generated by the project. The developer will pay back the Town’s land cost through the remaining incremental sales taxes generated by the project, and retained by TOEURA. The Town will only start covering costs after the project is built, open, and bringing in new revenue.

Construction must begin by December 31, 2027, and finish by December 31, 2028, to make sure the project moves ahead as planned and contributes to the thriving business community in Downtown Erie.

For more information, visit the resolution’s file in the Town of Erie Agenda Center.

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Town of Erie

645 Holbrook Street

P.O. Box 750

Erie, CO 80516