Since 2017, The Sopris Sun has compiled an annual roundup of commercial space available in Carbondale. Last year, Lynn Kirchner of Amoré Realty informed us of a more efficient way of gathering that data — using realtor software called Flexmls. Our archaic method involved scurrying around town with a clipboard, recording tally marks based on all that could be gleaned from front lobbies and the sidewalk. For the sake of tradition, we did engage in some of that, too, which has its own advantages.
Often this report serves to highlight shifts in the business landscape, such as Mountain Tide Provision Co. replacing Strange Imports in the Dinkel Building. An assortment of upstairs offices were consolidated with the remodel, and it is unclear if any of the four numbered units are available to lease. Most Dinkel businesses, from Steve’s Guitars and The Nugget to newer ones like The Crow and Key, continue thanks to rent negotiations with the new owner, Rick Holmstrom, the CEO of a California-based property investment company.
Among the greatest changes, an old strip mall across Highway 133 from Dolores Way was scraped, making way for a new restaurant, Main Line Social, owned by Justin “Chester” White. A Colorado Rocky Mountain School alumnus, Chester returned to Carbondale to raise a family and invest in the local economy. A legal notice for a liquor license application posted in the window of 689 Main Street ties Chester to the purchase of that historic building too, and reveals the name for a separate restaurant concept — Sprazzo. Details will emerge at the next Board of Trustees meeting on July 8 and in future editions of The Sopris Sun.
Back on Highway 133, the new ANB Bank building under construction will include 14,000 square feet of commercial space near the new City Market. Across the highway at Hayden Place, nearly 10,000 square feet of commercial space has remained vacant since the building was completed at the site of the former Sopris Shopping Center. The southernmost 2,425-square-foot portion (or up to 6,755 square feet) has been reduced to $27 per square foot. Interested parties are directed to contact Gabe Molnar at by emailing Gabe.Molnar@elliman.com
The old City Market remains empty. As reported by Sopris Sun Correspondent Ken Pletcher earlier this year, SRS Real Estate Partners, which owns and manages the entire shopping center, approached the new owners of Ace Hardware about moving in, but the Mortell family was unprepared to expand the store.
Nearby, Aspen Barbershop, previously located in the Sopris Liquor & Wine building, has a new home in the Carbondale Marketplace development. Further north, a new diner occupies the space left by Honey Butter’s departure. We’ll soon follow up with an article about the 502 Diner, named for the Guatemala country code and featuring a Central American twist on classic diner cuisine. Rumor has it a new childcare/coffee club will soon open in the La Fontana Plaza.
Coventure has office space available to lease, while the Third Street Center is at capacity. Additional spaces available to lease include a 560-square-foot office at 319 Main Street, as well as a 310-square-foot basement office space at 995 Cowen Drive.
Properties actively for sale include a 20,000-square-foot condo in the La Fontana Plaza, a 9,278-square-foot building near Subway built in 1961, a two-bedroom condo with a residential unit in the 1101 Village Road office building across from Gianinetti Park, a cabin at 610 Colorado Avenue zoned Historic Commercial Core and the Allegria building, 335 Main Street.
The Allegria restaurant assets are also for sale. The assets of Silo, a former foodie favorite on Dolores Way, are similarly for sale and that space is available to rent. The assets of Bodegón, an Argentine bistro by Domingo Sausage Co., are likewise on the market. Bodegón stated in a June 22 online post that the space will be used for private events and catering and “we will still be open for First Fridays and we will be doing two reservation-only dinners per month.” Reservations for July 4 and July 18 can be made by emailing info@domingosausageco.com
An application for a boutique hotel at 888 Main Street, formerly a residential property, went before the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 24. The concept includes 11 lodging rooms opening to a central courtyard. The applicant, Michael Arnold, also owns El Dorado and its neighboring property which houses the Brass Anvil restaurant.
“I think Carbondale is evolving, and we’re starting to see a newer generation,” Kirchner reflected. “When you take the young Chester family who is investing in Carbondale, and the people that bought the old log cabin [at 888 Main Street] — they’re a generation younger than what has been buying up Carbondale.” Kirchner believes these “new, innovative investors” are representative of the changes Carbondale is undergoing. She hopes to see more live-work opportunities for locals, or at least shorter commutes for workers from downvalley no longer traveling all the way to Aspen for employment.
Overall, Carbondale appears to be a highly desirable place to do business, as well as live, with around 96% of the commercial inventory occupied.