La Puerta De Colorado plans a matter of infectious enthusiasm

by Bill Knowles
TRINIDAD — A work-session meeting of the Trinidad City Council on October 27 saw the unveiling of a planned mixed-use complex to help revitalize Trinidad’s downtown.  The project is spearheaded by Trinidad native and business man Jay Cimino, his daughter Gina Cimino, and the Chief Operations Officer of the Mount Carmel Center, Karl Gabrielson.
La Puerta de Colorado is a gateway project that will take advantage of artists’ galleries that will be developing as Space to Create Colorado grows its footprint in the downtown area of the city, along with a restaurant and bar, and a possible satellite visitors center.
The plan includes an 80 room hotel with meeting rooms. “I would like to see one of the historical downtown buildings used for this,” said Ms. Cimino.  An urgent care center is also planned.
In order for the plans to go forward, Ms. Cimino noted it is going to take many players.  “We want to see a partnership between the city, county, state, and individual investors.  This is a big project and I hope my enthusiasm about it is infectious.” 
The developer’s plan envisions the project connecting La Puerta with many of the important and historical sections of the city.  It will come off of Commercial Street at the I-25 exit, flow over to Church Street, and junction in at the old brewery.  Development is planned for the old train depot building on Elm Street and will connect with area trails as well, such as the river walk.
Also planned, as part of the development, is an automobile museum that will be a part of a new Phil Long Toyota dealership and a new brewery.