Older Colorado Springs Neighborhoods Offer Blueprint for Future Community Development, Advocate Argues
An article by Jill Gaebler of Pikes Peak Housing Network argues that Colorado Springs should look to its older, pre-1926 neighborhoods for inspiration on how to build future communities. These older neighborhoods, developed before strict Euclidean zoning separated land uses,…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, September 27, 2026 —
Advocates are pointing to the historical layout of Colorado Springs’ older neighborhoods as a model for future urban planning and community development. Jill Gaebler, writing for the Pikes Peak Housing Network, suggests that areas developed prior to 1926 offer valuable lessons in creating vibrant and sustainable communities.
These pre-zoning era neighborhoods, which predated the strict separation of land uses often associated with Euclidean zoning, are characterized by their inherent mixed-use nature and walkability. Gaebler’s argument posits that these traits are not merely remnants of the past but are essential components for attracting and retaining residents in contemporary times. Furthermore, she contends that such integrated environments are crucial for fostering robust local economies and enhancing the overall quality of life for inhabitants.
The core of the proposal involves a call to re-evaluate and potentially modify Colorado Springs’ current residential zoning codes. The aim is to introduce greater flexibility, thereby enabling the development of more mixed-use and walkable districts within the city. This approach, according to the article, would align modern development practices with the proven successes of historically designed neighborhoods.
By integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces more seamlessly, proponents believe communities can become more self-sufficient, reduce reliance on vehicular transportation, and cultivate a stronger sense of local identity. The concept encourages a shift away from segregated land use, which can lead to increased commute times and reduced spontaneous community interaction.
The Pikes Peak Housing Network’s advocacy highlights a growing conversation among urban planners and community advocates regarding the benefits of adaptive zoning and the potential for historical neighborhood designs to inform contemporary urban planning strategies. The specific details of proposed code modifications or implementation timelines were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Jill Gaebler on gazette.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
