Changes for the Good

Some very nice changes have been accumulating along Main Street in Colfax.

The city still has some vacant storefronts, but the feel and atmosphere has been improved. It is, in fact, more welcoming.

A few years ago a woman from Texas purchased several buildings in Colfax with the promise of revitalizing the town. It did not happen.

This round of new activity is basically because of local effort and investment. They are the result of both private individuals and community organizations.

The changes are widespread. The partnerships are inspiring, both for what has happened and what may happen.

Each of the changes is noteworthy, but taken together they represent some real advancement for the town.

Some are character setting. The continuing project to adorn fencing along the river with hand-painted fish is underway. It is a fun idea. Residents of all ages have participated in painting the fish. Three new murals adorn the downtown core. A fourth brightens the city swimming pool. They are bright and offer a light-hearted spirit.

On the commercial side, new businesses are open or soon to be open downtown.

They include Route 26 Vintage Market; the incubator storefront which will contain a number of startup businesses called the Colfax Mercantile; Davey Jones, a thrift store; and Truly You, a women’s clothing store. Of course, both ReMax and P1FCU are relatively new on Main Street, taking over long-vacant sites. The Ackerman remodel of the DSHS building brightens the south end of town. Also recently, Purpose Roasters, Cornerstone restaurant and Bunyard’s automotive are new businesses in vacated locations.

Additionally, some new businesses with limited hours–a new chiropractic office, a plant store and a veterinary clinic–are offering services. Edward Jones is in the process of relocating into the Warwick Building.

The Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association and the Arts Council have contributed to this resurgence. Important too, the county has allotted .09 money for the incubator to get it underway.

All this has happened in a relatively short period of time. All this is essentially the work of locals committed to the city.

It is a good sign for those who rely upon Colfax and who want to see it prosper.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher