DURANGO, Colo. - The City of Durango and Durango Business Improvement District (BID) will host a community gathering, designed to celebrate Durango’s spirit and resilience, Friday, March 21, 3 to 5 p.m., in the 700 block of Main Avenue.

One month after the fire and explosion that destroyed three businesses, evacuated others and stunned all as the “heart” of Historic Downtown Durango was pierced, the community is urged to gather to support the “700 Main Avenue Disaster Relief Fund,” honor those who battled the fires and learn plans for rebuilding.

 “It’s hard to believe it will have been a month since the fire,” said Bob Kunkel, who, as the City’s business and promotions specialist, is coordinating the event. “It’s been difficult for all involved, and we don’t want folks to forget the people who saved lives and the adjoining buildings, and we want to support those businesses that we hope will rebuild.”

On Feb. 22, 2008, three popular Downtown businesses – Seasons Rotisserie & Grill, Half-Price Tees and Le Rendezvous Swiss Bakery & Café – were completely destroyed by fire and adjoining businesses temporarily closed because of structural, smoke and/or water damage. To support those impacted, the BID established the relief fund, now being administered by the Community Foundation, and is providing for immediate needs of those affected employees and first responders.

Far from planned as a solemn occasion, the community gathering will feature veteran local rocker Ralph Dinosaur performing from 3 to 4 p.m., followed by the short presentation to honor the firefighters and learn of relief efforts and reconstruction plans. Refreshments will be offered by the Rochester Hotel, BBQ Jim and Steamworks Brewing Co.

"I continue to have community members approach me asking how they can help," said Assistant City Manager Greg Caton. "We thought this was a great opportunity for everyone to come together to show support. This will be one of Durango's 'must attend' events."

“The BID is very pleased to support and be a part of this unique event,” added John Wells, BID presiding officer. “While it’s a celebration of the phoenix that will be rising from the literal ashes, it will also be a reminder that ‘Durango’ is not just bricks and mortar. The ‘people’ of our community are cause for celebration.”

To further the efforts of the relief fund, Seasons will be selling wine recovered from the restaurant’s extensive wine cellar; Half-Price Tees will offer aftermath t-shirts for sale; and Le Rendezvous will have souvenir bricks for sale, 700 of which have been salvaged by the City from the restaurant’s exterior.

Donations to the relief fund continue to be accepted at First National Bank of Durango or by mail to the BID, PO Box 1405, Durango, CO, 81302. To receive a tax deduction, checks should be made payable to “Community Foundation – 700 Main Avenue Disaster Relief Fund.”

Those impacted by the fire may apply for assistance at the BID office, 1199 Main Ave., Suite 210, Durango.

For further information about the BID and Historic Downtown Durango, visit www.downtowndurango.org.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 1.5 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members include John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.

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