Ray Rears, Central City. With its fascinating history, engaging cultural events and thrilling gaming opportunities, the City of Central is known as a welcoming place for guests of all ages and interests. The tourism culture drives our local economy and the visitor experience remains a high priority for Central City, especially as we move toward recovery. We’re working hard on both short and long-term investments and enhancements to the visitor experience.

We’re Open!

Central City, along with the majority of local businesses and casinos, recently reopened to visitors as part of the State of Colorado’s Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors phase of the Covid-19 response. Local businesses of all kinds are taking precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Casinos are currently operating at 50% capacity with slot machines available; it is expected that table gaming will return in the near future.

Most restaurants and retailers are also open while following social distancing requirements and other recommendations to keep patrons safe. While many of the City’s cultural events have been postponed or canceled for the rest of the year, the Central City Opera is hosting several outdoor “Balcony Concerts” so guests can enjoy performances outside the historic Teller House. Visit www.facebook.com/CentralCityOpera for details.

Central City branded masks, provided by the City, are free to guests at the Visitor’s Center, located at 103 Eureka Street (while supplies last). By wearing a mask during your visit, you not only protect yourself but also keep locals and other guests safe.

Focused on the Future

While Central City is steeped in history, much of which is still standing, we’re always looking towards the future. We see the potential for Central City to be a modern, mountain community that is a scenic escape while being close to Denver. We’re excited about several future projects that will fulfill that vision.

Central City and Black Hawk recently worked together on an updated Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that will bring new amenities to the area and ensure our core roadways are well maintained. This includes the ability to move forward with the Tin Cup Whiskey Resort development, which will add a new, unique attraction to the area. Through a renewed partnership with Black Hawk, Central City is committed to investigating other opportunities that will benefit both communities.

The City of Central is also actively looking for partners on three development opportunities that will enhance the visitor experience:

Belvidere Theater – The City is dedicated to redeveloping this historic property, and the theater (originally built in 1875) has the potential to be restored to its former glory.

The Scarlet’s Building – Originally built in 1992 as a casino, the City is looking for reuse of the building that will fit with the character of downtown. The building is fitting for an entertainment venue with restaurant and office space on the upper levels.

The Big T Lot – Located on a prominent intersection near downtown, this is an open area ready for mixed-use development such as a hotel, parking garage and/or commercial/retail space.

Our current momentum and future investments will continue to diversify the Central City’s local economy while enhancing the visitor experience. 

To learn more about any future projects or development opportunities, please contact Ray Rears at rrears@cityofcentral.co or 303-582-5251.