East Colfax BRT in Aurora Open House Feb. 11

The East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, in partnership with the city of Aurora and the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is hosting a community open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Manos Sagrados (9975 E. Colfax Ave.). (Please note this venue is a shift from earlier communication that listed The People's Building. The date and time remain the same.)

Community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, understand what to expect during construction and discuss available resources for small businesses. In addition to representatives from the city of Aurora and the SBDC, visitors will have the opportunity to talk with representatives from RTD and two nonprofits focused on enhancing Colfax Avenue, The Fax Partnership and the East Colfax Community Collective. The event will include light refreshments and activities for kids.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the Aurora portion of the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project in spring 2026. The BRT project continues the work started in Denver to replace the existing 15 and 15L buses and save bus riders up to 30 minutes in travel time from Union Station to the R Line Station at I-225.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, is the final day to submit your piece of historic Colfax Avenue to be included in the project team's short historic video under the working title Destination Colfax. This event is also an opportunity to pick up a Fax Pass and to learn more about how to Back The Fax!

In addition to being accessible via the 15/15L bus routes, there is public parking available behind Manos Sagrados, the MLK Jr. Library and street parking available.

More information-including a small business toolkit with resources for how to thrive during construction-is available at DenverGov.org/ColfaxBRT. Business owners also may take a self-assessment to consider how your business might be impacted by construction and what you may need to do to prepare. Additional resources are available from the Aurora South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

About Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Hosted by the city of Aurora, The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located in the Aurora-South Metro region provides one-on-one advising, training, and resource referrals to support both start-ups and established businesses. Serving entrepreneurs and small businesses in Arapahoe and Douglas counties, the Colorado SBDC offers expert guidance in marketing, finance, and management to help businesses grow. Learn more about SBDC and find additional resources here.

About Manos Sagrados
Manos Sagrados grew out of a need to support the communities it came from. Located in the center of the Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD), an independently owned events space, providing a 170 standing/70 seated capacity space for concerts, poetry, jams, drag, and more. In daylight hours, we offer movement classes such as yoga, dance, and meditation. Manos also provides affordable art studio spaces to create, experiment, and dive into the artistic process with studio spaces available 24 hours per day, so artists can work on their own schedule, in solitude or in community. Additionally, Manos has a small recording studio space for musicians, podcasters, and eventually, internet radio. Learn more about Manos Sagrados here.

About the Fax Pass
Colfax is building something new, but we need your help protecting its historic character. As East Colfax Avenue gets a major upgrade with the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, our local businesses - the heartbeat of our legendary street - need our support more than ever. The goal is simple but powerful: keep our local economy vibrant and ensure Colfax remains the unique, independent street we all love. With The Fax Pass, every visit, every purchase and every sticker you earn helps local businesses during construction. Learn more here.

About East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit
The East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit will run from Denver Union Station in Denver to the R Line Light Rail Station in Aurora at I-225. The BRT will operate in dedicated center-running lanes from Broadway to Yosemite in Denver and in mixed flow, or side-running lanes, in Aurora from Yosemite to I-225. The project includes new and enhanced transit stations, service amenities, improved pedestrian and bike connections, and placemaking opportunities.
Upon implementation, the project will provide more reliable and frequent bus service, arriving every 4.3 minutes during the day, reduce transit travel time by 15 to 30 minutes, provide more affordable and reliable access to over 250,000 jobs and community services along the corridor, enhance comfort and safety, and create exciting streetscape, placemaking and economic development opportunities. Learn more about the project here.