On Dec. 4, a fire broke out in the Majestic Building downtown on Bijou Street between Cascade Avenue and Tejon Street. The three-alarm blaze badly damaged four popular downtown businesses: Taste of Jerusalem restaurant, The Local Honey Collective boutique, Icons piano bar and Yobel/The Lookup Gallery an ethical fashion boutique and gallery. Shame and Regret was initially closed but has since reopened. The fire was devastating to the four small businesses that remain temporarily closed, and it has become clear that insurance reimbursements will take time and will not fully cover lost business and lost wages, according to the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs. The closures come at an especially difficult time during the holiday season, a critical period for small, independent businesses.
But there are ways to help, as many have rallied around the local retailers. The Downtown Partnership has led efforts to help the impacted businesses and to provide updates on their well-being at DowntownCS.com/fire. “It has been gratifying to witness the outpouring of concern for these small businesses — proof of the devotion patrons feel toward the people and places that add character and soul to our city center,” said Susan Edmondson, CEO of the Downtown Partnership, in a recent email. “This depth of affection reinforces that when you shop or dine downtown, it’s not simply a commercial transaction: You’re directly supporting your neighbors and ensuring that the heart of the city remains a place of pride for all.”
Much of the outpouring has recognized the four impacted businesses for their compassion, their commitment to the ethical treatment of workers and the planet and their efforts to create a place of belonging. Taste of Jerusalem and its owner Abdul Nasser have been well known for their efforts to feed people who may lack the money for a full meal, providing food to anyone in need, no questions asked. Nasser was honored with a Jefferson Awards for his efforts by KOAA News 5 in 2022. Yobel features clothing and accessories by more than 60 global artisans committed to fair and safe work practices; the boutique was named the Social Impact Business of the Year in 2022. The Local Honey Collective hosts numerous after-hours creative workshops and social gatherings in addition to curating women’s clothes and homewares. Icons opened in 2020 and is currently the city’s only gay bar since the Club Q tragedy.
“These four businesses are more than just a place for a meal, a beverage or a shopping errand,” Edmondson said. “They’re treasured reasons why our downtown is such a special place.”
Since the fire, other local businesses have hosted events and fundraisers to support those closed by the downtown fire. Downtown Partnership has created the following list for anyone looking for a way to help.
Ways to Help Small Businesses Closed by the Downtown Fire
Taste of Jerusalem
A fire damage GoFundMe page has been set up for owner Abdul Nasser and family.
The Local Honey Collective
Gift cards can be purchased and redeemed when the Local Honey Collective reopens.
Yobel and The Look Up Gallery
Gift cards can be purchased here for Yobel and here for The Look Up Gallery and redeemed when the business reopens.
Icons
You can Venmo donations directly to staff who are currently out of work @icons-co.
Icons Takeover Night at Lumen8: On Dec. 27, Icons will takeover the rooftop restaurant and bar for special performances by the singers of Icons. Watch for details on the Icons Instagram page, @icons_colorado.
Watch for additional events or other ways to help the businesses affected by the downtown fire at downtowncs.com/fire-assistance.
