Go east, old bank

Pueblo Bank & Trust has moved its downtown Colorado Springs branch to 415 E. Pikes Peak Ave. from 101 N. Cascade Ave.
The independent, locally-owned bank, founded in 1889, operates 11 branches in Boulder, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Denver, Leadville, Pueblo and Salida with assets totaling $360 million.
Robert Kunkleman, a former California real estate developer, partnered with Drew Fletemeyer, a Springs general contractor, and local architect Mark Pelletier, to develop the 42,000-square-foot, four-story office condominium project southeast of Pikes Peak and Wahsatch avenues.
For more information, go to http://www.pbandt.com/

Chamber supports USOC retention

Not surprisingly, one of the Pikes Peak region's principal business groups says it supports retaining the U.S. Olympic Committee headquarters in Colorado Springs -- which is a little like skiers expressing their support for snow. A resolution approved recently by the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce board expresses the group's "deep commitment" to the USOC and its presence in the city. The resolution notes the USOC's contribution to local tourism, its estimated $316 million annual economic impact and its enhancement of the state's reputation. The resolution also "encourages the sustained aggressive support of elected officials, community leaders, the media and other Colorado citizens to rally around the effort and solidify the mission to keep the United States Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs." USOC officials have said they're evaluating proposals to move the organization's headquarters elsewhere; the group has been in the Springs since 1978. City officials have said they're working with the USOC to gauge and meets its desire to upgrade its offices, which are part of a 34-acre site near Boulder Street and Union Boulevard that includes an Olympic Training Center.

Rehabilitation center receives Medicare certification

The Center at Centennial, a doctor-owned rehabilitation center that opened in July near the intersection of Fillmore Street and Centennial Boulevard, has received Medicare certification following a state survey that showed zero deficiencies, said Dr. Alexander Senkoff, medical director.

Featuring 80 private patient rooms, the center provides physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy for patients needing more time to recover after leaving the hospital following a heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, joint replacement or other conditions.

In addition to Medicare, the center contracts with Kaiser Permanente and other commercial insurance companies.

Commercial vacancies are up, but so are average rents

Colorado Springs commercial vacancy rates climbed during the third quarter of 2007, but rents inched up, too. What gives? Doesn't an increase in supply -- greater amounts of office, industrial and shopping center space available to lease -- and a reduction in demand result in lower prices? Not this time, according to the latest quarterly analysis of the market by Paul Turner of Turner Commercial Research in Colorado Springs. The paradox might be explained by several new projects, which carry higher rents, being added to the larger mix of buildings for lease, Turner said in his report. As a result, average lease rates have increased. According to Turner's latest report, third-quarter office vacancies rose to 8.2 percent from 7.7 percent during the same period last year; industrial vacancies increased to 7.6 percent from 6.6 percent; and shopping center vacancy rates climbed to 7.1 percent from 6.6 percent. Office lease rates averaged $11.39 per square foot in the third quarter of 2007, up from $10.61 per square foot a year ago at the same time; industrial rents averaged $7.18 per square foot, an increase from $6.98 last year; and shopping center rents averaged $13.82 per square foot, up from $13.35.

Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust fundraiser on Thursday

The 11th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust takes place 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at Colorado College's Bemis Hall, northwest of Cache La Poudre Street and Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs. Classic Cos.' Jack Howard will give a welcome address and Comcast public relations official Sandra Mann will be mistress of ceremonies. The suggested donation is $25; a buffet and refreshments are provided for attendees. Sponsors include Classic, Comcast and Air Academy Federal Credit Union. More information: 447-9300. The non-profit Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust provides affordable housing opportunities for limited-income families in Colorado Springs and El Paso County through home ownership with families and collaborations with other non-profits.

Local Mercedes-Benz dealer supports women's cancer research

Phil Long Mercedes-Benz pf Colorado Springs is one of many dealerships in the nation participating in the manufacturer's contributions to women's cancer research.

Mercedes-Benz has designed a special edition C350 sedan and after 1,000 are sold will donate $1 million to "Saks 5th Avenue Key to the Cure," which supports The Women's Cancer Research Fund. The fund supports research, education and outreach in early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of women cancers.

The local Mercedes-Benz dealer also will donate, in the name of each buyer, an additional $250 for each special edition C350 it sells.

The new sport sedan features a 268-horsepower V-6 engine with advanced technology, including drive-based navigation, digital surround sound and voice control.

Qwest extends DSL broadband

Qwest Communications International Inc. has extended its DSL broadband service to Calhan and Keenesburg, near Fort Lupton. The Denver-based telecommunications giant said it now offers high-speed Internet access to about 83 percent of the homes in its service area at speeds of up to 7 megabits per second.