New Rides, Old Buildings & Big Hearts — Your DougCo Download Is Here!

April 7, 2025

Hey again, neighbors!

Welcome back to The DougCo Download! We’re just getting started, and we're glad you're along for the ride. As always, we’re serving up quick, easy updates to help you stay connected with what’s happening across our South Suburban townships.

From local highlights to community happenings, we’re here to keep you in the know—and hopefully inspire a few adventures along the way.

Let’s dive into what’s new around Douglas County this week!

In today’s DougCo Download:

Public Transit Changes in Highlands Ranch

Castle Rock bringing a piece of History Back to Life!

From Patient to Picasso: How One Woman Turned Healing Into a Hospital Art Movement

Let’s start the week off right!

THE DIGEST 

New Microtransit Service Coming to Highlands Ranch: A Game-Changer for Local Transportation!

Big news for Highlands Ranch residents! Starting in late spring 2025, a new microtransit service is rolling in to make getting around easier than ever. With a $2.9 million contract approved by the Douglas County Commissioners, this service will bridge transportation gaps, ensuring locals can easily get to auto shops, doctors' appointments, or even grab a ride home after happy hour. The service, powered by Via Transportation Inc., promises flexibility and convenience, offering rides through an app or by phone.

In particular, this initiative is designed to help older adults and youth access essential services, like medical appointments, shopping, and school. Operating Monday through Saturday, with hours extending into the evening, the service will complement the Regional Transportation District (RTD) network.

Stay tuned, Highlands Ranch—this new service could be just what you’ve been waiting for!​

Read more about this at Hoodline.com.

Castle Rock’s Oldest Building Set for New Life as Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

A treasured piece of Castle Rock history is getting a fresh start. The Old City Hotel, originally built in 1872, is set to be transformed into a boutique hotel, restaurant, and retail hub by former mayor Tim White and his firm, White Development.

Though the building has seen better days, it's the oldest structure in Castle Rock and comes with colorful tales—from being rolled two miles on logs to serving as the town’s go-to spot for doctors and even horses back in the day. Once a 75-cent-a-night stay, it’s now poised to become a modern community gathering place while honoring its past.

With support from the town and a determined team of developers, the project hopes to break ground soon, aiming for a grand opening in 2027. Locals can expect a blend of historical charm and new life at the heart of downtown Castle Rock.

🧱 “It’ll be kind of a gathering place in town… a great place to participate in all the festivities,” said White.

Read more about this at CBSNews.com

From Hospital Bed to Healing Arts: Former Patient Brings Creative Comfort to AdventHealth Parker

After surviving a life-threatening hospital stay, Marie Williams didn’t just walk away—she came back with a mission. Inspired by the compassion she experienced during her 64-day recovery, Marie teamed up with AdventHealth Parker to launch “art carts” stocked with supplies for patients to paint, draw, sculpt, and heal through creativity. Her journey from ICU patient to artistic advocate is now helping others find hope, one brushstroke at a time.

Learn more about this heartwarming story at adventhealth.com

LOCAL BUSINESS 

Castle Rock: Since it is Monday, let’s highlight one of the best breakfast spots in Colorado, B&B Cafe

Looking for a breakfast spot with heart and charm? Look no further than B&B Cafe in Castle Rock! We have frequented B&B at least 5 times this last year. Came in handy as a break from the camper when we were down in Jellystone with the kids for the weekend. This beloved spot is housed in a historic 1918 building, originally built as a café in the 1930s, and it’s brimming with character—from its stamped-tin roof to the original marble back bar salvaged from Leadville. Schoene, who’s also the owner of Great Beginnings in Englewood, couldn’t resist taking on the cafe’s rich history and charm. He often gestures around, pointing out features like the bullet holes in the ceiling, which add to the cafe's story.

It's a place where history, good food, and a touch of nostalgia blend perfectly. Whether you’re stopping by for a fresh cup of coffee or a hearty breakfast, B&B Cafe offers the kind of warmth that’s rare to find. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

Check out the menu and plan your next trip at thebbcafe.com

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ THIS WEEK

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

📅 Monday, April 7 | 5:30–9:00 p.m.
📍 Highlands Ranch Mansion | 9950 E Gateway Dr, Highlands Ranch

Buffalo Bill: frontier legend, hunter, scout, showman… and foodie?

Join author and historian Steve Friesen for a fascinating evening that dishes up a lesser-known side of one of America’s most iconic figures. Galloping Gourmet: The Buffalo Bill Nobody Knows! dives into the surprising culinary interests of the Wild West showman.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for self-guided tours of the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion. The program kicks off at 7 p.m.

🎟️ Tickets: $30 – includes tasty appetizers
Get yours now and settle in for a night of history, stories, and a few surprises.

For more info visit the Highlands Ranch Mansion Website.

📅 Monday, April 7 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Event Hall A & B 🎟️ Free – Registration Required

🌍 Great Decisions: American Foreign Policy in the Middle East 

Join a dynamic evening of global conversation as part of the Great Decisions series, the nation’s largest discussion program focused on critical world affairs. This week’s topic: American Foreign Policy in the Middle East, featuring insights from Professor Micheline Ishay of the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies.

Expect a thought-provoking video introduction from the Foreign Policy Association, followed by a Q&A session with Professor Ishay — a great opportunity for curious minds to dive deeper into international relations and policy-making challenges in one of the world’s most complex regions.

✅ Registration required for each attendee 📞 Questions? Call 303-791-7323 or visit the Douglas County Libraries events page.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

📱 CRPD Victim Assistance Cell Phone Drive

🗓️ Monday, April 7 – Friday, April 11
📍 Castle Rock Police Department Lobby | 100 Perry St.

This National Victims’ Rights Week, you can make a big impact with a small gesture. The Castle Rock Police Department is collecting gently-used cell phones to help victims of domestic violence and other crimes stay connected and safe.

Donated phones are wiped clean, refurbished, and redistributed to police departments across the country—including right here in Castle Rock—where they serve as critical lifelines for individuals in crisis.

Drop-off hours:

• Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Clean out that junk drawer and donate a phone—it could change someone’s life.

WEATHER 

Monday: 64° 🌡️ 40° | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 W 8 mph

Tuesday: 72° 🌡️ 39° | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 S 12 mph

Restaurant Events, Music, and more

Monday Apr 7

• Slim pickings to begin the week. Let’s highlight some happy hours and make something happen. Old Blinking Light, great Southwestern style restaurant. Happy hour is fantastic.

  • 4:00pm - 6:00pm: $3- $7 select appetizers $3.50- $4.50 glasses of wine, beers; $5 mojitos, martinis, margaritas

Tuesday Apr 8

• Union American Bistro in Castle Rock is another great Happy Hour option, it will be active 2-6 pm. $5 Beers, $5 House Drinks, and some good bites for as low as you guessed it… $5.

• 🎉 JEOPARDY! Bar League Trivia Night – Castle Rock Edition
  📅 Tuesday, April 8 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  📍 Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co.
  📌 519 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
  💵 Free to play | Prizes up for grabs!

  Get ready to put your trivia chops to the test at JEOPARDY! Bar League Trivia, the official bar trivia experience inspired by America’s Favorite Quiz Show. Whether you're a diehard fan or just looking for a fun way to spend your Tuesday evening, this two-hour game night is packed with brain-busting questions, good vibes, and great beer.

  🍻 Grab your smartest friends, sip on some craft brews, and go head-to-head with other local teams for bragging rights and awesome prizes. It’s free to join, but you’ll want to bring your A-game!

  Perfect for trivia buffs, casual quizzers, and anyone who loves a fun night out in downtown Castle Rock.

Thanks for checking out the latest from around Douglas County – I’m stoked you’re here. I am excited to keep building a community and hopefully show you some things you didn’t know about our area and find some things for you to do any of these days.

If you liked it, don’t keep it to yourself! Share The DougCo Download with your crew – the more, the merrier. And if you’ve got a cool story, event, or tip we should know about, hit us up!

Catch you next time DougCo!