Evacuation at Mining Exchange Hotel Following Basement Fire
Guests and staff were safely evacuated from the Mining Exchange hotel in downtown Colorado Springs after a small fire broke out in the basement on Thursday morning around 9:45 a.m. The quick response of the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) helped prevent any injuries or further damage to the historic property.
Ashley Franco, spokesperson for the CSFD, stated that firefighters were initially alerted due to the activation of the hotel’s sprinkler system. Upon arrival, they discovered a small fire located in the basement, which houses the hotel’s spa facilities. General Manager Jana Smith confirmed that guests and staff were promptly escorted out of the building while additional emergency resources were deployed.
Among those evacuated was tourist Terri Kempthorn, who reported seeing smoke emanating from the basement as she left the hotel. “They did a fantastic job getting us all out,” she commented, praising the efficiency of the hotel’s staff and emergency responders. The evacuation was completed quickly, allowing guests to return to the hotel by approximately 10:45 a.m.
Damage Assessment and Traffic Disruptions
Franco indicated that the basement sustained “significant” water damage due to firefighting efforts, although the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. In the wake of the emergency, traffic also experienced disruptions, with southbound Nevada Avenue closed between Pikes Peak Avenue and Colorado Avenue, along with Pikes Peak Avenue between Tejon Street and Nevada.
Table 1: Fire Incident Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Time of Incident | 9:45 a.m. Thursday |
| Location | Basement of Mining Exchange Hotel |
| Evacuation Completed | Approximately 10:45 a.m. |
| Damage | Significant water damage in basement |
| Current Status | Investigation ongoing |
History of the Mining Exchange
The Mining Exchange hotel has a rich history, originally opened in 1901 by mining magnate Winfield Scott Stratton as a hub for mining corporations. Over the years, it transitioned from an office building to a stylish boutique hotel featuring 117 guest rooms. The property was acquired in 2022 by Kemmons Wilson Cos. from Memphis, Tennessee, initiating a substantial renovation project that lasted over two years. This redevelopment included the addition of guest rooms and a remodel of the spa area, enhancing the hotel’s offerings for visitors.
Local attorney Perry Sanders Jr., along with his partner John Goede, previously sold the property to Kemmons Wilson after purchasing it themselves in 2006, originally intending to convert it into office condominiums and retail space. Instead, they opened the hotel in 2012.
As investigations into the fire continue, the community remains grateful for the swift response of emergency services, ensuring that everyone was safely evacuated and minimizing damage to this historic structure.
