Latest News – August 18

Leadville Business News

O’Reilly Auto Parts Store to Open By October

Considering all of the booms and busts the Leadville economy has gone through over its history, it’s no surprise that all of the support businesses and services that provide life’s day to day necessities, ebb and flow with that same tide.

O’Reilly Auto Parts is slated to open this October. Jobs available now!

 So it should be an encouraging sign that another automotive parts store is opening soon in Lake County. O’Reilly Auto Parts located at 1920 N. Poplar Street is slated to open in October.

“Right now the plans are to open that store in late summer, early fall,” said Mark Merz, Director of External Reporting and Investor Relations at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Located off what is commonly known as Hwy 24 North, the new 6,400 square foot building is conveniently located next to the Stop ‘n Save and across from Safeway in the commercial corridor.

For those unfamiliar with O’Reilly Auto Parts, it is part of a chain of auto parts stores that started with one store in Springfield, Missouri, in 1957. It has since grown to include more than 4,100 stores in 42 states. The corporation is headquartered in Springfield.  The closest sister store is in Salida, there is also one in Glenwood Springs and several on the Front Range.

Bing-Bang-Boom! The framework was in place by July 24 for the new build at 1920 N. Poplar.

“A new store will generally employ 8 – 12 team members,” said Merz, “Some full time, some part time.” They have already hired a manager who is currently being trained at one of their other stores. However,  they are taking applications for other positions, including: Drivers, Parts Pros, Retail Specialists, others.  For more details on job opportunities, call the number that’s on the banner in front of the new building: 1-888-OREILLY. Or job-seekers can also apply online: HERE.

Things went up quick once they got going, as shown in this July 30 photo. A sign of things to come?

And remember, if you need assistance with your online application, the Leadville Colorado Workforce Center is available to help you. They are located at 115 W. 6^th Street in Leadville, 719-486-2428.

“We are a ‘grow from within company,’ so there are a lot of great opportunities for people,” said Merz.

Opportunity, now that’s a hopeful word. One that might mean, things are on their way up! Could another grocery store be far behind?

Scarlet Mural Reveal Party: A Leadville  Classic

The crowds came out last Wednesday, Aug. 13 for a sneak peak at a new mural and a double header of music that had the place rocking well into the night! 

Scarlet Bar owners Chuck and Lee stand in front of the new mural with artist Lexie Palmore and her husband Jim McMillen. The mural which characterizes some of Leadville’s Legendary characters, will eventually be installed on the outside north wall at the corner of 4th Street and historic Harrison Avenue.

The pizza party and unveiling of The Scarlet’s Pabst Blue Ribbon “Legends Mural,” saw a packed house with endless pizza combos from High Mountain Pies, and an inter-generational mix that had the older crowd coming out early to support the new art piece, and the younger set hanging late to jam out.  

Leadville Artist Lexie Palmore’s mural design depicts a number of well-known Leadville characters, and hopes to be installed before the snow flies!

Local favorite band Leadville Cherokee got the house swaying with the opening set. And the nationally acclaimed Black Lillies lived up to their reputation with some good jams for the main act. The evening ended in a late night jam session with both bands rocking the crowds til they couldn’t dance no more!

Thanks for helping to keep the downtown music and arts scene alive, Chuck and Lee, and everyone at The Scarlet Bar.