Watertower Place is one of the most ambitious historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects in Colorado, but bringing a century-old industrial landmark back to life is anything but straightforward.

In this episode, Pueblo Star Journal Managing Editor Gregory Howell sits down with developer Ryan McWilliams for an in-depth conversation about the project's progress, the realities of restoring historic buildings, and why development paused following the COVID-19 pandemic. McWilliams explains how historic properties differ from new construction and why adaptive reuse projects require a different regulatory approach. Rather than forcing historic buildings to conform to standards designed for new construction, preservation projects rely on carefully considered alternatives that protect public safety while preserving the architectural character that makes these landmarks irreplaceable.

The discussion also pays tribute to the late Dana Crawford, the nationally recognized preservation pioneer whose work transformed historic neighborhoods across Colorado and inspired generations of developers to see opportunity where others saw decay. McWilliams reflects on Crawford's enduring influence and why visionary leadership, informed public policy, and collaboration between developers and local government are essential to preserving communities' historic assets while preparing them for the future.

The conversation concludes with a broader call to action for local government and community leaders. As Pueblo continues investing in its historic buildings, McWilliams argues that successful preservation depends on collaboration, flexibility, and a shared understanding of the unique challenges these projects present. By embracing adaptive reuse and working together to solve problems, communities can preserve their architectural heritage while creating vibrant spaces that serve future generations.

More than a conversation about one building, this episode explores how historic preservation can become an engine for economic development, community identity, and long-term revitalization.

To learn more about Watertower Place visit www.pueblowatertowerplace.com.

When disaster strikes, communities often discover their greatest strength is one another.

In this episode of Soul Fresh, Soul Clean, host Jocelyn Martinez and co-host Gregory Howell reflect on the Aspen Acres Fire and the remarkable response from Pueblo and Southern Colorado. Jocelyn shares how SoulSmile Health & Wellness became a World Central Kitchen contractor, preparing meals for firefighters and evacuees, while offering a firsthand look at the resilience, compassion and determination she witnessed in Beulah and throughout the fire-affected communities.

The conversation explores how Pueblo's farmers, ranchers, food producers and local businesses stepped forward to support relief efforts, demonstrating why strong local food systems and trusted community relationships matter long before an emergency begins.

As the discussion turns toward hope, Jocelyn celebrates the arrival of the summer farm season and introduces listeners to the Soul Smile and Quarter Acre Farm Stand, encouraging everyone to support local growers and strengthen the connections that nourish both people and communities.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about service, resilience, local food and the power of neighbors helping neighbors when it matters most.

State of Art | Aaron Foster: Finding the Funny in Life's Chaos

What happens when comedy becomes a survival skill?

Recorded live at Blo Back Gallery in Pueblo following a sold-out performance, State of Art welcomes comedian, actor and former HGTV host Aaron Foster for a candid conversation about the art of making people laugh. Foster shares how stand-up comedy became his way of navigating life's uncertainty, from mental health and Hollywood to the realities of aging, creativity and finding purpose through humor.

Known for his darkly honest and deeply relatable style, Foster reflects on the stories behind his solo tour, Mostly Jokes, his years performing at legendary comedy clubs across the country, and why authenticity continues to resonate with audiences.

More than an interview about comedy, this episode explores vulnerability, resilience and the creative process behind transforming life's most difficult moments into connection and laughter.

Recorded live on location at Blo Back Gallery in Pueblo, Colorado with host Bree Pappan. 

State of Art is a Pueblo Star Journal podcast celebrating the artists, performers, musicians, writers and creative thinkers shaping Southern Colorado's vibrant cultural community.

In this special episode of Bree on a Budget, host Bree Anne Pappan sits down with Chris Segura, director of communications and engagement for United Way of Southern Colorado, to discuss the response to the Aspen Acres Fire and the long road from emergency relief to community recovery.

Recorded while the wildfire remained active, the conversation examines the rapidly changing needs of evacuated and displaced residents. Segura explains how the Southern Colorado Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund, Disaster Assistance Center and local partner organizations are connecting families with temporary housing, transportation, food, financial assistance, mental health support and other essential services. He also discusses how donation needs evolve, why coordination matters and how relief organizations are beginning to prepare for the difficult months and years that follow a disaster.

Beyond the immediate response, Bree and Segura explore the emotional toll of leaving home, the uncertainty faced by families assessing damage and the challenges confronting residents who may be uninsured or underinsured. At the heart of the episode is a powerful story of neighbors, nonprofits, businesses, first responders and volunteers answering the call.

Recovery is not only about replacing what was lost. It is about making sure people have the resources, relationships and community support needed to move forward. In Southern Colorado, that work has already begun.

Pueblo, we’ve got your back.

Bree on a Budget is a production of the Voices of Pueblo podcast, presented by the Pueblo Star Journal with support from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.

In this episode of State of Art, Bree Anne Pappan sits down with artist, creative, and producer James Beck for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence and the future of creativity. Building on her June story about AI, Bree explores the implications of this rapidly evolving technology for artists, storytellers, cultural workers, and the broader creative community. Together, they discuss both the promise and the uncertainty of AI, from new tools for production and imagination to deeper questions about authorship, originality, ethics, and what it means to create in a changing world.

State of Art, a Voices of Pueblo podcast, explores the people, ideas and creative forces shaping the cultural life of our community.

In this episode, Bree Anne Pappan leads a conversation about a remarkable new chapter for Pueblo: the opening of the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, a project that connects southern Colorado to audiences, ideas and cultural conversations around the world.

The featured guest is Dr. Sara Taglialagamba, an internationally recognized Leonardo scholar whose work has helped bring the museum’s vision to life. The conversation explores the museum’s opening, its significance for Pueblo, and what it means for the city to become part of a global conversation about creativity, education, art and discovery.

State of Art: “Leonardo da Vinci Museum Opens Pueblo to the World” — a conversation with Dr. Sara Taglialagamba.

In this special episode of the Voices of Pueblo podcast, the Pueblo Star Journal marks the opening of the new Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America and STEAM Center in downtown Pueblo.

Producer and narrator Andy Koen takes listeners inside the story of how a world-class cultural attraction, featuring exhibits created by the renowned Artisans of Florence, found its North American home along Pueblo’s Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. Guests Joe Arrigo and Craig Eliot Cisney share the vision, partnerships and persistence behind the museum’s creation, as well as its promise to inspire curiosity, creativity and hands-on learning for students and visitors across Southern Colorado.

The episode also features original Renaissance-inspired music created with the innovative AI platform Suno.com, designed to evoke the sound and spirit of Leonardo da Vinci’s time.

Guests: Joe Arrigo and Craig Eliot Cisney  | Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America | https://davincisteam.org/

Host: Andy Koen Presented by: Pueblo Star Journal's Voices of Pueblo Podcast Series

As the cost of everyday essentials continues to rise, from groceries and gasoline to housing and healthcare, many Pueblo families are feeling the strain of making ends meet. In this episode of Bree on a Budget, host Bree Ann Pappan welcomes Luanne Maes, Kevin Harris, and Chris Segura from United Way of Pueblo County to discuss the new Financial Empowerment Center, a community resource designed to help individuals and families build financial stability and confidence.

At the Pueblo Star Journal, the guiding message behind Bree on a Budget has always been simple: "Pueblo, we've got your back." The Financial Empowerment Center reflects that same commitment by offering free financial coaching, practical tools, and personalized support to help residents navigate today's economic challenges.

This conversation highlights one of Pueblo's greatest strengths: people and organizations coming together to support one another. When we work together, we build community. When we watch out for each other, we create opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Join us to learn how the Financial Empowerment Center is helping Pueblo residents take control of their finances and why this new partnership is another example of what Pueblo does best.

Guests: Luanne Maes, Kevin Harris, and Chris Segura  | United Way | https://www.pueblounitedway.org/fec

Host: Bree Ann Pappan

Presented by: Pueblo Star Journal's Bree on a Budget Podcast Series

Pueblo. We've got your back.

In the premiere episode of the Pueblo Star Journal's new series, Historic Places, Living Stories, host Gregory Howell welcomes Laurel Campbell and Brad Bowers of Goodnight Barn Historic Preservation, Inc. for a conversation about one of Pueblo's most treasured historic landmarks—the Charles Goodnight Barn.

More than just a historic structure, the Goodnight Barn serves as a gateway to the story of the American West, ranching in southeastern Colorado, and the people whose vision helped shape the region. The discussion explores the barn's connection to Charles Goodnight, the importance of historic preservation, and how heritage tourism, storytelling, and adaptive reuse can contribute to Pueblo's economic future.

The episode also examines the organization's upcoming transition to ownership of the barn and surrounding property, what that means for the future of the site, and how community members can help preserve and share this remarkable piece of Colorado history.

Join us as we launch a series dedicated to discovering how Pueblo's historic places continue to connect the past, present, and future.

Guests: Laurel Campbell and Brad Bowers | Goodnight Barn: https://goodnightbarnpueblo.org/

Host: Gregory Howell

Series: Historic Places, Living Stories

Produced by: Pueblo Star Journal – Voices of Pueblo Podcast

#HistoricPreservation #GoodnightBarn #CharlesGoodnight #PuebloColorado #HeritageTourism #VoicesOfPueblo #HistoricPlacesLivingStories #Storytelling #EconomicDevelopment #ColoradoHistory

75 Years Under the Stars: The Mesa Drive-In Anniversary

The Pueblo Star Journal presents State of Art, a production of the Voices of Pueblo podcast. This episode celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Mesa Drive-In and features new owners Chris and Kelly Lally.

The episode was produced and narrated by Bree Pappan.

Thanks to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority for their support. To learn more and to support nonprofit local news in Pueblo, Colorado, visit pueblostarjournal.org.