Congressman Kevin Kiley walking Main Street in historic Colfax, California
Congressman Kevin Kiley Visits Colfax’s Historic Main Street
Small towns across America are experiencing a renewed focus on revitalization, and Colfax, California, is no exception. This past week, the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, working alongside the Colfax Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Sean Lomen, welcomed Congressman Kevin Kiley for a walking tour of Colfax’s historic Main Street. Congressman Kevin Kiley’s visit was more than a routine stop—it was a recognition of the ongoing efforts to preserve the town’s unique heritage while breathing new life into its economy.
Too often, small towns are overshadowed by larger cities when it comes to federal attention, resources, and recognition. Kiley’s presence signaled that Colfax, with its deep Gold Rush history and railroad roots, is being seen, valued, and supported. The Congressman didn’t just meet with officials; he walked the streets, talked to business owners, and listened to the challenges and successes of those investing in the heart of the community.
This kind of visit brings more than symbolism—it has the potential to unlock resources and foster partnerships that can accelerate Colfax’s growth. For a town like Colfax, where preservation and progress must work hand-in-hand, the timing couldn’t be more important.
Spotlight on the Colfax Hotel Project
The tour began at the long-vacant Colfax Hotel, a cornerstone of Main Street that has been empty for over 40 years. Owners Leif and Wendy Lowery, already known for restoring the Dutch Flat Hotel and running Miners Camp in Foresthill, are now breathing new life into this long-awaited project.
Working with Mayor Sean Lomen, City Council, and the City of Colfax, the Lowreys expect permits soon and aim to complete renovations within a year. Their plans include hotel rooms, short-term rentals, and a ground-floor restaurant. They’ve gone the extra mile to preserve authenticity—even retrieving original hotel doors they discovered through a Facebook Marketplace listing.
The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is backing the project, with our board member Gretchen Hilyard Boyce of Groundwork Preservation attended the walk-through and provided information on federal tax credits and preservation grants.
Main Street Businesses in the Spotlight
As part of the tour, Congressman Kiley visited several Main Street businesses that showcase Colfax’s entrepreneurial spirit:
- Colfax Farm & Country Store – A community fixture for nearly 20 years.
- Snapdragon Provisions – A fresh, organic, and vegan-friendly restaurant opened by Kallie and her wife Taylor after falling in love with Colfax.
- The Wrecking Crew Café – Run by longtime resident Caroline, who has lived in Colfax for over 30 years.
- Colfax Market – Operated by Paul, who also owns two Main Street buildings.
- Coco’s Candy & Creamery – A new arrival to Colfax with an already successful location in Grass Valley.
Each business reflects resilience and creativity, reinforcing Main Street as the heart of the Colfax Downtown community.
The Role of Music and Culture in Revitalization
Revitalization isn’t just about buildings—it’s about creating spaces where people come together. That’s why the Levitt AMP Music Series Grant is such an exciting opportunity for Colfax, CA.
The Historic Colfax Downtown Association applied for this national grant, and Colfax has already beaten out hundreds of cities to make the Top 100 finalists. If selected, it will bring 7–10 free outdoor concerts a year for the next three years, supported by up to $120,000 in matching funds.
What makes this even more powerful is that it would allow us to activate Depot Park—an underutilized space directly in front of the historic Colfax Hotel. With professional staging, lighting, and touring bands alongside local talent, Colfax could host world-class concerts in the heart of downtown.
We shared with Congressman Kiley about making it to the final public voting (Sept. 5–15), and to build excitement, we’re hosting a Rock The Vote Kickoff Concert on Sept. 6 at the Art Park on South Main Street.
Congressman Kevin Kiley has pledged his support to rally behind Colfax in this effort, recognizing that music and culture are key to both economic renewal and community pride. With his backing—and strong community engagement—Colfax has a real chance to turn its historic downtown into a vibrant hub of music and culture. What an opportunity the Levitt Grant Foundation has provided Colfax!
Looking Ahead for Colfax
Congressman Kiley’s visit made it clear that Colfax’s story is worth telling—and worth investing in. From the long-awaited revival of the Colfax Hotel to the growth of Main Street businesses and the exciting opportunity presented by the Levitt AMP Music Series Grant, Colfax is proving that small towns can think big.
The future is about more than preserving historic buildings—it’s about creating a vibrant downtown where history, culture, and community all come together. Projects like the hotel restoration, concerts at Depot Park, and the ongoing efforts of our local entrepreneurs are setting the stage for Colfax to once again be a destination people are proud to call home and eager to visit.
With federal allies like Congressman Kiley, strong local leadership, and the dedication of business owners and residents, Colfax is writing a new chapter—one filled with music, culture, and opportunity.
Now, we invite everyone to be part of this journey. Join us at the Rock the Vote Kickoff Concert on September 6, cast your vote in support of the Levitt AMP Grant from September 5–15, and help us bring world-class music and community pride to the heart of Colfax. Get more information at RockTheVoteColfax.com
And if you’d like to stay updated on all the exciting things happening downtown, be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, All Aboard Colfax. It’s the best way to follow the progress, celebrate milestones, and discover upcoming events that keep our community moving forward.
Together, we can keep downtown thriving for generations to come.
