The I-70 Gateway project at Horizon Drive has been the largest undertaking of the Horizon Drive Business Improvement District since its inception. A cooperative effort with the City of Grand Junction, the District funded $285,000 of the $1.3 million dollar project. Pedestrian safety and beautification were the goals of the two-year renovation.

The newly completed Gateway features improved pedestrian crossings and lighting, retaining walls, landscaping, signage, underpass façade overlays, and the installation of the City's largest art feature, the wild horse tile mosaic.

"First impressions are lasting impressions,” said Dale Reece, Horizon Drive Board President. “The importance of this project to the community cannot be overstated." When people come to Grand Junction they should leave with the very best impression possible of our City, and when they come to consider us for the relocation of their business or their family we want them to keep that beautiful picture of Grand Junction in their mind," he concluded.

The design concept was spearheaded by the Districts’ Past President, Richard Tally and developed collaboratively with the Grand Junction City Planning Department, and Steve Wilensky, of Carter and Burgess, the project engineering contractors. Barbara McKee of Surface Strategy, LLC was commissioned for the art feature and credits Tally with the inspiration for the design concept saying, "Richard told me the story of the Districts' most dominant land feature, the Book Cliffs, and of the wild horses that live there. That was the inspiration for the tile mosaic. We are also very grateful to Steve, whose support made the art feature possible."

Reece goes on to say, "The Board of Directors represents the District property owners as civic partners in creating a premiere business location on Horizon Drive and an impressive image of our City. This project has been an incredible success."

The Districts’ next large undertaking will be the Gateway corridor, Horizon Drive. "The extended corridor improvements will add increased pedestrian safety for the people who work and visit here, and enhance the beauty and property value of the Horizon Drive District,” President Reece concluded.
The Horizon Drive Business Improvement District is a special tax district funded by Horizon Drive property owners.