Fun, Food-Filled February

Fun, Food-Filled February

For being the only month with less than 30 days, February sure has a lot going on: Chinese New Year, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, plus Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday.

The season’s big holidays are o’er. But take heart, there are 50 food feasts this month. It was writer Virginia Woolf who said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well!”

Here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so February doesn’t feel like it will last forever. Valentine’s Day is linked to “lovebirds” and an early spring, so let it frolic forward:

3          View an acre of gardens plus 650 exhibits at this year’s Colorado Garden & Home Show in the Convention Center Feb. 2-12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information: 303-932-8100.

3          Lisa Loeb, who had top hit “Stay,” and who has her 15th album out, entertains at Temple Emanuel fundraiser Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-388-4013.

3          Catch chart-topping jazz-soul vocalist and actor Rajdulari as she brings her Valentine’s Day Show to Dazzle@Baur’s Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.

3          Head to Cherry Creek’s Pelican Bay Lake House Feb. 12 for the Mardi Gras Crawdad Boil. Music is by Bluekrewe plus food, 4 to 8 p.m. Information: 303-220-5253.

3          For all you desire Feb. 14th, make the Monaco Inn Restaurant your Valley Valentine’s Day retreat. Specials you’ll love at irresistible prices, with full bar and extensive wine list. Plus, sweets to swoon for! It’s a holiday hot spot, so make reservations early. Information: 303-320-1104.

3          Hardwood floors are beautiful, easy to clean, and last forever, so keep your floors par excellent by relying on Above Parr Hardwood Floors. Expert installation, refinishing, staircases, rails & water damage restoration at affordable prices for 35 years. Information: 303-333-7277.

3          Love valentine masterpieces as Jeffrey Siegel plays Schumann and Chopin at the Arvada Center Feb. 15, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-898-7200.

3          Enjoy Symphony space faves from Close Encounters to Star Wars at the Intergalactic Spectacular in Boettcher Feb. 19, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.

3          Catch country singer Ingrid Andress who’s joined by country-soul artist Madeline Edwards at the Bluebird Theater Feb. 25, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.

3          Quench your thirst for a burst of spring colors by taking the family to the Orchid Showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens through Feb. 20. The colorful blossoms are complimented by exotic bromeliads and other lush tropical foliage plus citrus trees. Between the scent of the citrus blossoms and the bright colors of the orchid flowers in the Orangery, you’ll forget that it is still winter. In the Marnie’s Pavilion you can learn about repotting and caring for orchids from the Horticulture staff. The Orangery is a walkable greenhouse, while the Marnie’s Pavilion has floor-to-ceiling windows, a two-story waterfall, plus lots of orchids, ferns, and other tropical plants. Information: 720-297-1166.

Despite being the shortest month of the year, February can be chock-full of cold and snow. The Farmer’s Almanac warns Denver should get ready to, “shake, shiver, and shovel!” this month.

Last year (2022), Denver did not see measurable snowfall until December 10. It was the second longest snowless streak in city history. Expect snow and windier conditions in the coming 28 days.

But time Marches on: This February’s freeze will end, flowers will bloom, and we will once again be out of the house enjoying the sunshine. Warm up with coffee, its “Feb-BREW-ary!

— Glen Richardson

The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.

Bicycle Lobby Peddles Tax That Forces Property Owners To Fix City Sidewalks

Bicycle Lobby Peddles Tax That Forces Property Owners To Fix City Sidewalks

Voters Favor Ordinance 307 By Slim 55.2%; Initiative Will Cost Homeowners $110 To $1,000 Per Year, Based On Sidewalk Frontage

by Glen Richardson

Unstoppable: Colorado’s new “Safety Stop” law allows bicycle riders to treat a Stop Sign as a Yield Sign. The law is creating hostility and resentment among motorists. Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat

Cyclists Vs. Pedestrians: Bicyclists seek to have walkways and streets designed with both in mind, yet many riders show little concern for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Mobility Muscle: Support for Denver’s Transportation & Mobility Fund by Denver Streets Partnership may result in as much as $9.5 million transferred to sidewalk construction.

Denver’s scrappy band of die-hard cyclists and activists who have proliferated painted bike lanes on Denver streets — and will add another 125 miles by 2024 at a cost of $13.4 million — created and advocated for the new tax that allows the City of Denver to regulate and improve sidewalks. The advocates — known as the Denver Streets Partnership — say the tax, “will give parents, children, people with disabilities, and those that don’t drive, the independence to move about Denver freely and safely rather than walk next to big trucks, navigate cracks, and take detours to find a safe route.”

Costs will be based on how much of the property owner’s land faces a street, and what kind of street is adjacent to the land. Fees will run from $2.15 per linear foot on a residential street to $4.30 per linear foot on downtown streets. Albeit, whatever property owners will be forced to pay, it removes their responsibility for patching-up adjacent property owners’ unrepaired sidewalks and places the responsibility on the City of Denver. The city’s Department of Transportation & Infrastructure is expected to be responsible for implementing the plan.

The annual fee for the owner of a typical 50-foot-wide lot was estimated at about $110 a year by the Streets Partnership and was the number widely quoted during the election. Denver District 2 City Councilman Kevin Flynn, however, told Channel 7 News during the campaign that some of his constituents in Harvey Park, “could pay close to $1,000 a year under 307.” Whatever the figure, owners of larger lots — especially on corners — will have fees significantly higher than $110 a year.

A Fast Fix?

Fees could be deferred until property owners sell, and that would amount to about $40 million a year in new revenue, which the Denver Streets Partnership says can be bonded against to raise $850 million upfront. That would enable Denver to fix or build a “complete sidewalk network” within nine years, the organization claimed during the election.

City officials, nonetheless, conversely contend, “that it will take closer to 30 years and cost billions more,” despite the Streets Partnership’s prophecies.

Moreover, many within the city worry that the government and citizens will push property owners beyond their limit. “If a resident is struggling to afford groceries, why and how can they be expected to spend $100 or more to fix their sidewalks?”

Or Sure Failure?

Denver Streets Partnership — the weight behind the initiative — insinuated during a Sept. 2021 “Sidewalk Palooza” event highlighting the issue, claimed the sidewalks in front of many Denver homes and businesses have turned into tripping hazards that are also barriers or obstructions to wheelchairs and strollers. Likewise, they maintained, “47% of city streets in low-income neighborhoods have substandard or missing sidewalks forcing walkers into the streets, where the risks of a tragic accident increase.”

Opposed to the tax throughout the campaign cycle, Councilman Flynn argues that, “As written the program will fail.” He contends there’s not nearly enough funding or time in the new tax law, and the cost burdens are inequitably spread. Nonetheless, he believes the city will somehow find a way to make the program work.

  1. Skyler McKinley, AAA Colorado Public Affairs Director, submits that the new sidewalk law has crafted what is apt to become a “10-year question.” Just how the law will be im

    Peloton Push: Cyclists turned politicians found enough air pressure to get Denver voter approval for Ordinance 307, taxing homeowners to fund the patch-up of city sidewalks.

    plemented is “a little fuzzy now,” he says. As a result, he suggests, “sidewalks will become an important issue in next year’s race to replace outgoing Mayor Michael Hancock. Candidates will have to become proficient on the issue and campaign on how they will implement the program.”

Condo, Renter Shock

Although condo owners and renters likely weren’t as concerned by the tax campaign as were homeowners, most won’t be absolved from the new tax’s impact now that it has been approved.

HOAs will receive the tax bill, but families that own condominiums will have their share of the fee passed onto them. Remember, the association’s covenants give HOAs the legal powers to place a lien on units or impose fines.

Furthermore, renters are not off the hook either. While the owners of rental properties will be billed for what will potentially be considerably higher fees, they will surely pass the costs on to tenants as they ratchet rent prices up.

Peddle-Pushing Politics

Pricey Place: Owners of larger lots — especially on corners — will pay fees significantly higher than the projected average of $110 a year. Large lot fees could be close to $1,000 per year.

 

If sidewalks are for pedestrians, why did Denver’s bicycle lobby campaign for the sidewalk tax? Fundamentally, the bicycle-lobby is pushing the city and state to reevaluate street space and design corridors with cyclists and pedestrians predominantly in mind.

Cyclists regard themselves as “vulnerable users,” the same as pedestrians. As they’ve gained political power, they have increasingly pushed the city and state to reevaluate street space. They want walkways and streets designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind, not motorists. The Streets Partnership, for example, strongly supported Denver’s new Transportation & Mobility Fund. The fund — made possible by an increase in parking meter fees last year (2022) — is expected to transfer about $9.5 million, allowing for a significant increase in sidewalk construction.

At the state level, the biking lobby helped get Colorado’s statewide “Safety Stop” law adopted, allowing bicycle riders to treat a Stop Sign as a Yield Sign and a Red Light as a Stop Sign. Now, anyone age 15 or over who rides a bicycle, eBike, e-scooter, regular scooter, skateboard, or one-wheel on Colorado public roads, has the law on their side when approaching stop signs, red lights, and other forms of traffic. It became law on April 13, 2022. Furthermore, state law now gives cyclists priority when passing turning vehicles. Also, the Highway Code now gives priority to cyclists on roundabouts.

Fun, Food-Filled February

January Opens Door To New Year

Once recuperated from those New Year’s parties, grab a cup of hot cocoa, slip on your coziest, warmest pair of socks, and conjure up mental pictures of your hopes, fears, and promises for 2023.

January is a great month to squeeze uncertainty out of your life and make sure pressing questions get answered. You can be certain this month will bring the snow to make your feet and fingers glow.

Here are our winter windfall choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to ring in the New Year, give the winter blahs the cold shoulder, and signal the awakening of life for the rest of the season:

3          Kick off the New Year Jan. 5 watching the National Western parade starting from Union Station at noon. Then giddy-up and go to the livestock, rodeo, and horse show taking place at the National Western Complex, Jan. 7-22. Information: 303-297-1166.

3          Make time to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute and humanitarian awards Jan. 10 at DCPA’s Boettcher Hall, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.

3          Enjoy viewing the exotic beauty of blooms on rare orchards during Orchid Showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens Jan. 12-Feb. 20. Information: 720-297-1166.

3          Experience the bluegrass music of Nederland’s Yonder Mountain Sting Band playing at the Mission Ballroom Jan. 13-14, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.

3          Hey sandwich lovers: Hungry for a good old sandwich for lunch or dinner? Inga’s Alpine Tavern features 10, including three chicken, two Reubens, and a Philly Cheesesteak. The Grinder has ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and pepperoncini. Information: 720-389-8203.

3          Need doggone good daycare, grooming, and training for your dog? Located on East Colfax between the Park Hill and Hale neighborhoods, Dog House Denver is in a 6,328-sq.-ft. building with two outdoor play yards totaling nearly 1,200-sq.-ft. Information: 303-320-5664.

3          For delightful showbiz diversion, see Fabulous Fanny Brice playing the JAAMM Series at the Elaine Wolf Theatre Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Information: 303-316-6360.

3          For vibrating music, do not miss the interpretations of Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes at the Newman Center Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.

3          Join the Symphony as it contrasts Mozart’s classical style with today’s composers at Boettcher Jan. 27-29, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 303-523-7876.

3          Every dog must have his day! For a doggone good time, Valley dog lovers should plan to start the year running with their mutt at the 5K for the Dogs at the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock, Jan 9, 9 a.m.; Jan. 10, 2 p.m. After the run, there is a short .5-mile walk, where you and your dog can walk together. There is a raffle with numerous prizes, an auction, and a local food truck for food purchase. The fun, enjoyable Bark at the Buddy Center will give you and your pooch a change of scenery, providing stimulation, reducing anxiety and alleviating boredom. The Center is a full-service shelter offering adoptions, pet admissions, and more. All proceeds go toward caring for animals. Information: 303-751-5772.

Start the first month of the year right: January is the month of recovery and preparation. A time for comfort, for good food and warmth, the touch of a friendly hand, and talks beside a blazing fire.

— Glen Richardson

The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time

It’s The Most Wonderful Time

Lit Up And Dressed Up, Valley Buzzing With The Sights, Sounds Of The Holiday Season

There’s an air of excitement and celebration in Glendale-Cherry Creek, downtown, and throughout the Valley this December. Neighborhoods are aglow with decorations and abuzz with activities and events. As the song goes, “this is the most wonderful time of the year.”

Get the family into the holiday spirit with these fun activities, celebrations, events, and dining options:

Cherry Creek North

Cherry Creek Holiday Market: Shop for gifts at more than 50 spaces daily Nov. 17-Dec. 24. Event features live music Thursday-Sunday, plus a full bar. Deals, programming, and pop-ups make visits unique.

Cherry Creek Carriage Rides: Free horse-drawn carriage ride through Winter Wanderland every Wednesday, Nov. 23-Dec. 21, 5-8 p.m. Rides are first come, first served at 2nd Ave. and Fillmore St.

Winter Wanderland Light Walk: Neighborhood’s over 600 trees adorned with a million lights. Eight displays in the 16 blocks choreographed to holiday music. Visitors can register to win a $1,000 gift card.

Chanukah Celebration: Chabad of Cherry Creek hosts a menorah lighting on the first night of Chanukah, Dec. 18, 8 p.m. Face painting, fire juggling, and treats at Gart Plaza on 3rd Ave. and Milwaukee St.

A Journey Through Time: Interactive art installation features six giant musical hourglasses on display daily, Nov. 17-Dec. 24. You’ll enjoy spending time watching bursting lights fill the air with dancing colors.

Saturday Night Lights: Festive entertainment will line the streets on Saturday nights, 5-7 p.m. The family-friendly celebration features stilt walkers, acrobats, jugglers, and other performers.

Small Business Weekend: Shop Cherry Creek North’s more than 125 locally-owned shops and 30+ locally owned restaurants, Nov. 25-27. Deals, gifts plus a chance to win a $500 gift card.

Blossoms of Light: Don’t miss the holiday light extravaganza on display at Denver Botanic Gardens through Jan. 7, 4:30-9 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.

Downtown Denver

Sounds Of The Season: Don’t miss the free Holiday BrassFest concert Dec. 2 in the Denver Center For Performing Arts complex starting at noon, Dec. 1.

Art On Santa Fe: View paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and sculpture in galleries during 35th Holiday Show this month. Open weekdays and on 1st and 3rd Friday evenings. Information: 303-573-5903.

Light The Lights: Catch the eight-minute choreographed light-music show in Civic Center Park, Nov. 23-Jan. 22, 5:45 and 6:45 p.m. Lights on City-County Bldg. before, between, and after nightly shows.

Lights & Sights Tour: Visit the D&F Clock Tower, Larimer Square, The Mile High Tree, and Christkindlmarket, ending at Union Station Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 5:40-7:40 p.m. Information: 720-372-3849.

Holiday BrassFest: Plan to be downtown at the DCPA Complex for free Denver Brass concert Dec. 2, starting at noon. Information: 303-893-4100.

Zoo Lights: Enjoy animated animal sculptures, entertainment, and live animal encounters with the kids at the Denver Zoo through Jan. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Information: 720-337-1400.

Rudolph Ramble 5K: Take the kids to City Park for free Kids Fun Run Dec. 4, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Youngsters will be helping Santa find Rudolph. Information: halsports.net.

Cristkindlmarket: Shop authentic German Holiday Market in Civic Center Park, Nov. 18-Dec. 24. Cozy huts sell artisan gifts and tasty treats. Information: gacc-co.org.

Santa’s Flight Academy: Take the kids to see the 22-ft.-tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall in the Grand Court at Cherry Creek Shopping Center Nov. 11-24. Information: 303-388-3800.

Happiness Is Helping

Holiday Is For Kids: Among ways to help struggling families this month is by supporting the Toys for Tots program run in partnership with the Marine Corps.

Help struggling families this month by providing free toys, food boxes, meals, and gift cards. More: Volunteer to prepare meals so children and elderly adults experience holiday joy.

Toys For Tots: Program is run in partnership with the Marine Corps. New and gently used toys are given to needy children. Information: 720-346-3234.

Senior Services: Gerontological Society provides low-income seniors with free boxes of food for the holidays. Information: 303-333-3482.

Inner City Parish: Parish collects toys and food to assist children. Families are given food baskets, Christmas meals, small toys, and more. Information: 303-629-0636.

Denver Rescue Mission: Based on donations, free toys, gifts, and food are passed out by the charity to the homeless and vulnerable. Information: 303-297-1815.

Garden Of Color: The annual Blossoms of Light has returned to the Denver Botanic Gardens on York St. now through Jan. 7.

Community Ministry: Christmas food boxes provide complete holiday dinners. The Sharing Tree program offers a designated dollar amount to buy presents for children-teenagers. Information: 303-935-3428.

Denver Santa Claus Shop: Helps children, single moms, immigrants, and low-income families. Free toys, gifts, jackets, gift cards, and more. Information: 720-944-3666.

Operation Santa Claus: Provides adopt a family program during the holidays. Free gifts, tree decorations, toys, and holiday food boxes are provided. Information: 720-308-1828.

Volunteers Of America: VOA has a Santa Shop for kids age 0 to 18. Games, books, winter clothes, bicycles, and other toys offered. Information: 303-297-0408.

Holiday Eats

Fire & Food: Dining out makes the holiday season doubly special. You can find nourishment from Noel to New Year’s at the Fire in the ART Hotel and at the Monaco Inn Restaurant serving four specials, including Lamb Chops & Grilled Shrimp on Christmas, New Year’s Eve.

Not everyone wants or chooses to cook for the holidays. Fortunately, there are ample restaurants offering hours on Christmas Eve, Day, plus New Year’s Eve. Here’s a quick year-end guide to where to find nourishment from Noël to New Year’s:

Blackbird Public House: If turkey or ham dinners with all the trimmings are what you crave, consider this eatery on S. Downing St. in Wash Park. Open Christmas Eve. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., closed Christmas Day, and open shorter hours on New Year’s Day. Information: 303-733-3923.

Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood: For a comfortable, casual holiday spend time at this E. 2nd Ave. eatery in Cherry Creek North, a top sea food restaurant. Celebrate the season with steamed mussels, lobster rolls, and fresh fish, plus craft cocktails and wine. Information: 303-333-2462.

Fire: Warm up with the Christmas Eve and Christmas day brunch or dinner at this restaurant in the ART Hotel near the Denver Art Museum. Cuisine choices include Sea Bass, Filet Mignon, and Colorado Lamb. Information: 303-572-8000.

Monaco Inn Restaurant: Give yourself the gift of good food, good prices, and good times at this long-time holiday hot spot serving Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 5 to 9 p.m. Specials include a choice of Lamb Shank, Lamb Chops & Grilled Shrimp, New York Steak & Fried Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon served with choice of Avgolemono Soup or Greek Salad. Regular menu also available. Information: 303-320-1104.

Russell’s Smokehouse: Make it a slow and smokey holiday at this Smokehouse on Larimer St. Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Enjoy Prime Rib Roast, Beef Au Jus, and Whipped Potatoes as you bid adieu to the Larimer Square long-time eatery.

’Tis The Season: Shop for gifts at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, Nov. 17-24. Market has live music Thursday-Sunday, plus a full bar.

Dark Shadow Cast Over Larimer Square’s Future

Dark Shadow Cast Over Larimer Square’s Future

Loss Of Larimer Looms As New Owner Runs Restaurants, Retailers Out Of The Historic Heart, Soul Of Downtown Denver

by Glen Richardson

Bitter End: Exit of a steady stream of restaurants-retailers spells end of Larimer Square, City’s oldest commercial block. Charlotte, NC firm, Asana Partners, paid $91.49 million for the district at end of 2021.

Larimer Square — the Mile High City’s first historic district — first landed on the National Trust for Historic Place’s list of “most endangered historic places” in 2018. As 2022 draws to an end, a steady stream of restaurants and retailers on the city’s oldest commercial block have disclosed they are closing their doors.

Among the restaurants and retailers announcing their departure or closure since the purchase by Asana Partners are award-winning French restaurant Bistro Vendome and renowned local jeweler Gusterman Silversmiths. More: Chef driven restaurant group Bonanno Concepts is closing both Russell’s Smokehouse and Green Russell. Other retailers shuttering Larimer spaces thus far are Victoriana Antique & Fine Jewelry and Pendleton Wool Shop. The overhaul of buildings along the Square by Asana — including the 1880 Sussex Bldg. where Bistro Vendome is located — foretells the impending, untimely closure of additional businesses.

The empty storefronts will be more than just depressing eyesores; they also threaten the economic viability of the remaining businesses. The 2023 flight of companies from Larimer Square not only threatens the beating heart of Denver, it also likely spells serious consequences for downtown’s struggling comeback.

Loss Of Larimer

Historic New Look: Like new owner Asana Partners’ Harvard Square, Larimer Square is expected to be boarded up as firm awaits juicy leases from lucrative national chains.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Asana Partners paid $91.49 million for the district located on Larimer and Market streets between 14th and 15th streets, plus an adjacent parking garage at the end of 2021. The purchase is comprised of 25 properties including 22 historic buildings, some dating back to the 1880s.

Previous owner Jeff Hermanson — who controlled the city’s most recognizable and popular commercial district for 27 years — brought celebrated restaurants and renowned retailers to the district. Developer Dana Crawford originally owned many of Larimer’s buildings and was the driving force behind its historic designation. She sold the Square to San Diego-based Hahn Co. in 1986. Hermanson bought it from Hahn in 1993. After almost two decades as a Larimer Square staple, award-winning restaurant Bistro Vendome was the first to announce its departure. That was followed by Bonanno Concepts’ announcement that it would be closing both its high-end barbecue space Russell’s Smokehouse and underground speakeasy Green Russell for the same reason, Asana’s up to three-year renovation of the Sussex building that houses the trio.

Forcing Businesses Out

Larimer’s Last Draw: Chalk it up to communal gluttony, community events such as the Chalk Art Festival are being wiped out just like the businesses along Larimer St.

Valley residents had high hopes that the sale of the commercial blocks to Asana wouldn’t cause much of a change. Indeed, that seemed to be the message of newspaper and TV reports when the sale was first announced. However, a check by the Chronicle of historic mixed-use sites the firm owns and operates in the U.S. is troubling: Following purchase, tenants at Asana-owned properties grapple with high rents, resulting in huge turnovers.

Historic Harvard Square in Cambridge, Mass., is quite comparable to Larimer. The real estate firm arrived at the plaza in 2017, paying $108 million. Retailers-restaurants at the site were still intact and business was booming at the time of purchase. Less than three years later, numerous local businesses had either moved or were shuttered — and all but one of them replaced by national chains. Papered-over storefronts and “for rent” signs have marred the appearance of Harvard Square and are threatening the heart of Cambridge.

After Asana took over, local businesses relocated or closed as their leases ran out, citing a breakdown in negotiations or unsustainable rent hikes. Bottom Line: The sky-high rents at the square have forced out small businesses, sparking concerns among community leaders and earning Asana mixed reviews from proprietors and patrons alike.

Restaurants Rattled

French Kiss Goodbye: After almost two decades on Larimer Square, Best French Restaurant Bistro Vendôme is relocating to Park Hill.

After almost two decades at Larimer Square, Bistro Vendôme — named Best French Restaurant, Top Brunch, and Best French Fries — is moving to 2267 Kearney St. in Park Hill. Owners have negotiated a lease for the new site — where closed eatery Tables was located — that could last though 2039.

Restaurateurs Jacqueline and Frank Bonanno are closing both Russell’s Smokehouse and their speakeasy-like bar Green Russell beneath Larimer Square after 12 years. New Year’s Eve will be the last day for both.

Jacqueline says they were originally told “it was a permanent infrastructure.” Later Asana said it was temporary, “invited us back in two years when the work is done and we could renegotiate the lease, which we’re not going to do.” She describes their relationship with Asana as distant at best.

The Bonannos are eager to find a new spot and reopen the barbecue eatery. Should they locate a space, it would again be headed by Chef Bryan Rosen, albeit the name could change. The speakeasy, however, won’t be resurrected. Asana indicates it plans to turn the Green Russell space into a boiler-maintenance room.

Retail Roulette

The beloved Gusterman Silversmiths — a nearly six-decade fixture on Larimer —under the ownership of Mary Eckels since 1978, closes. The shop’s patrons included actress Debbie Reynolds, author Clive Cussler, and Senator Gary Hart. She had completed a dozen four- and five-year leases, but the next renewal would have been under Asana. “The proposal they gave me to stay was not something I could commit to,” Eckels declares.

Dana Crawford helped start Victoriana Antique & Fine Jewelry in 1984. She later sold it to David & Veronica Prebble. The couple had planned to sell Victoriana to its current manager, Zach Burk. But Asana told them the store would have to move to a location off Larimer with half of its current 832-sq.-ft. space. “It was a totally unworkable situation,” David Prebble says. “They have the right to make me move, but they’re supposed to provide me with a comparable space. But they said there was no comparable space available.”

When Portland, Ore., based retailer Pendleton Wool Shop’s Larimer Square lease expired, the shop was relocated to the River North Art District. New address for the wool company is 2650 Walnut St.