Dark Shadow Cast Over Larimer Square’s Future

by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2022 | Main Articles

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.

Thanksgiving: Traditions, Meals And Memories

by Valley Gadfly | Oct 21, 2022 | Main Articles

Food For Thought: Consider donating time, food, and funds to help others this Thanksgiving. Denver Rescue Mission is among groups feeding the hungry this year. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

A Leg Up On Restaurants Open For Holiday Dining Nov. 24th; This Year’s United Way Turkey Trot Has Been A Tradition Since 1973

Celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is Nov. 24 this year. Shifting each year, dates for the federal holiday can occur from Nov. 22 to Nov. 28.

For many it is a way to express gratitude for family, or to a higher power; for others, it’s simply a holiday to be with family and enjoy delicious food. Despite inflation and a bird flu outbreak, nearly 90% of people plan to celebrate this year, an increase from 2021.

Thanksgiving is synonymous with family and lots of good food, but that doesn’t mean the food has to be made at home. Why cook when you can eat-in or take out at area restaurants?

Where To Dine Out

Citizen Rail: A holiday veteran, restaurant in LoDo’s Kimpton Hotel Born is featuring a three-course Thanksgiving meal — dine-in or take out — with 10% of proceeds made to No Kid Hungry, 1 to 8 p.m. Information: 303-323-0017.

The Corner Office: Downtown Curtis Hotel eatery is serving a Thanksgiving spread starting with butternut squash & cider soup. Feast features achiote-marinated turkey breast, mashed potatoes, trimmings, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information: 303-825-6500.

Del Frisco’s Grill: Cherry Creek bar-grill on St. Paul St. is offering a three-course turkey dinner with herb-butter roasted turkey breast, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some menu items offered. Information: 303-320-8529.

Edge Restaurant: Steakhouse in the Four Seasons on 14th St. is serving an adult & kids buffet, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Traditional entrees, carving station, raw bar & dessert bar. Pre-fixe dinner menu, 6 to 9 p.m. Information: 303-389-3050.

Humboldt Kitchen: Eatery offers brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. That’s followed by Thanksgiving dinner served at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. Choose from turkey breast, prime rib, grilled salmon, or butternut squash risotto. Information: 303-813-1700.

The Kitchen: Restaurant in the Sugar Building on Wazee St. is featuring turkey with leek & mushroom dressing, plus starters-desserts. Dine-in or take out. Information: 303-623-3127.

Feast Returns: Holiday hot spot, the Monaco Inn Restaurant is bringing its Thanksgiving Feast back, noon to 6 p.m. Patrons can ignite the holiday with a flaming Saganaki appetizer.

Monaco Inn Restaurant: Opa! This holiday dining institution is bringing its Thanksgiving Feast back, noon to 6 p.m. Tucked in corner of Monaco Square, cozy eatery is serving classic roast turkey with stuffing and all the trimmings. Other choices include Leg of Lamb, Lamb Chops, a Greek Combo, New York Steak, Salmon, or Trout. Ignite the holiday with a flaming Saganaki appetizer. Information: 303-320-1104.

Quality Italian: Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel eatery on Columbine St. is serving roasted bird with rosemary gravy, mushroom stuffing, and kabocha squash. Information: 303-532-8888.

Urban Farmer: LoDo’s Oxford Hotel eatery offers a choice of honey roasted turkey breast, prime rib, a 6 oz. filet, salmon, or cauliflower steak, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information: 303-262-6070.

Ditch The Turkey?

Ace Eat Serve: Want a change from turkey? Try Peking duck at this uptown eatery that’s carved tableside and served with mu shu crepes, 4 to 10 p.m. Information: 303-800-7705.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ: Cook but kick the turkey at Cherry Creek’s Japanese eatery on 1st & Steele St., noon to 9 p.m. Grill beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetables tableside. Information: 720-826-3214.

Thanksgiving Take Out

Edible Beats: Three of group’s restaurants — Root Down, Linger, and El Five — are featuring turkey done two ways, plus sides. Order by Nov. 22, pickup on Nov. 24-25 at Linger, located at 2030 W. 30th Ave. Information: 720-282-3593.

Turkey Day Doings

Hot Turkey Trot: Join Mile High United Way’s Turkey Trot in Wash Park this holiday. Four-mile run-walk has a four-wave start every 30 minutes beginning at 9 a.m.

Beyond getting stuffed and doing annual turkey trots, you can donate time, food, and funds to stay busy this holiday weekend.

This year’s Turkey Trot marks Mile High United Way’s 135th anniversary as the first United Way in the world. It’s also the 49th anniversary of United Way’s local Turkey Trot.

By participating, you are joining in Denver’s top Thanksgiving tradition while also giving back to the community. Registration for the four-mile run-walk at Wash Park opens at 8:15 a.m. The event has a four-wave start every 30 minutes, beginning at 9 a.m. At just under a mile, the 10:40 a.m. Little Gobbler Family Fun-Run is flawless family fun. More than 9,000 are expected. Information: 303-433-8383.

Other Thanksgiving races include the Gobble Wobble Run in Littleton, the Huffin’ for Stuffin’ two-mile fun run in Loveland, plus a Turkey ROCK Trot in Castle Rock. There’s also a Pumpkin Pie 5K-10K at City Park on Nov. 19, 9 a.m.

Gobblin’ For Gifts

Denver Rescue Mission: Non-profit needs 15,000 frozen turkeys. Mission also gives 3,000 Banquet-in-a-Box turkey dinners. Donations of canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, yams, boxed stuffing, and mashed potatoes also needed. Information: 303-297-1815.

Epworth Foundation: Support Foundation and Neighborhood Forward Denver by providing funds for 10,000 Thanksgiving baskets. Tradition is in honor of former Five Points restaurant owner Daddy Bruce Randolph. Information: 303-296-6287.

Food Bank Of The Rockies: Volunteer or give funds to help provide food-necessities for food bank that serves largest coverage area in U.S. Donate, volunteer at Bank’s 10700 E. 45th Ave. distribution center. Information: 303-371-9250.

Creek Celebration: For fine dining in Cherry Creek North this Thanksgiving, Quality Italian in the district’s Halcyon Hotel is serving roasted bird with rosemary gravy.

Jewish Family Service: Donate funds to fill Thanksgiving boxes for Nov. 23 distribution. Give frozen turkeys, canned, cut yams-sweet potatoes, plus instant mashed potatoes and stuffing at 3201 S. Tamarac Dr. Information: 303-597-5000.

Project Angel Heart: Make a donation or order a pie to help provide meals for those with health conditions on Thanksgiving or anytime. More: join a pie fundraiser or order a pie from PieInTheSkyColorado.org. Information: 303-407-9418.

Samaritan House: Donate frozen turkeys at metro area Catholic Charity shelters. Donating funds support the Samaritan House and their women-only shelter, the largest in Denver. Information: 720-799-9297.

The Table: Visit, encourage family and friends to patronize café-taproom owned by non-profit Table Urban Farm. The 2109 S. Platte River Dr. eatery and its farm provide free food on Thanksgiving and throughout year. Information: 303-744-1113.

Building Cranes Return To Cherry Creek

by Valley Gadfly | Oct 21, 2022 | Main Articles

A Flood Of New Construction Is Underway In The District Amid A Flock Of New, Renewed Projects Paused In The Pipeline

by Glen Richardson

Cranes O’er Cherry Creek: Cranes are again in the air over Cherry Creek as district building is booming again. This eight-story project is on the southeast corner of 2nd Ave. as Broe Real Estate Group restarts the makeover of the east side of Clayton St.

Onset of the pandemic gave rise to a welcome respite from non-stop redevelopment of Cherry Creek North that began in 2013. Countless major projects were stuck in the pipeline during the long shutdown. As reopenings picked up the pace in 2022, the neighborhood is again undergoing a construction boom with hordes of new and renewed projects started or proceeding at an unprecedented pace.

As construction cranes again fill the neighborhood, citizens express concern that the once serene shopping district of boutiques and eclectic eateries will become a landscape of glass, brick, and steel. Others fear rapid growth will escalate the districts’ surging crime rate. A check by the Chronicle showed — 2022 vs. 2021 —violent crime in Cherry Creek is up 12.5%; property crime is up 23.2%; car thefts are up 51.1%, and robberies are up 200.0%.

Here’s a look at the flood of new construction, big and small, good and not-so-good, currently underway in the district:

200 Clayton

Substantial headway has been made on the corner office building at 2nd Ave. and Clayton St. Both the cores and steel structure have topped out with fireproofing and facade work underway. It will be an eight-story, 76,000-sq.-ft. high-rise on the southeast corner of 2nd Ave. Built by Broe Real Estate Group, it will feature both retail and commercial space.

The firm owns the bulk of the east side of Clayton St. and the corner site is restarting the transformation of this north-south street.

When 200 Clayton is completed, Broe will demolish the two-story parking garage it owns to the north and build yet another seven-story structure. It is projected to have 3,000-sq.-ft. of ground-floor retail space and 31,890-sq.ft. of office space.

255 Fillmore

In 2016 the Cherry Creek Plaza building was demolished to make way for a seven-story office building. However, the project never broke ground and the site stood as a surface parking lot. Now a new rendition of the project has broken ground with excavation underway. Yet another Matt Joblon project, it is a 100,000-sq.-ft. seven-story building that is 95% leased, with Vietnamese-French eatery Le Colonial taking one of the street-level spots.

300 Fillmore

Just a half-block from 255 Fillmore, another new office project has broken ground. Throughout the boom, Cherry Creek North has seen little development on the north side of East 3rd Ave. due to it being zoned for buildings no higher than four stories. Nonetheless, demolition of a two-story structure is underway, with a four-story, 70,814-sq.-ft. building planned that will include 117 surface parking spaces. The 0.43-acre parcel is where Grind Kitchen, Tazu Sushi, women’s boutique Harriet’s, and jewelry store Element79 were located.

300 University

Along Cherry Creek’s western edge, on the north side of East 3rd Ave., a four-story building with 50,000-sq.-ft. of office space and 10,000-sq.-ft of ground floor retail will be built. The project is on a half-acre site where floral-home furnishing store Bloom by Anuschka was located, and includes a parking lot leased to Hillstone Restaurant. The project is a family business of Brent Farber of Elevation Development and his uncle, Rick Sapkin, of Edgemark Development. Sapkin has owned the property for more than 30 years.

180 Madison St.

Modera Cherry Creek is making great progress on an apartment project in Cherry Creek East. The five-story structure is on the southeast corner of 2nd Ave. & Madison St. It has topped out,  a brick-focused facade making its way up the building. First move-ins are expected this fall in the complex, which will feature a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units as large as 2,044-sq.-ft.

Slew Set To Be Built 155 & 165 N. Cook

Mill Creek is planning a second project similar to their Modera Cherry Creek a block away. Plans as recent as May have been filed with the city. However, some individual plans require resubmittal. The site is on the southwest corner of 2nd Ave. and Cook St. The project is replacing a pair of three- and four-story office buildings.

299 Milwaukee

The southwest corner of 3rd Ave. and Milwaukee St. may see a new eight-story residential building. Currently, the parcel is occupied by a plaza and two-story parking structure.

242 Milwaukee

Hip High End Offices: With low inventory and high demand, new office buildings are adding to the district’s building boom. This proposed seven-story project is mid-block on Milwaukee St.

There is a lot of interest in office development in Cherry Creek North. This proposed project is between East 2nd and 3rd Ave., mid-block along Milwaukee St. Plans call for a seven-story office building that would replace a two-story retail structure.

201 Fillmore

An eight-story office building is being planned at the northwest corner of East 2nd Ave. and Fillmore St. The building would replace the single-story retail space that currently houses a Men’s Warehouse plus an adjacent parking lot.

329 Detroit

A small condo project has been proposed for a parcel mid-block on Detroit St. between East 3rd and 4th Ave. The five-story project would replace a single-story building that was the Witold-K Art Studio & Gallery for 40 years. The Denver artist’s work is in museums and galleries worldwide. He participated in the New York Graphic Masters exhibition with Picasso, Chagall, and Miro, and was the first American to have works displayed at Sotheby’s in Amsterdam.

Mall’s West End

As the Chronicle reported in March, East West Partners is planning to build seven structures up to 12 stories tall at the west end of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Plans call for the first four buildings to have 780,000-sq.-ft. of office-retail space, plus three condo-apartment homes with 600 units.