by Valley Gadfly | Apr 21, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
“April is the cruelest month,” T.S. Eliot wrote. Cold snaps and harsh winds last month were unkind. But May is here, so say goodbye to April showers and say hello to May flowers.
“The Lusty Month of May,” is how Lerner and Loewe described it for their Broadway musical Camelot. In short, the lyrics stated of May, “There’s simply not a more congenial spot.”
Here are our “Make May Memorable” choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as you Go Round the Maypole and begin to feel a sense of renewal and energy as gardens grow:
3 Don’t miss seeing-hearing celebrated Israeli “guitar god” Rotem Sivan and his band entertaining at Dazzle@Baur’s May 3, 7-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Enjoy concerts, learn to play the fretted string dulcimer during Colo. Festival at Saint James Church May 5-6, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: ColoDulciFestinfo@gmail.co.
3 Delight as DYAO’s musicians and the Symphony Chorus do Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall May 7, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-433-2420.
3 Joyce DiDonato performs in the Ellie for Opera Colorado’s 40th B-Day Bash, followed by dinner in the Seawell Ballroom May 13. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Enroll your youngsters — Boys & Girls Grades K to 8 — in Glendale Youth Rugby’s Spring Try League, May 1-June 24. Practices are Mon. & Wed. at Infinity Park, games on Sat. Players are placed on teams according to age, weight, and ability level. Infor-mation: 303-630-4713.
3 Treat mom and the family to a delicious Mother’s Day meal at popular pub, Alpine Tavern. Choices include a huge selection of sandwiches and sweets. Enjoy a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere with a patio and a caring staff. Serving 11 a.m. to midnight. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 Catch the Denver Brass season finale Ain’t Misbehavin’ with bites and bodacious brass in the Seawell Ballroom May 21, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-832-4676.
3 Enjoy concerts under the glow of candlelight by the Nexus Strings Quintet at Wings Over The Rockies May 25, 6:30 and 9:15 p.m. Information: 303-360-5360.
3 View fine arts and crafts at 24th Denver Arts Festival with music and Kids Art Zone at Central Park’s Conservatory Green, May 27-29. Information: 303-330-8137.
Attend and bring friends to Rooting for Change, a night of art, giving, and connection at Raices Brewing Co. May 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The fundraiser is sponsored by Circle, the local non-profit that mentors and equips young people in education and community work. By supporting the celebratory night, attendees will enjoy a catered meal, two drink tickets, a folkloric dance performance by ArtisticCo Dance Company, and live art by painter-muralist Julio Mendoza. Attendees can also bid on donor-contributed wellness and experience-based items during silent and live auctions. Circle works with young people, schools, and other organizations to address systemic inequity and interpersonal inclusiveness. Information: 720-324-8550.
May has always been an inspiration for writing songs that teach us about spring weather. Moreover, the songs stimulate us to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Mothers’ Day, and Memorial Day. May’s full moon, called the “Flower Moon,” appears on Friday, May 5, reaching peak illumination at 11:36 a.m. Step outside to see that big, bright disk here from 11:47 a.m. to 3:32 p.m.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 21, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Ahoy: All hail the wettest month of the year. April is famous for May flowers and the second-most popular chocolate holiday of the year. Bees buzzing, flowers blooming, birds singing.
But April is more than just rain and Easter-Passover, and there are a bunch of parents with a daughter named April to prove it. No foolin’, the namings are not April Fools’ Day pranks.
Here are our April shower choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so you can sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds, and of bowers due to the lure of April days despite rivers of rain:
3 Get in the holiday hunt by taking the kids to Glendale Sports Center’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at Infinity Park Turf Field April 1, 10 a.m. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Swing into spring at the Colorado Rockies Home Opener when they play the Washington Nationals at Coors Field April 6, 2:10 p.m. Information: 303-292-0200.
3 Swing and sway as saxophonist Peter Stoltzman plays tunes from new album Spiraling Inward at Dazzle@Baur’s April 12, 7 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Join Colorado Symphony and singer Randy Jackson for concert of Pink Floyd music at Boettcher Concert Hall April 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 For a storied good time, book time each month on Tuesday for Family Fun Hour at The Bookies, 4:30 p.m. Hours from top of month: Spanish Hour, Family Book Club, Musical Story Time & Fun Game Hour. Store is on Mississippi Ave. in Glendale. Information: 303-759-1117.
3 Just named best regional bank and best for customer service by GoBakingRates, trust MidFirst Bank to help you, your family, and business reach financial goals. Offices in Cherry Creek and on S. Colorado Blvd. offer personalized service, trained staff. Information: 303-376-3800.
3 Catch Denim & Diamonds country music artist Nikki Lane as she entertains at the Bluebird Theatre April 17, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
3 Actor, comedian, and vocalist Colleen Ballinger — known for Miranda Sings — entertains at the Paramount April 20, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
3 Clarinetist Anthony McGill’s Pacifica Quartet perform the Brahms Clarinet Quintet at the Newman Center April 26, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, food, and drink at Swallow Hill Music’s annual mini music festival taking place this year at the venue on E. Yale Ave. April 15, 6 to 10 p.m. Known as “One Epic Night,” event features bands, beers, bites, and boogie for a cause. This year’s edition will feature several bands on three stages entertaining with blues, bluegrass, jazz, rock and roll, folk, and more. Featuring lots of dancing, proceeds from ticket sales, donations, sponsorship, and silent auction items will help finance music therapy, school enrichment events, concerts, and early childhood music education programs for Swallow Hill’s city-wide community programs. Information: 303-777-1003.
Denver’s April weather will be warmer than usual, but with above-normal precipitation. Month averages 2.56 inches of rain, but one in four is wetter. Single day downpour record is 6.47 inches.
In the last 30 years, April has been one of three snowiest months. However, April 2022 tied for the fourth least snowy on record. It’s been 30 years since Denver had an April with no snowfall.
Rain or shine, cultivate joy, it’s in short supply. Get outside, plant flowers, have a picnic. Remember, a true friend is someone who thinks you’re a good egg, even if you’re cracked.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 21, 2023 | Main Articles
Hippity Hoppin’ Down The Bunny Trail To Easter, Rebirth, New Life, And Spring’s Egg’stra Special Season
by Glen Richardson
Easter Brunch Bunch: Families celebrate the holiday at indoor-outdoor restaurant gatherings, including brunch in the regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel downtown.
Colorful Easter Character: The Bible makes no mention of this long-eared, short-tailed character, nevertheless, the Easter bunny is a prominent symbol of Christianity’s Easter holiday.
Easter — April 9 this year — has become a charming Cherry Creek Valley tradition bringin’ baskets full of fun spring things to do ranging from egg hunt extravaganzas and bunny bolts to scrumptious spring feasting. Along with Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks and city-wide church services, the holiday is anchored by Passover which starts at sundown April 5 and ends April 13.
The holidays coincide with “Bud-Bust” — tell-tale signs that spring is upon us — as the Valley revives and reinvigorates after the colder months. Bees start buzzing as grass begins to grow again and flowers bloom.
From church services and colorful events to Easter eating, the Chronicle has found copious choices beyond dying eggs to keep you hoppin’ into spring:
Easter Services
Red Rocks Sunrise Service
Service is at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Mor
Hatching Hunts: A tradition since 16th-century Germany, children search for decorated eggs a various Valley sites including Glendale’s Infinity Park Turf Field and Four Mile Historic Park.
rison, April 9. Gates open 4:30 a.m., pre-worship music at 5:30 a.m., service begins at 6 a.m. Speaker is Father Michael Nicosia, Priest at the Ecumenical Catholic Communion, Aurora. Music is by Blood Brothers, a folk, country, and worship music quintet. Information: 303-825-4910.
Augustana Lutheran Church
Located at 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Augustana’s Easter Garden will be in full bloom with music by the Easter Brass and Augustana’s Chancel Choir, 8 a.m.
April Showers Spark Flowers: Rain showers spark the beginning of flowers and plants to really start blooming. Symbolizing a fresh start, daisies and sweet peas are the flowers of April.
Information: 303-388-4678.
Catholic Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception
Holy Week at the Basilica on the corner of Logan St. and Colfax Ave. has the church’s most beautiful liturgies. Holy Saturday Vigil is 8:15 p.m., Easter Sunday Mass is at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-831-7010.
Saint John’s Cathedral
Cathedral is seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado at 1350 N. Washington St. Service is at 10:30 a.m. with music by St. John’s School & Adult Choir. An Easter egg hunt follows from noon to 12:30 pm. Information: 303-831-1350.
University Park United Methodist Church
Church located at 2180 S. University Blvd. has 7 a.m. sunrise service on the Colgate Lawn followed by traditional worship in the sanctuary 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Information: 303-722-5736.
Assumption Of The Theotokos Cathedral
Greek Orthodox Easter — celebrated Sunday after Passover’s first full moon — is April 16 at the Cathedral in Glendale. Divine Liturgy, 9:30-11 a.m., ritual Greek Easter Dance (Cretan), 12:30 p.m.; Pan Orthodox Vespers, 5 p.m. Information: 303-388-9314.
Passover
Spring Services: In addition to Easter Sunrise Services at Red Rocks, St. John’s Cathedral (pictured) and churches city-wide celebrate with special services, music, and the ringing of church bells.
Judaism Your Way
Community Seder at Denver Botanic Gardens April 8, 5-8 p.m. Rabbi Caryn Aviv and Amanda Schwartz led Seder will feature High Holiday songs and Seder classics. Information: 303-320-6185.
Temple Emanuel
Passover day one service is April 6 followed by Young Family Pesach April 12. Temple’s Passover Seder is a buffet style dinner catered by Cohen’s Cuisine in the Social Hall April 5, 6 p.m. Seder will be led by Rabbi Joseph Black, Cantor Elizabeth Sacks, and Rabbi Emily Hyatt. Information: 303-388-4013.
Easter Egg Hunts
Glendale Sports Center
Egg Hunt is April 1 at Glendale’s Infinity Park Turf Field, 10 a.m. Hunts are for kids in three age groups: ages zero-three; four to six; and seven to age 12. Parking is available on the northeast corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Historic Park
Hunts April 8 are at 9 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., beginning with Puppet Shows at 9:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Morning Little Kid Egg Hunt is at 10 a.m. followed by Big Kid Hunt at 10:30 a.m., shadowed by a Magician at 11 a.m. Doors close at noon. Afternoon hunt doors open at 1 p.m., Little Kid hunt is at 2:15 p.m., Big Kid Hunt 2:45 p.m., with Magician at 3:15 p.m. Afternoon hunt closes at 4:30 p.m. Victorian Egg Rolling Contest, Musical Egg Chairs & Crafts all day. Information: 720-865-0800.
Stapleton Egg Scramble
The Stapleton Master Community Assn. annual scramble is April 1, 10 a.m. The first scramble is for children six and older (Parents not allowed); followed at 10:15 a.m. by ages zero to five, parents allowed. Information: 303-388-0724.
Easter Brunch
Bistro Vendome
Relocated from Larimer Square to 2267 Kearney St. in Park Hill, restaurant is expected to again feature Easter brunch. Anticipate omelets, Crepe Vendome, other popular selections, and their Chocolate Croissants. Information: 303-825-3232.
Edge Restaurant
Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown April 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring a raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station. Information: 303-389-3050.
Ellyngton’s
Appreciate breakfast and Easter brunch in the restaurant’s regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel. Choices include waffles, pastries, omelets, salads, sushi, grilled meats, many more choices. Information: 303-297-3111.
Fire Restaurant
Experience brunch in one of the most desirable indoor-outdoor Easter settings at the ART Hotel on Broadway, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Spring omelets, much more, plus a Bunny Menu for the kids. Information: 720-709-4431.
Local Jones
For a tasty holiday morning in Cherry Creek North, do brunch at this classic bistro in the Halcyon Hotel. Always delightful, choices usually include cinnamon rolls, roasted lamb shank, and more. Information: 720-772-5022.
Washington Park Grille
Enjoy a laidback ambiance at this Old S. Gaylord St. eatery with low-key dining room, lounge, and patio. Warm atmosphere with yummy choices such as waffles, omelets, a crab benedict, and more. Information: 303-777-0707.
Easter Dinner
Culinary Dropout
Eatery on E. 9th Ave. is offering two additional items on Easter weekend plus the regular menu. Standard items include Rainbow Trout, Squash Ravioli, and Fried Chicken. Information: 720-799-0190.
Humboldt Kitchen
Serving a special Easter Dinner featuring Herb Roasted Prime Rib from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. A holiday brunch is offered from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The regular menu also available. Information: 303-813-1700.
Le Bilboquet
Restaurant on corner of 3rd Ave. & St. Paul in Cherry Creek offers dinner on Easter, plus a buffet. Last year’s choices were grilled chicken, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Mac & Cheese. Information: 303-835-9999.
Monaco Inn Restaurant
Serving noon to 8 p.m., restaurant is featuring Colorado Spring Leg of Lamb with Greek potatoes, Greek Salad, and Avgolemono Soup. Menu also has other Greek & American specialties. Saganaki appetizer, plus homemade baklava or galaktoboureko for desserts. Information: 303-320-1104.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 22, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Top ’o’ the Month to Ya’: March is named for the Roman god of war, Mars. But we think of it as the beginning of spring, as March brings the Full Worm Moon and Daylight Saving Time.
March 12 is the start of Daylight Savings, which begins at 2 a.m. that day. Hint: Don’t forget to “spring forward” and set the clocks one hour ahead, or you’ll find yourself late for everything.
Here are our Irish spring choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so your heart will be light and happy, your smile big and wide, plus your pocket has a coin or two inside:
3 With his 21st studio album out, Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band bring music of 15 soul music greats to the Ball Arena, March 2, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
3 For a Celtic Awakening, listen to Denver Brass’ Irish tenor sing Emerald Isle melodies at the Newman Center, March 10-12, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 March downtown to see step dancers, floats, and marching bands at annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 11, stepping off at 9:30 a.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
3 View over 30 Israeli-Jewish films with “talk backs” during Denver Jewish Film Festival in the Wolf & Pluss Theatres, March 11-19. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 Swing by Inga’s Alpine Tavern on St. Patrick’s Day for good pub grub while listening to the music of GT & The Sidewinders rockin’ Americana band playing from 7-10 p.m. Open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. serving craft cocktails, beer, wine, and creative bites. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 For interior plaster and drywall repair that’s done right and looks super, rely on The Wall Rebuilders. Now in their 24th year, Dan & Laura Pino are known for quality, speed of service, and honesty. Repair, remodel or fix anything. Free estimates. Information: 303-698-1057.
3 Enjoy musical magic as the Denver Young Artists Orchestra & Colorado Symphony play together at Boettcher Hall, March 15, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 See singing, dancing, storytelling, food, and art by 100 Indian tribes during the March Powwow in the Denver Coliseum, March 17-19. Information: 303-934-8045.
3 Catch clarinetist Roger Campbell as he leads the hottest jazz band since the Swing Era playing at Dazzle@Baur’s, March 22, 7-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Join the tribute, as the Colorado Symphony and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble honor Cleo Parker Robinson — the founder, artistic director & choreographer — for her storied accomplishments. Her 50-year-old institution includes Youth-Junior Youth Ensembles, a Dance Academy, plus an International Summer Institute. The Park Ave. West three-level historic facility seats 240 for concerts, recitals, dances, and theatre. A celebrated artist, cultural leader, and champion of the arts for nearly a half-century, she remains a pillar of the community to this day. The tribute is at Boettcher Concert Hall, March 30, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
St. Patrick’s Day is the main event in March and Irish eyes are smiling: Flowers will soon bud, and this month’s major holiday is just one huge social, minus gifts, and little stress. Leprechauns, laughter, and green, Oh my! Refreshing-tranquil green is linked to money and luck. The Cherry Creek Valley soon will again become our “Green Green Grass of Home.” As the Irish say, “To all the days here and after, may they be filled with fond memories, happiness, and laughter.” But, don’t press your luck by ironing four-leaf clovers!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 22, 2023 | Main Articles
With Lowest Vacancy Rates And Highest Office, Retail, And Multi-Housing Rents, Megaprojects Are Hijacking District’s Westside
by Glen Richardson
Whole Lot Of Wavering: Known as Clayton Lane, the site where Whole Foods and the former Sears store are located, continues to be Cherry Creek North’s most tentative development.
Billion Dollar Deal: East West Partner’s $1 Billion Cherry Creek West project is Cherry Creek North’s biggest project and will have the most impact on the district’s changing westside.
Developers are making bold moves to turn Cherry Creek North’s westside — where what remains of the district’s independent stores, spas, salons, and eateries — into sprawling mega developments. The push to “go big” represents both a growing demand and developer desire to land larger retail and housing tenants in mega mixed-use campuses.
Cherry Creek North has the lowest vacancy rates and highest office, retail, and multi-housing rents in metro Denver, making the district the Valley’s hottest market for investors and lenders alike. Moreover, Cherry Creek has become the leading leasing market in the Rocky Mountain region, attracting the highest demand for properties and spaces available for Lease and Sublease.
Consequently, the district is now one of the nation’s best performing submarkets. Here’s the latest on new megaprojects, plus an update on impending projects:
Coup At 210 University
A $67.7 million, 140,832-sq.-ft. office-retail joint development by Koch Real Estate Investment (KREI) and Corum Real Estate Group at 210 University Blvd. is Cherry Creek’s latest westside development takeover wave. The nine-story office building and attached garage — where US Bank and Baird are located — will remain intact.
But the companies plan to demolish the existing single-story retail buildings on 3rd Ave. — where Chinese restaurant Little Ollie’s has been located since 1997 along with the adjacent OBar — plus the next-door Paradise Cleaners. The development duo plans to build a four-story structure with 7,500-sq.ft. of ground floor retail space and three floors and 46,000-sq.-ft. of office space on the site. Construction won’t begin for at least a year, since leases for the restaurant-bar and cleaners require a year’s notice before termination.
The Sunflower Bank building — located next to the cleaners on the corner of Josephine and 3rd Ave. — was not involved in the purchase and won’t be demolished.
Clayton’s Second Phase: Broe Real Estate has commenced work on the second phase of street’s $200 million redevelopment. Work has started on this eight-story, 175,000-sq.-ft. building.
Josephine St. Changes
Directly across 3rd Ave., Elevation and Edgemark Development have already started construction on a six-story, 70,000-sq.-ft. mixed use building. The location’s first-floor will feature retail space wrapped around the corner of 3rd & Josephine. The upper-floors’ step-up design has 50,000-sq.-ft. of tenant space that will vary from 16,000-sq.-ft. on the second floor to 5,000-sq.-ft on the top-level. The project is on the half-acre site where floral-home furnishing store Bloom was located and includes a portion of parking lot space leased to Hillstone Restaurant.
The site at 2nd Ave. and Josephine — where Whole Foods and the former Sears store are located — remains the westside’s most tentative site. Known as the Clayton Lane project, the collection of buildings between East 2nd Ave. from Josephine to Detroit streets was purchased by OliverMcMillan (later acquired by Brookfield Residential) and Invesco Real Estate for $116.7 million in 2016. Initial plans called for demolition of Whole Foods, the adjacent parking structure, and the former Sears store. They were to be replaced by 173,105-sq.-ft. of retail space and 527 residential units between Clayton and Josephine.
News media reports at the beginning of 2023 hinted that “after years of false starts, things might finally get moving in the massive Clayton Lane development.” Those reports, nonetheless, acknowledged, “it’s unclear if the owners plan to sell completely or in part, or are simply looking to bring another firm into the partnerships.” Even if major changes take place, demolition and new construction is likely two to five years away.
$1 Billion Mall Project
That puts the $1 billion East West Partners’ mixed-use development dubbed “Cherry Creek West” as the biggest project with the most immediate impac
Going, Going, Gone: Newly revealed $67.7 million 210 University Development will demolish Little Ollie’s, OBar, and Paradise Cleaners along the west end of 3rd Ave. in coming year.
t and influence on Cherry Creek North’s changing westside. Construction is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2024, with the first building ready for occupancy in 2027. Already in the starting stages, the massive site is likely to be completed in 10 years.
The 13-acre site — bordering University Blvd., the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and Cherry Creek North Dr. — will be composed of seven 12-story tall buildings housing a combination of offices, condos, and apartments. The massive development will span from University Blvd. to Clayton St. and 1st. Ave. to the Cherry Creek waterway.
Plans include a “public plaza” with green space for concerts and events; a market square; a dedicated two-way bike trail; and above- and below-ground parking. Some neighbors are concerned the plans will lead to traffic congestion, with fewer places to drive and a lack of parking. Others say there won’t be sufficient affordable housing.
Clayton’s Second Phase
Sandwiched in the westside’s middle section is Broe Real Estate Group’s $200 million Clayton Street redevelopment. The completed and fully leased phase one projec
t on the corner of 2nd Ave. and Clayton is 76,000-sq.-ft. and rises eight-stories. The developer — who owns most of the east side of Clayton and has its headquarters on the street — has commenced work on the second phase located at 250 Clayton. It is another eight-story project, this one totaling 175,000-sq.-ft.
Along the westside’s eastern-most street, Schnitzer West is launching an eight-story office project at 201 Fillmore St. The development company paid $108 million for the Men’s Wearhouse site, a new Denver record price per square foot. Landlord for the property was Barry Hirschfeld. The 2nd Ave. and Fillmore project will feature 140,000-sq.-ft. of mixed-use space, with 132,000-sq.-ft. being office space. All of the office space has been pre-leased. There will be 8,500-sq.-ft. of retail space on the ground floor. Five levels of below-grade parking will accommodate more than 240 vehicles.
Down the street at 255 Fillmore — a site that has been a parking lot since it was purchased by BMC Investments in 2019 — construction is underway for a seven-story mixed-use project that is expected to be completed as soon as the third quarter of this year. The project will have six floors of office space and 9,500-sq-ft. of ground-floor retail including French-Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial.
