Look, Love, Leap: Valentine’s Lineup List

by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2024 | Main Articles

Here’s Your Leap Year Formula For ­Finding Fun, Friendship, And Love In Unexpected Places

 by Glen Richardson

Canine ­Companion: Snoopy, the pet dog of the hapless Peanuts character in the ­Charlie Brown ­comic-strip, is the most beloved ­character in the history of comics.

Valentine’s Day is the holiday to express your love, whether with your significant other, best friend, your kids, or anyone else. Begin the month preparing to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, February 14th — Valentine’s Day!

In case you hadn’t noticed, 2024 is a leap year. Oh yeah, baby, one extra day on February 29th! Leap Year has a rich history with romance.

Folklore suggests the tradition began in Ireland in the 5th century, with a deal brokered between St. Brigid of Kildare and St. Patrick. Or maybe it was in 13th Century Scotland, when Queen Mary established a law that women could propose to any man they liked during a leap year, with refusal being allowed only if the man was already engaged.

Regardless of its origin, it’s a big deal in Denver nowadays. To fan the feelings of your buddy, beau, sidekick, or soulmate here’s the Chronicle’s V-Day guide to loving things to do:

Love Menagerie

This February the Denver Zoo is going wild, celebrating Valentine’s from February 3 to 14, by offering a limited number of half-off daytime admission tickets and showering the Zoo with love …including exclusive Animal Experiences plus themed Valentine’s Day treats.

Long Lasting Love: Take your love to this year’s Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase. A symbol of love, luxury, and beauty, it’s perfect way to celebrate the holiday.

On Valentine’s Day, there’s a Singles’ Safari — the first ever — with yard games and tons of swipe-right snacks. Animal Experiences, a photo station, seasonal craft cocktails, and à la carte eats are featured.

Also offered on the 14th is a four-course dinner in the Komodo Room of Tropical Dis­covery, the Zoo’s indoor rainforest. Attendees will enjoy a prix fixe meal of four chef-crafted courses, including exclusive Wild at Heart Animal Encounters. Information: 720-337-1400.

Grow Your Love

Worth more than a carnation, more elegant than a rose, and symbolic of life, love, and happiness, treat your love to the Denver Botanic Garden’s annual Orchid Showcase now through Feb. 19. Symbolizing romantic feelings and passionate relationships, it is the picture-perfect way to express your love. You’ll see hundreds of exotic blooms, including rare orchids. Open in the Orangery from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Showcase is included with admission. More: Supplies of Fantasy O

Perfect Pairing: A little red wine makes the ultimate Valentine’s Day beverage. Try a rose sparkler for added panache, the acidity keeps the mood uplifting and flirty.

rchids will be on sale Feb. 3, 10, and 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can also celebrate the month of love by joining the Botanic Garden’s captivating Love Potions from the Vine Tour, Feb. 11-14. Escape the winter chill in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory with this tour of purported aphrodisiacs and learn the secret romantic lives of tropical plants.

Finally, flowers and plants are used year-round to send messages of love, happiness, and joy. Children and families can decorate a Valentine display to share with loved ones this month during the Garden’s Make & Take Garden Valentines. You’ll learn how using a variety of dried natural plant parts and crafting items. Space for children and grownups to create together is provided along with supplies. You and your family pro­vide the ideas and creativity. Information: 720-865-3500.

Lyrics Of Love

Music Magic: Music is an ideal Valentine’s Day option this year. Among the toe-tapping options is Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show, Feb. 10. Photo by Sandy Reay

Music doesn’t stimulate lovey-dovey feelings in everyone, but it can sure make you swoon. Every couple has a song. Love and music are two lights of one candle. Music portrays feeling through melodies, rhythms, tunes, and lyrics. Here’s the Chronicle’s playlist of Valentine concerts, shows, singing, comedy, and dances:

For an upbeat, rhythms & blues start to the month, swing to the beat of the Motown Valentine’s Day Concert with the three MoMezzos at Dazzle Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. The powerhouse trio feature music from Motown and beyond and take guests on a musical journey through favorite love songs. Information: 303-839-5100.

For toe-tapping, up-tempo entertainment, don’t miss Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show in Daniels Hall Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Part bluegrass, part acoustic rock, their musical sound, humor, and stage presence will have you falling in love. Information: 303-777-1003.

Piano-Violin duo perform a Romeo & Juliet candlelight concert at Trinity United Methodist Church on Broadway Feb. 9, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-1493.

Head Over Heels: A love affair between taste and tradition, the Monaco Inn Restaurant is offering three specials with dessert or glass of Prosecco on Valentine’s Day, 5-9 p.m.

Chicago jazz singer Elaine Dame entertains on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Dazzle with the Annie Booth Trio, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.

To see an unforgettable comedy sing-along, take your love to dinner during the V-Day Dueling Piano Show at Fortissimo Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Information: 720-789-5280.

For a romantic musical show, attend the Feb. 14 Candlelight Concert at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m. Information: 303-360-5360.

To spice up your life, see the burlesque, aerial acts, singing, and comedy at Clocktower Cabaret’s Feb. 14 Cupid’s Delight, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.

Dance the night away to live music dur­ing the Shroomski Valentine’s event at Ironworks on Larimer St. Feb. 15, 7-11:30 p.m. Information:720-946-7721.

Or, consider sending a singing telegram to your love at home or a Valentine’s dinner. Orange Peel Moses delivers awesome performances. Information: 303-931-8466.

Love Of Food

Flaming Foster: Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café, a cozy Mayfair gem, is an ideal V-Day dining spot. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed table side.

To wine and dine your darling this Valentine’s Day, the Mile High City’s best choices remain resolutely local at heart. Slick chain eateries in new developments may bring crowds, but neighborhood restaurants foster a sense of togetherness featuring incredible cuisine in unique and distinctive spaces with cozy character. Tuck into one of the Chronicle’s three top choices:

Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café — a quaint neighborhood eatery in the Mayfair neighborhood at 932 Jersey St., eatery serves tasty Italian fare and seasonal entrees. A little gem of a restaurant with an exceptional menu and beautifully presented food. If you like Italian food, great service, and being treated like you are appreciated, go to Jimmy’s

for Valentine’s Day. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed tableside. Information: 720-328-9481.

Monaco Inn Restaurant has been serving in the Monaco Square at 862 S. Monaco St. Parkway in the Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood for more than 30 years. Owned and run by Emmanuel Tsikoudakis and Chef Terry Vaidis, the restaurant of-

fers both Greek & American cuisine. Long known for its holiday service, Valentine Specials are offered Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Choices include New York Steak with Deep Fried Shrimp, Lamb Chops with Grilled Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon. Choice of Dessert or Glass of Prosecco included. Regular menu is also available. Information: 303-321-1104.

Shells & Sauce is a jazzy little trattoria serving classic-creative Italian-American fare in the heart of Congress Park. The cozy neighborhood restaurant at 2600 E. 12th Ave. serves a variety of home-made lasagna, meat, and fish, plus other entrees. Boasting an extensive wine list to pair with anything you and your Valentine choose, there are delicious dessert options to top off your special evening. Whether you sit on the rooftop or in the main dining room. the service is great. Information: 303-377-2091.

Runaway-Love

If running is your love language, race to this year’s Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Washington Park Feb. 11, 9 to 11 a.m. Information: 720-838-6185.

False Unit Figures Fueling Homeless Crisis, City Audit Finds

by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2023 | Main Articles

New Audit Reveals Denver Is Delivering Fewer Units Than Required, Costs Climb For Taxpayer-Funded Affordable Housing

by Glen Richardson

As 2024 begins, residents want to know if Mayor Mike Johnston met his $50 million promise to move 1,000 of Denver’s homeless off the streets by year’s end. Many others — like Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, who resigned as homeless committee chair — have concluded the administration’s homeless pledge is nothing more than “a dog and pony show.”

Facing the facts: Denver has the nation’s 10th-most homeless people. At year’s end there were 802 homeless people getting monthly payments of from $50 to $1,000. One group receives $1,000 a month for 12 months; another received a $6,500 lump payment and then $500 a month for 11 months; and the final group receives $50 a month for a year. For this year (2024), Mayor Johnston proposes to spend $242 million on homeless-affordable housing.

Street Sweep Scene: Denver continues to perform “sweeps” of homeless encampments under new Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.              Photo: Kevin J. Beaty

A new financial examination by ­Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, however, reveals that finding housing or giving out money — without managing inherent and built-in factors — may b

Street Squalor Struggle: Despite providing money, plus developing and prioritizing affordable housing projects, Denver’s homeless crisis continues to surge as 2024 begins. Photo (left): Hart Van Denburg/CPR

e an emotional feat, but won’t accomplish the city’s objectives.

Unit Count Con

The audit’s most glaring discovery: Denver’s Department of Housing Stability is not delivering the required number of units. Fact: Denver developed 32 fewer units for very-low income and 301 fewer for moderate-income households than required by the city agreement.

Equally disturbing: The agency reported 203 units for rent at “market rates,” claiming they count as part of the agreement to develop affordable housing.

Lack of oversight is to blame, according to Auditor O’Brien. “If affordable housing is a priority, leaders need to effectively use resources, show accountability for housing goals, and commitment to helping those in Denver who need it most,” he asserts.

Shoddy Upkeep

Auditors also found a lack of oversight to maintain safe-habitable housing units for people in the lowest income ranges. Not only are these people subject to health-safety risks, but the city could lose part of its affordable housing inventory due to damage and disrepair.

A random check of 20 affordable ­housing projects funded by the Department of Hous­ing Stability — plus an affordable housing project used as permanent housing and funded with program funds — examiners found building doors unlocked or propped open; doors missing handles; water damage; pet or human waste in public areas; plus, trash and debris.

More: Broken windows; dirty or damaged carpets; potential fire code violations, which were reported to the fire department; large cracks and other damage to exterior brick or foundations; evidence of pest infestations; ex­posed electrical wires or damaged electrical features; window and screens missing or damaged; inoperable or malfunctioning elevators; standing water in public areas; and damaged interior and exterior lighting.

Fewer New Units

Even more troubling, auditors found plans for new units are falling below requirements in the city’s taxpayer-funded agreement with the Denver Housing Authority. Denver partners with the Denver Housing Authority on their “DHA Delivers for Denver Program” — commonly called “D3.”

Broadway’s Best: Purchased by the Denver Housing Authority and completed in 2022, this 655 Broadway Bldg. rents to income limited elderly and disabled.

The audit discovered the housing authority reported some units were being rented at market rate, instead of at affordable rates for people with low-income levels.

Moreover, the housing authority also de­veloped fewer units for low-and moderate-income individuals than required. Bottom line: Investments may and many times exceed what was agreed upon. There is no clarity on how many housing units will be delivered or if the units will be affordable for people who need it most. “The city needs stronger oversight to confirm the affordable housing results it promises,” says Auditor O’Brien. “It’s clear the city is too trusting in third-party partners and as a result the people who need the most help could be left out.”

Half Have High Rent

Just as shocking and upsetting, the audit reveals that half of the units in the city’s D3 agreement exceed the rents allowed by that agreement.

The housing authority reported 203 market-rate units paid for by the city’s D3 agreement were rented for between 60% and 90% of area median income. The housing authority claims this counts toward contract requirements because they are lower than the average rental prices in Denver, which are about 120% of the area median income.

While about half of these ar

Loose Connections: Audits of 20 affordable housing projects funded by the Department of Housing Stability found shoddy upkeep, including exposed-damaged electrical wires.

e rented at rates for people in the target income, the lower-than-average prices are not guaranteed if market conditions change — resulting in potential rent increases and loss of affordability.

District Deals

Additionally, some City Council districts are receiving more affordable housing resources than allowed. Specifically, districts 1, 3, 8, and 9 all received more affordable housing funds than allowed.

Further, district 3 was restricted to receiving fewer funds than other districts because of existing affordable housing investments. While the agreement allows the department to grant a waiver to any one district, except district 3, discussions about waivers are ongoing.

The housing authority is also counting units developed with “different city funding sources” as part of the D3 project, further inflating the results.

Clinch & Confirm

Finally, the audit found several other areas in which the city can make improvements to maintain and improve the city’s affordable housing struggle.

First, the city is not ensuring contractors are complying with wage laws on affordable housing projects. These projects may be sub­ject to federal wage requirements or the city’s prevailing wage ordinance.

The Department of Housing Stability also needs to verify income annually for residents. The department also needs adequate

controls over its data, including what is used to populate public dashboards.

Agree To Improve

The Department of Housing Stability has agreed to implement nearly 90% (17 of the 19) of the audit recommendations.

It is disappointing, however, that the department chose to disagree with two of the audit recommendations. Those ­proposals would significantly improve the city’s inspection and maintenance of homeless units. Furthermore, it would ensure affordable housing is sanitary and safe.

The audit found issues at 14 of 21 homeless properties, despite inspection forms from the city showing no issues at the same properties.

Esquire Theatre Going Dark

by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2023 | Main Articles

Dodging Wrecking Ball, Building Will Be Enlarged And Reshaped; Will The Remodel Preserve A Picture Of Denver’s Movie Theatre Past?

by Glen Richardson

The Last Picture Show: As times changed, along with tastes in entertainment, theatre building will be turned into restaurant, retail, and office space.

Swapping Size, Shape: The Esquire Theatre building will be enlarged and reconfigured. Landmark Preservation Commission must approve building’s reconstruction.

Are you ready to feel a little down, despondent, and dejected? Flicks are being flicked off at Cap Hill’s historic Esquire Theatre. Lessee Land­mark Theatres reopened the site last June following water damage de­claring, “We’re back… and better than ever!” The lease expires in July of this year (2024), evidently without a renewal option.

The building was purchased by Sam Leger and Tim Finholm of South Broadway-based Unique Properties for $2.1 million in 2021. At the time of purchase, Finholm implied that “what happens with the property will de­pend on whether Landmark wants to stay.” It’s unclear, however, if shuttering the theatre was Landmark’s choice or a joint decision. Regardless, Unique Properties CEO Leger and Executive VP Finholm are listed on the building’s application for conversion.

Nestled on the corner of 6th Ave. and Downing St., the cinema has long been a neighborhood and Capitol Hill staple. Since opening in the fall of 1927 as the single-screen Hiawatha Theatre, the Esquire ex­panded and withstood the test of time. It has been leased to Landmark since 1980. Landmark also operates Denver’s Mayan, Chez Artiste, and Landmark Greenwood Village theatres. Once controlled by billionaire Mark Cuban, the theater chain sold to Cohen Media Group in 2018.

Shock, Sadness

The tucked-away Downing St location made the Esquire uniquely popular and a Mile High City cultural icon. In a city that once boasted as many as 66 movie theaters, it has long been known as one of Denver’s historic movie palaces.

Within hours followin

Sign Signals Switch: Plans suggest the Esquire Theatre marquee sign will remain on the remodeled structure as homage to the theatre and building’s history.

g the closure announcement Cap Hill residents and Esquire admirers took to social media to express their shock, sadness, and dismay: “I will be so heartbroken if we lose this. The Esquire is such an important part of Denver, of the film culture here.” Further, added another: “I know change is inevitable, but I wonder what will fill the void of these type of micro-communities that existed in the real, non-internet, world.”

Others summed up loss of the irreplaceable experience thusly: “It’s so sad watching so much of Denver die one piece at a time. Let’s just murder everything about Denver that was cool and make us a cookie cutter, mixed-use city.”

Building To Stay

The two-story building that housed the Esquire, however, will endure. The site will be enlarged and reshaped into a mix of res­taurant, retail, and office space. Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission must ap­­prove reconstruction of the building. If it is approved, the project is expected to start this June and be completed by January 2025.

The public became aware of the theatre closing at the end of last October when Denver’s Department of Community Planning & Development received redevelopment plans for the theater property.

Those plans, submitted by Michael Noda — a partner at architectural firm Neo Studio located on Walnut St. in Denver — call for increasing the two-story, 9,175-sq.-ft. theater building by more than a 6,000-sq.-ft. An addition on the south end of the building would stretch the structure into the parking lot.

Change, Sign Stays

If approved, the building is expected to total 15,800-sq.-ft. on the property’s 0.39-acre lot. Documents indicate the first floor will be divided into two 3,675-sq.-ft. units, one for retail, the other a restaurant space. The upstairs would be turned into office suites.

Plans for the building’s renewal include the addition of several small structure components. Site plans indicate new entrances will be constructed on the no

Historic Hiawatha: Photograph of the Esquire building at the 1927 grand opening as the Hiawatha Theatre. Winners of the Wilderness was showing on the single-screen.

rth and south sides of the building. More: Skylights will be installed on the roof, plus awnings added on the north side of the building.

One thing, however, will apparently remain the same. Plans indicate the current Esquire signage will remain as homage to the theatre and building’s history.

Poignant Predictions

Can the Esquire building recover from a remodel? Repurposing of existing buildings is a newsworthy issue, particularly with Denver’s rich architectural heritage.

“Architecture is not really about ­buildings, any more than poetry is about vowels,” is how award-winning architect Sam Rodell ex­plains the emotions associated with build­ings.

Denver’s Esquire enthusiasts relate to Rodell’s emotional building claim, and share their thoughts about the proposed remake of the movie palace building: “It

Going, Going, Gone: Movies at the Esquire Theatre have been good to the end, but functional and technical obsolescence will turn the building dark this year.

would have been good to end up with a theater use and the parking lot redeveloped with a new restaurant and housing. But two-screen theaters are clearly not profitable, especially with the Mayan so close showing the same kind of program. Admits another, “Having an active street front rather than a blank wall on 6th Ave. will help the area feel more like a neighborhood.”

Conversion Countdown

The Esquire building is a connection between the past and present, and a way to preserve local memory and culture. It was a space where we created memories of time spent with family and friends in the dark watching films that are no longer with us. The structure was a witness to another age and hopefully will become a living example of Denver’s movie theatre past.

So as not to lose the memory of what came before, Neo Studio — the architectural firm remodeling the Esquire building — is being called upon to adapt the existing building to meet new needs. It will require a great deal of creative effort, and local feedback since the project involves changing the entire function of the building.

As with any renovation, uncertainty, surprises, and last-minute changes are possible if not probable. Capitol Hill and Denver residents, plus Esquire fans and movie buffs are holding their breath, waiting anxiously and excitedly to see what materializes.

Esquire Draws Signatures; Owners Reapply For Remodel

An online petition had collected more than 2,500 signatures to save the Esquire Theatre by early December @savethe esquire. Seeking to stop site redevelopment, the group hopes the theatre will be designated a historic landmark.

Denver’s Community Planning & Development disclosed in December that they were awaiting resubmittal of the plans due “to issues” with the original proposal. When questioned about plans to stretch construction into the parking lot, owners retorted: “We don’t have plans to do anything to anything at the moment. We just made a submittal.”

Should the theatre get a landmark designation, the Landmark Preservation staff opinion is that, “the theatre could still be developed for uses other than a theater.”