by Mark Smiley | Mar 4, 2024 | General Featured
By Mark Smiley
Photo by Olivier Brajon
Since 2017, CRYSTAL has performed in front of more than 1.9 million people in over 135 cities worldwide, blending the art of skating with adrenaline-inducing acrobatics and aerial feats. In total, the show spans two and a half hours with an intermission.
“CRYSTAL really pushes the boundaries of possibility within the circus arts. The show highlights Cirque du Soleil’s creativity in a new way and encourages audiences to find the magic of the everyday,” says Robert Tannion, Artistic Director, CRYSTAL. “Every time you watch, there’s something new to see and experience. It’s a magical story that springs to life on the ice and we can’t wait to bring it to Denver for the first time.”
Created by Shana Carroll and Sebastien Soldevila, CRYSTAL takes audiences on a journey of self-discovery. Dive into a world of playful imagination with the show’s protagonist, Crystal, as she learns to see things differently and become whom she was always destined to be: herself.
“The show is about a girl named Crystal who has a breakthrough experience where she sees her life in a different way,” said Crystal Manich, Cirque Crystal’s Artistic Director. “Before she has this experience we see how she struggles to fit in both at home and at school. She is a bit of an outcast. The show is about her journey of self-discovery and finding her voice and becoming a creative force in her own life realizing that she has things to do in order to grow.”
The show features a mixture of acrobats and ice skaters which is rare. In fact, it is the 42nd cirque creation and the company’s very first acrobatic experience on ice. This show features seven traditional circus acts, including trapeze, hand-to-hand, Banquine, aerial straps, hand-to-trapeze, juggling, and hand balancing – all adapted to be performed on ice. CRYSTAL is the first Cirque du Soleil production that uses real snow – the team makes approximately 300 snowballs each week.
“The response has been really great because we have all of the elements of a perfect Cirque du Soleil show but the ice does add an extra element of awe,” said Manich. “You’ll see everything you would expect to see in a Cirque du Soleil show and some surprises because of the uniqueness of the show itself.”
This type is show presents challenges not seen with a typical Cirque du Soleil show. Every arena has different ice and some performers say certain ice may be too soft or too hard in a particular venue.
“What people should expect is to have a great time and to see some of the world’s best performers on the ice in a unique way coming together with these various disciplines,” said Manich. “I think this is a special show.”
CRYSTAL Performance Schedule at Ball Arena:
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 – 7 p.m.
Friday, March 15, 2024 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 16, 2024 – 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 17, 2024 – 12 p.m.
Tickets for Crystal are now available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.
Photos : Matt Baker & Olivier Brajon
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Main Articles
District’s First Ever Data Driven Study Of BID’s Growth Exposes Rising Congestion, Slowing Business, And Declining Quality Of Life
by Glen Richardson
Creek Car Congestion: District’s growth has had biggest impact at 1st Ave. & University. New Cherry Creek West project will worsen traffic problem, BID’s data analysis forewarns. Photo by Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
One of the most dynamic business and residential areas in the Mile High City, development in Cherry Creek North has exceeded the 10-year forecast. The attraction of businesses and their office space needs, moreover, is accelerating the desire of certain businesses to relocate to the district from other areas of the city.
With the impressive growth has come traffic congestion, parking, and transportation problems. The first ever data driven analysis of the Business Improvement District’s (BID) actual growth and development since 2012 has just been released. Study is being distributed to various RNO’s, neighborhood organizations, plus city agencies. Those with comments and concerns should contact their city councilman.
The analysis is the mastermind of retired longtime Cherry Creek resident volunteers David Steel, former President of Western Development Group; and Wayne New, former Denver District 10 City Councilman. The pair piloted the study because they care about the community and want to maintain the quality of life and success that all businesses and residents now enjoy. Furthermore, the business-residential leaders have more than 40 years of real estate experience in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Creek Data Analysis
Cherry Creek North’s growth has had the greatest traffic effect on 1st Ave., University, and surrounding neighborhood streets. The
Steel-New data analysis of the district emphasizes that fact and is key to recommendations they are making. Bottom line: The more difficult it becomes to move around the district, the less appealing it will become.
Albeit the pending Cherry Creek West development is planned on Cherry Creek Shopping Center property, it will have a significant impact on 1st Ave. traffic and its efficient movement through Cherry Creek.
The proposed 1,918,170-sq.-ft. development will create the highest grouping of high-rise buildings in the Cherry Creek area. More important to 1st Ave., the seven-building development will create 1,922 vehicle trips during the evening (PM) peak hour. That’s at an intersection that has already reached its maximum vehicle capacity according to traffic standards.
Building Toward Gridlock
West End Traffic Trap: Despite being on Cherry Creek Shopping Center property, massive Cherry Creek West project will add to gridlock at the 1st Ave. & University intersection.
Cherry Creek West development vehicle trips will only add to the present 1st Ave. traffic movement problems. In addition, the East West Partner’s Large Development framework document estimates that 3,000 new jobs will be added, increasing the vehicle trip counts.
Using the 2013 national standard ratios to calculate Cherry Creek West vehicle trips per evening (PM) peak hour, the number of vehicle trips was determined to be 1,922 trips for all three building uses.
Three of the seven proposed buildings will be devoted to residential use and will be required to abide by the City’s affordable housing requirements, which would reserve 10% of the units for low to moderate income households. The framework description lists the residential buildings as having 598 units.
Project Cutback Proposed
To reduce the traffic impact from Cherry Creek West, the study recommends the following changes to the development plans:
Reduce the building heights from the proposed 12-13-stories to 8-stories, which would be consistent with Cherry Creek BID Zoning. Change the numbers of proposed office buildings from four to three, and change the number of proposed residential buildings from three to four.
Since community residential space is needed more due to the number of existing and new office space developments, new mixed-use development should emphasize residential use. Increasing the residential square-footage will have a dramatic reduction in traffic volumes generated by the project. The vehicle trip standard for office use is approximately three-times the standard for residential use, and the standard for retail use is five-times the level of residential traffic trips. An estimated 713 traffic trips per evening (PM) peak hour should assist in lessening the traffic impact on 1st Ave. and University.
Parking-Valet Service
Additionally, the study urges the continued support of Cherry Creek North’s BID Zoning. The pair say the 2014 rezoning process was a productive, cooperative process that greatly enhanced the previous BID zoning to allow and promote greater development within its boundaries. They emphasize, however, that it is important to recognize the rezoning requirement be maintained in order to minimize future growth and mobility problems.
Short term, the value of a BID Parking Benefit District should be studied. Such a district would tie the economic benefits of performance parking directly to improving the quality of life in the immediate area. Residents and businesses are more receptive to such a district as the revenues are reinvested in the neighborhood. Additionally, the value of a Parking Benefit District should be considered. They reduce traffic congestion while increasing local sales tax revenue.
With parking difficulties identified in Denver Moves Cherry Creek as a major problem, Steel and New also suggest a centralized BID area for a paid valet service should be organized and tested. It would provide a convenient one-stop spot for customers and residents using cars to park and shop in Cherry Creek. They also believe the 2013 Development & Traffic Study be maintained on a timely basis to project future growth and needs accurately. Lastly, they urge a professional planner-traffic engineer be engaged by BID to update the study.
Clayton-Sears Site
District Data Duo: First ever data driven analysis of BID’s growth was created by longtime resident volunteers. They are from left, David Steel, former President of Western Development Group, and Wayne New, former Denver District 10 City Councilman.
The Clayton-Sears development — the other Cherry Creek west-end development about to begin construction — is also expected to impact 1st Ave. traffic.
The site will feature 126,000-sq.-ft. of new four-story buildings plus ground floor retail space. An 867,000-sq.-ft. eight-story apartment building with 25 residential condominiums is planned above the existing Clayton parking garage.
Vehicle trip counts and traffic flow for the Clayton-Sears development will also have impact on 1st Ave. traffic flow. The project, moreover, will impact traffic on 2nd Ave., Columbine Street, and Clayton Lane. Fortunately, a large percentage of the project is devoted to residential use which produces fewer vehicle trips than retail uses.
Intersection Gridlock
How busy is the University Blvd. and 1st Ave. intersection? The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) says it averages more than 50,000 vehicles every day. Moreover, DRCOG says the stretch of University Blvd. just south of 1st Ave. tallies more than 45,000 cars daily.
Overwhelmed by the traffic, commuters driving through the intersection contacted Denver7 Traffic Expert Jayson Luber in Sept. of 2023. The intersection traffic was “driving them crazy,” they told the reporter who has been with Denver7 since 2006 and reported traffic for KOA Radio prior to that.
The intersection supports cars traveling in multiple directions, Luber was told by the Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI). Cars going through the intersection are turning in multiple directions and must also provide time for people to safely cross on foot, all in about the span of two minutes. Moreover, they emphasized the two minutes is divvied up between all the different movements at the intersection. The morning light timing, the city told Luber, is designed to allow for more traffic to flow heading into downtown and prevent backups on University Blvd. and Speer Blvd. It is just the opposite in the afternoons, with more time allotted for eastbound traffic out of downtown.
Link Provided To View BID’s First Ever Data Driven Analysis
The Chronicle has provided a link to the full data driven analysis of BID’s actual growth and development since 2012. Titled “Reinvesting in the Future,” it is a progress Report and Analysis on Cherry Creek Growth, Development, Traffic, and Impacts on 1st Ave. View the study at: glendalecherrycreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cherry-Creek-Analy sis-1-8-24.pdf.
by Heather Brecl | Feb 19, 2024 | Main Articles
by Heather Brecl
Overdevelopment: Neighbors argue that Hale neighborhood is already stressed by overdevelopment and apartments and does not need more ADUs.
Back To The Future: Denver City Council eliminated Accessory Dwelling Units in 1954. They have raised their ugly head again as seen here at a home in Washington Park.
As the real estate market heats up this Spring, residents in Denver’s Hale neighborhood fear that new proposed rezoning laws regarding ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) will further accelerate unwelcome change in the neighborhood they love. And the concerns don’t stop with those residing in Hale — their neighbors in Mayfair, Hilltop, and Crestmoor Park see the impending loosening of regulations as the opening of floodgates for a myriad of problems that will devalue the historic neighborhoods that they hold near and dear to their hearts.
ADUs are a secondary structure or apartment that shares the lot with a larger primary home. They are built to provide additional and separate space for extended family members or to create income as a rental to offset mortgage costs. Often, they are apartments built above a garage, but can also include a finished basement used as separate living quarters. According to the City and County of Denver, Denver Zoning Code no longer has minimum lot size requirements for ADUs, though the size of the property does affect the size of a detached ADU and where on the property it can be.
Controversial District 5 Denver City Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, a former California resident and CU Boulder grad, (serving Cherry Creek, Country Club, Hale, Hilltop, Lowry, Montclair, Washington-Virginia Vale, and Mayfair) is sponsoring the ADU rezoning efforts. Sawyer is already in hot water with her District 5 constituents over so-called traffic calming measures at 7th and Williams, and other locations which are causing traffic accidents (see Chronicle October 2023 edition’s front page “7th and Williams Fiasco”), and even a recent fatality. Sawyer believes that making ADUs easier to build in Hale will answer some of the affordability challenges that Denver buyers face.
Proposed Rezoning: The areas highlighted in yellow and orange indicate lots subject to ADU redevelopment.
Members of the community in and around Hale see the addition of ADUs through a much different lens. According to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods, making ADUs a more accessible option for all homeowners in the area will destroy the character of their neighborhood and create irreparable damage in addition to the growing pains that are already facing. They fear that ADUs will be used as rentals to offset housing costs, creating a flood of trouble. With the slew of retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues that have been built in the Hale neighborhood near 8th and Colorado in the past few years, along with thousands of new residents that moved into the 9th+CO development, parking and congestion of traffic is already extremely formidable.
One Hale resident, who was granted anonymity to speak freely, has experienced first-hand the nightmare of having to find parking every night by her condo at 11th and Hale, even though she
In Hot Water Again: Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer has stirred controversy once again by pushing the development of ADUs in the Hale neighborhood. Residents of other neighborhoods fear this is just the beginning of pernicious overdevelopment.
owns her own spot. The resident’s designated parking space is rarely available for her own use — recently she parked three blocks away and was robbed at gunpoint returning home from her car. With the congestion and overdevelopment comes a new nine-acre development site with housing that is going in where the old VA Hospital is. Residents have pointed out that there are multiple empty lots where development has stalled, and they have witnessed growing numbers of homeless people.
Many residents believe that the rezoning in Hale isn’t even needed in the neighborhood as there are enough vacant rentals available already. Many feel that most residents probably can’t afford to get a permit for an ADU let alone build it, so there is no reason to change the existing law for the ones who can. They propose that the passing of the measure is simply intended to create a snowball effect for Mayfair and Hilltop next. Of the 16,401 occupied housing units in Hale, 56.81% are owner-occupied, while 43.19% have renters living in them. (Source: point2homes.com). Councilwoman Sawyer confirmed that of those homeowners who qualify to have an ADU on their property, statistically only 1.5% choose to do so. This leads residents to wonder why the money and resources were spent to pass such a measure which affects so few.
Long-time Denver Realtor Denice Reich of Re/Max and area resident voiced grave concerns that the historic integrity of these neighborhoods is in danger with the proposed rezoning that she believes will follow suit in Hilltop and Crestmoor Park once fully approved in Hale. She noted that while the lots in Hale may be too small to fit the guidelines and setbacks required to build an ADU, the larger lots in the neighboring areas are prime territory for ADUs. She fears that what happened in Capitol Hill to a once stately neighborhood with some historic homes being preserved and others scraped and replaced with unsightly multi-family units could happen elsewhere if the legislation continues down this path.
Reich shared that in her experience in residential real estate property, home values drop with the increase of rental units and an
Neighborhood Champion: Denice Reich, Re/Max realtor, is one of the many voices fighting the rezoning efforts of Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer.
increased transient population in the area. In addition, she cited her fear of increased traffic on 13th and 14th Avenues, decreased parking, increased population density, and clogging access for emergency services (especially fire). Furthermore, Reich proposes that there will be detrimental problems stemming from the construction of ADUs near property lines, especially because of the relaxed guidelines for setbacks such as loss of the tree canopy, more non-permeable land for water to flood off, and more noise and dust from construction.
While Councilwoman Sawyer’s Office stands by the results of their community survey in which 58% for expressed support the rezoning for ADUs, while neighbors argue that the number lacks transparency and that the actual sample of those wanting the zoning changes is too small to represent how the overall community truly feels. According to the numbers provided by the Councilwoman’s Office, only 382 responses (representing 4% of the population in Hale) were received and only 212 were considered valid with a margin of error of 6.5%.
It remains to be seen what the overall impact of rezoning will actually be. As the landscape and city continues to change at rapid pace with both the construction of new residential homes and unending commercial development, the conversation continues to escalate leaving all sides seeking long-term solutions that will provide affordable and dependable futures.
The Hale ADU rezoning was passed on January 17, 2024, in a meeting of the Denver Planning Board and then again on February 6, 2024, during the meeting of the LUTI (Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure) Committee. It will be the subject of a final public hearing with the full City Council scheduled for March 26, 2024. The rezoning will apply to over 1,500 properties.
The public can follow the legislative process and view documents submitted for City Council review at denver.legistar.com or denvergov.org.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Travel
Shamrocks & Shenanigans Set To Color Denver Green; Then Bunny Kisses & Easter Wishes Make Us Good Eggs
by Glen Richardson
May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, the Mile High City is again Shamrockin’ & Rollin’ to Dublin Day in Denver.
Always celebrated with enthusiasm, with a bit of Irish blarney and a touch of magic too, St. Patrick’s Day begins at 9:30 a.m. on March 16 with the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River and one of the largest in the U.S.
With an Irish kiss, plus a snog o’ bliss, this month is egg-stra special with Easter falling on March 31. Hallelujah! Denver ends the month bringing baskets full of spring things to do ranging from egg hunt extravaganzas and bunny bolts to scrumptious spring feasting.
Mile High March: The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River steps off at 9:30 a.m. on March 16.
Magic Irish March
The parade will start on Wynkoop St. at 19th Ave., turn southeast down 17th Ave. before turning northeast on Blake St. — renamed Tooley St. for St. Paddy’s Day — then continue on Blake St. until 27th Ave. For a good viewing spot, people begin arriving at 6 a.m.
As in previous years, the parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators. It will feature 10,000 plus participants, including Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and elaborate floats.
The Mile High version is renowned, drawing nearly half a million people downtown on parade day. The St. Paddy’s Day crowd is believed to be Colorado’s largest single gathering in one place.
Pub Grub
Cherry Cricket Ballpark. Both the Cherry Creek and Blake St. locations offer deals in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, but the downtown space offers close access to the parade. Enjoy beer specials all weekend — including green Coors pours — plus Irish dishes such as Irish beef stew. Information: 303-297-3644.
The Irish Rover. This S. Broadway pub with a long lineup of Celtic brews, plus outdoor and rooftop seating, is the perfect St. Paddy’s Day spot. Try the Corned Beef Reuben & Fries, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash. There’s a Tent party on the 17th, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 303-282-4643.
Corned Beef & Cabbage: Slice of Irish- American culture is no longer served in Denver except at Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s. Enjoy for lunch and dinner on Monday March 18.
Monaco Inn Restaurant. Corned Beef & Cabbage originated as part of Irish-American culture, but is no longer served in Denver. A dozen years ago this South Monaco Parkway restaurant started serving the dish as the Saint Patrick’s Day special. Restaurant is closed on Sunday, but is serving on Monday, March 18, for lunch and dinner. Information: 303-320-1104.
Scruffy Murphy’s. Rustic knickknack- filled Irish bar and beer garden on Larimer St. serves up suds, Scotch & snacks, plus live music. Kitchen serves a few Irish mainstays like Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. Information: 303-291-6992.
Easter Ends March
Worship Services
Easter Sunrise Service: Easter begins early with the Colorado Council of Churches’ 77th Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater at 5:30 a.m. on March 31. Gates open for services in a dramatic and spectacular setting at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship service music begins at 5:30 a.m., with services starting at 6 a.m.
Free and open to the public, seating and parking are on a first-come basis. Reserved parking-seating is sold out. The event is not collecting food donations this year.
Stunning Sunrise: The 77th Easer Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater is March 31, 5:30 a.m. Gates open at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship music begins at 5:30 a.m.
The Blood Brothers — a six-piece band that plays rock, folk, country, blues, and worship music — will entertain. Additional details were not available as the Chronicle went to press. Information: 303-825-4910.
Cathedral Basilica: 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., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-831-7010.
Saint John’s Cathedral: Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado at 1350 N. Washington St. Easter Services are at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., & 11 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children following the 9 a.m. services on the East Lawn. Information: 303-831-1350.
Egg Hunts
Celtic Charm: This rare variation of the three-leaf clover, according to Irish tradition represents luck, love, faith, and hope.
Infinity Park: Get the kids excited about Easter early by taking them to the Glendale Easter Eggstravaganza at Infinity Park’s Turf Field on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. There are three age group hunts: Ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7 to 12. Only one parent is allowed in egg hunts for children under the age of seven. No parents are allowed with children age 7+. Parking is in P1, located on the northeast corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Park: One of the Valley’s biggest and far from conventional Easter Egg Hunts is at the 12-acre Four Mile Historic Park March 30, with events at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The event includes a search for golden eggs, each concealing special prizes.
This year the park has crafted three distinct egg scrambles catering to kids of all ages. The youngest — aged four and under — can partake in a hunt in the kiddie corral. Meanwhile, older kids — aged five-nine and up — can engage in two separate hunts.
Post-hunt includes photos with the Easter bunny, and spring-themed crafts. A kid-friendly concert by Animal Farm features Inspector Magic. There’s also a Victorian Egg Rolling contest plus Magical Egg Chairs. Delectable snacks are available from food trucks, plus shopping at the Spring Marketplace. For adults, the Four Mile Bar features mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and a fully stocked bar. Information: 720-865-0800.
Egg-citing Eating
Egg-citing Egg Hunt: Four Mile Historic Park hosts one of the Valley’s biggest Easter Egg Hunts on March 30, at 8:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.
Edge Restaurant: Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown for their annual Easter brunch. A raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station are usually offered. Information: 303-389-3050.
Ellyngton’s: Celebrate the holiday with breakfast and Easter brunch in the restaurant’s regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel. Choices usually include waffles, pastries, omelets, salads, sushi, grilled meats, other choices. Information: 303-297-3111.
Fire Restaurant: Experience brunch at the indoor-outdoor Easter setting in the ART Hotel on Broadway. 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. Information: 720-772-5022.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Presenting annual Easter special from noon to 8 p.m. Restaurant is serving 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 for dessert. Information: 303-320-1104.
