by Valley Gadfly | Mar 28, 2025 | Glendale City News
Join The Good Eggs For Easter Services April 20 Amidst Bunnies, Bonnets, And Baskets
by Glen Richardson
Red Rocks Sunrise: Gates at Red Rocks Amphitheatre open at 4:45 a.m. on Easter morning. Services are timed so that those attending will see the sunrise.
Easter takes place on a Sunday each year following the Lenten season. This year Easter isn’t until April 20, nevertheless now is the time to plan for worship services, holiday dining, and spring celebrations.
From scattered stately cathedrals to small churches tucked in neighborhoods, the sound of gospel music will again spill into the streets. Some dress to the nines, while other families enjoy a leisurely drive after church.
To many, Easter signifies the beginning of spring and the start of warmer weather. Over the years, Easter services have been packed in all corners of the city. Whethe
All Together Now: Easter services at the Greek Orthodox Assumption of Theotokos in Glendale and Protestant churches are the same date in 2025.
r you’re looking for a place to worship, brunch options, or family getaways, here are Easter events and specials that are just a hop, skip, and a jump away:
Church Turnout Soars
More than half of Denver’s Protestant pastors say Easter is their best-attended service of the year, and that figure grows to 90% if you included the pastors who say it’s their second- or third-best attended.
Normally Greek Orthodox Easter falls on a different day than Protestant Easter Sunday. They do coincide every four years, and Easter 2025 is one of those years. Services at the Assumption of Theotokos located on E. Alameda Ave. in Glendale will be at 8 and 9:30 a.m.
As for the number of the Mile High City’s religious followers, the latest data was in 2020. The population of Denver County in 2020 was 715,522. The number of Denver Christian believers-followers in 2020 totaled 306,191, or 42.8% of the total population.
Easter Sunrise Services
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
On April 20, gates at Red Rocks will o
Tasty Consumption: Keeping up with the Joneses this Easter is as easy as doing brunch at Local Jones in Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel.
pen at 4:45 a.m. Musical worship begins at 5:30 a.m. and the worship service starts a half-hour later at 6 a.m.
It is, of course, an outdoor service so be sure to dress warmly. Monitor weather broadcasts for possible cancellations.
Admittance and parking are free and available on a first-come basis. Canned goods donations will not be collected this year. The early morning start is timed so that those attending will see the sun rise during the service.
Masonic Denver Consistory
The Knights Templar’s Assn. of Colorado is hosting its 100th Easter Sunrise Service in the Masonic Denver Consistory (1370 Grant St.) from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pre-worship music will start at approximately 6 a.m.
Worship service will begin a half-hour later at 6:30 a.m. and will last until approximately 7:45 a.m. Plan to arrive no later than 6 a.m. to provide time to park and get seated in the 500-seat auditorium.
Hoppy Easter: Sending you Easter wishes, and a basket full of joy: Ears to a great Easter.
Parking in the Denver Consistory parking garage is free (other than the 1st floor). The garage is right next to the Consistory Building, and will be opening at 4:45 a.m. Following service, you are invited to enjoy a hot breakfast in the Consistory’s dining room. Tickets are recommended, and can be purchased online.
Area Easter Services
Assumption of the Theotokos
4550 E. Alameda Ave.
Orthos 8 a.m., Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
303-388-9314
Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 E. Alameda Ave.
Services, 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m.
303-388-4678
Thrill Of The Hunt: Easter Egg Hunts are at Infinity Park in Glendale on April 12, followed a week later on April 19 at Four Mile Historic Park.
Catholic Basilica of the
Immaculate Conception
1530 Logan St.
Easter Sunday Masses:
8:30 & 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., & 6:30 p. m.
Archbishop Chaput celebrates mass
303-831-7010
The Pearl Church
200 S. University Blvd.
Services 9:15 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Egg Hunt 11:15 a.m. & 2:15 p.m.
303-744-7213
St. John’s Cathedral
1350 N. Washington St.
Services 7:30, 9, & 11 a.m.
Egg Hunt After 9 a.m. service
303-831-7115
Trinity United Methodist Church,
1820 Broadway
Breakfast, 7 to 11 a.m.;
Services 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m.
303-829-1403
University Park United Methodist Church
2180 S. University Blvd.
Easter Sunrise Services 6:30 a.m.
Pancake Breakfast 7 to 10:30 a.m.
Easter Service 9 & 11 a.m.
303-722-5736
Wellshire Presbyterian Church
2999 S. Colorado Blvd.
Service with band in Chapel 8 a.m.;
9:30 & 11 a.m.
Service with orchestra
in the Sanctuary 9:30 & 11 a.m.
303-758-2233
Easter Egg Hunts
Follow the bunny trail to the two major Easter Egg Hunts taking place this year. One is on the turf field at Infinity Park in Glendale on April 12. The other, a week later, ends the holiday at Four Mile Historic Park. Both promise to be thrilling adventures in which you and your little ones can participate.
Infinity Park
Sponsored by the YMCA of Denver, the Infinity Park hunt is set to begin at 10 a.m. for kids from 0 to 12 years of age. Event is on the Turf Field located at 4599 E. Tennessee Ave. in Glendale. Parking is at the NE corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Park
One of the largest and most egg-citing hunts, the Four Mile Park’s April 19 hunt will have more than 20,000 eggs ready to be discovered. Kids try to find the “golden eggs,” filled with special prizes throughout the 12-acre park. Hunts are at 8:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.
This year features three egg scrambles for kids of all ages. Little ones — age 3 and under — search the “kiddie corral.” Those in the age bracket 4 to 7, along with ages 8-plus take part in their own egg hunts.
Following the hunts, there’s more activities for kids and their family. Options includes tractor hayrides, photos with the Easter Bunny, plus spring-themed crafts. Kids can test their skills in the “Victorian Egg Rolling” contests plus Croquet. Meanwhile adults attending can sip on mimosas or Bloody Marys at the Four Mile Bar. There are food trucks plus the Spring Marketplace for snacks. Information: 729-865-0800.
Easter Brunch
Edge Restaurant
Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown April 20, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring a raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station. Information: 303-389-3050.
Fire Restaurant
Experience brunch in one of the most desirable indoor-outdoor Easter settings at the ART Hotel on Broadway, expected to again be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bunny Menu for the kids. Information: 720-709-4431.
Local Jones
Do brunch at this classic bistro in Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel. Featuring cinnamon rolls, roasted lamb shank, and more. Information: 720-772-5022.
by Mark Smiley | Feb 19, 2025 | Travel
In Just Two Years: Five New Dining Outlets, An Enhanced Grand Lodge, And Mountain View Event Space Redefine The Resort
by Mark Smiley
Old Hickory Steakhouse Bar
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center has completed Phase Two of its multi-year enhancement plan with the debut of Garden + Grain, Copper Table, and the reimagined Old Hickory Steakhouse Bar in November 2024. These new dining outlets represent the final elements of a transformative investment that has redefined the culinary and guest experience for Colorado’s largest combined resort and convention center.
Garden + Grain, a first-of-its-kind concept within the Gaylord Hotels brand, delivers a whole-food-forward dining experience rooted in top-quality, organic ingredients and sustainable practices. Avoiding fryers and refined foods, the restaurant emphasizes nutrient preservation and bold natural flavors.
The menu features fresh grain bowls, stone-fired pizzas with seasonal toppings, and vibrant salads — crafted without seed oils, refined sugars, or processed elements. Sustainability is central to Garden + Grain’s mission, reflected in its commitment to sourcing the finest fish, lamb, produce and other ingredients from trusted suppliers who prioritize humane treatment and sustainable agriculture. The restaurant further supports sustainability through initiatives such as composting food waste, harvesting honey from on-property hives and sourcing from local farms like Superior Farms and Hazel Dell Mushrooms to minimize its carbon footprint. Guests are welcomed into a greenhouse-inspired space with a stone-clad bar, an exhibition kitchen, custom murals, and a signature stone-fired pizza oven.
Paying homage to Colorado’s rich history, Copper Table delivers a con
Garden + Grain Entrance
temporary twist on classic Western dishes. The menu delivers signature dishes such as bison meatloaf and burger, rotisserie duck, and Superior Farms lamb, complemented by artisanal cocktails and craft beers from local breweries including Telluride Brewing Company, Dry Dock Brewing Company, and Prost Brewing Company. The restaurant’s design showcases a striking bar at the entrance, leading to a conservatory-inspired dining room illuminated by a grand skylight. At the rear, an open exposition kitchen with its cornerstone copper hood serves as a tribute to the restaurant’s namesake. Throughout the space, warm wood, and copper accents, along with locally sourced art and furniture, echo the themes of Colorado’s agricultural roots.
The newly reimagined Old Hickory Steakhouse, Gaylord Rockies’ flagship upscale dining destination, blends opulence with regional character. The refreshed space includes a wrap-around bar, intimate seating areas, a striking fireplace, bold belt-buckle inspired lighting, and a stunning mural made from dyed bison hides.
Staying true to its roots, Old Hickory continues to serve expertly prepared premium steaks, with an expanded menu that highlights prime-grade beef from Greater Omaha and domestic Wagyu, dry-aged in-house and carved tableside for an unforgettable presentation. The menu also fe
Copper Table Bar
atures elevated takes on nostalgic classics, including truffle creamed spinach and the Mile High Roller Baked Potato, topped with luxurious caviar, truffles, Nueske’s bacon, mornay sauce, and crème fraîche. Old Hickory Steakhouse takes pride in crafting its own salts, alongside a carefully curated selection of cocktails, premium wines, and cheese boards featuring both domestic and imported varieties.
The opening of these new dining concepts has added over 60 jobs to the local community, supporting a diverse range of culinary and hospitality talent.
“Each new concept was designed with intention — from the ingredient-driven menu at Garden + Grain to the refined Western flavors at Copper Table and the reimagined elegance of Old Hickory Steakhouse,” said Suzy Hart, General Manager of Gaylord Rockies Resort. “This marks a defining moment in our resort’s evolution, elevating the guest experience while setting a new standard for hospitality in the region.”
Phase One investments at the resort were completed in April 2023, featuring a redesign of the outdoor lawn spaces and the addition of dining terraces for Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass Sports Bar. Phase Two enhancements began in June 2023 and progressed through 2024, with highlights including the successful openings of Embers Lodge Bar, The Fortunate Prospector, and the event space Mountain View Pavilion in mid-2024. The phase culminated at the end of the year with the debut of Copper Table, Garden + Grain, and the redesigned Old Hickory Steakhouse.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort is located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard. For more information about the resort or to make a reservation, visit www.gaylordrockies.com.
by Editorial Board | Feb 19, 2025 | Editorials
Editorial —
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
This Editorial Board has scant opportunity to support or praise Denver Mayor Mike Johnston since his swearing in as Denver’s 46th mayor on July 23, 2023, other than to say at least he is not Michael Hancock. This difficulty is in large part due to Mayor Johnston spending all of his time his first 19 months in office on the homeless and the “newcomers” and little else.
That leaves the needs of 99% of Denver’s residents unattended to. A mere walk downtown demonstrates a city badly in decay. Mayor Johnston is a self-described “progressive” and like many other big city progressive mayors, like Karen Bass of Los Angeles and Brandon Johnson of Chicago, he is pretty good at theoretical constructs but lousy at governing.
That is why this Board and most of the city was in shock when he announced that the City and County had swapped 144 acres of industrially-zoned land for the 155-acre former Park Hill Golf Course which will now be a regional park to open this summer.
The swap took some doing. Denver took $12.7 million from a voter approved park fund and acquired from the Denver International Airport 144 acres of industrial zoned land located in Adams County. It then swapped it for the 155-acre old Park Hill Golf Course property located by Colorado Boulevard in the Northeast Park Hill neighborhood. The transaction still needs to be approved by Adams County but that is not expected to be a problem.
On the surface this looks like a bad deal for Westside Investment who paid $24 million for the property from the Early Learning Center and is now receiving property worth half that much from Denver.
But don’t worry. The driving force behind the swap was not Mayor Johnston and Denver but Westside Investments who will, behind the scenes, be making out like a bandit as developers usually do.
But we don’t care. Johnston got the deal done for the benefit of all of Denver, and particularly the residents of Park Hill. All his predecessor ever did was destroy every piece of open space he could hand over to developers.
Now what to call the new park? If there has ever been a “Peoples Park” it is this one. The people of Denver fought against their own government and a favored developer hell bent on turning green land into a pavement covered development.
At the front of the park there should be a very impressive statue of Wellington Webb flanked by Penfield Tate and Woody Garnsey. No one in Denver should ever forget what they accomplished for the people of the City and County of Denver.
— Editorial Board
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2025 | Glendale City News
by Mark Smiley
Wide Variety: Lucchesse has a wide variety of boots, jeans, hats, and other items in store.
The National Western Stock Show ran through January 26, 2025. It attracted thousands of visitors from across the U.S. and around the world, many of which were boot wearing enthusiasts. One bootmaker to consider when in the market for a new pair of boots is Lucchese.
Lucchese boots, founded in 1883, is a well-known brand of high-quality, handcrafted cowboy boots. Lucchese, which was founded in Texas, has built a reputation for producing durable, stylish, and comfortable boots made from premium materials such as leather and exotic skins.
Many of those boots are made in the United States while some are made overseas to compete in this competitive market. The boots are known for their attention to detail with many options available in store or online from traditional to modern styles.
Lucchese is also the official cowboy boot of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders as well as the preferred boot of such celebrities as Chris Stapleton, who has his own Lucchese collection, and former stars such as Johnny Cash and John Wayne.
Italian immigrants Salvatore and Joseph Lucchese first began making cowboy boots in Fort Sam Houston, a United States Cavalry School in San Antonio. Today, Lucchese has locations in Texas, Montana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Colorado. From start to finish, every pair of Lucchese’s boots are made by hand. The pair of Tanner boots we reviewed were handmade in Texas.
The Tanner is a roper style boot handcrafted from weathered Mad Dog goat leather. The materials used for Lucchese boots include the aforementioned goat leather, suede, ostrich, and more, all having unique fit, comfort, and style. Lucchese also uses a Goodyear welt construction, which contributes to making waterproof boots. These Tanner roper style boots are one of the most comfortable pair of boots we have ever reviewed. They were soft and comfortable right out of the box and walking out of the store.
Convenient Location: Lucchesse in Denver is located at 1883 16th Street.
This brand has a loyal following and with one store conveniently located in Denver, there is no reason not to stop to see the collection. One customer of Lucchese on Yelp declared: “The staff are knowledgeable (who knew my Lucchese boot size is much different from my “regular” shoe size), super friendly, not pushy, and just all-around good people.”
The meticulous crafting of each pair of boots is how Lucchese strives for perfection because they believe perfection can only come from paying attention to the finer details. The Tanner boot is one that can certainly be worn outdoors with a nice pair of jeans but they also dress up nicely and can be worn with a suit for a stylish look. They come in four colors: black, chocolate, peanut brittle, and tan.
If you would like to own a pair of classic boots that have been around for over 140 years and will last a lifetime, Lucchese is a stellar pick. They are comfortable, waterproof, and look sharp when wearing around town. As an added bonus, they have an optional add-on if purchased in Colorado. They can have a material on the bottom to help prevent sliding on the icy sidewalks.
Lucchese in Denver is located at 1883 16th Street. The address coincides with the year the company was founded. Other locations in Colorado include Steamboat Springs and Telluride. Visit www.lucchese.com for more information.
by Jessica Hughes | Jan 16, 2025 | Travel
by Jessica Hughes
The exterior design of the Populus Hotel is meant to resemble the iconic Colorado aspen tree. Photo by Jason O’Rear
A new hotel has been planted near Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. The Populus Hotel, the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel, opened its doors to the public on October 14 — almost three years after breaking ground in April 2022.
Developed by local real estate developer, Urban Villages, and designed by AD100 architecture firm, Studio Gang, the 265-room, 13-story hotel is turning heads with its distinct design and sustainability efforts. Meant to resemble Colorado’s iconic aspen tree, the hotel’s stark, white-washed exterior, dotted with windows in 20 different shaped “aspen eyes” is the backdrop to the Mile High City’s most cutting-edge hotel.
Focusing on bringing nature back into the city, the entire hotel replicates a natural living organism, the aspen tree. From the “forest floor” lobby to its open-air rooftop bar, the entire experience is meant to make you feel a part of nature in the middle of downtown.
While the Aspen-eye-shaped windows are the hotel’s most distinct design element, the hotel’s interior design also seamlessly captures nature’s elements while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through carefully selected sustainable materials. The lobby showcases this approach with its ceiling featuring repurposed wood snow fencing from Wyoming. Guest rooms reflect the same eco-conscious philosophy, incorporating carpeting made from recycled biodegradable materials and headboards constructed from naturally fallen beetle-kill pine trees.
Modern and efficient guest rooms with aspen-eye windows stand out with picture-perfect views of downtown. Photo by Steve Hall
“This is a design concept that focuses on bringing nature back into the city,” says George Prine, the General Manager of the Populus. “Being in Colorado, it feels natural to have a hotel that highlights the beautiful nature around us, making nature all a part of the experience.”
Two restaurant concepts anchor the 265 rooms, with Pasque restaurant on the ground floor, and the rooftop restaurant and terrace, Stellar Jay, where the views of the state capitol building, the Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Public Library take center stage. But the views don’t stop there. Guests will enjoy picture-perfect views through the aspen-eye windows, framing downtown Denver’s iconic buildings and distant mountains.
Accommodations span from the Grove and Aspen rooms to the premium Pando Suite, which crowns the top floor.
But the hotel’s design isn’t the only thing that has garnered all the attention. As the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel, the Populus has also ushered in a new standard in the hospitality industry of what it means to be environmentally sustainable.
Populus reduced its operational carbon footprint through a combination of sustainable design and construction techniques, including the use of low-carbon concrete, an insulated façade system, and GFRC rain screen. And to reduce its carbon footprint even more, Populus is Colorado’s only hotel without a parking lot. But to be carbon-positive, not just carbon-neutral or net-zero, the Populus goes beyond cutting carbon emissions, it is committed to putting more “positive” effects back into the environment.
Stellar Jay rooftop terrace invites guests to take in the views and a crafty cocktail. Photo by Yoshihiro Makino
The Populus worked with the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies to further offset its carbon footprint by planting over 70,000 trees (172+ acres) in Gunnison County. In fact, at the heart of the hotel’s efforts to be the first “carbon positive” hotel in the U.S., the Populus will offer its One Night, One Tree program — planting a tree for every night’s stay. In partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), Populus will plant one tree for every night’s stay.
The hotel’s two unique dining concepts are also making headlines with their goal to turn 100% food waste into compost to be shared with local farmers. Pasque, an all-day dining destination on the hotel’s lobby floor, and Stellar Jay, the lively rooftop restaurant and bar, are setting a new standard of food from table to farm, establishing a circular solution for food waste.
To achieve this, Populus will be the first hotel in downtown Denver to use unique “Food Cycling’’ technology from BioGreen 360. Using this technology, the hotel aims to divert 100% of its food waste away from landfills and turn it into all-natural compost that it will give back to local farmers in Colorado.
“The opening of Populus marks an incredibly significant milestone and represents a new model of environmentally conscious hospitality that will forever change the guest experience for mindful travelers, while adding vibrancy to the city of Denver,” said Jon Buerge, President of Urban Villages. “We are excited to watch Populus come to life as the center of a thriving community, becoming everything from the new neighborhood hotspot to a must-visit hotel destination, all while inspiring the industry to rethink how hotels can prioritize the health of the planet in a positive, engaging, and meaningful way.”
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 16, 2025 | General Featured
City’s 2025 Working Budget To Increase By Only 0.6%; An Added 1.1% Drop In Home Prices Is Predicted By Mid-2025
by Glen Richardson
Conventions Rebound: The Colorado Convention Center is rebounding from the tailspin caused by homelessness and crime downtown. More than a half-dozen conventions with 10,000 or more attendees are booked for 2025.
Aside from home prices, Denver’s Outlook for 2025 remains strong. Nevertheless, in the aftermath of the millions spent last year on the immigrant influx, the city is cutting its full-time staff by 200 people.
The Mile High City’s 2025 operating budget is set at $4.4 billion. Quietly and unanimously approved by the Denver City Council, it is just 0.6% more than the $1.75 billion spent in 2024.
This is the first time in a decade — other than the pandemic — that the city is reducing full-time employees. The city will lower staff by not filling vacant positions, rather than through layoffs or furloughs. The cutback is expected to create $30 million in savings.
Tourism Rebound
The Mile High City’s conventions and tourism that was put in a tailspin by homelessness and crime downtown, is expected to make a significant rebound in 2025. Already more than a half-dozen conventions with 10,000 or more attendees have been booked in Denver.
The National Corn Growers Assn. is bringing 11,000 to Denver March 2-4. They will be followed by 11,000 or more for the American Water Works in June. Then in September and October three conventions with 15,000 to 17,000 attendees are booked: The Congress & Expos National Safety Council, Sept. 15-17; the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sept. 25-30; and the Assn. of Chiefs of Police, Oct. 18-21.
Denver Trade Show: The 2025 Dot Foods Innovations show will be held at the Colorado Convention Center from April 15-17, 2025.
“In 2025, we are literally up about 15% over 2019 — the year that saw record travel spending of $24.2 billion and attendance of 813,662,” — according to Richard Scharf, CEO of Visit Denver, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau. The city’s 2025 Destination Plan includes initiatives to expand convention infrastructure, attract more events, create new attractions, and improve connectivity. Moreover, Denver was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s list of Best Places to Go in North America and the Caribbean in 2025.
GDP Outpaces U.S.
A study by Coworking Café ranks Denver 13th among the best large cities for economic growth. The Mile High City recorded some of the largest rises in earnings, housing units, education attainment, and employment rates.
Metro Denver’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is estimated to have increased by 2.9% during Q3 of 2024. GDP represents the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a market — in this case Denver.
Over the past four quarters, metro Denver’s GDP growth has outpaced that of the U.S., averaging 3.0% versus a national average of 2.7%.
Urban Upgrade
Little Gem: Near the Convention Center, the Magnolia is the only Denver hotel to make Meeting & Convention Magazine’s “Best Hotels.”
A study from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition recently found that Denver is the second-most gentrified city — change due to influx of affluent residents & investments — in the entire country.
With LoDo (Lower Downtown) and LoHi (Lower Highlands) already hot spots, a new wave of neighborhoods is poised for explosive growth in 2025, Mile High observers are predicting.
Neighborhoods experiencing new residents and money are North Park Hill, West Colfax, plus West Barnum. Southwest of downtown, with a suburban feel, Barnum’s northern boundary is the Sixth Ave. Freeway, the eastern boundary is Federal Blvd., Alameda Ave. to the south, with Perry St. on the west.
Still Seller’s Market
While the housing market improved for buyers during 2024, it remains tight enough that real estate authorities indicate that 2025 is likely to remain a seller’s market in most sections of Denver.
By October of 2024, Mile High home prices were up 3.1% from a year earlier, selling for a median price of $593,000. On average, homes city-wide were selling after 34 days on the market, compared to just 19 days in 2023.
Interest rates will be pivotal to Denver’s 2025 real estate outlook. Short-term rates are anticipated to decline, but the steadiness of long-term rates remain uncertain. In October, government-sponsored Fannie Mae predicted that the 30-year mortgage rate would be 6% by the end of 2024, dropping to 5.60% by Q5 of 2025.
Crime Challenge
Highrise Haven: Skyscrapers seem like they pop-up overnight in the Mile High City. Denver is the second most gentrified in the nation.
Crime remains one of Denver’s biggest challenges. Denver’s violent crime rate through mid-Nov. 2024 was 7.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, a decrease compared to the last two years.
Violent gun crime is down 14.5%, and nonfatal shootings are down nearly 20%. Nonetheless, Denver still has a higher-than- average crime rate, and ranks high among cities with the highest homicide rate per capita.
The violent crime rate in Denver is more than double the national median. Similarly, the chance of experiencing a property crime in Denver is 1 in 16, far exceeding Colorado’s average of 1 in 32 or the national median.
Hotels Stay Soft
Hotel occupancy downtown, however, is anticipating gains of just 1.5% in 2025. That pace will put revenue per available room (RevPAR growth) at about 3.0% in 2025. Sluggish occupancy gains are despite the renovated convention center and airport development.
Downtown has about 13,000 hotel rooms near the Colorado Convention Center, plus more than 51,000 rooms the city classifies as “first-class.” Newer hotels such as the Populus at Civic Center Park have rece
Crude Conversion: Converting the Petroleum Bldg. and other downtown structures is slow due to construction costs and interest rates.
ived extensive publicity.
Nevertheless, only one hotel in the Mile High City — the Magnolia Hotel — made Meetings & Conventions Magazine’s Best Hotels, far less than other major U.S. convention cities.
Even so, the Magnolia was only given a Silver Ranking, behind the JW Marriott, Houston.
Downtown Dilemma
With office buildings the last gasp of another era, as 2025 begins downtown Denver has to resolve what it wants to become, and quickly. Office space is glutted, and several buildings are in default. In the third quarter of 2024, office vacancy hit 30.6%, the first time it’s been above 30% since 2000.
Even more disturbing and worrisome, downtown restaurants and retailers are increasingly struggling. That’s huge because those are jobs about to be lost. Doubly distressing, it also impacts people’s perception of downtown when the streets are not active and busy. Furthermore, it cuts into Denver’s sales tax revenue.
Moody’s is predicting that office real estate value downtown will get messier in the year ahead. Values, they say, will likely continue plunging through 2025. The free-fall: A humungous 26% decline!
