by Charles Bonniwell | May 19, 2026 | Main Articles
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Investigation: CBS News Colorado investigative reporter Brian Maass examined CDOT’s proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project along Colorado Boulevard in a May 11 segment highlighting concerns over lane reductions, increased congestion, and the potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
CBS News Colorado’s veteran investigative reporter Brian Maass led off the 10 o’clock news program on May 11 with a deep dive into the CDOT/RTD plans for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along a seven-mile stretch of Colorado Boulevard from I-70 to Hampden Boulevard.
He first interviewed Glendale City Manager Chuck Line, whose town’s main commercial tax base is along the relevant portion of Colorado Boulevard from Alameda Avenue to Mississippi Avenue and includes such leading sales tax generators as Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Home Depot.
The Glendale City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to oppose BRT along Colorado Boulevard, rejecting all three of the so-called preferred alternatives along the road. Since Colorado Boulevard is a federal highway, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) apparently has the final say in consultation with the Federal Transit Administration, which oversees the federal environmental review process and provides potential funding avenues.
Star: Glendale City Manager, Chuck Line, was featured as the lead interviewee in CBS Colorado reporter Brian Maass’s segment covering CDOT’s proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project along Colorado Boulevard.
The Denver City Council has not, to date, taken a formal position on the project, but Amanda Sawyer, councilwoman for Denver District 5, which covers much of the Denver portion of the roadway, has expressed strong scepticism about the project, saying CDOT had failed to provide any data showing the “need for” the extremely expensive ($250 million) undertaking.
BRT Process
CDOT has undertaken, at enormous expense (three-quarters of a billion dollars), to turn three heavily traveled federal thoroughfares in Denver, Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, and Colorado Boulevard, into BRT routes. The only specific reasons given are apparently to increase RTD bus
ridership at the expense of people riding in automobiles and a claim that it will increase public safety.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) was formed in 1969 to act as the primary public transportation agency (initially buses) for Denver, Boulder, and parts of Weld County. It now covers eight counties, has a service area of 2,342 miles, and serves 3.08 million people. Its network encompasses 126 bus routes, six light rail lines, and four commuter train lines. RTD is run by a board of 15 elected representatives from 15 separate districts. From the start 57 years ago, RTD has struggled with the fact that revenue from ridership covers only 5% of the cost of service. To stay afloat, the operation is subsidized by a 1% sales and use tax imposed on the service area. Even with that additional funding source, RTD is chronically short of cash.
Bus Ridership Down
RTD’s ridership has been decreasing ever since the COVID pandemic in 2019-2020 and, even today, remains 39% below pre-pandemic levels. The RTD Board is looking to cut its bus routes by 20% to reduce expenses due to the lack of ridership in affected areas.
The fact that CDOT wants to spend three-quarters of a billion dollars on BRTs on three roads for a relatively small increase in bus ridership seems incomprehensible to critics of CDOT and RTD.
CDOT has estimated, for example, that after full implementation, Colorado Boulevard BRT bus ridership will increase by only 3,000 to 4,000 daily riders while causing the 70,000 cars (which often have multiple occupants) to double travel time from approximately 30 minutes to one hour for the seven-mile stretch.
Environmental Concerns
Traffic: Daily gridlock on Colorado Boulevard illustrates the corridor’s already severe congestion challenges. Critics of CDOT’s proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, slated for construction around 2030, warn that eliminating two vehicle lanes could worsen traffic backups, increase idling times, and lead to higher vehicle emissions and air pollution along one of Denver’s busiest corridors.
Glendale’s deputy city manager has estimated that the exhaust fumes from the traffic congestion created by the BRT on Colorado Boulevard would be highly detrimental to the environment. He estimated that the BRT project would result in an extra 1,423,500 gallons of gasoline being used by car travelers on the congested road, producing 27,375,000 pounds of CO2 emissions and costing car travelers an aggregate of $3,285,000 to $8,760,000 annually.
Colfax Avenue BRT’s Many Problems
CDOT began construction on its first BRT project on a four-mile portion of East Colfax Avenue well over a year ago but still needs another year and a half for completion. The construction of the infrastructure for the BRT on Colfax Avenue has been a disaster for many businesses along the roadway, with no relief in sight.
If construction of the Colorado Boulevard BRT created similar problems to those on East Colfax, the sales tax losses would be catastrophic for the financial health of the City of Glendale.
Real Reason For The BRTs
With the enormous cost of a BRT and the many negative impacts once implementation occurs, it seems to many observers that the relatively small increase in RTD ridership is hardly worth it. Glendale’s Chuck Line, however, indicates that the key to understanding why CDOT is so aggressively pushing the BRTs is that the enormous auto congestion it would cause on the three roads is not a burden but the principal benefit for the political players involved.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Johnston and their administrations are profoundly anti-automobile. They want to get citizens out of cars and into far more egalitarian public transportation. To create a so-called “15-minute walkable city,” they want Denver to become, a large segment of the population must be convinced to abandon or be forced out of their automobiles.
The three BRT roadways are just part of a broad-ranging vision and plan to make Denver as automobile-free as humanly possible. The political powers, however, do not believe that, at this point, they can trust the public to concur with such an extreme plan, so the public reasons for the BRTs must be expressed in terms of road safety and increases in bus ridership.
Public Meeting
Packed House: The Colorado Department of Transportation hosted its second open house for the Colorado Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project on Wednesday, May 13, to share project information, respond to questions and obtain feedback on potential options for improvements along the corridor. Photo by Miranda Tillinghast
Input: Community members review maps, share feedback, and engage with CDOT staff during the open house on the proposed Colorado Boulevard BRT project at the Clayton Early Learning Center on May 13. Photo by Miranda Tillinghast
On the evening of May 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., CDOT held its second and final open house to purportedly gather community feedback on the only three potential design options that CDOT is willing to consider: center bus lanes, side bus lanes, and mixed-use bus lanes. Center bus lanes have an estimated cost of $350 million, while the latter two are estimated at $250 million each.
Having completed the public input portion of the process, CDOT will now determine what it calls the “Locally Preferred Alternative” (LPA). There are no criteria or guidelines explaining how CDOT will determine the LPA. CDOT, after the public relations disaster caused by construction work on the center bus lanes on Colfax Avenue, has indicated that it has no interest in the center bus lane option, asserting moreover that it does not have the extra $100 million required for that alternative.
Thus, CDOT is only considering whether the LPA should be the side bus lanes or the mixed-use bus lanes. Ostensibly, the side bus lanes would involve two dedicated bus lanes, thereby decreasing the number of lanes for cars from six to four and increasing automobile congestion. The mixed-use alternative would continue the present arrangement of buses sharing lanes with automobiles.
But Glendale officials point out that both alternatives would cost the exact same amount, which would go toward condemning land for rights-of-way along the roadway and building elevated bus stations along the route where none currently exist. CDOT has provided no explanation for why Colorado Boulevard suddenly needs multi-million-dollar bus stations where none previously existed. The only difference between the side bus lane alternative and mixed-use bus lanes would be the striping of the lanes. Mixed-use lanes could readily be converted to side bus lanes, which Glendale officials suspect CDOT will ultimately build regardless of what the community wants or needs.
As opposition to the BRT project along Colorado Boulevard has steadily grown, the nature of the May 13 open house appeared to have been altered. On May 13, there were no presentations given by officials or questions answered that could be heard by all attendees. The packed Clayton Learning Center simply had storyboards along one side of the room with the same information that appears on the CDOT website. There were tables in the center of the room where the public could fill out the so-called unscientific “survey,” but the same survey can also be completed online through the end of the month. Attendees could scribble thoughts on Post-it notes regarding the alternatives and stick them on the storyboards. While it appeared dubious that the large clutter of haphazard Post-it notes could be tabulated by CDOT in any meaningful way, attendees appeared happy to fill them out and place them on the storyboards. Critics of CDOT at the meeting postulated that the only purpose of the meeting was to fulfill a requirement set forth in the applicable federal environmental regulations for such a project.
“This project still has far too many unanswered questions for residents to support it responsibly,” said Audry Oxley, a Hilltop resident. “There has been no comprehensive analysis of air and water quality impacts, storm drainage costs, traffic diversion into nearby neighborhoods, or the effects on private property owners along Colorado Boulevard. At the same time, permanent station locations remain undecided, transit stops would be reduced, and there is no dedicated federal funding identified for the project. Residents and taxpayers deserve greater transparency and clearer answers before a project of this scale moves forward.”
“We’re being asked to support a massively expensive project without clear answers on cost, congestion, environmental impacts, property acquisition, or whether the community even wants it,” said Dana Busch, a Cherry Creek North resident. “Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability before Colorado Boulevard loses lanes to a project tied to an RTD system many residents no longer trust.”
Choosing And Presenting The LPA
No Build: Glendale City Council voted to support a fourth alternative, the “No Build” option, opposing proposed lane reductions associated with CDOT’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans along Colorado Boulevard and favoring preservation of the corridor’s existing traffic lanes.
The next step will be for CDOT to choose the LPA in its sole discretion. CDOT has what it calls “partners” on the project, consisting of the City and County of Denver, the City of Glendale, Arapahoe County, and the Denver Regional Council of Governments. They will apparently have no say on what the LPA should be.
Instead, once CDOT determines its LPA, it will present it to a group of organizations it calls the “stakeholders,” but not to the public at large. The members of the “stakeholders” appear to be a myriad of highly progressive and/or pro-bicycle and anti-automobile organizations led by Denver Streets Partnership, an entity associated with Bicycle Colorado. Other organizations include the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, CoPRIG, Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council, Greater Denver Transit, Pedestrian Dignity, Servicios de la Raza, the Sierra Club, and YIMBY Denver.
Those “stakeholders” are among the most committed supporters of BRT on Colorado Boulevard. The “stakeholders” group does not appear to include any pro-business groups or retail establishments along Colorado Boulevard. It would appear that the “stakeholders” would likely enthusiastically support any LPA chosen by CDOT other than the no-build scenario.
After approval of the LPA by the stakeholders, CDOT would move into the preliminary design phase, followed by construction beginning in 2030.
Tension Between Residents
And Bicycle Advocates
There appears to be a growing rift between residents and the ever more radical bicycle lobby. At the April 29 Hilltop Neighborhood Homeowners Association meeting on the Colorado Boulevard BRT project, an apparent representative for the Denver Streets Partnership or an associated group, who wore his bicycle helmet throughout the entire meeting, opened his remarks with a declaration that he could not afford a car and did not give a “sh*t” what people with cars thought.
A group of members in the crowd of Hilltop residents reacted to his remarks by indicating that they, in turn, did not care what some “ANTIFA-adjacent bicycle nut” had to say. At the end of the meeting, an informal straw poll was taken in which all but eight people in a crowd of more than 100 individuals supported the no-build scenario.
The Road Ahead
As CDOT moves toward selecting its so-called “Locally Preferred Alternative,” opposition to the Colorado Boulevard BRT project appears to be intensifying among residents, business owners, and local officials who fear the project’s financial, environmental, and traffic impacts could permanently alter one of Denver’s most heavily traveled corridors. Whether CDOT ultimately listens to those concerns or proceeds with a plan many critics view as predetermined, may shape not only the future of Colorado Boulevard, but also the broader debate over transportation policy, public accountability, and automobile use throughout the Denver metro area.
For information about this project, visit www.codot.gov/projects/studies/denvermetrobrt/coloradoblvd. For information provided by sceptical citizens, visit www.keepdenvermoving.com.
by Mark Smiley | May 19, 2026 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Father’s Day is more than another date on the calendar. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who shape our lives. In Denver, there’s no shortage of ways to make the weekend memorable. Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 21.
From Rockies baseball and classic car shows, to mountain adventures, brewery patios, and family festivals, the Mile High City offers something for every kind of dad.
Whether your father is happiest outdoors, behind the grill, at a concert, or simply spending quality time with family, here are some of the best ways to celebrate Father’s Day around Denver this year.
Catch A Rockies Game At Coors Field
For sports-loving dads, few traditions beat an afternoon at Coors Field. The Colorado Rockies are scheduled to play the Pirates during Father’s Day weekend, making baseball one of the city’s top family outings. Fans can enjoy skyline views, stadium snacks, and a classic Denver summer atmosphere.
Many families make a full day of it by exploring LoDo before the game or stopping at one of the nearby restaurants and breweries afterward.
Explore Denver’s Car Shows
And Cruise Nights
Classic cars remain a Father’s Day favorite, and Colorado hosts dozens of automotive events throughout June. Local calendars feature everything from “Cars & Coffee” meetups to larger community car shows across the metro area.
Northglenn’s Father’s Day Car Show & Market and Denver-area cruise nights are expected to draw enthusiasts from across the Front Range. Families can stroll through rows of restored classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage trucks while enjoying food vendors and live music.
Also, Sabers Hot Rod Car Show in Wheat Ridge runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds go to support The Children’s Miracle Network. Food trucks, awards, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars all years all makes and models are welcome.
Head Outdoors
June is one of Colorado’s best months for outdoor recreation, and many families use Father’s Day weekend to enjoy the state’s natural beauty.
Popular ideas include hiking the trails around Red Rocks, biking through Washington Park, fishing in nearby mountain towns, taking scenic drives into the foothills, or spending the afternoon at Denver Botanic Gardens.
Denver tourism guides also recommend outdoor festivals, park picnics, and local food truck gatherings as easy, family-friendly options.
Enjoy Denver’s Food And Brewery Scene
For foodie dads, Denver’s dining scene shines during Father’s Day weekend. Restaurants across the city often feature special brunch menus, steakhouse promotions, barbecue events, and brewery tastings.
Dining guides highlight experiences ranging from upscale filet flights to local craft beer pairings and patio dining throughout the metro area.
Denver’s brewery culture also offers plenty of low-key options for families wanting a relaxed afternoon together.
Concerts, Festivals, And
Live Entertainment
Father’s Day weekend also brings a packed entertainment calendar. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Mission Ballroom, Ball Arena, and other venues host major concerts and comedy performances throughout June.
Families can also enjoy summer festivals, local rodeos, and cultural celebrations happening across Colorado during the holiday weekend.
The Best Gift May Simply Be
Time Together
While gifts are always appreciated, many dads say the best Father’s Day moments are often the simplest: a family meal, a walk through the park, a baseball game, or a quiet afternoon spent together.
Denver’s mix of urban energy and outdoor adventure makes it easy to create those moments, whether your celebration is big or small.
This Father’s Day, the Mile High City offers countless opportunities to honor the dads who make a difference every day.
Coors Field: Families can celebrate Father’s Day at Coors Field as the Colorado Rockies take on the Pittsburgh Pirates during a weekend filled with baseball and sunshine.
by Laura Lieff | May 19, 2026 | Main Articles
by Laura Lieff
Infinity Park is the place to be this summer as a variety of rugby matches and camps will be going on in the heart of Glendale. In addition to the high school state finals, which happened in May, the Denver Onyx home games, high school rugby camps, and the RugbyTown 7s tournament are all on the docket throughout the next few months.
“Whether you’re a longtime rugby fan or new to the sport, this summer is packed with all types of action for everyone to enjoy,” says Director of Infinity Park Operations Kieran Nelson. “Our stadium is a great place to spend the afternoon with friends, family, or coworkers. Also, high school kids can sign up for opportunities to experience rugby at our state-of-the-art facility throughout June and July.”
Last month, the 2026 Rugby Colorado High School State Finals yielded exciting results as the third place matches took place on the Infinity Park Turf Pitch and the State Championship matches were played inside the Infinity Park Stadium.
Third Place Matches
- Valor 2 defeated Glendale/Brighton/Denver North 53-10 in the Tier 3 Boys match.
- Hammers edged out Palmer Terrors 29-27 in the Tier 2 Boys match.
- Glendale/Regis/Valor won against Denver East 22-17 in the Tier 1 Girls match.
- East 1 shut out Monarch 1 53-0 in the Tier 1 Boys match.
State Championships
- East 2 defeated Monarch 2 28-14 in the Tier 3 Boys championship.
- PAC won against Arvada 18-10 in the Tier 2 Boys championship.
- Monarch/Lumberjackies defeated Summit 28-10 in the Tier 1 Girls championship.
- Valor 1 won against Regis Jesuit 29-15 in the Tier 1 Boys championship.
Denver Onyx
For the second consecutive year, the Denver Onyx will call Infinity Park home as the team trains regularly on the turf pitch and will play their five regular-season home matches inside the stadium. The Onyx compete in Women’s Elite Rugby, the first-ever professional women’s rugby league in the United States. Last season, the Onyx finished the regular season with a 9-1 record on their way to winning the inaugural Legacy Cup where they defeated the New York Exiles 53-13 in the 2025 Grand Final.
“We’re excited for year t
Home Turf: The Denver Onyx, who compete in the Women’s Elite Rugby league, will play the Chicago Tempest at Infinity Park on June 7. Colton Strickler photo
wo,” says Denver Onyx Head Coach Sarah Chobot. “Infinity Park is the best venue and facility in this entire women’s professional league and the class of the staff is bar none the best.” She continues, “Everyone from the City of Glendale has shown the desire to have rugby in this community — the energy and vibes are thrilling. It was a packed crowd on Mother’s Day and we couldn’t be more excited.”
At press time, the Onyx were two matches into their 2026 campaign with a 1-1 record after dropping their season opener on the road to the Bay Breakers 36-19. However, they bounced back with a 54-29 win over the Twin Cities Gemini on Mother’s Day in front of a lively crowd at Infinity Park. Coach Chobot was delighted with the team’s comeback victory over the Gemini. “I was very proud of how the team responded after a disappointing loss in the Bay Area in Round 1,” adds Chobot. “The desire the team played with in Sunday’s win, even when the game was well in hand, was pretty exciting.”
The Onyx are scheduled to play four more matches at Infinity Park in 2026 – see schedule below. If they finish the season in first or second place, they will host a home playoff match at Infinity Park in August.
- Sunday, June 7 vs. Chicago Tempest
– Gates open at 6 p.m. | Kickoff at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, June 13 vs. Boston Banshees
– Gates open at 4 p.m. | Kickoff at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 21 vs. New York Exiles
– Gates open at 2 p.m. | Kickoff at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, July 12 vs. Bay Breakers
– Gates open at 4 p.m. | Kickoff at 5 p.m.
High School Rugby Camps
Elite Experience: Glendale Youth Rugby will host a four-day skills camp for high school girls June 21-24. Colton Strickler photo
Skills Camp: Hosted by Glendale Youth Rugby, the boys high school camp is slated for July 14-17 at Infinity Park. Colton Strickler photo
Offering one of the best high school camp experiences for both boys and girls in the southwestern United States, Glendale Youth Rugby is hosting two, four-day camps during which the attendees will be treated like professional athletes. With access to a full-time athletic trainer, Infinity Park’s state-of-the-art weight room, and recovery room, campers will receive instruction from coaches and players with international rugby experience.
“Our summer rugby performance camps are excellent for any high school rugby athlete,” says Glendale Youth Rugby Director Andie Hammon. “We’ve put on a quality program for high school girls for over a decade and have recently built out a high-performance boys camp over the last two years.” She continues, “We always have a top-tier staff from around the country to provide these athletes with some of the best coaching they’ll ever receive in their high school rugby careers. We hear from the athletes who attended in the past that it’s a week of fun and learning that they don’t find anywhere else in the region.”
In addition to the low player-to-coach ratio — which will ensure the best coaching possible — attendees will get the full professional experience as it is a four-day sleep-away camp. By spending three nights in a hotel near the facility, athletes have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in rugby. The high school girls camp is planned for June 21-24 and the high school boys camp is scheduled for July 14-17.
RugbyTown 7s
Tough Competition: In the 2025 Cup Final, Heat Ruby won their first RugbyTown 7s Cup and the $10,000 prize when they defeated NAV 7s. Susi Baxter-Seitz Photo
Returning to Infinity Park for its 14th year, the RugbyTown 7s tournament will host 21 teams from all over the world who will compete to win the title of RugbyTown 7s Cup Champion and the $10,000 grand prize. Taking place August 21-23, the tournament attracts top teams for a weekend of fast-paced, high-scoring matches. Additionally, this tournament is where the branches of the United States Armed Forces vie for their rugby championship.
In 2025, All-Army defeated the Department of the Air Force in the U.S. Armed Forces Final to secure their 10th United States Armed Forces Championship. All- Navy Rugby won their first title in 2021 and the All-Marine Rugby 7s won the inaugural United States Armed Forces Championship in 2012. Both the Department of the Air Force and Coast Guard Rugby are still searching for their first Armed Forces Championship.
Also in 2025, the Heat Rugby secured their first RugbyTown 7s Cup when they defeated NAV 7s 33-7 in the Cup Final. This summer, they will attempt to make history by being the second team ever to win back-to-back RugbyTown 7s Cup titles. Denver 7s Selects is the only team to accomplish this feat with wins in both 2015 and 2016 before securing their third title in 2024 making them the only team that has won the tournament three times. Additionally, the only two teams that have won the RugbyTown 7s Cup twice are the Ramblin’ Jesters (2019 and 2022) and the USA Falcons (2012 and 2014).
Fans attending the tournament can expect to see 57 matches played over the course of three days in August. The Early Bird Special for 20 percent off weekend passes and single day tickets will be available July 13-3 and regular tickets will go on sale August 1. More information on the Denver Onyx can be found at DenverOnyx.us. For additional information about RugbyTown 7s, visit RugbyTownUSA.com. Those interested in learning about the Glendale Youth Rugby high school camps can visit GlendaleYouth Rugby.com/high-school-camps.
by Charles Bonniwell | Apr 17, 2026 | Main Articles
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Ball Arena: The ownership of the Colorado Avalanche is taking 55 acres of surface parking and redeveloping it into a new urban neighborhood that would adjoin the River Mile project to its east.
The famous 18th-century French philosopher Voltaire is credited with saying: “Where states have an army, the Prussian Army has a state.” While many American cities have professional sports teams, Denver’s sports teams are the only ones to control the development of an entire city.
Virtually the only major development plans on the boards in the City and County of Denver relate to its various dominant professional sports teams — the Denver Broncos (football), the Denver Nuggets (basketball), and the Colorado Avalanche (hockey).
The Development Plans
Denver’s future growth comes from plans submitted by its sports teams:
- Burnham Yards. The Denver Broncos want a new $2 billion retractable-roof stadium that could host events year-round, including Super Bowls. The Broncos’ ownership acquired a 100-plus-acre former railroad site whose development will include massive high-rises that house five to seven million square feet of retail, office, and housing space. Construction is to start this year with a projected opening in 2031.
- The River Mile. The ownership of the Denver Nuggets purchased 62 acres of land along the South Platte River, which presently houses Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. The site will feature thin, very tall skyscrapers that will include: 47% office space (6.65M sq. ft.), 41% residential (5.85M sq. ft.), 5.5% hotel (790K sq. ft.), and 3.5% retail (520K sq. ft.).
- Ball Arena. The ownership of the Colorado Avalanche is taking 55 acres of surface parking and redeveloping it into a new urban neighborhood that would adjoin the River Mile project to its east. The plans call for 10 to 12 million gross square feet of mixed-use development that would include 6,000 housing units and a new concert venue. The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by 2033.
One Conglomerate Of Ownership
River Mile: The ownership of the Denver Nuggets purchased 62 acres of land along the South Platte River, which presently houses Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. The site will feature tall skyscrapers. Photo Courtesy of Revesco Properties
When discussing the ownership of professional sports teams in Denver, they are slowly morphing into a single massive conglomerate.
In 2022, the Denver Broncos football team was acquired for $4.65 billion by a syndicate headed by Rob Walton, his daughter Carrie Walton Penner, and her husband Craig Penner. Rob Walton is the son of Sam Walton, a co-founder of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer with corporate headquarters in Arkansas. Rob Walton was the chairman of Walmart, and Craig Penner is the present chairman.
Billionaire Stan Kroenke acquired both the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche in 2000. In 1974, he married Ann Walton, the daughter of the other co-founder of Walmart, Bud Walton. The couple, through Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, owns a myriad of professional sports teams throughout the United States and internationally.
Until very recently, the piece of the Denver professional mosaic outside the control of the Walton/Kroenke extended family was the Colorado Rockies, owned by a syndicate headed by former beef processors and brothers Dick and Charlie Monfort. While the Monforts are relatively well off financially, they are not in the billionaire class of the Waltons and the Kroenkes. Apparently without offspring to marry into the Walton or Kroenke families, the Monfort brothers sold a 40% interest in the Rockies to the Broncos’ Walton group. While the Waltons do not presently have a majority share of the Rockies, they are expected to eventually obtain a controlling interest.
A major asset of the Rockies is the acres of surface parking in downtown Denver, which are now also ripe for redevelopment by the sports teams.
Crazy As A Fox?
It is fortunate that Denver’s sports teams seem willing to spend billions on real estate development in Denver, as most experts are not at all sanguine about future development prospects in the city. They wonder how Denver could possibly absorb tens of millions of square feet of new office space and housing in the form of apartments and condominiums.
Downtown Denver office buildings have economically disastrous vacancy rates. Various office buildings are selling for a fraction of what they cost to build. To construct millions of square feet of new office space for which there is no present market appears to be foolhardy.
Similarly, rental rates on apartment space in Denver are dropping precipitously, and there are many new apartment buildings in the development pipeline throughout the city. In addition, condominium sales in downtown and across the city are stagnant at best.
Burnham Yards: The Denver Broncos are proposing a new $2 billion retractable-roof stadium, on the site of the old Burnham Yards, that could host events year-round, including Super Bowls.
Denver’s population is no longer growing, and the business climate in the city and throughout the state is getting steadily worse as the state becomes ever more left-leaning and progressive.
People are fleeing the financial mismanagement of politically blue states such as California, Illinois, and New York, moving to states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida — and no longer to politically deep-blue states like Colorado.
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce recently wrote to Colorado Governor Jared Polis that a hundred companies have left Colorado due to excessive regulation and other anti-business government practices.
For the Burnham Yards, River Mile, and Ball Arena projects to succeed, they depend on a growing, economically successful Denver and Colorado — unless they are planning to cannibalize from the rest of the city.
But the Walton and Kroenke families did not become billionaires by making poor business decisions. Denver residents can only hope that what they are envisioning happening in Denver in the next decade comes to fruition.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 17, 2026 | Main Articles
They Are The Quiet Designers Of Our Bravest Moments, Our Steady Hand. This Month Is For Them.
by Glen Richardson
Activity Whirlwind: Mom’s juggle never-ending laundry, family schedules, and the chaos of kids. A test of patience, they are the strength of family.
This is the month to celebrate your first best friend and the person you turn to when you need advice. In 1914, Congress and a Presidential Proclamation established the second Sunday in May — May 10 this year — as Mother’s Day.
A day to honor mothers has existed for as long as, well, there have been mothers. They are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.
Here’s the Chronicle’s guide for showing your mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends how special they are:
Brunch
Brunch on Mother’s Day is a classic, and it’s made even better in Cherry Creek North featuring some of Denver’s top brunch spots. For moms who like to keep it classic, the district also has many restaurants serving dinner. For moms who like to switch it up, there’s beers and burger eateries too.
Here are a few of the many restaurants to consider:
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood: Offering an array of brunch and coastal inspired dishes.
Le Bilboquet: A little corner of Paris at Third Ave. and St. Paul St. featuring French fare in an elegant setting.
Local Jones: Brunch and dinner favorites in the Halcyon Hotel including crab cakes benedict.
Sam’s No. 3: Take your mom and the family to the Glendale, or downtown diner with a huge menu, big portions, and great service.
Toro Latin Kitchen: Hotel Cleo eatery has brunch, a made-to-order crepe station, plus a Bloody Mary bar.
Urban Egg: Restaurant on East 1st Ave. has weekend brunch, including a Lump Crab Cake Benedict.
Garden Experience: Treat mom to a slow-paced day at the 24-acre Denver Botanic Gardens this month to celebrate Mother’s Day.
If you’re thinking of treating mom downtown on Mother’s Day, there are lots of restaurant choices. Mother’s Day Brunch at Dazzle is a great choice because it includes live music. This Mother’s Day features jazz vocalist Baily Hinkley Grogan. FIRE Restaurant in the ART Hotel near the Denver Art Museum is another popular choice.
Shopping
Go-To Diner: Sam’s No. 3 in Glendale and downtown are well-liked options for family celebrations such as Mother’s Day.
Cherry Creek North is Denver’s premier destination for a Mother’s Day shopping experience. There are more than 200 shops. Moreover, it has the city’s highest concentration of locally owned boutiques. It gives mom a day that practically plans itself.
Wash Park
The Wash Park Home Tour & Mother’s Day Market Street Fair takes place in the picturesque park May 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Attendees can explore stunning homes showcasing innovative designs and exquisite decor. The market features local artisans, gourmet food vendors, and various craft stalls.
It’s the major annual fundraiser for Steele Elementary. Information: steelewashparkho metour@gmail.com.
Botanic Gardens
For the mom who finds peace in the petals, skip the crowded restaurants and opt for an afternoon of botanical discovery.
Treat her to a slow-paced wander through 24 acres of world-class flora at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Start by getting lost in the humid greenery of the tropical conservatory before finding a quiet, sun-drenched spot on the lawn to lay down a blanket.
Whether you pack a gourmet spread or grab a light bite from the Hive Garden Bistro, the gardens provide a peaceful backdrop for mom to enjoy. Information: Denver Botanic Gardens Mother’s Day.
Oakwell Spa
Home Tour: The Wash Park Home Tour May 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is an opportunity to see innovative designs and exquisite décor.
For a Mother’s Day that is truly fueled by rest and relaxation, book a session at Denver’s Oakwell Beer Spa.
A truly unique experience, it was rated by Time magazine as one of the “World’s Greatest Places.” The downtown location is at 3004 N. Downing St. Information: 720-810-1484.
RiNo Street Fair
For the ultimate “early Mother’s Day” treat, wander down to the RiNo Street Fair to find your mom that one-of-a-kind treasure. Event is May 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The RiNo Art District has been named by USA Today as the Sixth Best Arts District in the United States, rising three spots from ninth place in 2025.
Located in the creative heart of Denver, meander down Larimer Street to shop from local artisans. It’s the perfect place to let her pick out her own gift or for you to find a unique, handmade surprise. With live music echoing off the neighborhood’s iconic murals and a vibrant community energy, it’s a great way to celebrate the spirit of Denver before the Sunday Mother’s Day rush begins.
Flowers & Candy
Shopping Spree: With more than 200 shops and the city’s highest concentration of locally owned boutiques, Cherry Creek North is a popular Mother’s Day destination.
Started in 1917 as a “Say it with flowers,” marketing campaign, the tradition of gifting blooms on Mother’s Day continues today. Flowers symbolize love and gratitude, and make a perfect gift for mom.
Newberry Brothers Florist in the Leetsdale Shopping Center — with a design staff and using only blooms straight from growers — is one of the most popular. Bouquets, and The Perfect Petal are other local favorites.
Enstrom Candies on the west side of University Blvd. between 2nd and 3rd Ave. in Cherry Creek — known for its almond toffee and chocolates — is among the most popular. The Cioccolatier in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is another favorite.
More To Do
From films to fashion, there are a variety of unforgettable shows and events this month that mom would enjoy. Here’s a can’t-miss guide to more ways to treat mom this month.
The SeriesFest — an award-winning festival dedicated to showcasing the best and boldest in episodic storytelling is at the Sie FilmCenter and other venues, May 6-10.
Paper Fashion Show, May 7 in the Stockyards Event Center. Event features 56 original designs created entirely of paper by local designers, a runway show, with awards honoring creative craftmanship.
Denver Potters Spring Show & Sale, May 7-10, at the Sixth Avenue United Church. Top local artists sell ceramics, glass, wood, fiber and personal care products.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Family Owned: The Conoco at the corner of University Blvd. and Exposition in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood is for sale. The Wilson family has owned the station since 1942 and the land since the late 1970s.
A familiar fixture in one of Denver’s most charming neighborhoods may soon be changing hands. The Bonnie Brae Conoco, long a staple at the corner of University Boulevard and East Ohio Avenue, is officially up for sale, raising questions about the future of the site and sparking conversation among residents.
For decades, the small gas station has served as more than just a place to fill up. Nestled at the entrance to the Bonnie Brae neighborhood, the Conoco has been a recognizable landmark for locals commuting through the area or stopping in for a quick snack, coffee, or last minute essentials.
For Sale: The sign on the Conoco station at 724 S. University Blvd. has the words “For Sale” below the gas prices. Ken Wilson and his two sisters signed with a real estate agency in February. The Wilson family has owned the gas station since 1942.
A Neighborhood Touchstone
Bonnie Brae is known for its tree lined streets, historic homes, and tight knit community feel. Within that setting, the Conoco has played a quiet but consistent role, providing convenience while becoming part of the neighborhood’s identity.
“It’s one of those places you don’t think much about until you realize it’s always been there,” said a longtime resident. “You pass it every day. It’s part of the rhythm of the neighborhood.”
Its location at a prominent intersection has made it both highly visible and strategically valuable, factors that are likely to attract strong interest from potential buyers.
Prime Real Estate, Uncertain Future
With Denver’s continued growth and rising property values, small parcels like the
Bonnie Brae Conoco site have become increasingly attractive for redevelopment. The listing has fueled speculation about what could come next, whether the property remains a gas station, transitions to a different retail concept, or is redeveloped entirely.
Real estate observers note that corner lots in established neighborhoods often draw interest for mixed use or boutique commercial projects, particularly in areas with strong foot traffic and nearby residential density.
Still, no official plans for the site have been announced.
Community Reaction
News of the sale has prompted a mix of curiosity and concern among neighbors. While some welcome the possibility of new investment, others worry about losing a familiar piece of the neighborhood fabric.
“There’s always a balance,” another resident said. “You want to see the area thrive, but you also don’t want to lose the little things that make it feel like home.”
Old School: The Wilson family-owned gas station also features an old-school auto service garage, where oil changes, tires, and repairs have kept cars, and a neighborhood, running for generations.
The conversation echoes broader trends across Denver, where redevelopment has brought both revitalization and debate about preserving neighborhood character.
What Comes Next
As the property enters the market, all eyes will be on who steps forward and what vision they bring. Whether the Bonnie Brae Conoco continues in its current role or evolves into something new, its next chapter will likely reflect the ongoing transformation of Denver’s neighborhoods.
For Glendale and Cherry Creek readers, the story serves as a reminder that even the most familiar corners of the city are not immune to change, and that community voices will play an important role in shaping what comes next.
