by Jessica Hughes | Aug 28, 2023 | Main Articles
by Jessica Hughes
Fired: Santino Burrola was fired in early July for capturing three men on video stealing loads of laundry detergent.
Crime in retail stores is on the rise, not just in Colorado, but across the nation. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, retailers saw an average shrink rate of 1.4% in 2021, which is consistent with the five-year average of 1.5%. But while overall shrinkage, which accounts for employee theft as well, wasn’t up, retailers cited a 26.5% increase, on average, in organized retail crime, plus 80% claimed an increase in violent or aggressive incidents.
“We have seen an increase in retail crime overall,” says Chris Howes, President of the Colorado Retail Council. “We are approaching losses of $75 billion across the country in retail theft, and losses of $1billion a year in Colorado.”
But these incidents aren’t being carried out by teenagers stealing a pack of gum, but rather large groups of individuals that are part of a larger crime network. The Colorado Retail Council organization represents the largest chain retail companies such as Home Depot and Target. And a large part of the organization’s job is to go after the hard-core thieves, not just shoplifters.
“Shoplifting is theft for own personal use. Organized retail crime is groups of individuals stealing products to turn into cash or drugs.” Items that are the most susceptible to theft are those that can easily be resold and that are in high demand on the streets.
“The other troubling thing is the violence we see against employees, customers, and our team members at our retail stores,” said Howes. He cites instances where thieves have used bear spray.
“Some people have seen thieves put their hands right in the cash register and take the cash,” said Howes. “If cops don’t show up within a few minutes, what do you do?”
Home Depot: Like many retailers, Home Depot Inc., pictured here in Glendale, is locked in a struggle to combat inventory “shrink” caused by theft and organized retail crime.
Due to the increase in violent thefts, Howes recognizes the changes that need to be made to safety measures for employees and customers. “We cannot expect the employees to use force against thieves,” says Howes. So, to combat this, many larger retail stores bring in off-duty police offers to stand at the entrance or some sort of private security at the store.
Other changes “shoppers are now seeing everyday items like toothpaste and dish soap behind lock and key,” the National Retail Federation wrote in a statement written in June 2023 about the rise of organized retail crime and effect on public safety.
Despite putting a few of these safety measures in place, safety is still an issue, so much so that employees have felt compelled to stop these thieves in action. But the real crime seems to be employees getting fired over trying to help stop the theft.
In the past few months, there have been several local instances in the Denver metro area where employees were fired for confronting a thief. In July 2023, an Arapahoe County King Soopers employee, Santino Burrola, was fired for capturing three men on video stealing $500 worth of laundry detergent — a common crime that has caught the headlines of even New York Magazine back in 2013.
But the real head scratcher is the termination of the employee. The reason he was fired? It is against Kroger policy for employees to chase after or intervene with theft.
This also comes on the heels of another similar incident where two Atlanta-area Lululemon employees were fired for confronting shoplifters in the store. CEO Calvin McDonald defends the company’s decision to do so by stating the store’s strict safety-first policy.
The common thread throughout these events, the company staking claim in employee and customer safety first, above prosecution of theft.
Theft Numbers: The Colorado Retail Council says that the U.S. is approaching losses of $75 billion across the country in retail theft.
While this seems to be a national trend, Colorado has seen a rise in employees standing up against theft as well. “We’re seeing this happening more and more, employees taking action, although nothing like that in Glendale,” said William J. Haskins, Glendale’s Chief of Police.
“Theft is very much on the rise, but the actual shoplifting numbers are down because stores often times choose not to prosecute,” said Haskins. “Many of the times, stores will only file a trespassing charge vs. charging them with theft.”
Combined with the downgrade of charges and the discouragement from employers to stop theft, it’s starting to become clear why retail theft is on the rise.
Haskins says he’s seeing this across the board at the city’s larger retail stores such as Target and Home Depot. “We have seen more strict corporate policy that prohibits and discourages employees from trying to intervene during a theft.”
Haskins doesn’t believe this is the way to deal with this issue. “We have an obligation to prevent this lawlessness,” said Haskins.
In Colorado, there has also been a pattern of legislation over the past years that have reduced penalties on crime and have negatively affected the court’s ability to go after these thieves. This includes House Bill 16-1104, passed in 2016, that states a defendant will be served a summons vs. a warrant for a petty offense or misdemeanor to avoid having an arrest on their record.
“Those prosecuted now face lower penalties. Instead of jailtime, a fine is enforced but even then, there’s no penalty for them if they don’t pay their fines,” says Haskins. “The worst we can do is to go through a collection agency.”
So, aside from what’s being done at the store level to prevent and stop violent theft, what is being done at the state and federal level? Last year, the Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser created a statewide task force which plans to combat retail theft, which went into effect January 1, 2023.
And because many thieves try to sell stolen merchandise through online shopping platforms for profit and to avoid prosecution, the Inform Act was introduced in 2021, which requires online marketplaces to collect, verify, and disclose certain information from high-volume third-party sellers, according to Congress.gov.
For now we will have to wait and see if all these efforts will have a positive effect on organized retail crime in Colorado and across the country.
by Valley Gadfly | Jul 20, 2023 | Main Articles
The Valley Comes Alive With Summer Art; Shows Capture Beauty, Colorful Leisure Feeling
by Glen Richardson
Sun Driven Dreams: DAM’s Lowrider show includes this 6 x 17 ft. acrylic by Nanibah Chaco titled What Dreams Are Made Of. Artwork is a silhouette of her ’60 Chevy Bel Air with roses. The flowers, like her dreams, grow beyond the body itself.
Summer Seascape: This Judy Gardner one-of-a-kind creation is in the Niza Knoll Gallery Code Blue exhibition on Santa Fe Dr. Show has artwork of ocean, marine life, and coral reefs.
Splendor Of Summer: This summer beauty by Cheryl St. John is on display at Saks Galleries in Cherry Creek North. The 14 x 18 oil on canvas is titled Lilacs and Spring Flowers.
Summer, with its warm sun, vibrant colors, and lavish nature, radiates a sense of stillness and quiet contemplation, reflecting the slower pace of summer days.
From serene landscapes to joyful depictions of leisure activities, artworks inspired by summer capture the essence of its beauty and evoke feelings of relaxation and joy.
To practice the art of staying cool this month, dive into the rich tapestry of summer-inspired images on display at Saks Galleries and Masters in Cherry Creek North, the Niza Knoll Gallery on Santa Fe Dr., plus at the Denver Art Museum.
Joy & Tranquility
Summer is a time of reflection, connection, and the simple pleasures found in the company of loved ones.
Anna Rose Bain, represented by Saks Galleries in Cherry Creek North, is one such artist. A Signature member of the Oil Painters of America, she is also a member of Plein Air Artists of Colorado and the International Guild of Realism. Her award-winning work transports us to idyllic summer moments and evokes a sense of joy and tranquility. Family owned by Michael and Catherine Saks, the showroom on East 2nd Ave. has been the shopping district’s premier gallery for more than 50 years. Information: 303-333-4144.
Summer art shoppers can also find artwork capturing the essence of summer at Masters Gallery on East 3rd Ave. in Cherry Creek. An AD Gallery — with a longtime presence in Aspen, Beaver Creek, and Vail — you’ll find unique artists, styles, and techniques presented in a relaxed atmosphere. Information: 303-221-2449.
Recipe For The Road: Mexican paintings, lowriders, and nachos are transformed into this Pinata-Inspired Sculpture installation by Justin Favela at the Denver Art Museum.
Catch Art Wave
With warm sand and gentle waves, the ocean has a soothing summertime ambience that nothing can beat. So, allow yourself time to breathe, relax, and enjoy yourself viewing “Code Blue: The Ocean,” at Niza Knoll Gallery on Santa Fe Dr. through Aug. 13.
Ladies Of Sunshine: Anna Rose Bain’s sensational summer flowers painting transports us to idyllic summer moments. Titled Lilies and Ranunculus, the 12 x 15 oil is at Saks Galleries.
The show is a group exhibition by more than a half-dozen artists. Attendees will view artwork portraying the ocean, marine life, and coral reefs. Code Blue is the term communicated during cardiac or respiratory arrest. Signaling immediate and lifesaving care required, it is increasingly a way to describe the state of the world’s oceans and marine life. “The heart and lungs of our planet are in a state of emergency,” experts say.
Located in the Art District on Santa Fe since 2009, Niza Knoll Galley participates in First and Third Friday plus Saturdays. Information: 303-953-1789.
Lowrider Summer
Lowriders are a source of artistic self-expression. The passion and artistry that goes into every car is incredible and, like a painting, are works of art. Moreover, this summer the lowrider car culture has taken the summer spotlight at the Denver Art Museum (DAM).
Like the head-turning rides that cruise the streets, the show running through Sept. 24th, showcases the amazing work of state and southwest lowrider artisans. Included are works by popular area artists Tony Ortega, Carlos Fresquez, Juan Fuentes, and Daniel Salazar. Arranged by the Phoenix Art Museum and curated by the DAM’s Victoria Lyall, the show explores Colorful Colorado and the Desert Southwest’s connections between transportation, landscape, and identity.
The exhibition is inspired by counterculture developments during the 1960s, epitomized in films like Easy Rider, which occurred simultaneously with civil unrest events. During this time, images of customized vehicles racing through the wide-open landscapes of the U.S. Southwest became symbols not only of freedom and liberty, but also rebellion and nonconformity.
Chrome & Color
Colorado and Southwest lowrider artists express identity, pride, and a sense of community by transforming vehicles associated with the American West. Their artwork challenges stereotypes while embodying hope.
Mile High City, Colorado, and Southwest regional artists explore the sociopolitical realities and imaginative interpretations of automotive subcultures through the diverse works on exhibit. The Desert Rider show focuses on Latinx and Indigenous perspectives that have long defined the identity of the Southwest.
A pleasant, festive, and fun event in eye-popping chrome and color, the exhibition ties creativity and customization together with history, place, resistance, discovery, and empowerment. Entry to the DAM is included with general admission, which is free for members and all visitors 18 and under. Information: 720-865-5000.
by Valley Gadfly | Jul 20, 2023 | Main Articles
Scandal Ridden Anderson Drops School Board Reelection Bid; DPS Releases Final Safety Plan Bringing Armed Police Back
by Glen Richardson
Anderson Bids Adieu: School Board VP Auon’tai Anderson is dropping his reelection bid. April poll showed just 9% planned to vote for Anderson. Photo: Denver Gazette
Baldermann Bid: Board’s Scott Baldermann, who proposed bringing police back, is seeking reelection. Elected in 2019, he represents District 1. Photo: Baldermann Website
Shootings, safety, and a bungling-inept school board pulled news of violence on Denver’s school campuses onto the front page of the nation’s largest mailed circulation newspaper, The Wall Street Journal.
The article by a trio of Dow Jones reporters — with a two-thirds page jump and five photos — recounted the 2020 Denver School Board removal of 17 Denver Police Officers from 18 middle and high schools, followed by this April’s East High campus shootings. The June 27th article detailed East’s student march to the Capitol, and the plea by East High teachers for the School Board, “to do something.” The Journal then recounts the harshly written reply by School Board Vice President Auon’tai Anderson, “School police aren’t coming back to East or any campus.”
The article also quoted School Superintendent Alex Marrero, and Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, concluding with the School Board’s decision one-week later to return police to campuses.
Reckless Results
The article didn’t, however, reveal that the school board meeting was closed to the public and press. A violation of the Colorado Open Meetings Law, it was yet another example of the board’s recklessness. Not as foolish, however, as the board’s decision to
kick cops off campuses while keeping high-risk kids in class.
Cops On Campus: Denver police encircled East High after two administrators were shot by a student. U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools Rankings lists East 18th within Colorado. Photo: Andrew Miller, New York Times
Chronicle readers will recall that the East High student shooter was already on probation for a prior gun charge, and was being frisked for weapons when he shot the two administrators.
Equally alarming, neither the School Board or the Denver Public School system have any idea how many kids like the East High shooter will return to class with criminal records when fall classes begin August 22. Neither tracks them.
Lightning Bolt Leaving
With Denver police beginning to restore security in DPS schools, Vice President Anderson is dropping his reelection bid, brightening the beginning of the fall school term this month.
A lightning rod criticized for infighting, his exit will create a sudden, meaningful change to the board’s dynamics. He was a part of the historic 2019 school board flip, backed by the teacher’s union. A poll taken in April revealed that just 9% planned to vote for Anderson. More than half said it was “time for someone new.”
Parents and teachers are optimistic that new members will restore credibility to the DPS Board. The two announced candidates seeking Anderson’s spot suggest the change will rebuild and restore reliability and integrity. They are: East High grad Kwame Spearman, who ran for mayor, and is CEO of Tattered Cover, who says he would focus on school safety and educational excellence; and Security Consultant Paul Ballenger, a Denver father who served in the military, and is concerned about school safety. Former East High principal John Youngquist reportedly is considering a run, but hasn’t yet decided.
Election Update
Two board members, Charmaine Lindsay and Scott Baldermann, are up for reelection. Lindsay — representing District 5 — was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2022. When appointed Lindsay said she wouldn’t seek another term.
Baldermann — who represents District 1 and was elected in 2019 — is running for reelection. He proposed and supported bringing police officers back to Denver schools. The change, opposed by
Student Scare: Shootings and lockdowns on and off campuses at Denver public schools have created fear, frustrations, and calls for sweeping change. Photo: Wandy Cross, Associated Press
Anderson, won by a 4-3 vote. Baldermann supports smaller class sizes, flexibility, and backing for teachers.
Credit for bringing police officers back to schools in Denver was driven by parents who mobilized after the shootings. Remember, East High student Luis Garcia, 16, was also shot near the East campus back in February.
Reelection In 2025
The four other school board members will be up for reelection in November 2025. Xóchitl Gaytán who represents District 2 is the current board president. She was elected in 2021.
The other board members, Olson, Quattlebaum, and Esserman, were the trio that most often allowed Anderson’s antics to constantly slide, according to critics, by repeatedly offering excuses encouraging Anderson’s shifty, scheming behavior.
Scott Esserman is an at-large member elected in 2021; Carrie Olson represents District 3 and was elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021; and Michelle Quattlebaum represents District 4 and was elected in 2021.
Final Safety Plan
DPS’s final school safety plan has armed police officers returning to Denver schools.
The final version made public July 1st by Denver School Superintendent Alex Marrero, returns officers to the same 13 large high schools — including East High School — where police were re-stationed this spring. The district is still considering school resource officers or SRO’s at secondary schools.
Unlike previous policy, Marrero will now have the power to remove officers who do not follow best practices. Denver’s Police Department will be required to monitor citations and arrests, requiring “corrective action” if citations disproportionately affect marginalized groups. Initial plan details do not specify the number of officers at each school or their exact responsibilities.
Seeking Common Roles
During the plan’s development (July 1 was third-final), Marrero has pursued a collaborative approach with the Denver Police Department. The final version has the DPD developing strategies and standards, though that likely hinges on the mayoral transition.
The superintendent has constantly indicated that guns and violence are not just a DPS problem but a “city problem.” With little or no consequences, Denver has been dealing with both since his arrival, he says. Swiftly adding, “And I’m sure before that.” DPS hopes a new memo of understanding can be developed between Mayor-elect Mike Johnston and DPD Chief Ron Thomas, albeit thus far Johnston has remained unresponsive.
The plan calls for added security support when conducting student searches, plus a safety audit of school building. A weapons detection system plan will be considered following “extensive community engagement.” Finally, the plan provides for three mental health screenings of students during the school year.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 20, 2023 | Main Articles
Fans Claim Best Cirque Production To Come To Denver In Years
by Mark Smiley
The equipment is as simple as it gets — eight chairs and a pedestal — but in this act, the artist uses them to create a 23–foot tower on which to perform a balancing act that displays the human body at the very peak of condition and muscular control. Photo Credit: Matt Beard & Bernard Letendre
Cirque du Soleil’s production KOOZA is under the big top at Denver’s Ball Arena through August 13, 2023. KOOZA had its world premiere in April 2007 in Montréal, Canada, and has since played in over 66 cities in 22 countries, including Denver in 2009. KOOZA has performed in front of eight million spectators since its creation. The big top in Ball Arena’s parking lot has a seating capacity of 2,600 which makes for an intimate show without a bad seat in the house.
KOOZA is packed with interesting characters, daring acrobatics, clowns, lavish costuming (by Marie Chantale Vaillancourt, Cirque du Soleil), colorful sets, and a powerful live score that complimented the show wonderfully. The music of KOOZA demonstrates the spirit of the live show with its themes of human connection and fun in a world of duality.
With a stream of uplifting songs with timeless influences where forms and styles intertwine, the music of KOOZA is inspired by the sounds of western pop culture, from 1970s funk to full orchestral arrangements. It also draws heavily on traditional Indian music. There are six KOOZA musicians who play live music during each performance: trumpet, trombone, bass, drums, percussion, saxophone, electric guitar, and keyboard. There are also two singers who sing live during each performance.
KOOZA’s 1,600-pound Wheel of Death rotates at high speeds, powered only by the two artists who leap and counter-rotate in a display of fearless acrobatics and teamwork. Like the High Wire, the Wheel of Death is positioned diagonally, stage left to stage right, in order to break with the usual symmetry and bring the action as close as possible to the audience. Photo Credit: Matt Beard & Bernard Letendre
KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil that combines two circus traditions — acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance, presented in a colorful way that emphasizes bold slapstick humor. The audience had plenty to observe as the action never stopped through its two hour and 10 minute performance.
“KOOZA is about human connection and the world of duality, good and bad,” says the show’s writer and director David Shiner. “The tone is fun and funny, light and open. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s very much about ideas, too. As it evolves, we are exploring concepts such as fear, identity, recognition and power.”
The name KOOZA is inspired by the Sanskrit word “koza,” which means “box,” “chest,” or “treasure,” and was chosen because one of the underlying concepts of the production is the idea of a “circus in a box.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit cirquedusoleil.com/kooza.
A twist on the classic unicycle number introduces a passenger to the action. Two performers create a pas de deux in constant motion around the stage with a combination of balance, acrobatic control, physical strength, choreographic grace, and a spirit of partnership. Photo Credit: Matt Beard & Bernard Letendre
Young performers work in unison to bring a new approach to the art of contortion. What sets this number apart are the artists’ innovations in movements and position, their speed, and the way they work as a team to create a tableaux of sculptural beauty. Photo Credit: Matt Beard & Bernard Letendre
With the ability to fly, spin, and swing in all directions, the flowing dynamics of the aerialist’s motion is juxtaposed against the high acrobatics performed in this silk act. The versatility of the artist allows her to own the space and soar into aerial feats while continuously building the excitement to its climax. Photo Credit: Matt Beard & Bernard Letendre
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 23, 2023 | Main Articles
Shoot, Spin, Spray, And Splatter! July 1st Blast Begins A Fun, Fantastic Four Day Birthday Bash
by Glen Richardson
Glittering Glendale Fireworks is set to launch a glowing, lengthy 4th of July weekend beginning on Saturday, July 1. The flareup of fantastic fireworks, food, and festivals is expected to draw a red, white, and blue explosion of revelers ready for the country’s big birthday bash.
Glendale’s jaw-dropping pyrotechnics — considered the Valley’s premier Fourth of July display — will once again light up the skies. Family and friends gather at eateries, bars, patios, and porches from LoDo to the Dam to view
Park Hill Parade: Watch this holiday tradition starting at 1:30 p.m. on July 4. Costumed characters, classic cars, and marchers’ parade on 23rd Ave. The parade ends at a Street Fair on the 2200 block of Kearney St.
the dazzling aerial display sponsored by the City of Glendale.
In addition to musical extravaganzas, a blockbuster art festival, and parades, the weekend is a celebration of all things wonderful about summer in the Cherry Creek Valley. Here is a step-by-step guide to keep you crackling, whistling, and glowing through the lengthy weekend:
Liftoff Blast – July 1
Glendale Fireworks Spectacular: One of the Valley’s largest and oldest, Glendale’s stunning salute returns to Infinity Park Stadium again this year, gates open 7:30 p.m. Families can sit in the stands or on the turf field for viewing. Movie shorts and videos will precede the fireworks show. There will be food trucks or you can bring food and beverages, no glass containers or grills. Fireworks start at about 9:40 p.m. Information: 303-692-5799.
Four Mile Park Gala: Games, activities, crafts, food trucks, and live music, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Denver Concert Band gives 45-minute performances at noon and 2 p.m. The event is prior to Glendale’s fireworks at Infinity Park. Information: 720-865-0800.
Lowry Parade & Festival: The quaint suburban area that was once an air force base, hosts its first 4th of July Parade & Festival at the Great Lawn Park, 9 a.m. to noon. Parade around the one-mile park will feature costumes participants riding decorated bikes or pulling-pushing wagons, or walking costumed dogs. Information: 303-344-0481.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 1-3: View works by 250 national-international artists, plus 13 performing artists on the streets in Cherry Creek North, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon., 6 p.m
Party Like A Patriot: We the People like to party, proving it by crowding Civic Center Park’s 4th of July celebration downtown. Local groups, Symphony, play starting at 5 p.m., prior to fireworks finale.Photo by Evan Semón, 720-620-6767
. There will be vendors and food trucks, plus creative stations for kids. Information: 303-355-2787.
Colorado Rockies Games: Catch the Rockies as they take on the Detroit Tigers, 7:10 p.m. A stunning fireworks show follows the game. Information: 303-292-0200.
Let Color Fly — July 2
Stunning Shot: “If you rise above the storm, you will find the sunshine,” hints this David Meyhew photograph donated to this year’s Cherry Creek Art Festival. Let your soul and spirit fly this 4th of July.
Indigo Exhibit, July 2: Sculpture, textiles, and works on paper in rich-alluring blue opens in Denver Botanic Garden’s Freyer-Newman Center. See work by artists from the U.S., Nigeria, Japan, and South Korea created from the plant-derived dye. Exhibit continues through Nov. 5. Information: 720-865-3500.
Freedom Frenzy — July 3
Civic Center Celebration: Denver’s fireworks show returns to Civic Center Park at Broadway & Colfax. Local musicians, including Dragondeer, entertain at 5 p.m. The Colorado Symphony with singer-actress Sierra Boggess as guest, performs patriotic and contemporary favorites beginning at 8:15 p.m. The fireworks finale is about 9:30
Bold Strips, Bright Stars: Fireworks on July 1 from Glendale — aka Rugby Town USA — launches a lengthy 4th of July salute to the country’s big birthday bash from the city’s Infinity Park Stadium, gates open 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Seth McConnell)
p.m. Information: 303-861-4633.
Littleton Red, White & You: Clement Park fireworks show has community exhibits, a food, beer, and wine garden, plus Kids Zone beginning at 5 p.m. That Eighties Band plays in the Amphitheater at 8 p.m., fireworks a 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-409-2600.
Ballet Blast: Ballet company Wonderbound fires-up its new $8.1 million space with original wild west tale, The Sandman. The show is a collaboration with country rock band Gas
Art On The Streets: The Cherry Creek Arts Festival returns to the streets of Cherry Creek North July 1-3. This year’s show has 255 exhibitors, including 20 from last year plus five emerging artists.
oline Lollipops, and front-man Clay Rose. Information: 303
Fun At Four Mile: Four Mile Historic Park fires up the fun July 1 with games, activities, crafts, and food trucks, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Denver Concert Band plays at noon and 2 p.m.
-292-4700.
Belmar Bash: See a fleet of drones with LED lights at downtown Lakewood’s 4th of July show. Bash begins at 5 p.m. with live music, kid’s activities, local vendors, food, and drinks. Information: 303-987-7899.
Stars & Stripes — July 4th
Aurora Spectacular: Enjoy food trucks, musical performances, and fun activities on Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn, starting at 6 p.m. Launch of fireworks is at 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-739-7000.
Park Hill 4th Of July Parade: This Northeast Denver tradition starts at 1:30 p.m. and runs on 23rd Ave. from Dexter S
Colorful Configurations: See colorfully-lit drones flying in patriotic formations at the July 4th celebration for the City of Lakewood and Belmar on July 3.
t. to Krameria St. Parade has 50-plus floats, costumed characters, classic cars, a marching band, and more. The parade ends at the Kearney Street Fair on the 2200 block of Kearney. Families will enjoy live music, kids’ activities, food, and more. Information: 303-918-6517.
Wash Park Family Fun: Plan a picnic at the historic Boathouse pavilion from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Stay for the evening’s patriotic concert by the Denver Municipal Band, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Information: 720-913-0700.
Deadbeats Backyard Jamboree: Canadian electronic music duo Zeds Dead returns to Civic Center Park, 2-10 p.m. This year has three unique stages, plus food, games, and interactive art. Information: deadrocks.net.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 23, 2023 | Main Articles
Apartment Buildup Wave Ripples Through District Also Facing Surge In New Office Buildings
by Glen Richardson
Cherry Creek North — long notable for ritzy shops, fancy restaurants, and posh homes — is about to feel the impact of a tidal wave of new apartment construction. The tsunami of new construction apparently triggered by Broe Real Estate Group’s announcement it plans to replace a 10-story office building at 50 S. Steele St. with a 12-story, 416-unit apartment building, groundbreaking to begin in early 2024.
High Tide On 1st Ave.: Broe Real Estate Group plans to replace its 10-story office building at 50 S. Steele St. with this humongous 12-story high-rise with 416 apartments.
The district, of course, had its first ominous hint of a powerful forward apartment construction wave when East West Partners announced it would build 600 apartment units in the largely vacant west end of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Near the Cherry Creek waterway shore, work at that site is also set to begin in early next year.
Adding to the ground swell of new apartments is BMC Investments plan to build a 12-story, 250-unit apartment building on the southeast corner of East. 1st Ave. and Steele St. (High Rise Apartments Going Up at Sears Store Site, Chronicle June).
Splattering Effect
Set to splash into Cherry Creek before or following the new year and ride the wave of new apartment projects to historic high-rise highs, are these earth-movement projects:
Zocalo Development is planning to build a 12-story, 185-unit apartment complex on the northeast corner of 1st Ave. and Steele St., their first project in Cherry Creek.
Stillwater Capital, a private national real estate firm, is planning an 85-unit apartment project that will replace several buildings in Cherry Creek North, at 255 N. Detroit. The tallest part of the building will be eight-stories, with step-downs to seven and five stories.
Formally an office proposal, Blair Richardson — CEO of Denver-based Bow River Capital — is now planning a five-story, 22 apartment-condo building at the vacant lot on the southwest corner of 2nd Ave. & Adams St., adjacent to the Cherry Creek Grill.
Broe Group’s Geyser
Building Boxes Rising: East West Partners plans 600 apartment units in the largely vacant west end of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, near the Cherry Creek waterway.
The 416 apartment Broe development will have a humongous 611 parking spaces, plus ground-floor retail, and rooftop amenities. In 2021 when the site was rezoned for a 12-story structure, Cherry Creek East groups raised concerns about parking, traffic, and how a new building would block views.
Councilman Chris Hinds, who represents the district, also expressed concerns about the rezoning, particularly the impact it might have on older residents living at Kavod Senior Life around the block. But, nonetheless, he voted for the rezoning.
Broe has owned the 1970s-era, 115,325- square-foot building at 50 S. Steele St. since 1989. Elsewhere in Cherry Creek, Broe has two office developments underway at 200 and 250 Clayton St. The 200 Clayton site is in the final stages of completion. Broe plans to break ground at the 250 Clayton late this year.
Deluge At 1st & Steele
Zocalo’s new apartment building will be located on the northeast corner of 1st Ave. and Steele St., across the street from the 88
Splash On Steele St.: Zocalo plans this 12-story, 185-unit apartment complex on the northeast corner of 1st Ave. and Steele St., across from the 88 Steele Creek development.
Steele Creek development. Currently the site is just a dirt lot with some torn up pavement.
The 12-story LEED-Gold building will include their “Velo” bike room, a rooftop deck, fitness room, and ground floor retail.
Rezoning in April created a slight uproar concerning over-development and traffic congestion issues. Zocalo countered by offering $80,000 for bike and car sharing programs plus congestion relief measures.
Trio Slip Into Creek
BMC’s 12-story, 250-unit Steele Creek complex replacing the deserted Sears store, will be split, half one-bedroom, the other half divided between studio and two-bedroom units. Amenities will include a fitness center, rooftop deck, and landscaped courtyards.
Stillwater Capital’s 85-unit project on North Detroit will be eight-stories, stepped-down to seven and five-stories. Directly north of the eight-story Financial House, it will replace numerous retail sites including women’s store Garbarini.
The empty lot at 2nd Ave. & Adams St., originally planned as an office building, is being nixed in favor of a five-story, 22-unit apartment-condo project. Purchased by Bow River Capital’s CEO in July 2019, the site was bulldozed and has sat vaca
The Road Ahead: Cherry Creek West is changing Cherry Creek North Drive to be all at grade. A wide pedestrian crossing will allow walkers and bikers to cross freely.
nt for three years.
Housing Turbulence
In the past, apartments in metro Denver were simply four walls and a roof overhead, with few amenities. Renters viewed them as temporary shelter while they saved and searched for a starter home. That, however, has never been the case in Cherry Creek. Renters want luxury features like gyms, pools, walking paths, plus, of course, convenience to shopping and work.
The surge in apartment developments here reflects the overall turbulence in the housing market. The high-rise building wave is tapping into an exploding need for more housing options for everyone from millennials to empty nesters. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the apartment buildup is far beyond the most optimistic forecasts.
Still, amidst labor shortages, record-breaking inflation and unparalleled consumer demand, Cherry Creek has embraced the district’s construction buildup with grace. “At a time when other communities have struggled, we have continued to be the metro region’s economic powerhouse, and have exceeded our own growth expectations with grace,” is how Cherry Creek North’s CEO Nick LeMasters explains it modestly.
Soaking In Money Sway
Stillwater Floods Detroit: Stillwater Capital is planning an 85-unit project on North Detroit. The project will replace several retail businesses along Detroit St.
It’s hard to quantify an exact rent impact of the fast-paced buildup. As of June 2023, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cherry Creek was $3,000, a 15% jump from the previous year. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment was $4,790, a 2% drop.
With a median home price of $3,488,577 and a median rent of $1,696, Cherry Creek is Denver’s most expensive neighborhood. Furthermore, based on growth in home prices in Cherry Creek over the last three years, it ranks No. 1 among all Denver neighborhoods.
Metro Denver is losing people, and so is Colorado as a whole, and that has to be of considerable concern. Between January and March of this year Denver lost 4,200 people, according to real estate brokerage firm Redfin. That places Denver among the top 10 cities people are leaving the most.
