by Heather Brecl | Feb 19, 2024 | Main Articles
by Heather Brecl
Overdevelopment: Neighbors argue that Hale neighborhood is already stressed by overdevelopment and apartments and does not need more ADUs.
Back To The Future: Denver City Council eliminated Accessory Dwelling Units in 1954. They have raised their ugly head again as seen here at a home in Washington Park.
As the real estate market heats up this Spring, residents in Denver’s Hale neighborhood fear that new proposed rezoning laws regarding ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) will further accelerate unwelcome change in the neighborhood they love. And the concerns don’t stop with those residing in Hale — their neighbors in Mayfair, Hilltop, and Crestmoor Park see the impending loosening of regulations as the opening of floodgates for a myriad of problems that will devalue the historic neighborhoods that they hold near and dear to their hearts.
ADUs are a secondary structure or apartment that shares the lot with a larger primary home. They are built to provide additional and separate space for extended family members or to create income as a rental to offset mortgage costs. Often, they are apartments built above a garage, but can also include a finished basement used as separate living quarters. According to the City and County of Denver, Denver Zoning Code no longer has minimum lot size requirements for ADUs, though the size of the property does affect the size of a detached ADU and where on the property it can be.
Controversial District 5 Denver City Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, a former California resident and CU Boulder grad, (serving Cherry Creek, Country Club, Hale, Hilltop, Lowry, Montclair, Washington-Virginia Vale, and Mayfair) is sponsoring the ADU rezoning efforts. Sawyer is already in hot water with her District 5 constituents over so-called traffic calming measures at 7th and Williams, and other locations which are causing traffic accidents (see Chronicle October 2023 edition’s front page “7th and Williams Fiasco”), and even a recent fatality. Sawyer believes that making ADUs easier to build in Hale will answer some of the affordability challenges that Denver buyers face.
Proposed Rezoning: The areas highlighted in yellow and orange indicate lots subject to ADU redevelopment.
Members of the community in and around Hale see the addition of ADUs through a much different lens. According to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods, making ADUs a more accessible option for all homeowners in the area will destroy the character of their neighborhood and create irreparable damage in addition to the growing pains that are already facing. They fear that ADUs will be used as rentals to offset housing costs, creating a flood of trouble. With the slew of retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues that have been built in the Hale neighborhood near 8th and Colorado in the past few years, along with thousands of new residents that moved into the 9th+CO development, parking and congestion of traffic is already extremely formidable.
One Hale resident, who was granted anonymity to speak freely, has experienced first-hand the nightmare of having to find parking every night by her condo at 11th and Hale, even though she
In Hot Water Again: Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer has stirred controversy once again by pushing the development of ADUs in the Hale neighborhood. Residents of other neighborhoods fear this is just the beginning of pernicious overdevelopment.
owns her own spot. The resident’s designated parking space is rarely available for her own use — recently she parked three blocks away and was robbed at gunpoint returning home from her car. With the congestion and overdevelopment comes a new nine-acre development site with housing that is going in where the old VA Hospital is. Residents have pointed out that there are multiple empty lots where development has stalled, and they have witnessed growing numbers of homeless people.
Many residents believe that the rezoning in Hale isn’t even needed in the neighborhood as there are enough vacant rentals available already. Many feel that most residents probably can’t afford to get a permit for an ADU let alone build it, so there is no reason to change the existing law for the ones who can. They propose that the passing of the measure is simply intended to create a snowball effect for Mayfair and Hilltop next. Of the 16,401 occupied housing units in Hale, 56.81% are owner-occupied, while 43.19% have renters living in them. (Source: point2homes.com). Councilwoman Sawyer confirmed that of those homeowners who qualify to have an ADU on their property, statistically only 1.5% choose to do so. This leads residents to wonder why the money and resources were spent to pass such a measure which affects so few.
Long-time Denver Realtor Denice Reich of Re/Max and area resident voiced grave concerns that the historic integrity of these neighborhoods is in danger with the proposed rezoning that she believes will follow suit in Hilltop and Crestmoor Park once fully approved in Hale. She noted that while the lots in Hale may be too small to fit the guidelines and setbacks required to build an ADU, the larger lots in the neighboring areas are prime territory for ADUs. She fears that what happened in Capitol Hill to a once stately neighborhood with some historic homes being preserved and others scraped and replaced with unsightly multi-family units could happen elsewhere if the legislation continues down this path.
Reich shared that in her experience in residential real estate property, home values drop with the increase of rental units and an
Neighborhood Champion: Denice Reich, Re/Max realtor, is one of the many voices fighting the rezoning efforts of Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer.
increased transient population in the area. In addition, she cited her fear of increased traffic on 13th and 14th Avenues, decreased parking, increased population density, and clogging access for emergency services (especially fire). Furthermore, Reich proposes that there will be detrimental problems stemming from the construction of ADUs near property lines, especially because of the relaxed guidelines for setbacks such as loss of the tree canopy, more non-permeable land for water to flood off, and more noise and dust from construction.
While Councilwoman Sawyer’s Office stands by the results of their community survey in which 58% for expressed support the rezoning for ADUs, while neighbors argue that the number lacks transparency and that the actual sample of those wanting the zoning changes is too small to represent how the overall community truly feels. According to the numbers provided by the Councilwoman’s Office, only 382 responses (representing 4% of the population in Hale) were received and only 212 were considered valid with a margin of error of 6.5%.
It remains to be seen what the overall impact of rezoning will actually be. As the landscape and city continues to change at rapid pace with both the construction of new residential homes and unending commercial development, the conversation continues to escalate leaving all sides seeking long-term solutions that will provide affordable and dependable futures.
The Hale ADU rezoning was passed on January 17, 2024, in a meeting of the Denver Planning Board and then again on February 6, 2024, during the meeting of the LUTI (Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure) Committee. It will be the subject of a final public hearing with the full City Council scheduled for March 26, 2024. The rezoning will apply to over 1,500 properties.
The public can follow the legislative process and view documents submitted for City Council review at denver.legistar.com or denvergov.org.
by Mark Smiley | Feb 19, 2024 | Main Articles
Lowry’s Latest Attraction Features A Full Menu And Bar And 10 Golf Simulator Bays
by Mark Smiley
Bays Available: Guests can reserve a bay which fits up to eight people for $45 per hour.
The Hangar Club, Denver’s newest indoor golf club, opened two months ago and is thriving in a fiercely competitive market. There are over 30 indoor facilities in Colorado and the Hangar Club hopes to be a step above the competition with its 22,000 square foot venue. They boast an elevated food menu, 36 televisions, a full bar, 10 large bays to practice golf, and state of the art technology.
The way that the Hangar Club separates itself from competitors, such as Local Drive, is “Our differentiation is really our staffing, the group of founders we put together, to make sure we put together the best experience in Colorado, and hopefully the Western United States, as far as indoor golf is concerned,” said Daren Schmidt, Founding Partner of the Hangar Club. “We wanted to give people the best possible experience inside of this building and we feel like we are doing it.”
“The technology is what we call the Ferrari of golf simulations,” said Schmidt. “If you look at any professional golfer or amateur golfer, or anybody that wants to become a great golfer, they use trackman.” Trackman was introduced to the golf world in 2003 and quickly gained popularity among professional golfers. Trackman utilizes Doppler technology to track and record the 3D characteristics of a sports ball in motion. It produces state-of-the-art hardware platforms and delivers improvements across tracking algorithms and front-end applications that are innovative.
The avid golfer can set up a profile and keep track of their swing and statistics. There are 260 courses to choose from in the simulators. “The amount of data this spits out is overwhelming,” said Schmidt. “What our pros do here is we condense the information you get. The average person coming in needs five data points.” The Hangar Club has two professionals on staff to help train and facilitate.
Lounge: Space is available to rent for corporate events, birthday parties, or any other event.
Schmidt and other investors, including James Love, who played professionally for 13 years, bought the property in June 2023 and spent $3.3 Million to renovate it. The hangar was originally built in 1942 and features vast amounts of natural light and open space due to its eight expansive steel beams and large windows used in the building’s original construction.
Menu: The Hangar Club features an elevated menu with finger foods, sandwiches, and pizzas.
Previously referred to as Building #376 (Armament Annex) and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, the building originally functioned as part of the armament school for the U.S. Army Air Corps and later the U.S. Air Force, the only one of its kind in the western United States. It trained thousands of armorers and bombardiers during World War II and the Korean War, including training on the Sperry bombsight and the top secret Norden bombsight, a key technology for winning the war.
Fast forward to today, Schmidt is proud to own a building on the base where his father was inducted into the Air Force. “I called dad who has now since retired and told him I’m buying this building in Lowry and he said that’s where I was inducted into the Air Force,” said Schmidt. “He remembered the building and was there when it was dirt roads and an Air Force base.”
Schmidt and the other investors are proud to be part of the fabric of the Lowry community. “We created a number of fillers we wanted associated with this, given that we own the real estate,” said Schmidt. “We are proud owners in the Lowry neighborhood. Community is number one and the beauty of the Lowry area is it is surrounded by other neighborhoods such as Cherry Creek and Mayfair. We wanted this to be a space where families could come, where avid golfers could come, and ultimately anybody and everybody who has either never played golf before or wants to be exposed to it, or the avid golfer to work on their game.”
From the avid golfer looking to perfect their skills to the casual friendly gathering of executives who want a different way to conduct business, Hangar Club combines work and play to provide an elevated experience and best-in-class service to all who walk through its doors.
Full Bar: The Hangar Club features a full bar and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Part of the elevated experience that the Hangar Club touts is the menu. “The whole concept was if you are going to be swinging a golf club, you don’t want a greasy cheeseburger and French fries,” said Schmidt. “We have great finger foods and sandwiches and tuna plates. We have everything from queso and guacamole and flatbreads. The intent was for people to have an elevated and premiere menu that you wouldn’t necessarily get at another simulator place.”
Hangar Club is located adjacent to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum at 7600 E. 1st Place in Denver. The club’s entrance is on the east side of the building. Surface and covered parking are both available.
The Hangar Club opens at 6 a.m. for members and to the public at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. each day. During the week, a guest can reserve a bay for $45 per hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eight people can fit in each bay. Visit hangarclub.co for more information.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2024 | Main Articles
Ten New Projects To Convert Cherry Creek’s 16-Blocks Into Colorado’s Top Urban Community By The End Of Decade
by Glen Richardson
Changing Cherry Creek: Here’s what architects- developers are proposing for the former Sears store site at 2nd Ave. & Adams. Demolition is set to begin April 1. Completion is anticipated as soon as the third quarter of 2025.
The push to build new office, retail, and apartment projects in Cherry Creek North as 2024 gets underway is unlike anything the district has ever seen. Construction is set to experience its best year on record, with developers launching 10 projects as the new year begins.
The latest construction boom, moreover, mostly ignores the $1 billion Cherry Creek West mall project, though it is inching closer to reality along University Blvd. Construction at that site isn’t scheduled to start until at least the third quarter of 2024, with the first building not ready for occupancy until 2027. A gargantuan development, nonetheless, authorities say the project will create 50% of new Cherry Creek Valley jobs and 30% of new households through the year 2040.
This year’s construction ricochet will likely push the district into becoming the new epicenter of the Mile High City, as downtown continues to struggle. For several years now, companies have established offices or headquarters in Cherry Creek, increasingly solidifying the district as the Mile High City’s hub.
Mixed Use Move
As businesses add more space along the district’s 16 blocks, this much is clear: Once simply a shopper’s haven, developers are converting the neighborhood into a live, work, and play destination. Moreover, due to crime and homelessness issues downtown, more travelers are choosing to stay in Cherry Creek-Glendale hotels.
While more of a mixed-use district, the area nevertheless has developers once again adding retail space to the latest Cherry Creek projects.
The district’s thriving office market, as expected, remains one of the nation’s best. The latest construction trend suggests an increase rather than slackening in office demand.
Schnitzer Eight-Story
Swift Schnitzer Start: Expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025, Schnitzer West, LLC, broke ground at 201 Fillmore on this eight-story building on Nov. 4, 2023.
Schnitzer West, LLC, broke ground back on Nov. 4, 2023, at 201 Fillmore on an eight-story building it expects to complete by the third quarter of next year (2025).
The building’s 130,000-sq.-ft. of office space on seven floors will house one of Colorado’s largest independent oil and gas firms. Antero Resources is currently headquartered near Union Station on Wynkoop St. The 8,600-sq.-ft. of ground floor retail space will feature a restaurant, plus another eatery is tentatively taking the rooftop terrace.
The development will have five levels of below-grade parking, with 250 spaces for office and retail use. There will be secure loading docks for tenant’s use.
Scraping Sears Site
One of the largest and definitely Cherry Creek’s longest anticipated, demolition of the Sears Building at 2nd Ave. & Adams is set to begin April 1. The site will be replaced with a blend of office and retail spaces in a five-story package. Like the 201 Fillmore project, completion is probable by the third quarter of 2025 albeit more likely by year’s end. The 90,000-sq.-ft. site will feature a mix of masonry, steel, and glass.
With the Crate & Barrel building, size of the parcel totals 9.4 acres. According to plans, the Crate & Barrel building will be demolished down to grade level, though the parking garage will remain. It will be replaced with a new five-story mixed-use residential-apartment building. BMC Investments CEO Matt Joblon is working with Crate & Barrel on relocation to a new temporary or permanent space, possibly within the site.
Broe Building Bulge
Broe Buildup: In addition to launching an eight-story office project on Clayton this month, Broe wants to demolish its 10-story 50 S. Steele St. office site and build this 12-story, 378-unit apartment building with ground floor retail.
Broe Real Estate Group — the multi-billion-dollar developer headquarters on Clayton St. in Cherry Creek — is beginning the second phase of its office redevelopment project by launching an eight-story, 175,000-sq.-ft. mixed use office project at 250 Clayton. Completion is anticipated in early 2026. Tenants will have access to floorplates as large as 27,000-sq.-ft. The site will also include retail space. Broe plans to later demolish the parking garage and building at 252 Clayton St., and build another seven-story office building there.
Broe has also asked to demolish the site of its 10-story office building at 50 S. Steele St. They seek to build a 12-story, 478-unit apartment complex with ground floor retail across from the eastern end of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
As 2023 closed, Broe purchased the 587-unit Seasons of Cherry Creek apartment complex on E. Ellsworth Ave. One of the largest real estate transactions in Cherry Creek history, Broe paid $225 million. The 480-unit complex is spread across three buildings on 5.2 acres.
Betwixt & Between
Plotting to build on every plot, Alpine Investments will erect a mixed-use office- retail building on a 0.57-acre site at 2645 E. 2nd Ave. between the Cherry Cricket and the Clayton Hotel & Members Club.
Development of the site will require the demolition of the one-story rear portion of the Cherry Cricket, where restrooms are located. The front of the restaurant building along E. 2nd Ave. will remain. The office building will include three levels of below-grade parking plus ground-floor retail space.
The two-story portion that currently houses Cherry Creek Tailoring & Alterations and cocktail bar Forget Me Not, however, will be bulldozed.
More From BMC
Major Housings: BMC Investments is building an eight-story major league apartment complex at Milwaukee and 3rd Ave. The structure will feature 30,000-sq.-ft. of ground floor retail.
In addition to the Sears building site, MBC Investments is breaking ground on two projects along Milwaukee Street as 2024 begins. One of Cherry Creek’s most active-successful developers, BMC is adding a seven-story mixed-use project at 242 Milwaukee St. It will feature 84,000-sq.-ft. of office space and 10,000-sq.-ft. of retail plus 202 parking spaces.
On the corner of 3rd Ave. and Milwaukee, an eight-story apartment structure is being erected. It will have 156 luxury units plus 30,000-sq.-ft. of ground floor retail. Being designed for those seeking a moderate-sized floorplan, units will average 885-sq.-ft. The site will include studios, junior one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom plus den units.
A rooftop pool, outdoor grilling area, fire pit, and dining area are planned. More: Sauna, co-working areas, meeting rooms, and bike repair shop are included. A resident lounge and parking garage will also be built.
A Pair On 2nd Ave.
Cricket Or Not: Alpine Investments is erecting this office-retail building on an 0.57-acre site between the Cherry Cricket and the Clayton Hotel & Members Club at 2647 E. 2nd Ave.
Residents have come to expect Cherry Creek to be in constant change. However, that hasn’t been the case for a trio of projects a block apart on the south side of 2nd Ave. For at least two — at 2nd and Steele and 2nd and St. Paul — construction is set to break ground. A lot directly east of the Cherry Creek Grill at 2nd and Adams has sat empty for two years. Owned by Bow River Capital’s Blair Richardson, it was first proposed as offices and later a five-story condo site. Construction remains unlikely.
Directly across Steele Street from the Grill, where Patxi’s Pizza closed a year ago and Bloom by Anuschka does business, a five-story, 37 condo development will be built. The $50-million project will have 3,532-sq.-ft. of ground-floor retail and 4,360-sq. ft. of restaurant space. There will also be a 75-space underground garage.
A block further west at 190 St. Paul St. —where Italian restaurant Piatti has sat empty since Christmas of 2021 — a five-story, 272,000-sq.-ft. condo project will be built by luxury brand Waldorf Astoria. The site will have a 5,360-sq.-ft. restaurant and 3,532-sq.-ft. of retail plus a 70-space underground parking garage.
Space On Cook
Dallas-based Mill Creek Residential is breaking ground on a six-story, 110 Apartment complex on the southwest corner of 2nd Ave. and Cook Street (155 & 165 Cook St.). The structure is replacing a pair of three-and-four-story office buildings. Completion is expected in early 2025.
Rough Road Ahead
The impressive growth proposed and promoted with Cherry Creek’s latest developments is certain to create transportation, traffic congestion, and parking problems. Residents living in the neighborhood care about the district’s future, and want to maintain the quality of life and success they now enjoy.
The attraction of businesses and their office space needs has accelerated the desire of certain businesses to move to Cherry Creek from other areas of the city. Actual development has already exceeded the 10-year forecasts.
Next month the Chronicle will look at Cherry Creek’s first major analysis of BID’s growth and development. The report offers tough recommendations that need to be made before it is too late to make a difference.
by Jessica Hughes | Jan 19, 2024 | Main Articles
by Jessica Hughes
The High Line Canal Trail crosses five different major counties in the Denver Metro Area.
The High Line Canal is a man-made waterway begun in 1881 for the purpose of irrigating land in Denver and eastward. Beginning at a diversion dam off the South Platte 1.8 miles above the mouth of Watterton Canyon it runs a meandering 71 miles through Douglas, Arapahoe, Denver, and Adams Counties and ending near Green Valley Ranch. It is based on the “high line principal” of following the contours of the land to allow the water to flow by gravity with a minimal drop in elevation per mile. As a result, the Canal has many twists and turns.
The Canal was never a very efficient vehicle for providing water for irrigation and it no longer does so. But over the years it has become a major source of recreation. A maintenance road ran aside the High Line Canal to assist in making repairs to the Canal and is now called the High Line Canal Trail. It is now open to all non-motorized traffic. Parts of the trail are dirt while others are concreted.
The High Line Canal I-70 construction project, which began one year ago, is slated to be finished in early 2024. The City of Aurora in collaboration with American Civil Constructors, will close the longest gap (three miles) of the 71-mile High Line Canal Trail from Colfax Ave. to the trail north of I-70 when the project is complete.
This new section of the trail will connect Northeast Denver to the rest of the Canal with a continuous eight-foot-wide concrete trail, two pedestrian bridges, including the I-70 overpass, another to cross the Canal at Smith Rd., upgraded railroad crossing for pedestrians and cyclist safety, and more.
The new three-mile section of the High Line Canal Trail bridges the gap between Colfax Ave. to the north of I-70 with an eight-foot-wide concrete trail.
“When complete this project will provide close-to-home, accessible recreation opportunities to the diverse population that use this section,” says Harriett Crittenden LaMair, the High Line Conservancy Executive Director.
The High Line Canal Conservancy was founded in 2014 to permanently protect the 71-mile High Line Canal and unify all partners to implement The Plan for the High Line Canal. Partners include Denver Water, along with support of 11 jurisdictions where the Canal is located, including the City of Aurora — the lead partner for the I-70 project.
The High Line Canal Trail twists and turns through the most populated areas of Colorado, crossing multiple and varied communities in the Metro area. With over 350,000 residents living within one mile of the Canal and approximately one million people using the trail annually, efforts to improve the trail system are more important than ever.
Since the 1920s, the Canal has been owned by Denver Water as a part of Denver’s water delivery system since the 1880s. Over the last 100+ years, the Canal’s evolution has gone from utilitarian efforts of conveying water, to a community-wide recreational and environmental hub for locals and visitors alike.
There will also be a major focus on improvements to the northern 28 miles of the Canal due to historic underinvestment. “This area is also some of the most diverse communities in the state,” says Crittenden LaMair. “With some of these improvements we strive to bring more equity to outdoor access.”
To ensure adjacent communities were aligned, the conservancy led with a community-first mindset, working with anyone who wanted to be involved in the planning and development of future projects. “We worked with over 10,000 people who wanted to get involved with the design improvements of the Canal’s northern sections,” says Crittenden LaMair.
The new I-70 overpass of the High Line Canal Trail is expected to be complete in early 2024.
She also explains an important part of the project is to create trail improvements through a community-centered design process. “There are 28 schools within a quarter of a mile from the High Line Canal,” says Crittenden LaMair. “The Canal is an important community resource for moving and we want to encourage kids to use it for walking to and from the elementary schools.” But for the Conservancy, it isn’t only about walkability scores, it’s also about creating community activation zones where the community can come together.
“For example, there are proposed improvements for an outdoor classroom along the Canal by Green Valley Ranch’s Marrama Elementary school,” says Crittenden LaMair. “Another example includes Aurora’s Laredo Highline neighborhood, the Grandy Ditch Open Space, where there are proposed plans to include bike racks, a shade structure, and natural elements for neighbors to enjoy.”
Federal funds were granted to the City of Aurora for the I-70 project through the Denver Regional Council of Governments, with the city using capital improvement funding as a match. Additional funding came from the Conservation Trust Fund, Adams County Open Space Grant, and Adams County Open Space Tax Shareback with a total of $9.4 million invested in the project.
Overall, funding for the conservancy includes both public and private outlets — including all the conservancy’s jurisdictional partners, regional and national foundations, corporate partners, and over 2,500 annual private donors.
New trail signage anchors the newest section of the High Line Canal Trail.
“We raise over 60% of our annual operating budget in November and December, in particular on Colorado Gives Day,” says Crittenden LaMair. “These are critical funds that keep our organization afloat and help to support all of the work that we do.” There are several ways in which individuals can help support the conservancy through bench and tree adoptions as gifts to commemorate someone special, monthly donations, corporate sponsorships, and volunteering opportunities.
Beyond the I-70 project, what does the future hold for the High Line Canal Trail? Crittenden LaMair says there are plans for enhancements to make the trail safer and more enjoyable for everyone, plus, ongoing ecological restoration and maintenance for recreational uses across all 71 miles.
“This year we will have more exciting updates about next steps in protecting the Canal for future generations,” says Crittenden LaMair. “It’s important to continue improvement along the Canal because it’s a recreation hub with easy access to the outdoors in the middle of the city, a place where youth can connect with nature, free outdoor recreation for local communities, build biodiversity and ecological health in urban areas, and more. It really is a staple for those living in the metro area.”
Learn more about the High Line Canal Conservancy at highlinecanal.org.
Photos by Jessica Hughes
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2024 | Main Articles
Here’s Your Leap Year Formula For Finding Fun, Friendship, And Love In Unexpected Places
by Glen Richardson
Canine Companion: Snoopy, the pet dog of the hapless Peanuts character in the Charlie Brown comic-strip, is the most beloved character in the history of comics.
Valentine’s Day is the holiday to express your love, whether with your significant other, best friend, your kids, or anyone else. Begin the month preparing to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, February 14th — Valentine’s Day!
In case you hadn’t noticed, 2024 is a leap year. Oh yeah, baby, one extra day on February 29th! Leap Year has a rich history with romance.
Folklore suggests the tradition began in Ireland in the 5th century, with a deal brokered between St. Brigid of Kildare and St. Patrick. Or maybe it was in 13th Century Scotland, when Queen Mary established a law that women could propose to any man they liked during a leap year, with refusal being allowed only if the man was already engaged.
Regardless of its origin, it’s a big deal in Denver nowadays. To fan the feelings of your buddy, beau, sidekick, or soulmate here’s the Chronicle’s V-Day guide to loving things to do:
Love Menagerie
This February the Denver Zoo is going wild, celebrating Valentine’s from February 3 to 14, by offering a limited number of half-off daytime admission tickets and showering the Zoo with love …including exclusive Animal Experiences plus themed Valentine’s Day treats.
Long Lasting Love: Take your love to this year’s Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase. A symbol of love, luxury, and beauty, it’s perfect way to celebrate the holiday.
On Valentine’s Day, there’s a Singles’ Safari — the first ever — with yard games and tons of swipe-right snacks. Animal Experiences, a photo station, seasonal craft cocktails, and à la carte eats are featured.
Also offered on the 14th is a four-course dinner in the Komodo Room of Tropical Discovery, the Zoo’s indoor rainforest. Attendees will enjoy a prix fixe meal of four chef-crafted courses, including exclusive Wild at Heart Animal Encounters. Information: 720-337-1400.
Grow Your Love
Worth more than a carnation, more elegant than a rose, and symbolic of life, love, and happiness, treat your love to the Denver Botanic Garden’s annual Orchid Showcase now through Feb. 19. Symbolizing romantic feelings and passionate relationships, it is the picture-perfect way to express your love. You’ll see hundreds of exotic blooms, including rare orchids. Open in the Orangery from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Showcase is included with admission. More: Supplies of Fantasy O
Perfect Pairing: A little red wine makes the ultimate Valentine’s Day beverage. Try a rose sparkler for added panache, the acidity keeps the mood uplifting and flirty.
rchids will be on sale Feb. 3, 10, and 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can also celebrate the month of love by joining the Botanic Garden’s captivating Love Potions from the Vine Tour, Feb. 11-14. Escape the winter chill in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory with this tour of purported aphrodisiacs and learn the secret romantic lives of tropical plants.
Finally, flowers and plants are used year-round to send messages of love, happiness, and joy. Children and families can decorate a Valentine display to share with loved ones this month during the Garden’s Make & Take Garden Valentines. You’ll learn how using a variety of dried natural plant parts and crafting items. Space for children and grownups to create together is provided along with supplies. You and your family provide the ideas and creativity. Information: 720-865-3500.
Lyrics Of Love
Music Magic: Music is an ideal Valentine’s Day option this year. Among the toe-tapping options is Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show, Feb. 10. Photo by Sandy Reay
Music doesn’t stimulate lovey-dovey feelings in everyone, but it can sure make you swoon. Every couple has a song. Love and music are two lights of one candle. Music portrays feeling through melodies, rhythms, tunes, and lyrics. Here’s the Chronicle’s playlist of Valentine concerts, shows, singing, comedy, and dances:
For an upbeat, rhythms & blues start to the month, swing to the beat of the Motown Valentine’s Day Concert with the three MoMezzos at Dazzle Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. The powerhouse trio feature music from Motown and beyond and take guests on a musical journey through favorite love songs. Information: 303-839-5100.
For toe-tapping, up-tempo entertainment, don’t miss Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show in Daniels Hall Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Part bluegrass, part acoustic rock, their musical sound, humor, and stage presence will have you falling in love. Information: 303-777-1003.
Piano-Violin duo perform a Romeo & Juliet candlelight concert at Trinity United Methodist Church on Broadway Feb. 9, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-1493.
Head Over Heels: A love affair between taste and tradition, the Monaco Inn Restaurant is offering three specials with dessert or glass of Prosecco on Valentine’s Day, 5-9 p.m.
Chicago jazz singer Elaine Dame entertains on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Dazzle with the Annie Booth Trio, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
To see an unforgettable comedy sing-along, take your love to dinner during the V-Day Dueling Piano Show at Fortissimo Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Information: 720-789-5280.
For a romantic musical show, attend the Feb. 14 Candlelight Concert at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m. Information: 303-360-5360.
To spice up your life, see the burlesque, aerial acts, singing, and comedy at Clocktower Cabaret’s Feb. 14 Cupid’s Delight, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.
Dance the night away to live music during the Shroomski Valentine’s event at Ironworks on Larimer St. Feb. 15, 7-11:30 p.m. Information:720-946-7721.
Or, consider sending a singing telegram to your love at home or a Valentine’s dinner. Orange Peel Moses delivers awesome performances. Information: 303-931-8466.
Love Of Food
Flaming Foster: Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café, a cozy Mayfair gem, is an ideal V-Day dining spot. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed table side.
To wine and dine your darling this Valentine’s Day, the Mile High City’s best choices remain resolutely local at heart. Slick chain eateries in new developments may bring crowds, but neighborhood restaurants foster a sense of togetherness featuring incredible cuisine in unique and distinctive spaces with cozy character. Tuck into one of the Chronicle’s three top choices:
Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café — a quaint neighborhood eatery in the Mayfair neighborhood at 932 Jersey St., eatery serves tasty Italian fare and seasonal entrees. A little gem of a restaurant with an exceptional menu and beautifully presented food. If you like Italian food, great service, and being treated like you are appreciated, go to Jimmy’s
for Valentine’s Day. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed tableside. Information: 720-328-9481.
Monaco Inn Restaurant has been serving in the Monaco Square at 862 S. Monaco St. Parkway in the Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood for more than 30 years. Owned and run by Emmanuel Tsikoudakis and Chef Terry Vaidis, the restaurant of-
fers both Greek & American cuisine. Long known for its holiday service, Valentine Specials are offered Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Choices include New York Steak with Deep Fried Shrimp, Lamb Chops with Grilled Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon. Choice of Dessert or Glass of Prosecco included. Regular menu is also available. Information: 303-321-1104.
Shells & Sauce is a jazzy little trattoria serving classic-creative Italian-American fare in the heart of Congress Park. The cozy neighborhood restaurant at 2600 E. 12th Ave. serves a variety of home-made lasagna, meat, and fish, plus other entrees. Boasting an extensive wine list to pair with anything you and your Valentine choose, there are delicious dessert options to top off your special evening. Whether you sit on the rooftop or in the main dining room. the service is great. Information: 303-377-2091.
Runaway-Love
If running is your love language, race to this year’s Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Washington Park Feb. 11, 9 to 11 a.m. Information: 720-838-6185.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2023 | Main Articles
New Audit Reveals Denver Is Delivering Fewer Units Than Required, Costs Climb For Taxpayer-Funded Affordable Housing
by Glen Richardson
As 2024 begins, residents want to know if Mayor Mike Johnston met his $50 million promise to move 1,000 of Denver’s homeless off the streets by year’s end. Many others — like Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, who resigned as homeless committee chair — have concluded the administration’s homeless pledge is nothing more than “a dog and pony show.”
Facing the facts: Denver has the nation’s 10th-most homeless people. At year’s end there were 802 homeless people getting monthly payments of from $50 to $1,000. One group receives $1,000 a month for 12 months; another received a $6,500 lump payment and then $500 a month for 11 months; and the final group receives $50 a month for a year. For this year (2024), Mayor Johnston proposes to spend $242 million on homeless-affordable housing.
Street Sweep Scene: Denver continues to perform “sweeps” of homeless encampments under new Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Photo: Kevin J. Beaty
A new financial examination by Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, however, reveals that finding housing or giving out money — without managing inherent and built-in factors — may b
Street Squalor Struggle: Despite providing money, plus developing and prioritizing affordable housing projects, Denver’s homeless crisis continues to surge as 2024 begins. Photo (left): Hart Van Denburg/CPR
e an emotional feat, but won’t accomplish the city’s objectives.
Unit Count Con
The audit’s most glaring discovery: Denver’s Department of Housing Stability is not delivering the required number of units. Fact: Denver developed 32 fewer units for very-low income and 301 fewer for moderate-income households than required by the city agreement.
Equally disturbing: The agency reported 203 units for rent at “market rates,” claiming they count as part of the agreement to develop affordable housing.
Lack of oversight is to blame, according to Auditor O’Brien. “If affordable housing is a priority, leaders need to effectively use resources, show accountability for housing goals, and commitment to helping those in Denver who need it m
ost,” he asserts.
Shoddy Upkeep
Auditors also found a lack of oversight to maintain safe-habitable housing units for people in the lowest income ranges. Not only are these people subject to health-safety risks, but the city could lose part of its affordable housing inventory due to damage and disrepair.
A random check of 20 affordable housing projects funded by the Department of Housing Stability — plus an affordable housing project used as permanent housing and funded with program funds — examiners found building doors unlocked or propped open; doors missing handles; water damage; pet or human waste in public areas; plus, trash and debris.
More: Broken windows; dirty or damaged carpets; potential fire code violations, which were reported to the fire department; large cracks and other damage to exterior brick or foundations; evidence of pest infestations; exposed electrical wires or damaged electrical features; window and screens missing or damaged; inoperable or malfunctioning elevators; standing water in public areas; and damaged interior and exterior lighting.
Fewer New Units
Even more troubling, auditors found plans for new units are falling below requirements in the city’s taxpayer-funded agreement with the Denver Housing Authority. Denver partners with the Denver Housing Authority on their “DHA Delivers for Denver Program” — commonly called “D3.”
Broadway’s Best: Purchased by the Denver Housing Authority and completed in 2022, this 655 Broadway Bldg. rents to income limited elderly and disabled.
The audit discovered the housing authority reported some units were being rented at market rate, instead of at affordable rates for people with low-income levels.
Moreover, the housing authority also developed fewer units for low-and moderate-income individuals than required. Bottom line: Investments may and many times exceed what was agreed upon. There is no clarity on how many housing units will be delivered or if the units will be affordable for people who need it most. “The city needs stronger oversight to confirm the affordable housing results it promises,” says Auditor O’Brien. “It’s clear the city is too trusting in third-party partners and as a result the people who need the most help could be left out.”
Half Have High Rent
Just as shocking and upsetting, the audit reveals that half of the units in the city’s D3 agreement exceed the rents allowed by that agreement.
The housing authority reported 203 market-rate units paid for by the city’s D3 agreement were rented for between 60% and 90% of area median income. The housing authority claims this counts toward contract requirements because they are lower than the average rental prices in Denver, which are about 120% of the area median income.
While about half of these ar
Loose Connections: Audits of 20 affordable housing projects funded by the Department of Housing Stability found shoddy upkeep, including exposed-damaged electrical wires.
e rented at rates for people in the target income, the lower-than-average prices are not guaranteed if market conditions change — resulting in potential rent increases and loss of affordability.
District Deals
Additionally, some City Council districts are receiving more affordable housing resources than allowed. Specifically, districts 1, 3, 8, and 9 all received more affordable housing funds than allowed.
Further, district 3 was restricted to receiving fewer funds than other districts because of existing affordable housing investments. While the agreement allows the department to grant a waiver to any one district, except district 3, discussions about waivers are ongoing.
The housing authority is also counting units developed with “different city funding sources” as part of the D3 project, further inflating the results.
Clinch & Confirm
Finally, the audit found several other areas in which the city can make improvements to maintain and improve the city’s affordable housing struggle.
First, the city is not ensuring contractors are complying with wage laws on affordable housing projects. These projects may be subject to federal wage requirements or the city’s prevailing wage ordinance.
The Department of Housing Stability also needs to verify income annually for residents. The department also needs adequate
controls over its data, including what is used to populate public dashboards.
Agree To Improve
The Department of Housing Stability has agreed to implement nearly 90% (17 of the 19) of the audit recommendations.
It is disappointing, however, that the department chose to disagree with two of the audit recommendations. Those proposals would significantly improve the city’s inspection and maintenance of homeless units. Furthermore, it would ensure affordable housing is sanitary and safe.
The audit found issues at 14 of 21 homeless properties, despite inspection forms from the city showing no issues at the same properties.
