Earlier this month, several hundred people gathered at the Colfax Event Center to celebrate 15 quirky and interesting places and the people who created them: The fourth annual Mayor’s Design Awards. Both collectively and individually, they make Denver a more interesting and human city, because each reflects the hand, heart or imagination of its creators.
Spend an afternoon visiting these treasures. (And thank you, Peter Park, for bringing this idea from Milwaukee to Denver, and you, Katherine Cornwell — soon to depart the city’s planning department — for your gifted management of this initiative.)
First, stop by three projects in north central Denver. Satchel’s Market, 5021 E. 28th Ave., a funky north Park Hill coffee shop, is a terrific, whimsical spot to sample organic and homemade fare — a funky north Park Hill coffee shop. Owners Andrew Casaline and Karen Rylander challenge residents to “discover us!” They have — and so should you.
Not far away is the Art Garage, 6100 E. 23rd Ave.. Owner Barb McKee converted an old filling station into a classroom and public art studio where people of all ages come to exercise their creativity.
A bit farther south on Colfax at Grape Street, owners Erick and Jill Roorda have filled a wonderful storefront with showrooms full of cool stuff that’s sure to inspire your creative instincts. Their place, Mod Livin’, is replete with wonderful furniture and accessories inspired by mid-century modern design.
As you travel west on Colfax, take a jog north at Race Street and stop by Il Posto, 2011 E. 17th Ave. The delightful front patio is a great place to enjoy delicious Italian food and a glass of wine.
Close by is a well-designed new building offering secure, caring refuge for women and children. The Gathering Place, 1535 High St., is a well-known Denver resource, operated with love and smarts by director Leslie Foster. The new digs are so cool that a young couple asked if they could have their wedding reception on the roof.
One of the most innovative projects on the tour is the Garden Factory Lofts, 2340 Curtis St. This five-unit project occupies a single lot (3,275 square feet) in Curtis Park. The narrow, one-sided building boasts three living levels, tuck-under parking and a rooftop deck.
A bit farther north in the River North Arts District, just east of the Platte, is Ironton Studios at 3636 Chestnut Place, which houses 15 artist studios and a wonderful garden.
Head over to Highland and stop at Little Man Ice Cream, 2620 16th St. The quirky building is based on a vintage-style ice cream can. Every sinful scoop translates to a scoop of rice or beans for the world’s hungry.
Pasquini’s & Zio Romolo’s Alley Bar, 2400 W. 32nd Ave., is a place to wet your whistle while examining the fantastic details and the killer neon marquee.
Further west is the Koopmeiner home, 3890 Winona Court. Words cannot describe the treasure this old church and schoolhouse have become.
Billy’s Inn, at 4403 Lowell, is an old neighborhood watering hole. It has been transformed into a great spot to grab a burger and enjoy a wonderful patio built from pine beetle-kill timbers.
Be sure to check out the Pajama Baking Co., 1595 S. Pearl St. — great snacks, sandwiches and baked goods in a people-friendly environment. Close by is Holly Finch’s home, at 71 S. Sherman St. This energetic young woman put her heart and soul into this delightful and sustainable urban homestead.
The 2008 awards also recognized the Sugarcube Building, 1555 Blake St., and Redline Gallery, at 2350 Arapahoe St. These big-ticket, high design buildings are great additions to Denver’s built environment.
Susan Barnes-Gelt (sbg13@comcast.net) served on the Denver City Council and worked for Mayor Federico Peña. She is a consultant to local architectural and development companies.
