Famed Denver trial lawyer and convicted chapeau wearer Walter Gerash has sold his storied 1439 Court Place office building to real estate law firm Semler & Associates, which made the purchase through an LLC called 1439 Court.
Gerash, who’s nearly as famous for his courtroom eccentricities as for his wardrobe, which often included capes and a variety of hats, said he sold the 1880s stone-front building he occupied for more than 30 years because he’s working for two other firms who prefer to have him inside their offices.
“It was quite a traumatic thing,” Gerash said about the building he sold for $750,000. “I’ve become of counsel to two other firms — firms that were too big to take over the building.”
His new responsibilities include duties for his son’s firm Gerash Steiner & Toray, and well as for Springer and Steinberg.
“I’ll either try a case if the clients want it, or refer or advise strategy and tactics,” Gerash said.
The Court Place building, which is a Denver landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, has had a line of occupants that included stone quarries owner James H. Curry, Denver underworld leader Vaso Chucovich, Guiry Brothers Wall Paper, assorted lawyers and allegedly at one time a bordello.
Gerash, 83, said he has a font of fond memories of his time in the narrow brownstone. “I have mottos there, photographs with (King of Torts) Melvin Belli and myself, have some sayings up in my room that are appropriate philosophically and legally,” he said. “Maybe (the new buyers) left some interesting stuff in there.”
Gabby Gourmet vs. gabby politician?
When news of Tom Tancredo’s selection of Pat Miller as his gubernatorial running mate hit the radio waves, the other Pat Miller’s kids called to see if she was running.
The Pat Miller who’s been in Denver’s limelight as author, radio and television personality The Gabby Gourmet, has made a long living telling metro-area diners where to eat.
“I’m running on the food platform,” Gabby said, laughing. “Drop your gun, eat your food. Eat out every night, eat all you can eat, have a drink.”
Gabby said if Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper had invited her to be his running mate instead of Colorado State University- Pueblo president Joe Garcia, she would have jumped on board.
“I think we could have a great team, and we probably could win,” she joked.
Closer.
Hot on the heels of a three-star review in Wednesday’s Denver Post, Andrew Casalini, owner of Satchel’s Market at 5021 E. 28th Ave., announced he would close the hot spot at the end of September.
Instead, he’s opening a wine and espresso bar with limited food service at Sixth and Gilpin.
“The landlord wants to sell the building, and wants me to go on a month-to-month lease,” Casalini said. “I’m having a hard time with my lease.”
He doesn’t want to find another space for the existing business because of the potential cost of renovating the space and building a kitchen.
“The new place is a good opportunity for me and my life and my family,” he said. “I’m excited about it.”
Through September, Satchel’s will continue serving dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eavesdropping
on a woman at Aurora Hills Golf Course: “The only reason I play golf is to hear a man calling my name to the first tee.”
Penny Parker’s column appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Listen to her on the “Caplis & Silverman” radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.
