The Colfax Events Center

In perusing the most recent issue of Life on Capitol Hill, one columnist brought attention to an error made regarding the new Colfax Events Center.

This historic building, built in 1929 (zoned L2-Interdenominational Church with Missionary Emphasis), purchased in 1995, is now being rented for small venue concerts.

This church has embraced the idea of revenue (nonprofit) on the Colfax Corridor. I believe this venue has been used by sponsors like Swallow Hill Music Association and the Tattered Cover. It is a 500 seat auditorium. While I can't see huge name acts on the former playbill, it is just adjacent to the Lowenstein Theatre. The nearest venues from there are the Bluebird Theater.

It would also appear that it is going to be the site of the Velvet Elvis Gospel Revival, which looks to certainly be an interesting act.

The interesting thing about this, is when it comes to space, it is very difficult to find space for anything. In articles and reviews, people are asking why the Church is not restricting use and access?

As the Colfax Corridor grows, they realize that with 5 theaters within 2 miles of each other, they should really 'cash' in on the arts culture along Colfax- with local artists, and a live venue that could be great for any kind of intimate arts atmosphere.

Real Estate value? Neo-urbanization is dependent on the arts, culture, and those who are willing to open their doors (and their hearts) to something people want. Colfax seems to be 'concert row.' It encompasses local acts, the odd, the strange, and the well-known. This is a great addition to Colfax, and I should tell you, also, that it is nearly across the street from the new Esplanade project, on the Church in the City site.

Thanks for reading!

Edward Martin
Showcase Properties Unlimited
apexofdenver.blogspot.com
303-875-4450

Spotlight on the Esplanade!

Hi today!

Courtesy of Life on Capitol Hill Volume 34, Number 4, July 2008, we found some awesome material!

Firstly, I want to spotlight the 8th and Emerson Project, called "The Terraces." Initially, this space was slotted to be a community garden project, where there would be a variety of flowers and botanical beauty, called the Denver Urban Gardens, or Emerson Community Gardens.

In concern with urban development, it could be seen as an oasis, much like Governor's Park, or even a small version of The Denver Botanic Gardens. The owners of the property passed away, and the interest passed to a trust, making way for Priam Development to build Multi-Family homes, ranging from 1,500-2,000 square feet, with three buildings. Negotiations are out there to approve all three buildings. Read the article here.

This project is still in the approval stages. Mid-July is the hope for final approval of the development. I believe that this property was listed by Fuller Commercial Real Estate. Here is a photo of the current state of the property:
Also from Life on Capitol Hill, St. Charles Town Company has done some interesting transactions, in the past 5 years, on Colfax. The Lowenstein Theatre, home to Twist and Shout, a neat movie house, and home to the Tattered Cover Bookstore, it has purchased several for MS-1 (Main Street-1) zoning. Read about the development here, called The Esplanade.

Developer Charlie Woolley has plans to redevelop the area between 15th and 16th on Josephine, home to the Church in the City and Sunmart.

The new location for Church in the City will be the 1897 Beth HaMedrosh Hagodal Synogague, currently being remodeled for the move.

It has been vacant for many years, reports LOCH. Here is a photo of the remodel.

The project is slated to be under way this summer, with preliminary razing of structures happening in the first few months of 2009. It is also contingent on negotiations with the current tenants, Colorado Free University, Church in the City, and Sunmart.

Here is a mix of vintage, old, and new- the Pinnacle towers overlooking City Park.




More on this, as soon as I find out. Thanks for reading!

Ed Martin
Showcase Properties Unlimited
303-875-4450
Serving the Apex of Denver
eamart1@yahoo.com