Denver Homes for Sale

What is green in Denver, Colorado?

When I was studying the get my real estate Eco-Broker designation, a friend sent an email to me about life in the “good old days”.  I realized that like beauty, green is in the eyes of the beholder.  This blog is meant to educate, supply resources and to be a little thought-provoking.

This is what green meant to me when I was growing up in Denver, Colorado. 

Today’s generation blames the older generations for using up the earth’s resources, for not paying attention to the environment, wasting water and energy.  But, did they?

Milk, soda and beer came in bottles that were always returned.  As a kid, we made our spending money by returning empty bottles.  There were no plastic or aluminum cans.  The same bottles just kept recycling back on the market.

We lived in the suburbs, so no one walked to the grocery store, but my dad had an MGTD which got many miles to the gallon, my mom a station wagon, but not with a V-8 engine in it.

When my children were born, there were no disposable diapers, we used baby bottles, my children wore hand-me downs, they wore tennis shoes not sport shoes and they walked to school, without an adult.

When I lived in Germany as a teen-ager, my mother took her own grocery bags to the stores.  The stores didn’t provide bags for customers.  As a result of that experience, she took her own plastic bags back to the store each time to recycle.  Re-usable shopping bags are not a new thing, just a new generation.

Very few people had dryers.  Everything was dried on a clothes line, using wind and solar power to dry them.

We had a black phone with a rotary dial.  The phone company owned the phone and when it broke, they fixed it – for free.  We had TV, but just one set and it was black and white.  It wasn’t until I had been married almost ten years that we actually had a color TV.  No remote, no cable, no DVD players, no TIVO or Wii.  We had to get up to change the channel.  There were three stations plus PBS.  No using much energy in my house for entertainment.

So, what is green?  It’s different for everyone.  In this blog I would like to share new innovations, some simple fixes for those 50s ranch homes, ideas in gardening and landscaping in the hopes that you can live more simply and comfortably.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U. S. Department of Energy created this program to educate and help consumers identify energy-efficient products and understand what a “green” home is. The Energy Star label is used to help consumers easily identify those products that help conserve energy and therefore, money.

Products with this label mean they meet or exceed the energy-efficiency standards set forth by the EPA and DOE.

 In order for an appliance, lighting, home or office building to be awarded this label, the product must: 1) have minimal greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, 2) offer significant world-wide energy savings, 3) have features that consumers want, 4) offer a reasonable return on investment  5) have a measurable energy usage and 6) be regularly available to consumers.

Some Energy Star products can be, and usually are somewhat more expensive; however, the energy savings can be realized in a relatively short period of time.

You can start with small investments in items such a light bulbs or cordless phones.  You may also be eligible for a tax credit or other incentive when purchasing larger items such as hot water heaters, furnaces, washers and dryers.  Check with the State of Colorado, the City of Denver (and surrounding cities) and the Federal Energy Star program to see which items may qualify. 

These programs tend to come and go depending on funding, so make sure to check the pertinent websites before making a purchase. Below are links you can use to search for rebates.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator

http://www.xcelenergy.com/Save_Money_&_Energy/Find_a_Rebate

http://www.denverenergy.gov

Regardless of what a lender quotes on mortgage rates, the actual rate paid by a borrower is based on a number of variables. Lenders determine whether to loan money and at what rate based on the risk involved with the transaction.

Factors that increase the risk that the loan will be repaid will proportionately increase the interest rate charged to the borrower. If the risk becomes too high, the loan will not be approved.

• Loan amounts - conventional loans for more than the conforming limits set by Fannie Mae are considered jumbo loans and generally have a higher interest rate.
• FICO score - the lowest interest rate is reserved for the highest credit scores; the lower the score, the higher the rate borrower will pay.
• Occupancy - borrowers occupying a home as their principal residence are considered a better loan risk than second homes and investment properties.
• Loan purpose - purchase transactions generally have the lowest interest rate while refinancing a home is generally higher.
• Debt-to-Income ratio - a borrower’s monthly liabilities divided by their gross monthly income develops a ratio that helps lenders to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage.
• Loan-to-Value ratio - the lower the percentage of the loan to the appraised value of the property will generally lower the interest rate.

This is good news for the housing market.  It’s a YouTube video from Fox Business News a couple of days ago.  The housing market in Denver is improving.  It’s a good place to live!

This is good news for buyers as well!

Today’s well-qualified home buyers are purchasing new homes.  This is partly due to the poor showings in the stock market as well as the very low interest rates. Builders are also offering inviting incentives to attract new home buyers.

New starts by private developers were up down a bit in October of 2011, but 16.5% above the starts in October of 2010. These numbers are the latest from the U.S. Commerce Department.  Builder confidence is at its highest level since May of 2010.

If you are in the market for a new home, please contact me before you look at new developments,  as the builder will not give you the extra representation that you need.  Remember, the home builder is the seller and the new home developments are staffed by agents for the seller.

When you think about buying a home in the metro Denver area, does it scare you because of the financial risk? Right now, you need to consider if buying a home in Denver, Colorado is a safer investment than the stock market. It’s possible you really haven’t thought about the “risk” of not buying.

For the majority of people, owning a home in Denver or the surrounding areas is the most reliable way to achieve financial security. Without it, you may find that in the future you will not have access to the capital necessary to pay for your children’s education, retire when you want or even start a new business.

Equity is the solution. When you make a monthly mortgage payment you are putting your money into a type of savings plan. Over time, you build “equity” in your property that can be converted into cash when you sell or used as collateral if you should want to remodel, send kids to college, etc. However, think twice about using your home to buy cars, pay off credit card debt or take vacations. You don’t want to think of your home as an ATM. It is a long-term investment.

Tax advantages are for homeowners, not renters. As a renter, you are being deprived of tax breaks. Homeownership is one of the last remaining tax shelters. You can save a substantial amount each year on your federal income taxes. There could also be tax advantages when you make your home more energy efficient with new appliances, solar systems, etc. Check out the federal government websites for more information, or talk to your tax adviser.

Investing for the near future makes good sense. Over time, your house could significantly increase in value, making it one of your best investments. It can also make it possible for you to “move up” to a larger home in the future.

If you are ready, let me know. I’ll help you find your next home.

Copyright © 2001-2011 Buyers Best Choice Real Estate, All Rights Reserved

Security is a wonderful feeling.  Owning your own home in the Denver area gives you a sense of security.  You can plan on your housing costs staying the same over time, with the exception of taxes, insurance and, if applicable, home owners association dues.   When you finance your home with a 30 year fixed mortgage, your principal and interest payments never change.  Financial experts generally suggest that to retire, you will need to build up enough in savings and investments to generate a yearly income of 70% of your pre-retirement income.  For that reason alone, now is a good time to buy a home!

The home buying process is simple and straightforward. You will be making two purchases, a home and a loan. I will help you through both processes to ensure that you have access to all the information I can provide so that you make a smart decision and have a position experience.

In the State of Colorado you have the right to full representation when purchasing a home.  I firmly believe that the smart way to buy a home is with a Buyer’s Agent.

 The seller’s agent will never give you that type of representation.  The seller’s agent can treat you as a “customer”, which means that the relationship is only between the seller and the seller’s agent.  Or, the agent can become a Transaction Broker that means the agent will represent both parties in reaching an agreement, but a Transaction Broker cannot counsel either party on what or what not to do.

Buyer’s Best Choice Brokers act as Buyer’s Brokers.  We believe in you!  It’s a smart way to go!

When you are ready to buy a home in Denver, Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Centennial or Wheat Ridge, let me know.  I’ll be happy to help you!

Copyright © 2001-2011 Buyers Best Choice Real Estate, All Rights

November Newsletter -Protecting your privacy at home, Holiday Hints, Saving for a new home. 

 Gardening in Denver, Colorado has always been a challenge.  The dry air, soils that do not retain water and the various temperature changes make watering during the fall and winter months essential. You should water one to two times per month depending on the weather conditions.  Do not water if the temperature is below 40 or if there is snow covering the growth.

To prevent root damage of tree, lawns, flowers and shrubs you need to water periodically during the months of October through March or April. Water about mid-day to allow the water to soak in as the night time temperatures can freeze and inhibit the water reaching the roots.

PLANTS AND GROUND COVER

Many Denver homes have plants that do not receive sufficient watering during the fall and winter may be weakened or die.  If plants have been damaged, even though in the spring they seem normal, they die when temperatures in the spring and summer rise.  They may also be susceptible to insects or plant diseases.

The result of long, dry periods during fall and winter is injury or death to parts of plant root systems. Affected plants may appear perfectly normal and resume growth in the spring using stored food energy. Plants may be weakened and all or parts may die in late spring or summer when temperatures rise. Weakened plants also may be subject to insect and disease problems.

Plants that are protected by buildings or fences could be damaged especially with the low angle of the sun.  The buildings or fences can reflect collected heat, drying out the plants faster than normal.

Plants in windy sites can also dry faster. 

Bare-root plants such as roses take a little longer to establish themselves than do container plants.  Fall-transplanted perennial plants will need extra water. 

Winter freezing and thawing causes the soil to crack and expose roots to the cold and dry climate.  Protect with mulch and watering during the winter.

LAWNS

Lawns may need special attention.  Lawns that have south or west exposures tend to dry out quickly.  New lawns as well need extra water.

Should snow pack or ice cover the turf for three plus weeks, the lawn may show signs of matting or actually it could die from suffocation.  Lawns that receive extra sun and warmth could make it prone to mite damage later in the winter.

Sellers Market Analysis

Denver Home Financing.

It seems like in the housing industry whenever someone says, “Mold”, there is an instant panic. Probably panic is not the best way to deal with mold.

There are a number of different types of mold; some are easy to eradicate, and, unfortunately, others aren’t. Knowing the differences, the remedies and the costs can let you determine if the house to want to buy makes sense, or should you look at others.

Not only is mold destructive to homes, but it can cause serious health issues. This is certainly something to have checked out by an expert.

We are fortunate to live in the Denver area where the climate does not promote as much mold as other areas of the country. I always tell my clients that if you can smell mold, there are issues. I also let them know that chances are mold is somewhere in every house. Preventing circumstances which will allow the mold to grow is how to control it.

What Causes Mold

Mold grows on plants and fibers. It digests the organic matter and then releases additional mold spores.

In today’s market, Denver houses for sale that have been unoccupied for any length of time can have serious mold issues caused by leaks in the roof, water leaking in the home due to improper water shut off, a leaking hot water heat and/or clogged gutters. Buyers need to be aware of such issues. A well-trained home inspector can help you identify these issues and give you information on the remedies.

Artificial stucco, also known as EFIS has become a mold issue. Moisture can seep between the stucco/siding and the interior walls. The mold spores will attach themselves to the wood used for the framing. You should 1) make sure the stucco is not artificial, and 2) if it is, have the home tested. Testing for mold can be fairly expensive. Contact an expert!

Improperly installed or damaged gutters can be a real culprit. If they become clogged with leaves the water runoff can seep into the basement and mold can start to grow on the framing. The sad thing is that a little prevention can avert a huge disaster and many homeowners are unaware.

In the Front Range area, many of the newer homes have started using structural basement flooring. This is a wood floor laid over a crawl space. When the foundation has been dug, a plastic sheeting material/water vapor barrier is laid down on top of the dirt, then the floor is laid over several feet of air space. Many times construction workers have left debris in the form of food behind and the food, as it decays, begins to generate mold which will then attach itself to the floor. Also if the structure is not well sealed, water from heavy rains or over-watering can seep into the crawl space. The best fix? Talk to an expert.

Artificial stucco, also known as EFIS has become a mold issue. Moisture can seep between the stucco/siding and the interior walls. The mold spores will attach themselves to the wood used for the framing. You should 1) make sure the stucco is not artificial, and 2) if it is, have the home tested. Testing for mold can be fairly expensive. Contact an expert!

How to Control Moisture

There are a variety of things you can do to keep condensation at bay, and water out of your home.

Many every day things add moisture into the air. Cooking a big pot of pasta, showering and doing laundry can increase the moisture content.

1. Fix any leaks you may have in pipes in baths and kitchens. Check under the sinks on a regular basis to ensure all is dry.

2. Occasionally apply a slight pressure to the tiles around your bath tub and shower. If you feel a little give, call a plumber right away.

3. Check to make sure the flooring around toilets, showers and tubs has no give to it. If it feels a little spongy, call a plumber!

4. Use exhaust fans in the baths and kitchen area. These fans should vent to the outside, not your attic area.

5. Vent your dryer to the outside. If that’s not possible, use a fan to circulate the heat and moisture.

6. Changes in temperature can also cause condensation on windows. You will need add insulation and caulk around window sills.

7. Open doors in the house. Make sure there is adequate circulation. You may want to try fans when temperatures are extreme. Make sure that your heat vents are not covered by heavy furniture.

8, Dehumidifiers and air conditioners help. However, if they are not kept clean and in good working order, they, too, can become a source for bacteria and mold.

9. Make sure that your landscaping always slopes away from the house. Add additional soil, rocks, mulch, etc. to raise the level. Also, planting right next to the house is never a good idea.

10. If you run your sprinklers at night, once or twice during the season, run them when you can see them to ensure that they are not sending inordinate amounts of water toward the house and foundation. Check the drainage.

11. Add a vapor barrier and seal it in crawl spaces. You made need to add a fan if moisture is a problem.

12. Check the carpet in the basement periodically to ensure that it is dry. It is always a good idea to check near walls after receiving large amounts of rain or snow.

Don’t forget, that not all mold is bad – it gives us penicillin!

Additional information can be found at:

http://www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide.pdf

Any Denver homes built prior to 1978 have the possibility of having lead-based paint on walls, floors, pipes, etc.  The majority of these homes may have had at least one or more coats of paint over the lead-based paint or have been remodeled and the lead-based painted surfaces removed. 

The EPA has a very comprehensive website that can help you deal with lead-based paint issues.

http://www.epa.gov/lead/

If you are remodeling your own home, there is a chance you could uncover a lead-based painted surface.  The pamphlet listed below will give you some great tips.

http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/common/pdf/lead/epa_reducing_hazards.pdf

Should you decide to use a contractor, the EPA has now set standards that the contractors needs to follow to ensure the health and safety of everyone concerned.  You can contact me for names of certified lead-based paint abatement contractors.

Remember, just a few tips can make everything easier:

            Have plenty of ventilation

            Wear a protective mask

            Don’t eat the paint!  Keep an eye on small children and animals as you are remodeling.

Green-built communities are alive and well in Denver Colorado as well as around the country..  Some are new, and some have been around for quite a while.  More and more homes are being built-green and homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more efficient when remodeling.

The Smart Communities Network is a great place to go for information on the green building industry.  Read about their philosophie and look at the building ideas.  Whether you are looking for a new home or doing remodeling on your current home this is a useful resource.

One of the earliest socially aware communities in Denver was owned and still is, by Mile High Housing Co-op. It has been environmentally concerned and active since 1950.  It is a good example of a socially conscience and sustainable community. The homes were well designed on the lots with a park in the middle, a community garden, tennis courts and a small outdoor theater.

The neighborhood design was the work of well-known architect, Eugene Sternberg. He and a group of professors from the University of Denver formed the co-op.  There are 32 homes located around the park.  It’s a quiet neighborhood tucked away from prying eyes.  It is in  unincorporated Arapahoe County and the children go to Cherry Creek Schools.  This neighborhood is the perfect definition of community.

Highline Crossing, in Littleton, is another early environmentally aware community. There is a community center and community garden.  No cars allowed in the main housing area which makes it a great place for children to play and neighbors to socialized.  The neighborhood reminds me a little of the small towns in Mexico.  There is liberal use of stucco and wood, two story and ranch designs.  Many of the homes back to green space and have wonderful mountain views.

Arvada boasts a new community called Geos.  All of the homes are heated and cooled using thermal energy  from the sun and earth.

These are affordable communities.  I believe in the future, more of these will become the standard.

Everyone talks about pollution in the city.  You can see the brown cloud that hangs over Downtown Denver on occasion, but did you ever wonder about the air in your home?  Is the air quality better if you live in the suburbs or on a farm?   Maybe, maybe not.

Indoor pollution can potentially be as dangerous as outside pollution in your home.  There are several reasons that this condition has surfaced in the past years.  One is the fact that people are putting in new windows and doors.  The old aluminum windows we used to have gave us plenty of extra ventilation, even when closed.  The other is the fact that people are adding air conditioning, thus keeping the windows and doors closed.  Many homes are empty during the day, so there is no in-and-out going on during the day to help circulate the air.   If the ventilation in the house is not sufficient, there will not be enough circulation to dilute emissions from indoor sources.  The rate at which outdoor air replaces indoor air is known as the air exchange rate.  Weather plays a significant part in the exchange rate as well.

As new homes are being built, the ventilation systems are designed to provide adequate circulation.  The older homes don’t have such systems.  So, when you are adding new windows, furnaces, doors, ventilation fans, air conditioners, gas fireplaces or remodeling, make sure that you ensure these changes have the increased ventilation that is necessary to have a healthy house.

There are a number of sources that could cause indoor air pollution.

The largest source of pollution could be your heating supply.  All furnaces need to be vented to the outside to allow for fresh air circulation.  Make sure when you add a new furnace, have a qualified installer do the work.  Then, have your furnace serviced once a year.  Flues and chimneys need to be cleaned as well.  Change your filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces need to have the flues cleaned once a year or depending upon usage.  Woodstoves need to adhere to EPA emission standards.  The doors to the stoves should fit tightly.

Heating fuels can also pollute your indoor air.  Ensure that connections are secure to prevent oil, gas, propane or kerosene fumes from escaping into the air.

Radon is another.  See my article on Radon in this blog for further information.

Many building materials give off noxious gases that can have an adverse affect on the occupants.  Anything that becomes damp (furniture or carpet) can become moldy and send spores into the air.  Make sure when you clean your carpets it’s on a day that will make drying easy.

There are a number of homes that still have asbestos in them.  See my article on asbestos for more information.  Make sure that the wrapping is contained and intact.

Pressed wood products also out-gas. Formaldehyde is used to manufacture building materials. Subflooring, cabinets and paneling are the major offenders.  Remember what it was like in biology when your frog was preserved in formaldehyde, your eyes watered when you opened the jar.  It wasn’t fun.  Having that same odor in your house, won’t be fun either!  There are some specific plants that you can try to off-set the effects: Boston Fern, Aloe Vera, Chrysanthemum, Rubber Plants, Gerber Daisy**, Date Palm, Bamboo Palm, Azalea, Spider Plant, Golden Pothos, Dracaena Massangeana, Snake Plant, Philodendron aka Sweetheart Plant, Heart-leaf Philodendron, Parlor Ivy.

Don’t smoke – and- if you do, please don’t smoke in the house.  I can’t tell you how many homes I go into that have smokers.  Some of the homes are so bad, we need to leave.  And, then, the smell seems to cling to our clothes as well.

Household cleaners, personal care products and hobby products can also affect the air quality in your home.  Some of the air fresheners can make people ill.

I helped a client look for a home in Castle Rock, Colorado who was terribly allergic to most everything.  If the house had new carpet or new paint, we had to cross it off the list.  If the seller was using any type of air freshener, I had to go in first, pull the air freshener out of the plug, open the doors and windows so my client could see the house. Always err on the side of caution.

If you store pesticides in your home, make sure they are in an area that is well ventilated.

See my blog article about VOCs for further information.

Culture and contemporary life

Colorado Convention Center

The Denver Pavilion, off the 16th Street Mall is a popular arts, entertainment and shopping center in downtown Denver.

Denver Performing Arts Complex

Apollo Hall opened quickly after the city’s founding in 1859 and staged many plays for eager settlers.^[19] In the 1880s Horace Tabor built Denver’s first Opera House. After the turn of the century, city leaders embarked on a city beautification program that created many of the city’s parks, parkways, museums, and the Municipal Auditorium, which was home to the 1908 Democratic National Convention and is now known as the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Denver and the metropolitan areas around it continued to support culture. In 1988, voters in the Denver Metropolitan Area approved the Scientific and Cultural Facilities Tax (commonly known as SCFD), a 1 cent sales tax that contributes money to various cultural and scientific facilities and organizations throughout the Metro area.^[90] The tax was renewed by voters in 1994 and 2004 and allows the SCFD to operate until 2018.^[91]

Denver is home to many nationally recognized museums, including a new wing for the Denver Art Museum by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the second largest Performing arts center in the nation after Lincoln Center in New York City and bustling neighborhoods such as LoDo, filled with art galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs. That is part of the reason why Denver was recently recognized for the third year in a row as the best city for singles.^[92] Denver’s neighborhoods also continue their influx of diverse people and businesses while the city’s cultural institutions grow and prosper. The city acquired the estate of abstract expressionist painter Clyfford Still in 2004 and plans to build a museum to exhibit his works near the Denver Art Museum by 2010.^[93] The Denver Museum of Nature and Science currently holds an aquamarine specimen valued at over one million dollars, as well as specimens of the state mineral, rhodochrosite. Every September the Colorado Convention Center at 451 E. 58th Avenue hosts a gem and mineral show.^[94]

The Santa Fe Arts District on Santa Fe Drive

Sakura Square in downtown Denver

While Denver may not be as recognized for historical musical prominence as some other American cities, it still manages to have a very active pop, jazz, jam, folk, and classical music scene, which has nurtured several artists and genres to regional, national, and even international attention. Of particular note is Denver’s importance in the folk scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Well-known folk artists such as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and John Denver lived in Denver at various points during this time, and performed at local clubs.^[95] Also, three members of the widely popular group Earth, Wind, and Fire are from Denver. More recent Denver-based artists include Air Dubai, The Fray, Flobots, Cephalic Carnage, Axe Murder Boyz, Deuce Mob, and Five Iron Frenzy.

Because of its proximity to the mountains, and generally sunny weather, Denver has gained a reputation as being a very active, outdoor oriented city. Many Denver residents spend the weekends in the mountains; either skiing in the winter or hiking, climbing, kayaking and camping in the summer.

Additionally, Denver and the surrounding cities of the Front Range are home to a large number of local and national breweries. Many restaurants in the region have on-site breweries, and some of the larger brewers, including Coors and the New Belgium Brewing Company, offer tours. Overall, Denver ranks 1st in the nation in terms of beer production per capita, and second overall in terms of number of breweries.^[96] The city also welcomes visitors from around the world when it hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival each fall.

Denver used to be a major trading center for beef and livestock when ranchers would drive (or later transport) cattle to the Denver Union Stockyards for sale. As a celebration of that history, each year for more than a century, Denver hosts the National Western Stock Show, attracting as many as 10,000 animals and 700,000 attendees. The National Western Stock Show is held every January at the National Western Complex, northeast of downtown.

Denver hosts four large Hispanic (Mexican American) celebrations: Cinco de Mayo (with over 500,000 attendees),^[97] in May, El Grito de la Independencia, in September, the annual Lowrider show, and the Dia De Los Muertos art shows/events in North Denver’s Highland neighborhood, and the Lincoln Park neighborhood in the original section of West Denver.

Denver is also famous for its dedication to New Mexican cuisine and the Chile. It’s best known for its Green and Red Chile sauce, Colorado Burrito, Southwest (Denver) Omelette, Breakfast Burrito, Chiles rellenos, and Tamales most notably. Denver has a very large population of Mexican Americans (one of the country’s largest), and is famous for many other southwest cuisine dishes as well. Denver is also well known for other types of food such as, Rocky Mountain oysters, Rainbow trout, and the Denver sandwich.

The Dragon Boat Festival in July, Moon Festival in September and Chinese New Year are annual events in Denver for the Chinese and Asian residents. Chinese hot pot (huo guo) and Korean BBQ restaurants have been growing in popularity. The Denver area has 2 Chinese newspapers, the Chinese American Post and the Colorado Chinese News.^[98]

Denver is also the setting for The Bill Engvall Show, and the setting for the 18th season of MTV’s The Real World. It was also the setting for the prime time drama Dynasty from 1981 to 1989 (although the show was mostly filmed in Los Angeles). From 1998 to 2002, the city’s Alameda East Veterinary Hospital was home to the Animal Planet series Emergency Vets, which spun off three one-off documentary specials and the current Animal Planet series E-Vet Interns. The city is also the setting for the Disney Channel Original TV Show, Good Luck Charlie, which is currently in its second season.

Government

Denver City and County Building (circa 1941), looking west.

Colorado State Capitol looking east.

Denver is a consolidated city-county with a mayor elected on a nonpartisan ballot, a 13-member city council and an auditor. The Denver City Council is elected from 11 districts with two at-large council-members and is responsible for passing and changing all laws, resolutions, and ordinances, usually after a public hearing. They can also call for misconduct investigations of Denver’s departmental officials.

Denver has a strong mayor/weak city council government. The mayor can approve or veto any ordinances or resolutions approved by the council, makes sure all contracts with the city are kept and performed, signs all bonds and contracts, is responsible for the city budget, and can appoint people to various city departments, organizations, and commissions. However, the council can override the mayor’s veto with a nine out of thirteen member vote, and the city budget must be approved and can be changed by a simple majority vote of the council. The auditor checks all expenditures and may refuse to allow specific ones, usually based on financial reasons.^[61]

All elected officials have four-year terms, with a maximum of three terms. While Denver elections are non-partisan, Democrats have long held a majority sway on Denver politics with most officials elected citywide having Democratic Party affiliation. In federal elections, Denverites also tend to vote for Democratic candidates, voting for the Democratic Presidential nominee in every election since 1960 (excluding 1980 and 1972). The office of Denver’s Mayor has been occupied by a Democrat since the municipal general election of 1963, including the current mayor, Michael Hancock. Denver is represented at the federal level by congresswoman Diana DeGette, a Democrat representing Colorado’s 1st congressional district, which includes all of Denver and parts of Arapahoe County.

Benjamin F. Stapleton was the mayor of Denver, Colorado for two periods, the first from 1923–1931 and the second from 1935–1947. Stapleton was responsible for many civic improvements during his term, notably during his second stint as mayor when he had access to funds and manpower from the New Deal. During this time, the park system was considerably expanded and the Civic Center completed. His signature project was the construction of Denver Municipal Airport, which began in 1929 amidst heavy criticism. It was later renamed Stapleton International Airport in his honor. Today, the airport no longer stands, but has been replaced by a neighborhood also named Stapleton. Stapleton Street continues to bear his name.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Denver was one of the epicenters of the Chicano Movement. The boxer-turned-activist Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales formed an organization called the Crusade for Justice, which battled police brutality, fought for bilingual education, and, most notably, hosted the First National Chicano Youth Liberation Conference in March 1969.^[62]

In recent years, Denver has taken a stance on helping people who are or become homeless, particularly under the administrations of mayors John Hickenlooper and Wellington Webb. Denver’s homeless population is considerably lower than many other major cities, but residents of the city streets have suffered during Denver’s winters. Although mild and dry much of the time, Denver’s winters can have brief periods of cold temperatures and varying amounts of snow.

In 2005, Denver became the first major city in the U.S. to make the private possession of less than an ounce of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older. The city voted 53.49-46.51 percent in favor of the marijuana legalization measure. This initiative does not usurp state law, which currently treats marijuana possession in much the same way as a speeding ticket with fines of up to $100 and no jail time.^[63] The electorate of Colorado voted on and rejected a similar state-wide initiative in November 2006. Denver passed an initiative in the fourth quarter of 2007 requiring the mayor to appoint an 11 member review panel to monitor the city’s compliance with the 2005 ordinance.^[64] Former Denver mayor John Hickenlooper was a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition,^[65] an organization formed in 2006 and co-chaired by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston mayor Thomas Menino.

Denver hosted the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which was the centennial of the city’s first hosting of the landmark 1908 convention. It also hosted the G7 (now G8) summit between June 20 and June 22 in 1997 and the 2000 National Convention of the Green Party.^[66][67]

On October 31, 2011 it was announced that The University of Denver in Denver was selected as the host of the the first of three 2012 presidential debates to be held on October 3, 2012.

Denver Parks and recreation

As of 2006, Denver had over 200 parks, from small mini-parks all over the city to the giant 314 acres (1.27 km²) City Park.^[43] Denver also has 29 recreation centers providing places and programming for resident’s recreation and relaxation.^[44]

Chess players on the 16th Street Mall.

Many of Denver’s parks were acquired from state lands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This coincided with the City Beautiful movement, and Denver mayor Robert Speer (1904–12 and 1916–18) set out to expand and beautify the city’s parks. Reinhard Schuetze was the city’s first landscape architect, and he brought his German-educated landscaping genius to Washington Park, Cheesman Park, and City Park among others. Speer used Schuetze as well as other landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and Saco Rienk DeBoer to design not only parks such as Civic Center Park, but many city parkways and tree-lawns. All of this greenery was fed with South Platte River water diverted through the city ditch.^[45]

Cheesman Park started as a cemetery.

In addition to the parks within Denver itself, the city acquired land for mountain parks starting in the 1910s.^[46] Over the years, Denver has acquired, built and maintained approximately 14,000 acres (57 km²) of mountain parks, including Red Rocks Park, which is known for its scenery and musical history revolving around the unique Red Rocks Amphitheatre.^[47][48] Denver also owns the hill on which the Winter Park Resort ski area is operated in Grand County, 67 miles (110 km) west of Denver.^[49] City parks are important places for both Denverites and visitors, inciting controversy with every change. Denver continues to grow its park system with the development of many new parks along the Platte River through the city, and with Central Park and Bluff Lake Nature Center in the Stapleton neighborhood redevelopment. All of these parks are important gathering places for residents and allow what was once a dry plain to be lush, active, and green. Denver is also home to a large network of public community gardens, most of which are managed by Denver Urban Gardens, a non-profit organization.

Since 1974, Denver and the surrounding jurisdictions have rehabilitated the urban South Platte River and its tributaries for recreational use by hikers and cyclists. The main stem of the South Platte River Greenway runs along the South Platte from Chatfield Reservoir 35 miles (56 km) into Adams County in the north. The Greenway project is recognized as one of the best urban reclamation projects in the U.S., winning, for example, the Silver Medal Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence in 2001.

Neighborhoods

Denver’s 79 official neighborhoods

Downtown Denver

Denver Downtown Theatre District

The City and County of Denver has defined 80 official neighborhoods that the city and community groups use for planning and administration. Although the city’s delineation of the neighborhood boundaries is somewhat arbitrary, it corresponds roughly to the definitions used by residents. These “neighborhoods” should not be confused with cities or suburbs, which may be separate entities within the metro area.

The character of the neighborhoods vary significantly from each other and include everything from large skyscrapers to turn of the twentieth century houses to modern, suburban style developments. Generally, the neighborhoods closest to the city center are denser, older and contain more brick building material. Many neighborhoods away from the city center were developed after World War II, and are built with more modern materials and style. Some of the neighborhoods even farther from the city center, or recently redeveloped parcels anywhere in the city have either very suburban characteristics or are new urbanist developments that attempt to recreate the feel of older neighborhoods. Most neighborhoods contain parks or other features that are the focal point for the neighborhood.

Denver does not have larger area designations, unlike the City of Chicago which has larger areas that house the neighborhoods (IE: Northwest Side). Denver residents use the terms “north” “south” “east” and “west” loosely.^[41]

Denver also has a number of neighborhoods not reflected in the administrative boundaries. Sometimes, these neighborhoods reflect the way people in an area identify themselves; sometimes, they reflect how others, such as real estate developers, have defined those areas.

Well-known neighborhoods include the historic and trendy LoDo (short for “Lower Downtown”), part of the city’s Union Station neighborhood; Capitol Hill, Baker Historic District, South City Park/Greektown, Highland, Cherry Creek, Washington Park, Lowry; Uptown; Curtis Park, part of the Five Points neighborhood; Alamo Placita, the northern part of the Speer neighborhood; Park Hill, a successful example of intentional racial integration;^[42] and Golden Triangle, in the Civic Center.

Denver Economy

Republic Plaza, Denver’s tallest building

Construction of the Spire, a new 41 story residential building near the convention center

The 17th street district includes many financial, business and corporate buildings.^[68]

The United States Mint in Denver (2010)

The Denver MSA has a gross metropolitan product of $157.6 billion in 2010, making it the 18th largest metro economy in the United States.^[69] Denver’s economy is based partially on its geographic position and its connection to some of the major transportation systems of the country. Because Denver is the largest city within 500 miles (800 km), it has become a natural location for storage and distribution of goods and services to the Mountain States, Southwest states, as well as all western states. While Denver is a bit closer to the large cities in California, it is practically right in between the large cities of the Midwest such as, Chicago and St. Louis and the large cities of the West Coast such as, Los Angeles and San Diego, another benefit for distribution. Over the years, the city has been home to other large corporations in the central United States, making Denver a key trade point for the country. Several well known companies originated in or have relocated to Denver. William Ainsworth opened the Denver Instrument Company in 1895 to make analytical balances for gold assayers. Its factory is now in Arvada. AIMCO (NYSE: AIV) the largest owner and operator of apartment communities in the United States, with approximately 870 communities comprising nearly 136,000 units in 44 states, is headquartered in Denver, employing approximately 3,500 people. Also Samsonite Corp., the world’s largest luggage manufacturer, began in Denver in 1910 as Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company but Samsonite closed its NE Denver factory in 2001, and moved its headquarters to Massachusetts after a change of ownership in 2006. The Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Company, founded in Denver in 1911, is now a part of telecommunications giant Qwest. MediaNews Group purchased the Denver Post in 1987; the company is based in Denver. The Gates Corporation, the world’s largest producer of automotive belts and hoses, was established in S. Denver in 1919. Russell Stover Candies Inc. made its first chocolate candy in Denver in 1923, but moved to Kansas City in 1969. The Wright & McGill Company has been making its Eagle Claw brand of fishing gear in NE Denver since 1925. The original Frontier Airlines began operations at Denver’s old Stapleton International Airport in 1950. Frontier was reincarnated at DIA in 1994. Scott’s Liquid Gold, Inc., has been making furniture polish in Denver since 1954. Village Inn restaurants began as a single pancake house in Denver in 1958. Big O Tires, LLC, of Centennial opened its first franchise in 1962 in Denver. The Shane Company sold its first diamond jewelry in 1971 in Denver. Johns Manville Corp., a manufacturer of insulation and roofing products, relocated its headquarters to Denver from New York in 1972. CH2M HILL Inc., an engineering and construction firm, relocated from Oregon to the Denver Technological Center in 1980. The Ball Corp. sold its glass business in Indiana in the 1990s and moved to suburban Broomfield. Ball has several operations in greater Denver. Molson Coors Brewing Company established its U.S. headquarters in Denver in 2005. Its subsidiary and regional wholesale distributor, Coors Distributing Company, is in NW Denver. The Newmont Mining Corporation, the largest gold producer in North America and one of the largest in the world, is headquartered in Denver. Large Denver-area employers that have headquarters elsewhere include Lockheed Martin Corp., United Airlines, Kroger Co. and Xcel Energy, Inc. MapQuest, an online site for maps, directions and business listings, is headquartered in Denver’s LODO district.

Geography also allows Denver to have a considerable government presence, with many federal agencies based or having offices in the Denver area. Along with federal agencies come many companies based on US defense and space projects, and more jobs are brought to the city by virtue of its being the capital of the state of Colorado. The Denver area is home to the former nuclear weapons plant Rocky Flats, the Denver Federal Center, the Denver Mint and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

In 2005, a $310.7 million expansion for the Colorado Convention Center was completed, doubling its size. The hope was that the center’s expansion would elevate the city to one of the top 10 cities in the nation for holding a convention.^[70]

Denver’s position near the mineral-rich Rocky Mountains encouraged mining and energy companies to spring up in the area. In the early days of the city, gold and silver booms and busts played a large role in the economic success of the city. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the energy crisis in America and resulting high oil prices created an energy boom in Denver captured in the soap opera Dynasty. Denver was built up considerably during this time with the construction of many new downtown skyscrapers. When the price of oil dropped from $34 a barrel in 1981 to $9 a barrel in 1986 the Denver economy dropped with it, leaving almost 15,000 oil industry workers in the area unemployed (including former mayor and current governor John Hickenlooper, a former geologist), and the highest office vacancy rate in the nation (30%).^[71] There remain 700 employed petroleum engineers in the region,^[72] and energy and mining are still important in Denver’s economy today, with companies such as EnCana, Halliburton, Smith International, Rio Tinto Group, Newmont Mining, Noble Energy, and Anadarko.

The first Chipotle Mexican Grill near the campus of the University of Denver

Denver’s west-central geographic location in the Mountain Time Zone (UTC -7) also benefits the telecommunications industry by allowing communication with both North American coasts, South America, Europe, and Asia in the same business day. Denver’s location on the 105th meridian at over 1-mile (1.6 km) in elevation also enables it to be the largest city in the U.S. to offer a ‘one-bounce’ real-time satellite uplink to six continents in the same business day. Qwest Communications, Dish Network Corporation, Starz-Encore, DIRECTV, and Comcast are a few of the many telecommunications companies with operations in the Denver area. These and other high-tech companies had a boom in Denver in the mid to late 1990s. Denver had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 3.8 percent in October 2007.^[73] The Downtown region has seen increased real estate investment with the construction of several new skyscrapers set to be completed in 2010-2013.

Denver has also enjoyed success as a pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, with many popular national chain restaurants founded and based in Denver. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Quizno’s, and Smashburger were founded and are headquartered in Denver. Qdoba Mexican Grill, Noodles & Company, and Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard originated in Denver, but have since moved their headquarters to the nearby suburbs of Wheat Ridge, Broomfield, and Golden.

Denver Demographics

The United States Census Bureau estimated that, in 2008, the population of the City and County of Denver was 598,707, making it the 24th most populous U.S. city.^[52] The Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated 2008 population of 2,506,626 and ranked as the 21st most populous U.S. metropolitan statistical area,^[53] and the larger Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area had an estimated 2008 population of 3,049,562 and ranked as the 17th most populous U.S. metropolitan area.^[54] Denver is the most populous city within a radius centered in the city and of 550 miles (885 km) magnitude.^[55] Denverites is a term used for residents of Denver (city or county).

According to census estimates, the City and County of Denver contains approximately 566,974 people (2006) and 239,235 households (2000). The population density is 3,698 inhabitants per square mile (1,428/km²) including the airport. There are 268,540 housing units (2005) at an average density of 1,751 per square mile (676/km²).^[56] However, the average density throughout most Denver neighborhoods tends to be higher. Without the 80249 zip code (47.3 sq mi, 8,407 residents) near the airport, the average density increases to around 5,470 per square mile.^[57]

According to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey, the racial composition of Denver was as follows:

• White: 63.1% (Non-Hispanic Whites: 51.7%)
• Black or African American: 9.9%
• Native American: 1.2%
• Asian: 3.1%
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1%
• Some other race: 9.2%
• Two or more races: 2.8%
• Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 34.1%; Mexican Americans made up 31.2% of the city’s population.

Source:^[58]

Approximately 70.3% of the population (over five years old) spoke only English at home. An additional 23.5% of the population spoke Spanish at home. In terms of ancestry, 31.2% were Mexican, 14.6% of the population were of German ancestry, 9.7% were of Irish ancestry, 8.9% were of English ancestry, and 4.0% were of Italian ancestry.^[59]

There are 250,906 households, of which 23.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.7% are married couples living together, 10.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 50.1% are non-families. 39.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.27 and the average family size is 3.14.

Age distribution is 22.0% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 36.1% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 102.1 males.

The median household income is $46,410, and the median family income is $48,195. Males have a median income of $36,232 versus $33,768 for females. The per capita income for the city is $24,101. 19.1% of the population and 14.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.3% of those under the age of 18 and 13.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.^[60]

Panorama of downtown Denver, circa 2007, looking east at the intersection of Auraria Pkwy. and Speer Blvd.

Denver is located in the center of the Front Range Urban Corridor, between the Rocky Mountains to the west and the High Plains to the east. According to the United States Census Bureau the city has an area of 154.9 square miles (401.2 km²), of which 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²), or 1.03%, is water. The City and County of Denver is surrounded by only three other counties: Adams County to the north and east, Arapahoe County to the south and east, and Jefferson County to the west.

> Climate

Denver lies within the semi-arid, continental climate zone (Köppen climate classification BSk)^[36] with four distinct seasons, generally modest annual precipitation spread through the year with about 90 days of precipitation a year, averaging every 4th day. Summers range from warm to hot. Winters range from mild to cold, with periods of snow alternating with periods of warmth, the result from warming downslope chinook winds. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, weather patterns in Denver can be subject to rapid, volatile yet brief changes. Annual precipitation is 15.81 on the north side and 18.9 on the south side.^[37] The first snowfall of the season generally occurs around October 8, and the last snowfall is about April 15, averaging 61 inches (155 cm) of seasonal accumulation. The city’s climate is very sunny with 3100 hours of sunshine, or roughly 300 sunny days a year.

The lowest temperature ever recorded in Denver was recorded on January 9, 1875 at −29 °F (−34 °C). The highest temperature ever recorded in Denver is 105 °F (41 °C) (National Weather Service) on August 8, 1878 and again on July 20, 2005.

NOTE - the above data were taken at Stapleton Airport until its closure, at which time Denver International Airport became the replacing station

Education

The Ritchie Center at University of Denver

Denver Public Schools (DPS) is the public school system in Denver. It currently educates about 73,000 students in 73 elementary schools, 15 K-8 schools, 17 middle schools, 14 high schools, and 19 charter schools.^[89] The first school of what is now DPS was a log cabin that opened in 1859 on the corner of 12th Street between Market and Larimer Streets. The district boundaries are coextensive with the city limits.

Denver’s many colleges and universities range in age and study programs. The private University of Denver was the first institution of higher learning in the city and was founded in 1864. Other prominent Denver higher education institutions include Johnson & Wales University, Catholic (Jesuit) Regis University and the three public schools that constitute the Auraria Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and Community College of Denver. The city has Roman Catholic and Jewish institutions, as well as a health sciences school. In addition to those schools within the city, there are a number of schools located throughout the surrounding metro area.

[edit] Culture and contemporary life

Colorado Convention Center

The Denver Pavilion, off the 16th Street Mall is a popular arts, entertainment and shopping center in downtown Denver.

Denver Performing Arts Complex

Apollo Hall opened quickly after the city’s founding in 1859 and staged many plays for eager settlers.^[19] In the 1880s Horace Tabor built Denver’s first Opera House. After the turn of the century, city leaders embarked on a city beautification program that created many of the city’s parks, parkways, museums, and the Municipal Auditorium, which was home to the 1908 Democratic National Convention and is now known as the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Denver and the metropolitan areas around it continued to support culture. In 1988, voters in the Denver Metropolitan Area approved the Scientific and Cultural Facilities Tax (commonly known as SCFD), a 1 cent sales tax that contributes money to various cultural and scientific facilities and organizations throughout the Metro area.^[90] The tax was renewed by voters in 1994 and 2004 and allows the SCFD to operate until 2018.^[91]

Denver is home to many nationally recognized museums, including a new wing for the Denver Art Museum by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the second largest Performing arts center in the nation after Lincoln Center in New York City and bustling neighborhoods such as LoDo, filled with art galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs. That is part of the reason why Denver was recently recognized for the third year in a row as the best city for singles.^[92] Denver’s neighborhoods also continue their influx of diverse people and businesses while the city’s cultural institutions grow and prosper. The city acquired the estate of abstract expressionist painter Clyfford Still in 2004 and plans to build a museum to exhibit his works near the Denver Art Museum by 2010.^[93] The Denver Museum of Nature and Science currently holds an aquamarine specimen valued at over one million dollars, as well as specimens of the state mineral, rhodochrosite. Every September the Colorado Convention Center at 451 E. 58th Avenue hosts a gem and mineral show.^[94]

The Santa Fe Arts District on Santa Fe Drive

Sakura Square in downtown Denver

While Denver may not be as recognized for historical musical prominence as some other American cities, it still manages to have a very active pop, jazz, jam, folk, and classical music scene, which has nurtured several artists and genres to regional, national, and even international attention. Of particular note is Denver’s importance in the folk scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Well-known folk artists such as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and John Denver lived in Denver at various points during this time, and performed at local clubs.^[95] Also, three members of the widely popular group Earth, Wind, and Fire are from Denver. More recent Denver-based artists include Air Dubai, The Fray, Flobots, Cephalic Carnage, Axe Murder Boyz, Deuce Mob, and Five Iron Frenzy.

Because of its proximity to the mountains, and generally sunny weather, Denver has gained a reputation as being a very active, outdoor oriented city. Many Denver residents spend the weekends in the mountains; either skiing in the winter or hiking, climbing, kayaking and camping in the summer.

Additionally, Denver and the surrounding cities of the Front Range are home to a large number of local and national breweries. Many restaurants in the region have on-site breweries, and some of the larger brewers, including Coors and the New Belgium Brewing Company, offer tours. Overall, Denver ranks 1st in the nation in terms of beer production per capita, and second overall in terms of number of breweries.^[96] The city also welcomes visitors from around the world when it hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival each fall.

Denver used to be a major trading center for beef and livestock when ranchers would drive (or later transport) cattle to the Denver Union Stockyards for sale. As a celebration of that history, each year for more than a century, Denver hosts the National Western Stock Show, attracting as many as 10,000 animals and 700,000 attendees. The National Western Stock Show is held every January at the National Western Complex, northeast of downtown.

Denver hosts four large Hispanic (Mexican American) celebrations: Cinco de Mayo (with over 500,000 attendees),^[97] in May, El Grito de la Independencia, in September, the annual Lowrider show, and the Dia De Los Muertos art shows/events in North Denver’s Highland neighborhood, and the Lincoln Park neighborhood in the original section of West Denver.

Denver is also famous for its dedication to New Mexican cuisine and the Chile. It’s best known for its Green and Red Chile sauce, Colorado Burrito, Southwest (Denver) Omelette, Breakfast Burrito, Chiles rellenos, and Tamales most notably. Denver has a very large population of Mexican Americans (one of the country’s largest), and is famous for many other southwest cuisine dishes as well. Denver is also well known for other types of food such as, Rocky Mountain oysters, Rainbow trout, and the Denver sandwich.

The Dragon Boat Festival in July, Moon Festival in September and Chinese New Year are annual events in Denver for the Chinese and Asian residents. Chinese hot pot (huo guo) and Korean BBQ restaurants have been growing in popularity. The Denver area has 2 Chinese newspapers, the Chinese American Post and the Colorado Chinese News.^[98]

Denver is also the setting for The Bill Engvall Show, and the setting for the 18th season of MTV’s The Real World. It was also the setting for the prime time drama Dynasty from 1981 to 1989 (although the show was mostly filmed in Los Angeles). From 1998 to 2002, the city’s Alameda East Veterinary Hospital was home to the Animal Planet series Emergency Vets, which spun off three one-off documentary specials and the current Animal Planet series E-Vet Interns. The city is also the setting for the Disney Channel Original TV Show, Good Luck Charlie, which is currently in its second season.

[edit] Sports

Denver is home to a variety of sports teams and belongs to a select group of U.S. cities with teams from four major sports. Denver submitted the winning bid to host the 1976 Winter Olympics, but subsequently withdrew giving it the dubious distinction of being the only city to back out after winning a bid to host the Olympics. The Denver Broncos of the NFL, who are currently coached by John Fox, have been able to draw crowds of nearly 70,000 since their AFL origins in the early 1960s and continue to draw fans today to their current home Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The team has advanced to the Super Bowl six times and won back-to-back in 1998 and ‘99. The Denver Broncos are owned by Pat Bowlen. In the 1980s and 1990s, one of the top priorities of former Mayor Federico Peña was bringing major league baseball to the city, an effort which culminated in the creation of the Colorado Rockies as an expansion franchise in 1993 and the opening of Coors Field in 1995. The Rockies advanced to the playoffs in 1995, but were eliminated in the first round. In 2007, their late-season winning streak saw them advance to the playoffs as a wild-card entrant, advance to and win the NL Championship Series and bring the World Series to Denver for the first time. Denver is also home to the Colorado Avalanche, a National Hockey League team that relocated from Quebec City in 1995. They have won two Stanley Cups (1996 and 2001) while in Denver and play at Pepsi Center, which also hosts the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. The Major League Soccer team Colorado Rapids play in Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, an 18,000 seat stadium opened for the 2007 MLS season, located in Commerce City, a suburb of Denver.^[99] In 2006 Denver established a professional outdoor lacrosse team, the Denver Outlaws. They play in Sports Authority Field at Mile High and are sanctioned by Major League Lacrosse. In 2006, The Denver Outlaws won the Western Conference Championship.In 2010, the Colorado Rapids won the MLS Cup and were the MLS Champions.

Current sporting venues in Denver, Colorado

Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Coors Field

Pepsi Center

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

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Denver’s many colleges and universities range in age and study programs. The city boasts Roman Catholic and Jewish institutions, as well as a well-respected health sciences school. In addition to those schools within the city, there are a number of schools located throughout the surrounding metro area. 

• University of Denver
• Metropolitan State College of Denver
• University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center
• Johnson & Wales University
• Regis University
• Community College of Denver
• Heritage College
• National American University
• Yeshiva Toras Chaim Talmudical Seminary

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Culture and contemporary life

 

Both wings of the recently expanded Denver Art Museum

Denver hosts a great and rich history of culture. Apollo Hall opened quickly after the city’s founding in 1859 and staged many plays for eager settlers. In the 1880’s Horace Tabor built Denver’s first Opera House. After the turn of the century, city leaders embarked on a city beautification program that created many of the city’s parks, parkways, museums, and the Municipal Auditorium, which was home to the 1908 Democratic Convention and is now known as the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Denver and the metropolitan areas around it continued to support culture. In 1988, voters in the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area approved the Scientific and Cultural Facilities Tax (commonly known as SCFD), a .01 sales tax that contributes money to various cultural and scientific facilities and organizations throughout the Metro area. The tax has been renewed by voters every time it has come on the ballot

 

A public art display, The Ballet Dancers downtown.

Now, Denver is home to many nationally recognized museums, including a new wing for the Denver Art Museum by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the second largest Performing arts center in the nation after Lincoln Center in New York City and bustling neighborhoods such as LoDo, filled with art galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs. That is part of the reason why Denver was recently recognized for the third year in a row as the best city for singles.  Denver continues to gain cultural importance. The city was selected as the future home for a museum dedicated to abstract expressionist painter Clyfford Still. Denver’s neighborhoods also continue their influx of diverse people and businesses while the city’s cultural institutions grow and prosper.

 

Red Rocks, located in the town of Morrison, just 15 minutes west of Denver. Denver maintains the property

Music

While Denver may not be as recognized for historical musical prominence like such cities as Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, or New York, it still manages to have a very active pop, jazz, jam, folk, and classical music scene, which has nurtured several artists and genres to regional, national, and even international attention. Though nearby Boulder has its own very distinct music scene, artists based there also play in Denver.

Of particular note, is Denver’s importance in the folk scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Well-known folk artists such as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and John Denver lived in Denver at various points during this time, and performed at local clubs.

Sports

 

Denver’s professional sports teams are illustrated in this mural covering the rear of a building in 1995, just before the Avalanche of the NHL began play.

Denver is widely recognized as being one of America’s premier sports cities. In particular, the Denver Broncos of the NFL have been able to draw crowds of nearly 70,000 since their AFL origins in the early 1960s. The team has advanced to the Super Bowl six times and won back-to-back in 1998 and ‘99. In the 1980s and 1990s, one of the top priorities of former Mayor Federico Peña was bringing major league baseball to the city, an effort which culminated in the construction of Coors Field and the creation of the Colorado Rockies as an expansion franchise in 1993. Denver is also home to the NHL team, the Colorado Avalanche, who have won two Stanley Cups (1996 and 2001) while in Denver, as well as the NBA team, the Denver Nuggets. The home arena of both the Avalanche and the Nuggets is the Pepsi Center as well as the Colorado Mammoth of the NLL and the Colorado Crush of the Arena Football League. The city also hosted the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer through 2006, with a new stadium being built in nearby Commerce City for 2007.

 

Invesco Field at Mile High is Denver’s premier sports venue.

• Denver Bears former minor league (AAA) baseball team (1948-1992)
• Denver Zephyrs originally, the Denver Bears (moved to New Orleans, 1992)
• Denver Nuggets former National Basketball League & National Basketball Association team (1948-1950)
• Denver Spurs former World Hockey Association team (1975-76)
• Colorado Rockies former National Hockey League team (1976-82); now known as the New Jersey Devils
• Denver Avalanche! former Major Indoor Soccer League team (1980-1982); suspended operations.
• Colorado Flames former Central Hockey League minor league team (1983-1984); associated to the Calgary Flames
• Denver Gold former United States Football League team (1983-1985)
• Denver Dynamite former Arena Football League team (1987, 1989-1991)
• Denver Grizzlies former International Hockey League team (1994-1995)

• Denver co-hosted the 1962 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships (together with Colorado Springs).
• Initially awarded the 1976 Winter Olympics. However, due to rising costs and worries about environmental impact, voters rejected a public-funding ballot measure. Without the bond, Denver could not support the games, and the IOC retracted the award.
• Denver hosted the ABA All-Star Game in 1976 and the 1984 NBA All-Star Game at McNichols Arena.

 

Denver skyline

• Denver also hosted the 1990 NCAA Final Four at McNichols Arena.
• The inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championship (November 12, 1993)
• The 1998 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Coors Field.
• The 2001 NHL All-Star Game and FanFest at Pepsi Center.
• 2005 NBA All-Star Game at the Pepsi Center.
• The 2008 NCAA Frozen Four Tournament will be hosted in Denver.
• Denver hosts a yearly race on the Champ Car World Series circuit, the Grand Prix of Denver
• The Colorado Colfax Marathon is run through the city annually.
• The city is strongly considering a bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics or 2020 Summer Olympic

Write To Marilyn Van Steenberg at buyersbc@colorado-homestore.com 

Transportation

Colfax Avenue at Broadway, where the downtown street grid and the “normal” city grid meet

Grid system

Most of Denver has a straightforward street grid oriented to the four cardinal directions. Blocks are usually identified in hundreds from the median streets, identified as “0″, which are Broadway (the west-east median) and Ellsworth Avenue (the north-south median). Colfax Avenue, the major east-west artery through Denver, is 15 blocks (1500) north of the median. Avenues north of Ellsworth are numbered (with the exception of Colfax Avenue and a few others), while avenues south of Ellsworth are named.

There is also an older downtown grid system that was designed to be parallel to the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Most of the streets downtown and in LoDo run northeast-southwest and northwest-southeast. This system has an unplanned benefit for snow removal; if the streets were in a normal N-S/E-W grid, only the N-S streets would receive sunlight. With the grid oriented to the diagonal directions, the NW-SE streets receive sunlight to melt snow in the morning and the NE-SW streets receive it in the afternoon. The NW-SE streets are numbered, while the NE-SW streets are named. The named streets start at the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Broadway with the block-long Cheyenne Place. The numbered streets start underneath the Colfax and I-25 viaducts. There are 27 named and 44 numbered streets on this grid. There are also a few vestiges of the old grid system in the normal grid, such as Park Avenue, Morrison Road, and Speer Boulevard.

All roads in the downtown grid system are streets. (16th Street, Stout Street) Roads outside of that system that travel east/west are given the suffix “avenue” and those that head north and south are given the “street” suffix. (Example, Colfax Avenue, Lincoln Street,). Boulevards are higher capacity streets and will travel any direction. Smaller roads are sometimes referred to as places, drives or courts. Most streets outside of the area between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard are organized alphabetically from the city’s center.

Speer and I-25; the Qwest Building often acts as a navigational tool.

Confusion may arise where the two grid systems meet, especially given downtown Denver’s one way streets. The system can be easily navigated with the help of directional signs. The mountains to the west also offer a great compass-point for those attempting to drive in the Mile High City.

Highways

Denver is primarily served by the interstate highways I-25 and I-70. The intersection of the two interstates is referred to locally as “the mousetrap“, because when airborne, the junction (and subsequent vehicles) resemble mice in a large trap. I-70 runs east-west from Utah to Maryland. I-25 runs north-south from New Mexico through Denver to Wyoming. I-225 traverses neighboring Aurora and connects with I-25 in the southeastern corner of Denver. Additionally, I-76 begins from I-70 just west of the city in Arvada. It intersects I-25 north of the city and runs northeast to Nebraska where it ends at I-80. U.S. Route 6 connects downtown Denver to the suburb of Golden.

A highway expansion and transit project for the southern I-25 corridor, dubbed T-REX (TRansportation EXpansion), was completed on November 17th, 2006. The project installed wider and additional highway lanes, and improved highway access and drainage. The project also includes a light rail line that traverses from downtown to the south end of the metro area, known as “Surrey Ridge”. The project spanned almost 19 miles along the highway with an additional line traveling parallel to part of I-225

Mass transportation

Denver RTD Light Railcar at 16th & Stout

Mass transportation throughout the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area is managed and coordinated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). RTD currently operates more than 1,000 buses serving 10,000 bus stops in 38 municipal jurisdictions. Additionally, RTD operates two light rail lines (the C Line and the D Line) with a total of 15.8 miles of track and serving 24 stations. Current RTD local fare is $1.50 with disabled residents who have an RTD disabled discount card being charged 75¢. FasTracks, an expansion project approved by voters in 2004, will allow light rail to serve cities such as Lakewood, Golden, and Aurora. Commuter rail lines will serve the northern section of the metropolitan area, in addition to Boulder, Longmont, and Denver International Airport. November 17, 2006 saw the first extension of Light Rail in four years, and some elements of the new lines will mark the beginning of the FasTracks program (although this extension of the system was part of T-Rex). The E and F Lines travel from downtown Denver to Lincoln Avenue, at the southern end of the Metro area. The H Line travels from downtown Denver to the Nine Mile station, on I-225 in Aurora. The G line, the shortest line in the extension, travels from Lincoln Avenue to the Nine Mile station.

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Denver, operating its California Zephyr daily in both directions between Chicago and Emeryville, California, across the bay from San Francisco. Amtrak Thruway service operated by private bus companies links the Denver station with Rocky Mountain points. At Raton, New Mexico, Denver Thruway connections are made daily with the Amtrak Southwest Chief. Additionally, there is the Ski Train operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, which takes passengers between Denver and the Winter Park Ski Resort. Denver’s early years as a major train hub of the west are still very visible today. Trains stop in Denver at historic Union Station, where travelers can access RTD’s 16th Street Free MallRide or use light rail to tour the city. Union Station will also serve as the main juncture for rail travel in the metro area, at the completion of FasTracks.

Airports

The tented roof of DIA was originally designed to resemble the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN, ICAO: KDEN), commonly known as DIA, serves as the primary airport for the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan area. It is the eleventh busiest airport in the world and ranks sixth in the United States, with 43.4 million passengers passing through it in 2005. It covers more than 53 square miles (137 km²), making it the largest airport in the United States by land area. Denver serves as a major hub for United Airlines and the headquarters for Frontier Airlines. In the past, Denver has been home to other airports that are no longer operational. Stapleton International Airport was closed in 1995 when it was replaced by DIA. Lowry Air Force Base was a military flight training facility that ceased flight operations in 1966, with the base finally being closed in 1994. It is currently being used for residential purposes. Jeffco Airport (KBJC) and Centennial Airport (KAPA) are north and south, respectively, of downtown Denver. Both airports are moderately busy, but only serve GA aircraft.

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