04 17 NONPROFIT FRANK'S FOOD MART STILL FIGHTING TO STAY OPEN
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By Kevin Ryan While Frank’s Food Mart avoided closing on January 31st, owner Gerald Hamel still faces a number of challenges to keep the neighborhood grocery store open into the foreseeable future. Fortunately for the Skyland neighborhood, where the “soul food grocer” has resided for 65 years, Gerald Hamel, community leaders and a dedicated congregation of patrons are pushing to make Frank’s a vibrant fresh food oasis on the edge of one of Denver’s most significant food deserts. Frank’s earned its namesake from Frank Aboud, who opened the store in 1952 as a second location to his Frank’s Supermarket, which was located in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood, at 8th Avenue and Bannock Street. Frank’s has seen a number of owners in its 65 years; most were immigrants who came from Japan, Palestine and Ethiopia. Gerald Hamel’s non-profit, Love Uprising, purchased the store in February 2016 with funding assistance provided by the Colorado Fresh Food Financing Fund, Denver’s Office of Economic Development and Colorado Enterprise Fund. In addition to the daily operations of Frank’s, Hamel also reluctantly assumed the name Frank, which he is often referred to as by people in the neighborhood. His reluctance doesn’t come from being called by another’s name, but rather because of humility. Hamel says Frank’s Food Mart is not his, “the store belongs to this community.”
Jordan Lisson fishes in the Platte River after a friend of his at REI told him the fish were biting under the bridge outside the store. Photo by Sara Hertwig. An issue that Hamel is wrestling with is the cost of rent. Denver has seen the median rent increase 41 percent since 2007, according to the American Community Survey. Currently, Hamel is paying $6000 monthly to the building’s owner, which includes the rent and debt for purchase of the business. Hamel states in a petition to the landlord that “the store’s average sales of $26,000 per month do not support these payments.” These numbers put Frank’s Market at a rent to revenue ratio of around 17 percent, which is nearly 13 points higher than the average, according to statistics at bizminer.com. Hamel’s petition requests that “rent payments do not exceed the standard range of 5-10 percent rent of annual gross sales.” The landlord petition to keep Frank’s open came about at the request of the neighborhood. Hamel says,
“People kept asking me to get a petition that they can sign.” He continues to explain that while a petition might not be the right way to address a “landlord thing,” it is symbolic of “how long people go back, and the connectivity of this space, and the uniqueness of Frank’s.” Speaking of one of his cashiers, he says, “What Pat has been really instrumental in creating is the relationship with the customers. She’ll check them down to grade school and say where she first met you.” Dr. Ryan Ross, President and CEO of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, grew up around the corner from Frank’s and says Frank’s was, and always has been, a “pillar for the community.” Ross referred to how the prices and fresh food reflect that Hamel aims continued on 3
BLUEPRINT DENVER SEEKS TO CHART CITY’S EVOLUTION By Stacey McDole Blueprint Denver, an integrated land use and transportation plan adopted in 2002, was the catalyst behind Denver’s Comprehensive Plan. Together, they outlined projected economic, land use and job growth for the burgeoning City of Denver. Earlier in 2017, the city produced a diagnosis of the original Blueprint Denver, assessing Denver’s growth and to assess how well Blueprint Denver performed. Now that the diagnosis is complete, a revamped Blueprint Denver is underway. But this time, the city is calling on its residents to help direct Denver’s future.
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“It’s important to use community values and their vision elements when planning for Denver’s future growth,” says David Gaspers, project manager for Blueprint Denver. A new Blueprint won’t be written; lessons learned and other takeaways from the diagnosis will be used to overlay a new plan to project growth over the next 20 years. Gaspers says he hopes to have the new Blueprint Denver finalized by the end of March 2018. Gaspers also says the city plans to revisit the new Blueprint more often, and not to wait almost 20 years between visits. A city-appointed task force, a community think tank and civic engagement are the driving forces influ-
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INC's J.J. Niemann points a finger re: a changing Denver
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encing changes to the new Blueprint Denver. To compile data directly from the community, the City of Denver created Denveright. Per the website, Denveright is a community-driven planning process that challenges residents to shape how they want Denver to evolve in four key areas: land use, mobility, parks and recreational resources. October 2016 marked the beginning of an 18-month planning and information gathering session. Through different channels, whether during community planning events or online continued on 6
Lots of school news to read up on as we head to exams
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PUBLISHER Publisher Jill Farschman Creative Director Jay Farschman
How to stay connected with Neighborhood Life after this final issue. As mentioned last month, this month is the final issue of Neigh-
Editor Haines Eason Associate Editor Jason McKinney Advertising Jill Farschman Alecia Stark Photographer Sara Hertwig Writers Linda Katchen · Stacey McDole · J.J. Niemann · Wayne New · Kevin Ryan · J.L. Schultheis Price
EDITORIAL editor@lifeoncaphill.com Press releases, calendar listings, story ideas and news tips due by April 19 for the April issue of Life on Capitol Hill, published the first Wednesday of each month.
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OPINION
We are the evolution we’ve been waiting for By J. J. Nieman, President, Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) We are experiencing growth in our city that defines our current concerns and our current desires for our future. Our future, as a city, rests in the decisions we make now because our city is evolving and our institutions and participation needs to evolve with it. We are growing in our frustration with cost of housing, in the city’s use of our shared resources and in the way we engage and interact as a community. I see our desire for revolution against the perceived attacks on our quality of life and our community and culture. This revolution motivates us, but without an understood direction of growth, a revolution only goes in circles. What we need is an evolution, because an evolution is a process of change in a desired direction. The big barrier to our evolution is not our City government. We need an
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CITY COUNCIL By Wayne New, Denver City Council, District 10 Each new generation brings fresh ideas and concepts to our world. Some truly beneficial visions become trends and create a new way of life; other ill-conceived notions become, thankfully, just fads. When a concept involves economic gain, it spreads quickly and often without organization or consideration of unintended consequences. It is the job of government to provide proper guidelines to protect the public and the landscape of its jurisdiction—and to enforce those guidelines. Short term rentals (STRs) are found in all parts of Denver, but there is a noticeably heavy concentration of them in the central neighborhoods of District 10. Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park and Congress Park have the most STRs, but options exist in almost all District 10 neighborhoods. On June 12, 2016, after two years of discussion, Denver City Council approved a measure to allow STR’s only in primary residences. The rules took effect on July 1 and gave hosts until December 31, 2016 to obtain a business license with the city, pay the city’s 10.75 percent Lodger’s Tax and come into
borhood Life. We’d like to thank the readers, writers and advertisers who made Neighborhood Life such a special community resource. Please consider picking up a copy of Life on Capitol Hill for news of interest to readers in and around the communities formerly served by Neighborhood Life. We plan to feature news from the Neighborhood Life area in Life on Capitol Hill going forward. For where to find a copy of Life
on Capitol Hill, please email info@ denvermetromedia.com. If you would like a copy mailed directly to you, we offer monthly subscriptions for $38/ year. You’re also welcome to reach out via phone: 303-778-8021. Again, we thank you for your loyal readership, and we hope you enjoy reading Life on Capitol Hill.
evolution in activism and in our communications of our desire for what we want Denver to become. Over the last year, I have seen our City government make unprecedented requests for citizen input with regard to how we want to see our metropolis change. The City of Denver is asking us to contribute to its vision of how our parks, roads and buildings are used through the Denveright campaign. The City has asked for our input in how we rebuild and expand our infrastructure through the issuing of debt, in the form of a General Obligation Bond that citizens will vote on in November. We are being asked to participate in so many ways, but we need more citizens to step up and contribute their voices. The big barrier to our evolution is a lack of local participation by Denver’s citizens. To make our evolution work, for all Denver citizens, we need more active residents. Denver has a great local infrastructure to gather and empower local residents. It’s called the organization of Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs). Almost every neighborhood has one, but what they need are active citizens to participate. Whether you’re a lifelong Denverite, a multi-generational Denverite, a recent inhabitant, or a brand new transplant, you need to be involved in your community and your community organization. Our City Council repre-
sentatives desire your voice. Our city needs your participation. Through your involvement, you can learn so much and make lifelong friends in the process. At the most grassroots level, our city operates as a do-ocracy. Neighborhood organizations are structured so that individuals choose roles and tasks for themselves to execute. Five years ago, I joined my Harvey Park RNO and I’ve been able to lead a team that created a new publication for our neighborhood, which then started a neighborhood block party, and eventually created a sustainability committee to teach our neighbors how to become more energy efficient. If you have an idea for how to improve your community and how to have fun with your neighbors, your local RNO needs your voice. The growth we are experiencing in our city, and how we respond to it, will shape our lives and our city for generations to come. Let us turn our frustration into evolution through action. We are not alone, and together, we have a strong voice that our city is ready to listen to. We are the evolution we have been waiting for. Don’t let this chance pass you by. Get involved and be the change you want to see in the world.
compliance with the new regulations. Enforcement of the new law began on January 1, 2017. Less than seven weeks into enforcement, the City and County of Denver is approaching 1,000 Short-Term Rental licenses issued, or close to one-third of known STR properties in the city. Although more work needs to be done to license hosts, Denver is believed to be a leader in compliance rates, ahead of other municipalities, including Austin, Nashville, Portland and San Francisco, in compliance rate and/or number of licenses issued. This is a work in progress, with a “host” of moving targets. During these early stages of STR enforcement, the city is primarily focused on compliance. Excise & Licenses will be sending more than 1,000 Notice of Violation letters to unlicensed operators by the end of February. Those operators will have 14 days to comply before fines are issued. Penalties for operating a STR without a license can be up to $999 per incident, or per day, in the most egregious circumstances. Although a majority of rentals operate within the law, Denver accepts reports of unlicensed STRs or other complaints though 3-1-1, pocket.gov or str@denvergov.org. If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, please report it. The city also proactively tracks and monitors properties using Denver Police calls for service, 311 reports and through a third-party software company called Host Compliance.
Host Compliance scans and monitors all STR websites, including Airbnb, VRBO, Flipkey and others looking for compliance with the requirement that STR operators must list their business license number in their advertisement. Host Compliance uses various algorithms and old-fashioned detective work to provide the operator name and address to Excise & Licenses, so the department can issue violations and citations to those hosts who are operating without a license. Citations are sent via mail and, in the most problematic cases, a property can be “red-tagged” or physically posted of a violation. As part of an effort to continually assess the program and make policy recommendations on STR enforcement, Excise & Licenses has convened an advisory committee consisting of hosts, nonhosts, neighborhood representatives and industry representatives. All STR Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public, and presentation materials and minutes can be found on the advisory committee website. For more information on the city’s STR licensing requirements, please visit www. denvergov.org/shorttermrentals. The advancement of technology initiated the need for this STR program. The work of Excise & Licenses in formulating the policies and procedures to govern this program should help manage this industry and maintain quality of life in our neighborhoods.
- Jill Farschman
Visit denverinc.org to learn more.
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to serve the interests and well-being of the neighborhood. When asked if his intent with Frank’s is to help solve the food desert issue in Skyland, Hamel assented. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “food deserts are defined as parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers markets and healthy food providers.” The Love Uprising mission—“to promote organic community development”—is in line with how Hamel describes his feelings of obligation. “I mean it’s the community I live in and the well-being of the people around me directly affects my wellbeing.” Skip Harper, who lives five blocks from Frank’s says, “The neighborhood
LETTERS I was, unfortunately, unsurprised when I found myself only halfway into the first paragraph of Councilman Espnoza’s City Council Corner letter before I found myself confronted by blatant hypocrisy and unrepentant NIMBYism. His complaint is that by not forcing developers to include minimum parking in new buildings developed in walkable, transit-heavy neighborhoods that this represents “a giveaway of public space for private use.” He says this, while seemingly un-cognizant of the fact that he is demanding exactly the same thing—a giveaway of public space for private use—just for a different set of users. In his worldview, some people who live in neighborhoods and park on the street are allowed, but other people who live in the neighborhood and park on the street are intruders, “taking” spaces from the right people. He chooses to put the onus of this predicament on the developers of new housing, instead of on the current homeowners who choose not to park their car on their own property, in their own garages, but use the public rightof-way instead. In his second paragraph, he implies that the current exemption is detrimental to quality of life and doesn’t support small businesses. This is exactly backwards. Small businesses on small lots cannot afford to waste their limited square footage on unnecessary parking spaces. Small businesses prefer customers who are nearby, dare I say, who live above them—these people who live within walking distance are built-in customers. They are regulars, they are more likely to stop by when on foot, and they don’t require expensive pavement to bring them in the door. The only quality of life issue raised seems to be the ability for people who live nearby to park on the street. This is not a quality of life issue, it is a convenience, a taxpayer subsidy provided by the city to car owners in order to make it easy to own a car. I am frankly surprised that street parking is considered a greater right than property rights, or an amenity with greater impact than that of more housing for more people. The councilman should be ashamed to be advocating for more parking to the detriment of more housing. Later on, the councilman seems
needs this store. Everybody walks and there is nowhere else to get fresh produce, fresh meat.” Hamel says of Frank’s proximity to its customer base, “You’re not coming to stock up for Armageddon, but if ‘snowmageddon’ comes, you can just walk to the corner store.” Beverly Grant grew up in Northeast Denver and started Mo’ Betta’ Greens in 2010. The Farmers Marketplace, held weekly in the Five Points neighborhood, is part of Grant’s mission to take action against the inaction around food deserts. Grant believes food literacy is as important as creating spaces where people have access to healthy, fresh food. She uses T.O.L.D. (Traceable, Organic, Local, Delicious) to encourage people to become more informed about what they are eating and where their food is coming from. “Local food systems have disappeared in favor of industrial food systems.” She said that she has
to misunderstand how neighborhoods and cities develop. He laments that as more people move into the city, smaller buildings are being torn down to provide housing and services to these people. How exactly does the councilman think Denver grew to be as large as it is now? Certainly not by setting in stone that every single family home ever built was required by law to remain a single family home in perpetuity. If that were the case, downtown would not exist. Capitol Hill, named one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the country, wouldn’t exist. It would simply be full of decaying mansions that no one could afford to maintain or keep. The city would have died if every home ever built was protected in perpetuity from redevelopment. He then excoriates developers for building smaller units and claims that they reduce the desirability of nearby areas. Again, this is the opposite of true. Apartment buildings aren’t built where people don’t want to live, and the increased number of customers tends to create successful retail and commercial districts. Remember when Lower Highlands was just single family homes? Now it’s bustling with energy, with commerce, with people. Just because NIMBYs grind their teeth at the thought of people who enjoy living in such a place doesn’t mean that it’s not true. Lots of people like smaller living in
been speaking with Hamel and would like Frank’s Food Mart to become the first T.O.L.D. grocery store in Denver. Frank’s sources much of its produce from local farms, co-ops and social enterprises. Eggs, for example, come from the High Plains Food Co-Op out of Bennet. Many of the greens at Frank’s are sourced from the Growhaus, Colorado Aquaponics and the farm at the MHCD Dahlia campus in Northeast Park Hill, which happens to be on the site where a Safeway used to stand. Beverly Grant refers to the one-acre MHCD farm as a form of “food justice, because food of a grocery store used to be there, and was the epicenter of that neighborhood.” Frank’s is also unique, not only for its location, but because of the items carried on its shelves. From Buffalo Fish to Gates Barbecue Sauce, Hamel has continued on 7
busier areas. The councilman however seems to want to force his prejudice for quiet single family neighborhoods on the entire city. Cities don’t work that way. They grow up, or they stagnate and die. Trying to keep Denver from growing into a vibrant metropolis is a recipe for disaster. Finally, he asks what other cities have done to encourage alternative transportation and less car ownership. Well, the first thing they do is they get rid of parking minimums. When the city doesn’t force parking into every new building, people quickly find other ways to get where they want to go. Denverites continue to have high levels of car ownership because the city keeps subsidizing the use of cars— by parking minimums, by dangerous streets dedicated to fast moving traffic, and by clueless council members that can’t move past their vision of Denver as a quiet cowtown. John Riecke
I was greatly saddened by Jill Farschman's account of the many participants in the women's rally at the State Capitol. I live a few blocks away and considered going, but did not because of a health problem. Now I'm glad I didn't.
Below are the SCFD March free days we thought most relevant for our readers: Denver Art Museum - Saturday April 1 & Sunday, April 30, 10a.m. - 5p.m. 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway Clyfford Still Museum Fridays, April 7,14,21 from 5p.m. - 8p.m., April 28, 10a.m. - 8p.m. 1250 Bannock St. Denver Museum of Nature and Science - Monday, April 10 & Sunday, April 30, 9a.m. - 5p.m. 2001 Colorado Blvd. Cafe Cultura - Spoken Word Workshop - Friday, April 21, 6p.m. - 7:30p.m. 910 Galapago St.
I took part in many demonstrations for civil rights and an end to the Vietnam War in the 1960s and early 1970s. Some participants then were angry, but I can say the emphasis was on peace, justice, unity, and-yes-love. The lessons of 50 years ago are still valid today. We should be calm and reasonable in our approach and continue to work for the enlightenment of misguided "enemies." We should also try to reach as many voters who do not share our views as possible. There will be another election in a year and a half which will again determine the balance of power in Congress. A true nonviolent approach to solving social problems means affirming every day that love is stronger than hate, hope is stronger than despair, and courage to act rightly is stronger than fear. Sincerely, Margaret R. Puls.
Hunting for more this Easter? Join us Easter Sunday, April 16!
Worship at 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. Pancake Breakfast served by the Youth, 8–11 a.m. Children’s Eggstravaganza, 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church 1820 Broadway, Denver
www.TrinityUMC.org
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Blue Sparrow Coffee owner Jeffrey Knott consulted on a number of independent coffee shops, but Blue Sparrow is the first shop he owns.
BUSINESS Column & images by J.L. Schultheis Price Each month, this column takes me on a fabulous journey to search out new and old treasures in Five Points, Curtis Park, RiNo and surrounding areas. I’ve fallen deeply in love with these neighborhoods after years covering this beat. Since this is the last issue of Neighborhood Life—it’s being combined with sister newspaper, Life on Capitol Hill—I want to thank the many business owners who encouraged my endeavors. You’ve answered silly questions and made time for me at precisely the worst time possible—your opening week. I appreciate it, along with the exposure to your genius. Finally, my heartfelt thanks to Eileen Feltman, a neighborhood advocate, friend and huge area promoter who’s always kept me in the loop. You’re priceless!
OPENINGS BLUE SPARROW COFFEE Last spring, shops started popping up at Backyard on Blake (BYOB), an enterprising venture that utilized vintage structures and added new buildings at Blake and 31st Streets. A craft store and a restaurant were first to debut and now the final spaces have occupants. Late last month, Blue Sparrow Coffee opened across the courtyard from The Preservery restaurant. It’s a sleek new venture from Jeffery Knott, a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado.
“Coffee is my passion. I’ve been in coffee for years, and have chosen to focus on opening cafes. I’ve switched over to consulting a few years ago, and love what I do. I will continue to, but this is the first cafe I’ve owned. I’ve taken my years of experience building cafes, and maximized our very small café,” Knott said, whose early career focused on mergers and acquisitions in NYC. The narrow space inspired him to name the place Blue Sparrow. Knott was drawn to the building because it had already created a strong sense of community. “We don’t have a lot of space to produce a diverse menu, so we’ve chosen to focus on a tightly curated menu of what we love the most, and equally important—how we are going to share it with the community.” At the far end of the build, you’ll find a huge roll of butcher paper, holding the hand-lettered menu. Many beverages are on tap, including kombucha, nitro cold coffee and cold brew iced tea. A Slayer Steam espresso machine will dish up hot beverages. Knott calls it a work of art in itself and one of the first in the U.S. Unlike many coffee ventures, Blue Sparrow will not focus on a single bean roaster. “We will be using multiple roasters, both locally and nationally. I’m most excited to be working with Strava Roasters in Denver,” Knott added. Hours daily run 6:30a.m.-5:30p.m. The spot’s phone is 720-593-0180.
THE PARLOUR Across the BYOB courtyard, there’s a new outlet for a well-known metro salon chain. The Parlour is also now open for
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Wide open,lovingly restored: Spaces co-working made the vintage spiral staircase into a statement piece and used numerous European design elements throughout. business at BYOB. The Parlour has been cutting Denver (and Boulder) hair for two-and-a half-decades and now boasts eight different locations, including Capitol Hill, LoDo and now, this RiNo space. More info at theparlour.net.
BACKYARD ON BLAKE You can check out the new operations, tour BYOB’s warehouse and enter drawings during BYOB’s official Grand Opening celebration on Sunday, April 9. In addition to music from the Decaf Muchachos, businesses at BYOB will offer giveaways and champagne. Find all the deets at backyardonblake.com.
C. WINN DESIGNS Doing this column month after month, I drive thousands of miles each year, and I see a lot. So, if I miss an opening, it’s still news to me and I figure perhaps news to most of you as well. Such is the case with C. Winn Designs, a charming custom soft goods space at 1370 34th St. In recent years, I managed to cover Level I, one door to the east, and Scape Treader, a door west, and missed Winn Designs, that has been sandwiched between the two for a couple of years. So, I’m just a tad tardy. Since it’s (still) new to me, let’s delve into the specifics. Chrissie Winn launched her custom shop in Lafayette in 2012 and moved to RiNo several years ago. She manufactures everything from cheesecloth bags for the cannabis industry to mesh bags for rafters. A rafter herself, Winn connected with AAA Inflatables, a business that vacated its Larimer Street space some time ago and now operates in Arvada. Her gear bags allow equipment to air dry and would be great for scuba, too. “I’ve been sewing since I was four,” she said. “Since before I could speak complete sentences.” Her 3,800 sq.ft. manufacturing space can handle many tasks, including 30’ theater curtains, so its main business line is custom home needs. Sometimes, designers reach out to her, but Winn also deals directly with homeowners seeking unique items. On my visit, she showed me a window seat cushion her staffer was finishing. Pillows, bedding and other soft goods are produced regularly. In back, there are racks of vintage leathers. Those are often turned into one-of-a-kind handbags sold on Etsy.com. The shop’s number is 303-665-5835. While custom fabric work’s not cheap,
this could be the perfect solution if, like me, you just can’t find what works to replace your living room drapes. The company’s website cwinndesigns.com contains examples of the company’s many products.
SPACES Another co-working space has popped up at 2301 Blake St., right near Coors Field. Denver is the latest location for Spaces, an international co-working and office hybrid concept that has planted deep roots in the former Davis Partnership building. It’s an historic space and one that deserves loving maintenance. A massive, eye-catching spiral staircase anchors center stage. The Regus international firm calls the staircase paint job “Amsterdam orange,” but it’s a perfect Bronco orange to my eye. The 35,000 sq. ft. structure occupies three stories. Floors one and three are filled with regular offices, but the middle floor is all about co-working. And it’s spacious. “There’s lots of elbow room,” said GM Sheldon Shadrach. “I want people who are creative—who want to be in a fun space.” Spaces opened March 1 and still has some vacancies, but I doubt they’ll last long. It’s, indeed, a fun space with tabletop hacky sack and ping pong games, a full kitchen and lots of lounge furniture. Spaces has committed to the Denver community, too. Last month, the structure hosted an event for Denver’s Dress for Success, which assists low income women in finding suitable work clothes. More such events are slated for the future. To be certain this is your space, Shadrach encourages folks to take a free, one-day test drive. If you like it, you can sign up. As a member, you’ll get free WiFi, printing, furniture and other services because Spaces’ prices are all-inclusive. That covers free cruiser bikes you can ride to run an errand, head out for lunch or just use for a fitness break. There’s also an ample parking lot that you can add to your membership that will be open all days, including those with home games at Coors Field. The renovation is gorgeous. Many offices and gathering spaces have skylights and walls of windows have been added, so natural light is abundant. The décor features a European flair in many areas. Some folks just come to work in spaces surrounded by exposed brick walls, according to Shadrach. Booths off the kitchen/eat space are high backed to
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Liza Franz wanted to create the ultimate man cave for her clients at Frank’s Gentleman’s Salon. The result: a comfy place to watch sports while waiting. facilitate private phone conversations. Another membership perk is the ability to use Regus centers around the globe when you travel for business or pleasure. They have locations in Amsterdam, Sydney, NYC, Boston, Dallas and numerous other cities. While the company started in Amsterdam, it’s now U.S.-based and booming. Regus plans to open three locations per month in 2017. Pricing details can be found at spacesworks.com or call 303-309-4300. While the crew is on hand weekdays only, the space is accessible 24/7.
FRANK’S GENTLEMEN’S SALON Just two blocks from Spaces, new male tenants will be able to enjoy Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon at 2111 Larimer St. It’s a concept that first evolved in South Carolina, but owner Liza Franz is a fifth generation Steamboat native and her take on men’s styling services is tinted by the Old West. So is her shop. There are eight chairs for cuts and shaves. Other services include manicures, pedicures, facials, shoeshines and waxing. You can wash away your worries at the shampoo bowl or at the bar that features complimentary Breckenridge bourbon and other adult beverages. “Our focus is really the conscious man. We’re a barber shop on steroids,” she explained. Franz was seeking a cultured place for men to relax and be pampered— something she said women have enjoyed for decades. She built an inviting man cave to rival the finest in area homes, complete with leather furniture and a flat screen tuned to ESPN. Services can be ordered a la carte or through monthly memberships that include services once or twice per month. Explore the details at franksdenver. com. Franz’s company will also come to groomsmen’s parties before your wedding. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10:00a.m.7:00p.m., Saturday, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. The number is 303-593-0640.
TRUMAKER MENSWEAR A new concept in menswear has opened in a corner office of Thrive Workspaces, 1415 Park Ave. West. Catch a glimpse of Trumaker Menswear in the corner windows at Park Avenue and Market Street. Here, it’s all about the custom approach in a laid back setting, complete with adult beverages. “Built-to-fit” is the concept, although the company also stocks and sells standard sizes. Once you meet with
an outfitter, you can also reorder custom clothing with ease. You might even enjoy the experience, as you get to touch and feel the product lines and fabrics in comfort. “Made-to-measure—or as we call it, ‘built-to-fit’—has its roots in a different era of personal style, when clothes were cut and sewn to fit individuals and be worn for years, not fill discount shelves and wear out after a season. But, to fit into our modern lives, we needed the service to be accessible, convenient and easy. It had to combine the integrity of yesterday’s techniques with the innovations of today’s technology,” the company’s website details. That address is trumaker.com. The Denver Lounge phone number is 720-598-0833.
BELLA LUNA GIFT GALLERY
The large drafting tables and sewing stations make it possible for C Winn Designs to create soft goods and home furnishings in all shapes and sizes. tweaking his approach. Instead of using part of the space to create his line of unique light fixtures, Early is renting it out for month-long popups. The first show runs until mid-April, featuring t-shirts, zines, art books and children’s design accents. A second pop-up will debut during the First Friday in May. Friday, April 7, Early will release his spring collection with some furniture pieces exclusive to OKHI. “I’m trying to make it a little more sleek,” he said. 303-619-4386 is the shop number. Hours are normally 10:00a.m.-Close.
FIGHT GRAVITY FITNESS One of RiNo’s most adventurous fitness efforts is Fight Gravity. Boy, do I
In 2015, I wrote that this charming little gallery on Downing Street, just north of 20th Avenue, had closed. My bad. Last month, I found Bella Luna in business with the doors open and wanted to give a shout out to the ownership. Stop in next time you’re in the area. Might be the perfect gift stop if you’re visiting nearby St. Joseph’s Hospital.
need help in that department! Founder Nick Butler opened his concept on Larimer Street, but moved last year to 3300 Walnut St. in search of more space. That move offered more private training, but now Butler’s added yoga to the mix, along with his signature TRX classes. TRX involves gravity-defying bands that help you work your body’s full range of motion. Now, you can do it while watching the clouds roll by. “My landlord has allowed me to put up hooks outside at the gym, too, so we will have the option to run TRX classes outside now,” he said. Fight Gravity has also obtained a permit to hold classes in nearby Curtis Park this summer.
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EMERGENCY UNTIL YOU HAVE EXPERT ANSWERS.
CHANGES RATIO BEERWORKS There’s something new brewing at Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St. It’s not beer, however. Tuesday, April 11, Ratio will host its second Dirty Laundry Dating Show. Dirty Laundry’s a way to meet that special someone without having to go to a laundromat. Think a crazy take on The Dating Game. It’s billed as a live dating show and sounds like a hoot. Plus, there are free prizes. Laughs, beer, freebies? Sounds like a winner. The challenge starts at 8:00p.m. You can get details on Ratio’s Facebook page.
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OKHI co At 3151 Larimer St., just south of Prohibition restaurant, there’s been a name change but the same crew still runs a home furnishings and accessories space that debuted last December as Storehouse. It’s a story I hear too often. The Storehouse name was evidently already in use elsewhere and that firm challenged the RiNo operation. The result was a change to OKHI co. Owner/operator Brian Early is now
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2001 High St, Denver 80218
6 Team attended their first national cir- This could be a good fit for a student to send to students in Africa. These two cuit tournament at Arizona State Univer- who would enjoy a challenging academic groups of students developed their relasity in March. The teams did incredibly environment, global-mindedness, elec- tionship through a partnership with Ivory Ella, which teaches students to think well in their first year in debate. In the tives and no homework. McAuliffe Manual Middle School is about ways they can help others around national circuit tournament, both teams SCHOOLS went 3-3 and were in the top half of elite in its first year. The students are build- the world. The drive culminated with a presentation and celebranational circuit debate teams By Linda Katchen, Ph.D. tion at Ashley Elementary from around the country. on Tuesday, March 14. DSST:Cole Middle School, People say that "April showers bring On Saturday, April May flowers." Although Denver has been 1350 E. 33rd Ave., received an 8, Polaris Elementary short of rain this year, one thing is cer- ELPA Excellence Award honorSchool, 410 Park Ave. tain. April brings students closer to the ing 10 districts and 10 schools West, will host a fundend of the school year. Testing is over. that achieved the highest growth raiser, Romancing the Finals are coming, as are ceremonies to among English learners in an Vine, from 7:00-9:30p.m. honor completion of years in school and English Language Proficiency at the Center for Visual movement on to the next level. There will Program and that achieve the Arts, 965 Sante Fe Dr. For academic achievement be much to celebrate as the school year highest more information about for English learners who transicomes to a close. the event and auction, go to In March, DSST Public School tion out of an English Language lyllis.wixsite.com/mysite received several awards from the Col- Proficiency Program. and to purchase tickets, go DSST has stated its policy orado Department of Education (CDE). to polarisprogram.dpsk12. The CDE celebrated its 2016 school and regarding gender diverse stuorg/news-events-intro/ district awards across nine categories, dents. “Although the federal A service learning project at McAuliffe at Manual shows students ranging from the Centers for Excellence guidelines have been rescinded, Jack and Ulysses helping senior citizens maintain their homes. Photo events. As spring nears, Award to the Governor’s Distinguished DSST will continue to follow its courtesy McAuliffe at Manual. Polaris will be focusing on Improvement Award and the ELPA Excel- internal policies designed “to lence Awards, which celebrates schools support the inclusion of gender diverse, ing community, friendships, enjoying kindness to the earth. Its spring “green" that achieved the highest growth among gender-fluid, gender nonconforming school electives, after-school enrichment community service project will take place and gender-neutral students ... to ensure and most importantly, no homework. in April and benefit Denver Kids. The goal English language learners. DSST:Cole High School, 3240 nondiscrimination on the basis of sex Since the school day is from 7:55a.m. to will be to provide a bag of books (and a Humboldt St., was recognized in the and to provide gender diverse students 4:00p.m., it allows time for the students stuffed animal) for summer reading to Centers for Excellence category, which equal access to educational programs and to complete the majority, if not all, of all 125 Denver Kids' students in DPS eletheir homework, allowing the students to mentary schools. Please save any books recognizes schools that demonstrate the activities.” and new (or almost new) stuffed animals “We will stand with our transgender play and be a kid when they are home. highest sustained rates of student longiMcAuliffe Manual’s students focus for Denver Kids. Collection boxes will be tudinal growth, as measured by the Col- students and against any directive that orado Growth Model, among those that discriminates based on sex, gender, race on service learning. They partnered with in classrooms from April 17-28. or religion. As an organization, DSST is, Mrs. Ladd’s second grade class at Ashley have at least 75 percent at-risk students. Juniors at DSST: Cole are start- and will remain, fundamentally rooted in Elementary to collect boxes of crayons ing their college searches. In March, 26 the human condition and the belief that juniors interested in engineering visited all people deserve to be known and valithe CU-Boulder to explore the engineer- dated for their truest self.” continued from 1 workshop is planned for Tuesday, April McAuliffe Manual Middle School, Blueprint ing program and tour the campus. They got a taste of the college experience when 2540 Holly St., will be moving into 25th from 5:30-8:00p.m. at the West they got the chance to do some first-hand Manual High School next year. There are surveys, residents will have an oppor- Leadership Academy, located at 951 still a few spaces available for 6th and 7th tunity to weigh in on Denver’s growth Elati St. All members of the community engineering work. The DSST:Cole High School Debate grade students for the 2017-2018 year. and evolution. So far, the city has are encouraged to attend to voice conreceived feedback from nearly 8,000 cerns or to make suggestions about how residents. The issues that members of they would like to see Denver evolve. 2x 1 D TH AY the community report run the gamut, This workshop is centered around the EV – but a few had more recurrences than question, how should Blueprint Denver AL UE others. The top issues were affordabil- address growth? ! “For those who can’t attend a workity, public transportation, overpopulation, safety and the architecture of new shop, online workshops will be offered and can be completed at the residents’ construction. “Currently, the city is looking for own pace,” says Gaspers. If you would like to stay informed, volunteers, and are recruiting for street team members to be present at Denver subscribe to the Denveright newsletDays events and other community ter, check out the calendar for future gatherings,” says Andrea Burns, com- events and meetings, or become a (while supplies last) munications manager for the City and street team member. You can do all of this by visiting the Denveright website County of Denver. A Blueprint Denver community at denvergov.org/denveright.
Denver Recycles’ Annual
MULCH GIVEAWAY & COMPOST SALE
Saturday, May 6, 2017 8 AM to 2 PM FREE MULCH DIG-YOUR-OWN & LOADER SERVICE SITE HAVANA NURSERY
10450 Smith Rd., just south of I-70 on Havana St. Loader service into trucks and trailers at this site only
DIG-YOUR-OWN SITES VETERANS PARK
Iowa Ave. & Vine St.
BEAR CREEK PARK
COMPOST SALE PRE-BAGGED & LOADER SERVICE SITE
REMINDERS
> Please bring your own pitchfork or shovel, and bags or containers for loading mulch. > Bring a tarp to cover your truck or trailer. > Due to limited quantities, Denver residents only. > Commercial vehicles are prohibited from taking or selling the City’s mulch or compost.
HAVANA NURSERY
10450 Smith Rd., just south of I-70 on Havana St. Compost sold at this site only Compost prices are $3.75 per 1.25 cubic ft. bag (9 gal.) or $35.00 per cubic yd. (includes tax). Compost limit of 3 cubic yards or 20 bags per vehicle.
Attention Curtis Park and Five Points neighbors! The Montessori Academy of Colorado (MAC) benefits students ages 8 weeks through elementary as a high-standard, urban Montessori school from its campus at 2500 Curtis Street. To support its mission and strategic plan, MAC is developing a long-term community outreach program. Please take a moment to complete the short survey below to help MAC prioritize its outreach efforts and ensure future programs impact the community in a positive, valued, and sustainable way. Thank you!
surveymonkey.com/r/2017MAC-Community
South of Dartmouth Ave. on Raleigh St.
SLOAN’S LAKE PARK
Sheridan Blvd. & 17th Ave.
FRED THOMAS PARK Syracuse St. & 23rd Ave. 311 (720-913-1311)
DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles
Denver.Recycles.fan
DenverRecycles
2500 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80205 | (303) 623-2609 | MontessoriAcademyofColorado.org 2017_Mulch_Compost_AD_DnvrMtroMedia.indd 1
2/23/17 10:10 AM
7 Frank's
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adhered to the store’s “soul food roots” and continued a tradition of listening to the neighborhood’s requests for food that is important to their needs. Hamel talked about a Sunday afternoon, a few months ago, when he quickly sold out of pig’s ear sandwiches. Curious about the sudden demand, he asked a customer, who told him Laquita Taylor mentioned Frank’s on her weekly radio show, “Let
Business
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“Exercise outdoors just provides an alternative for people who spend most workdays inside, as well as getting some vitamin D!” he explained. Outdoor classes have already begun at the gym when weather permits. Butler currently employs four trainers with a wide range of backgrounds. “I believe these classes complement each other because you get the strength component from the TRX and the flexibility/relaxation from the yoga.” Call him at 303-351-2846 or check into fightgravityfit.com for class schedules.
THE FITNESS BRANCH Not yet a year old, The Fitness Branch at BYOB is expanding its special programs. Tuesday, April 11 at 6:45 p.m., kettlebell guru Leandra Branch will host a “Balance Your Diet” seminar that focuses on food, fitness and stress management. Find details at amholistic.com. It pays to grab early bird tickets. Find info at thefitnessbranch.com. Branch is also eager to use BYOB’s stellar rooftop space and will debut Rooftop Flow, a.k.a. yoga on the roof, on April 29. “Enjoy the fresh air as you challenge yourself physically, while relaxing your mind through breath and movement on our gorgeous rooftop,” she said. This class is appropriate for all skill levels, but early registration is suggested.
THE PRESERVERY Happy first year milestone for The
Go and Let God.” Hamel was surprised by the unsolicited promotion, but said it’s how this community supports itself. Laquita Taylor, who also owns and operates Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services with her husband Michael, is a regular at Frank’s for the Buffalo Fish and “the old way” service. “Let’s go way back when everybody looked out; it reminds me of the gas station when they’d pump your gas.” She appreciates Hamel’s special attention to each cus-
tomer. “I go in there and see how he is so concerned and asks Ms. Taylor, ‘How do you want me to cut your fish, how do you want it today?’ You don’t get that anymore.” Beverly Grant calls Gerald Hamel a “risk taker” for operating Frank’s in an atmosphere where it seems that profitability comes before the health needs of a community. Dr. Ross sees Frank’s continued existence in a food desert as an issue of social justice. Gerald Hamel says
he just knows “the market can’t close one day; the minute the market closes, it will never reopen.” Hamel commented after chatting up a regular customer at the register, “It’s a community center; everybody knows each other, what’s going on. This is where the village raises its children.” Frank’s Food Mart is located at 2800 Madison St. in Denver’s Skyland neighborhood and is open seven days a week.
Preservery at BYOB. April 1 is the eatery’s official anniversary and the crew’s really geared up to party. To kick things off, there’s a weeklong Local Makers Market being hosted at the complex. “The beautiful courtyard, known as the Backyard of Backyard on Blake, will transform into a festive vendor fair with many of The Preservery’s most treasured local suppliers, such as Broken Shovels Farm, Five Points Fermentation, Cultura Chocolate, Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha and The Real Dill,” said co-owner Whitney Ariss. Brunch is up and running on weekends and there should be some specials rolled out for this celebration. Ariss has lots of plans for her second year in operation, too. “Tasting events are one of The Preservery’s favorite ways to engage guests and help to build bridges between people and their local food system. Each Preservery+ tasting features two items that are a match made in heaven when paired together,” she added. “An extra-special wine tasting in partner with Ridge Vineyards will take place on Thursday, April 6 from 4:00-6:00p.m. and will feature five different wines from their sustainable California wineries, paired with scratch made hors d’oeuvres.” She’s also declared Thursdays to be forever after known as ‘Beyoncdays.’ Yes, Beyoncday features drink specials. “But, it’s a lot more about celebrating powerful women!” she said. “As a woman business owner and a feminist, I feel strongly compelled to spread a positive message with our business. Obe and I created this space in order to build community through music and food, and that’s really what Beyoncday is all about.”
Beyoncday brings happy hour drink prices all night long, female musicians and products from female-owned ventures. There’s also female-owned Bierstadt’s Slow Pour Pils, the only beer The Preservery never takes off of their constantly-changing draft rotation. The address is 3040 Blake St. Head to the preservery.com for more information.
perfect timing.
TRACKS/EXDO EVENTS CENTER Rockies Opening Weekend is one busy slice of the calendar. Everyone has something newsy to share. Tracks nightclub on Walnut Street and 35th Street is hosting Erika Jayne, a reality TV star known for her work on Dancing with the Stars and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Jayne will appear Saturday, April 8 for a live music performance as part of Tracks’ monthly Glitterball dance party. She joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2015 and is part of this season’s Dancing with the Stars team. Spokesman Andy Feinstein added, “Erika is also regarded as an icon in the LGBT community and she often performs at LGBT events and festivals.” General admission presale tickets are on sale now. It’s a 21 and older show. There’s also a meet-and-greet ticket option for diehard fans. Check out tracksdenver.com for details.
IL POSTO Looks like the new home of Il Posto restaurant at Larimer and 27th Streets is adding a porch that will wrap the corner space of this stunning eatery. I’d call that
CLOSINGS: HANDY DINER Just last month, I wrote about the one-year anniversary of Handy Diner at 2958 Downing St. Handy Diner was an all-vegan comfort food space run by 23-year-old owner Teri Font. She did it all on a shoestring and gained a large fan base, but evidently Font lacked a key environmental health license. Her business was shut down in March and my attempts to reach her for comment have been unsuccessful. Before Handy, the space housed D-line Restaurant. It’s possible that Font believed they were covered under an existing license, but the State said nope.
BLK OAK DNV The men’s store at 921 21st St. is currently vacant but won’t be for long. It opened over a year ago as Whiskey Grade, then changed its name to BLK OAK DNV when plans to move to Stanley Marketplace stalled. That operation has moved out and sources tell me owner James Unger will resurface running an online store. He has no web address yet. London-trained barber Jake Reboul, who ran a one-chair shop inside BLK OAK DVN, told me that Crisp Colorado, a Lakewood hair and tattoo salon, is expanding into the space, just in time for Rockies season. Reboul will man one of several chairs at the new venture. Send biz news lifeoncaphill.com.
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