10 MINUTES WITH THE FOUNDER: River North Issue

ISSUE 025

10 MINUTES IN R INO

Are you a city person? sliferdenver.com — @sliferdenver

An afternoon in one of Denver’s best neighborhooods, River North

W E L CO M E T O

The River North District Denver’s once gritty, industrial neighborhood is now a thriving center for Denver’s artists, foodies, and craft beer aficianados alike.

Denver’s neighborhoods are changing — and nowhere is this more evident than the River North District, colloquially known as RiNo. When the neighborhood first developed in the early 1900s, it was home to foundries, pattern shops, and numerous industrial warehouses, making it a critical driver in Denver’s early economic success. As the city evolved in the 1980s and 1990s, the industrial area migrated out of the city’s core, leaving behind a vast area dominated by vacant warehouses. Before long, artists started moving in, taking advantage of the large, affordable spaces ideal for galleries and studios.

“The RiNo community has a booming craft beer scene and a long history of celebrating independent, creative businesses.”

The neighborhood took a massive leap just over ten years ago when Denver city and local leaders began formal revitalization plans. In 2005, Tracy Weil and Jill HadleyHooper formally established the River North District as a way to connect the myriad artists scattered throughout the community. Thanks to their efforts, RiNo is now embued with a vibrant energy that has made it a newly iconic part of the city.

Today, RiNo is home to an ever-evolving cultural scene, with some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops, urban wineries, creative businesses, and increasingly popular shared spaces like Denver Central Market and The Source. Read on to learn about our favorite spots in this ever-evolving neighborhood, and get to know the people and culture that call it home.

— Odell Brewing Co. CEO Wynne Odell. The Denver Post.

Odell Brewery Co. is opening a new brewery and taphouse in RiNo later this year, in a 1917 building at the corner of 30th and Larimer Street. Expect a great outdoor space including a patio, space for live music, and numerous firepits.

W E L CO M E T O

The River North District Denver’s once gritty, industrial neighborhood is now a thriving center for Denver’s artists, foodies, and craft beer aficianados alike.

Denver’s neighborhoods are changing — and nowhere is this more evident than the River North District, colloquially known as RiNo. When the neighborhood first developed in the early 1900s, it was home to foundries, pattern shops, and numerous industrial warehouses, making it a critical driver in Denver’s early economic success. As the city evolved in the 1980s and 1990s, the industrial area migrated out of the city’s core, leaving behind a vast area dominated by vacant warehouses. Before long, artists started moving in, taking advantage of the large, affordable spaces ideal for galleries and studios.

“The RiNo community has a booming craft beer scene and a long history of celebrating independent, creative businesses.”

The neighborhood took a massive leap just over ten years ago when Denver city and local leaders began formal revitalization plans. In 2005, Tracy Weil and Jill HadleyHooper formally established the River North District as a way to connect the myriad artists scattered throughout the community. Thanks to their efforts, RiNo is now embued with a vibrant energy that has made it a newly iconic part of the city.

Today, RiNo is home to an ever-evolving cultural scene, with some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops, urban wineries, creative businesses, and increasingly popular shared spaces like Denver Central Market and The Source. Read on to learn about our favorite spots in this ever-evolving neighborhood, and get to know the people and culture that call it home.

— Odell Brewing Co. CEO Wynne Odell. The Denver Post.

Odell Brewery Co. is opening a new brewery and taphouse in RiNo later this year, in a 1917 building at the corner of 30th and Larimer Street. Expect a great outdoor space including a patio, space for live music, and numerous firepits.

What’s your favorite part about being a part of the RiNo community?

LO CA L B U S I N E S S L O V E

River North Workshop Co. A Q&A with Alicia Hendricks, Creative Director and Owner of River North Workshop Co. The Workshop opened in RiNo’s Backyard on Blake last year as a joint effort between Hendricks and Fiona Arnold, real estate developer and President of the Backyard on Blake community.

What is the River North Workshop?

Alicia Hendricks: River North Workshop Co. is an open workshop/retail store, crafting and sourcing locally made goods for the home. We have a workshop in the back where we teach and host a variety of different classes and workshops.

Tell us a little bit about how the workshop came to be.

AH: It’s funny, our vision has changed quite a bit, and it’s hard for me to remember where we started! I know that we (my business partner Fiona and I) wanted our own homes to be filled with beautiful, simple goods that were made locally. We are surrounded by incredible talent here in Denver. Especially in RiNo. We believe that our dinnerware (for example) can and should be made right here in Denver.

I love knowing who made the cutting board I use or who poured the candles I burn!

What was the inspiration behind creating interactive, hands-on workshops?

AH: I’ve always been crafty, and I love getting people together. I started teaching classes in friends homes, coffee shops etc. back in 2013, and it was difficult not having a permanant classroom/workshop. We wanted to be able to give local artists/makers a space where they could feel comfortable sharing their skills!

What made you choose to set up shop in RiNo? AH: At the time, we loved the grittiness of the neighborhood. We were also (and still are) inspired by the immense amount of talent in this neighborhood!

AH: Everyone is so friendly! I love being able to trust and help out our neighbors. We’ve created our own little community at Backyard on Blake and I love everything about it. We did a photoshoot with AND Collaborative this past winter, and I remember borrowing a clothes steamer from Judith & Joe/La Lovely Vintage, wine (to fill our wine glasses) from AND Collaborative, a spoon from The Workroom and we had The Preservery put together a cheese platter for our charcuterie board! We also have coffee (Blue Sparrow), a fitness studio (The Fitness Branch) and will soon have ice-cream (Peteybird). We will never need to leave!

Insider’s Tip: What’s your favorite home good in the shop that readers absolutely need to know about?

River North Workshop Co. is part of Backyard on Blake, an urban community in RiNo with co-working spaces, a restaurant and coffee shop, a myriad of local shops, and a beautiful outdoor space that brings it all together.

Upcoming Workshops Try it for yourself! The River North Workshop is constantly offering hands-on workshops that let you create beautiful home goods and learn new skills to enhance the comfort and health of your home. Check out some of the upcoming workshops below and visit RiverNorthWorkshop.com for details, registration, and their full calendar of events.

Watercolor Notecards — June 8 Brush Calligraphy 101 — June 10, 15, or 21

AH: I love our Wall to Table planters. The planters are simple and beautiful, and I’ve learned that you can have plants in your house all year long! The maker Robyn is an absolute doll. She designs the planters in Boulder, CO and they are made in Wheatridge, CO.

Circle of Life: Your Primary Foods — June 17

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Fast and Simple Weeknight Meals — June 29

AH: Just get started! Unless you’re trying to fly a plane for the first time, it doesn’t matter if you “mess up” at first.

DIY Soap — June 24 Building Dreamcatchers — June 28

What’s your favorite part about being a part of the RiNo community?

LO CA L B U S I N E S S L O V E

River North Workshop Co. A Q&A with Alicia Hendricks, Creative Director and Owner of River North Workshop Co. The Workshop opened in RiNo’s Backyard on Blake last year as a joint effort between Hendricks and Fiona Arnold, real estate developer and President of the Backyard on Blake community.

What is the River North Workshop?

Alicia Hendricks: River North Workshop Co. is an open workshop/retail store, crafting and sourcing locally made goods for the home. We have a workshop in the back where we teach and host a variety of different classes and workshops.

Tell us a little bit about how the workshop came to be.

AH: It’s funny, our vision has changed quite a bit, and it’s hard for me to remember where we started! I know that we (my business partner Fiona and I) wanted our own homes to be filled with beautiful, simple goods that were made locally. We are surrounded by incredible talent here in Denver. Especially in RiNo. We believe that our dinnerware (for example) can and should be made right here in Denver.

I love knowing who made the cutting board I use or who poured the candles I burn!

What was the inspiration behind creating interactive, hands-on workshops?

AH: I’ve always been crafty, and I love getting people together. I started teaching classes in friends homes, coffee shops etc. back in 2013, and it was difficult not having a permanant classroom/workshop. We wanted to be able to give local artists/makers a space where they could feel comfortable sharing their skills!

What made you choose to set up shop in RiNo? AH: At the time, we loved the grittiness of the neighborhood. We were also (and still are) inspired by the immense amount of talent in this neighborhood!

AH: Everyone is so friendly! I love being able to trust and help out our neighbors. We’ve created our own little community at Backyard on Blake and I love everything about it. We did a photoshoot with AND Collaborative this past winter, and I remember borrowing a clothes steamer from Judith & Joe/La Lovely Vintage, wine (to fill our wine glasses) from AND Collaborative, a spoon from The Workroom and we had The Preservery put together a cheese platter for our charcuterie board! We also have coffee (Blue Sparrow), a fitness studio (The Fitness Branch) and will soon have ice-cream (Peteybird). We will never need to leave!

Insider’s Tip: What’s your favorite home good in the shop that readers absolutely need to know about?

River North Workshop Co. is part of Backyard on Blake, an urban community in RiNo with co-working spaces, a restaurant and coffee shop, a myriad of local shops, and a beautiful outdoor space that brings it all together.

Upcoming Workshops Try it for yourself! The River North Workshop is constantly offering hands-on workshops that let you create beautiful home goods and learn new skills to enhance the comfort and health of your home. Check out some of the upcoming workshops below and visit RiverNorthWorkshop.com for details, registration, and their full calendar of events.

Watercolor Notecards — June 8 Brush Calligraphy 101 — June 10, 15, or 21

AH: I love our Wall to Table planters. The planters are simple and beautiful, and I’ve learned that you can have plants in your house all year long! The maker Robyn is an absolute doll. She designs the planters in Boulder, CO and they are made in Wheatridge, CO.

Circle of Life: Your Primary Foods — June 17

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Fast and Simple Weeknight Meals — June 29

AH: Just get started! Unless you’re trying to fly a plane for the first time, it doesn’t matter if you “mess up” at first.

DIY Soap — June 24 Building Dreamcatchers — June 28

DIVING D E E P

Eat + Drink New spots are constantly popping up in RiNo, giving us a constant stream of places to explore. Here are some of our current favorites.

The Art Scene With galleries, studios, First Fridays, and street art galore, RiNo is quickly becoming a hub for local art.

Dubbed the place “Where Art is Made” in Denver, RiNo’s emphasis on developing and maintaining creative spaces for artisans and makers has imbued it with a distinct artistic vibe. The neighborhood is home to dozens of galleries and studios filled with work from nearly 100 RiNo-based artists.

Like their neighbors down on Santa Fe, RiNo galleries and studios mark the start of each month with First Fridays, opening their doors for a spirited night of live music, great cocktails, and a glimpse into the creative process.

First Fridays just got a whole lot easier Thanks to the Drink RiNo Circulator, it’s easier than ever to experience all RiNo has to offer. From 5pm-12am every First Friday and on Saturdays from 2-10pm, circulator eTuks will transport you throughout the neighborhood, stopping in five different spots so you can sip, shop, eat, and appreciate art without having to worry about driving.

The best part? It’s all free! Visit RinoArtDistrict.org for a full route map.

Keep your eyes open — great art isn’t just inside

Nearly everywhere you look in RiNo, there’s a wild array of vibrant street art. Grab a cone to go from Denver Central Market’s High Point Creamery and take a walk through the neighborhood to take it all in. Don’t miss the alleys they’re some of the most colorful parts of the city.

The List: RiNo Art Galleries ATC DEN — 3420 Larimer St Dateline — 3004 Larimer St Elipse Gallery — 3377 Blake St Fice — 2654 Walnut Street Forney Museum of Transportation — 4303 Brighton Blvd Globeville Riverfront Art Center — 888 E 50th Ave Helikon Gallery & Studios — 3675 Wynkoop St Lane Meyer Projects — 2528 Walnut St William Matthews — 2540 Walnut St Mediarich at 3240design llc — 3240 Larimer St Millers and Rossi — 3542 Walnut St Pattern Shop Studio — 3349 Blake St PlatteForum — 2400 Curtis St Plinth Gallery — 3520 Brighton Blvd Redline — 2350 Arapahoe St Svper Ordinary — 3350 Brighton Blvd Brian Trybus Designs, 2520LAR — 2520 Larimer St Tracy Weil, Weilworks — 3611 Chestnut Pl

DIVING D E E P

Eat + Drink New spots are constantly popping up in RiNo, giving us a constant stream of places to explore. Here are some of our current favorites.

The Art Scene With galleries, studios, First Fridays, and street art galore, RiNo is quickly becoming a hub for local art.

Dubbed the place “Where Art is Made” in Denver, RiNo’s emphasis on developing and maintaining creative spaces for artisans and makers has imbued it with a distinct artistic vibe. The neighborhood is home to dozens of galleries and studios filled with work from nearly 100 RiNo-based artists.

Like their neighbors down on Santa Fe, RiNo galleries and studios mark the start of each month with First Fridays, opening their doors for a spirited night of live music, great cocktails, and a glimpse into the creative process.

First Fridays just got a whole lot easier Thanks to the Drink RiNo Circulator, it’s easier than ever to experience all RiNo has to offer. From 5pm-12am every First Friday and on Saturdays from 2-10pm, circulator eTuks will transport you throughout the neighborhood, stopping in five different spots so you can sip, shop, eat, and appreciate art without having to worry about driving.

The best part? It’s all free! Visit RinoArtDistrict.org for a full route map.

Keep your eyes open — great art isn’t just inside

Nearly everywhere you look in RiNo, there’s a wild array of vibrant street art. Grab a cone to go from Denver Central Market’s High Point Creamery and take a walk through the neighborhood to take it all in. Don’t miss the alleys they’re some of the most colorful parts of the city.

The List: RiNo Art Galleries ATC DEN — 3420 Larimer St Dateline — 3004 Larimer St Elipse Gallery — 3377 Blake St Fice — 2654 Walnut Street Forney Museum of Transportation — 4303 Brighton Blvd Globeville Riverfront Art Center — 888 E 50th Ave Helikon Gallery & Studios — 3675 Wynkoop St Lane Meyer Projects — 2528 Walnut St William Matthews — 2540 Walnut St Mediarich at 3240design llc — 3240 Larimer St Millers and Rossi — 3542 Walnut St Pattern Shop Studio — 3349 Blake St PlatteForum — 2400 Curtis St Plinth Gallery — 3520 Brighton Blvd Redline — 2350 Arapahoe St Svper Ordinary — 3350 Brighton Blvd Brian Trybus Designs, 2520LAR — 2520 Larimer St Tracy Weil, Weilworks — 3611 Chestnut Pl

ISSUE 025

10 MINUTES IN R INO

Are you a city person? sliferdenver.com — @sliferdenver

An afternoon in one of Denver’s best neighborhooods, River North