EDGEWATER MAYOR News And Updates From Edgewater
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FITNESS CORNER Restarting Your Exercise Routine Page 8
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS St. Anthony’s Chapel To Be Focal Point Of Public Plaza Page 12
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| SLOAN’S LAKE | WEST COLFAX | TWO CREEKS | WEST HIGHLAND December 17, 2019 – January 13, 2020 • ngazette.com • FREE
68-Year-Old Sloan’s Lake Church Moving, Selling Property n By
Laurie Dunklee
T
his building is like a loaded handgun,” says Lee Brown, lead pastor of Sloan’s Lake Church, referring to a whopping $750,000 needed in repairs. “If it goes off, we’ll need to start firing people.” The 22,000-square-foot church at 2796 Utica St., built in late 1951, has too many problems to fix, Brown told 25 nearby residents at a neighborhood meeting Nov. 13. He said an assessment of the building found multiple issues, including a clay sewer pipe 18 feet underground that is breaking down. “We replaced eight feet of it and the cost was $14,000. There are between 80 and 100 more feet that will need to be replaced, so the cost would be very high,” said Brown. Two boiler pumps have gone out, leaving offices and children’s areas without heat. The air conditioning has broken down and the basement fellowship hall has flooded, “
Continued on page 5
THE NEWLY REMODELED SITE OF A FORMER KING SOOPERS at 20th Avenue and Depew Street is now the Edgewater Public Market, with many restaurants and several gift and clothing shops already open. PHOTO BY KEN LUTES
It’s Snowing: Do You Know Where Your Shovel Is? n By
T
Gazette Staff
he snow is here, and we all enjoy safe, clear sidewalks, right? But do you know what your duties are when it comes to keeping your property clear for others? In Denver, businesses and residents are required to clear snow from sidewalks and wheelchair ramps as soon as it stops snowing. Per the city’s website, inspectors begin enforcement immediately, checking business areas the same day and residential areas the following day. Inspectors check business areas proactively, and residential areas in response to complaints. The inspectors leave a time-stamped notice at properties with un-shoveled sidewalks. After receiving a notice, businesses have four hours and residences have 24 hours before the inspector’s re-check and a potential $150 fine. In Edgewater, homeowners and renters of property are required to remove all snow and ice on all sidewalks surrounding the property, including avenue corner lots. All residents and business owners have 24 hours from the last snowfall to clear their sidewalks. In Wheat Ridge, clearing snow and ice from sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent property owners. They are required to clear walkways within 24 hours of snowfall equaling 2 inches or more. In Lakewood, residents and businesses have 24 hours after the end of a storm to clear any sidewalks adjacent to their property, including front, sides and any pedestrian ramps leading to the street. The law also prohibits shoveling snow into the street; but if a sidewalk is cleared and Lakewood’s or the state’s plows cover it, the city will re-clear the walk at the end of the storm. After 24 hours have passed and a sidewalk has still not been cleared or if
a previously cleared sidewalk has been covered by plows, residents can report it. When snow isn’t shoveled, it gets packed down and becomes ice, making it not only treacherous but also harder to remove. So find that shovel, and be prepared to keep streets and sidewalks safe, for those walking, rolling, delivering mail, or pushing a stroller. Here are a few tips: • Use the shovel to push the snow; don’t lift it. • Shovel away from roadways and bike
lanes, so plows don’t push the snow back onto your sidewalks. • Be proactive and come up with a plan for addressing sidewalks now, before it snows.
Where To Go With All That Snow?
No one thinks it’s OK to dump trash in the street, but residents believe raking leaves or shoveling snow into city's streets is OK. It’s not, at least in Lakewood. Lakewood Code Enforcement and Public Works used the city’s e-newsletter to
remind residents to keep these items out of the streets. Why is it a problem? Leaves, grass clippings and yard waste can end up in waterways, creating harmful conditions for fish and other wildlife by causing excessive buildup of algae. When it comes to snow, according to the statement, it’s better to put it in yards because who wants more snow in the streets. That just creates icy buildup and hazardous conditions in the streets. Besides, your yard needs the moisture.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Goats And Christmas Trees – An Unlikely Match n By
Meghan Godby
N
ow that Thanksgiving has come and gone, we all know what happens next. In the blink of an eye, Christmas trees stand tall in parking lots and grace the sidewalks of grocery stores. Families decorate them with glittering lights, ornaments and fancy, sparkly tree toppers. But what happens to those trees when Christmas is over? At the turn of a new year, most neighborhood trees make their way to local recycling programs (the City of Wheat Ridge recycles around 1,500 Christmas trees annually, for example). The trees are made into mulch, which is used throughout city parks and marketed to local residents for use in their own gardens and landscaping. This is in sharp contrast to artificial trees, which are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills. Not all Christmas trees make into these programs, however. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that dozens of them end up at local farms. Why? They’re a favorite treat for goats! The goats of Five Fridges Farm in Wheat Ridge are just one of many Continued on page 2
THE GOATS OF FIVE FRIDGES FARM IN WHEAT RIDGE are just one of many herds that “recycle” discarded Christmas trees. The “Christmas to Compost” program has been in practice for about five years, accepting as many as 50 trees each season. COURTESY FIVE FRIDGES FARM
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efferson County struck out in its third try to get voters to approve an exemption from the Taxpayers Bill of Rights that would have allowed the county to keep tax revenue it already receives instead of a refund to taxpayers. By an almost 10 percent margin in the Nov. 5 election, county voters defeated ballot issue 1A by a 104,650 to 86,546 (54.73 to 45.27 percent) tally. The county tried twice before, in 1994 and 2000, to pass similar TABOR exemption measures, but voters turned both down. The day after this year’s election, the county posted a news release on its website that stated the county will cut $16.1 million from its 2020 budget since voters rejected the measure, which left the county one of only two in the state to not have modified TABOR in some manner. “The citizens of Jefferson County have rendered their decision and we will execute accordingly. Our recommended 2020 budget includes $16.1 million in cuts, including to services such as law enforcement and transportation,” said County Manager Don Davis in the release. “We will begin the process of identifying areas and services for reduction, or in some cases elimination, in 2021 and beyond.” The 2020 budget reflects a seven percent reduction for the general fund. The
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herds that “recycle” the trees. And if these goats sound familiar, they should. You may remember last December, when a herd belonging to the farm disappeared from their grazing grounds. Despite extensive media coverage and volunteer search efforts, the goats were never found, and are believed to have been stolen, an event that hit extra hard around the holidays. Luckily, thanks to fundraising efforts and generous donations from other community farms, the herd has been replaced and the new gang is just as happy to carry on the with the farm’s activities, including feasting on Christmas trees. The “Christmas to Compost” program has been in practice for about five years. “It was originally inspired by goat fire mitigation,” explained Amanda Weaver, the owner of the farm. “When they do this, they eat underbrush in the mountains. Most of that brush is pine based, so I figured why not? I gave them my tree and also collected trees from a few of my friends.” And what did the goats think? They loved it. Amanda isn’t sure what makes the trees so appealing to the goats, but says it might have something to do with the sweetness of the pine sap. The bark and pine needles also work as roughage, which is crucial to the goats’ diet and helps them establish gut health. The goats at Five Fridges Farm aren’t alone in their preferences for Christmas trees and the National Christmas Tree Association of Littleton is familiar with this trend. “It’s just one of the ways trees can seamlessly return to the ecosystem,” explained Doug Hundley, a spokesperson for the association in an Associated Press news article earlier this year. “Real trees are totally biodegradable. They are easily reused and recycled.” This focus on sustainability is a key value at Five Fridges Farm, which promotes environmental stewardship through a variety of community partnerships. When the goats aren’t busy eating Christmas trees, they’re breaking down food scraps from area restaurants and practicing rotational grazing on local bits of land for the City of Wheat Ridge. Amanda explains that the Christmas program is very popular – she’s had as many
largest cuts will be in public safety, which includes the sheriff, district attorney, Justice Services, coroner and some transportation projects. The county commissioners held a budget hearing, which was continued from Oct. 29 due to inclement weather, on Nov. 12, to finalize the 2020 budget. In other election measure results, question 2F, the City of Lakewood’s request to implement contracted residential waste collection services, was soundly defeated 25,734 to 19,372 (57.05 to 42.95 percent). The system would have had the city contract with private companies for such services. Another city measure, question 2G, was narrowly approved 22,194 to 21,697 (50.57 to 49.43 percent). It allows the city to offer telecommunications services such as cable television, high-speed internet and WiFi hotspots, although the city has no such immediate plans. A similar broadband measure, 2D, was widely approved by Englewood voters 1,024 to 183 (84.84 to 15.16 percent). In Mountain View, question 2A, a 7.5 percent short-term rental tax, was defeated 99 to 74 (57.23 to 42.77 percent); question 2B, allowing the mayor’s compensation to be set by town council during the mayor's term, passed 96 to 78 (55.17 to 44.83 percent); and question 2C, setting the mayor's term limits at three, 4-year terms, was approved 152 to 20 (88.37 to 11.63 percent). as 50 trees dropped off. “I really could take more than that,” she said, “but at a certain point, I will ask people to take their trees to a local recycling program.” After all, goats may eat anything, but they can only eat so much! How much of the tree gets eaten? More than you think. “They eat the needles, bark and branches up to half an inch thick,” Amanda said. “Whatever is left, I cut up for firewood.” And in staying true to the farm’s values, she shares the wealth with the community. “In February or March, I typically have a ‘free day’ where anyone can come and take a stripped tree,” Amanda said. “They can cut it down for their own firewood.” So, how do Amanda and her animals celebrate holidays at the farm? “I don’t have any specific traditions,” Amanda shared, “but the goats and chickens do love my Christmas cookie baking mistakes!” All kidding aside, it’s a special time of year, she explained. “Everything is quiet, except for the sounds of animals. It’s almost like we’re far from the middle of the city, especially when it snows.” Animals have always been close to Amanda’s heart; she’s treasured animalcentered Christmas stories since she was a child (“The Mole Family Christmas” and “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” in particular). “Animals have a way of witnessing without judgment or emotion, which is very powerful,” she says. “I never feel lonely at the farm, even when I am the only human here.” In many ways, having animals around at the holiday brings her childhood full circle. So while you’re no doubt thinking of your friends and family this holiday season, make some room for animal friends on your list. The best part? No shopping necessary – just pause to think before you toss that Christmas tree curbside. The hungry goats will thank you. If you’re interested in donating your tree to the goats this year, check out the farm’s Facebook page for more details (after Christmas). Make sure your tree is stripped of all decoration – that means no tinsel, string, hooks or unwanted ornaments. The donated trees must also be free of any sort of chemicals, like fake snow and preservatives. Garland is accepted, too, but any wires and decorations need to be removed. Visit Five Fridges Farm on Facebook for more information on the recycling program.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– DECEMBER 17, 2019 – JANUARY 13, 2020– ngazette.com
EDGEWATER MAYOR
EDGEWATER CITY COUNCIL
News And Updates From Edgewater
Up Next: Implementing Our Mobility Plan
business owners have 24 hours from the last snowfall to clear their sidewalks. Edgewater council added new language to elcome to newly seated council our code for the enforcement of tree limbs members Micha Rosenoer and overhanging public property and Casey Earp; re-elected council weed trimming. These codes members Steve Conklin and will make it easier and faster to Cory Reid-Vanas; and re-elected enforce these issues: mayor Laura Keegan. They “Sec. 7-8-30. Code join council members Janet Provisions Subject to Spangenberg, John Beltrone and Administrative Enforcement. Caleb Rountree. (a) It shall be unlawful and a The winter months can be violation of this Article for any taxing and stressful for many of person to fail to comply with the us. I encourage everyone to find requirements of Section 7-5-40 and enjoy the things that make of this Code, concerning the duty you the happiest this wintery to keep weeds cut or trimmed to season. Make this a special time to Laura Keegan not more than eight (8) inches. enjoy your neighbors, family and (b) It shall be unlawful and a violation of this friends. Article for any person to fail to comply with Visit Edgewater’s many businesses and the requirements of Section 11-4-90 of this see all the amazing entrepreneurs we have in Code, concerning the pruning of City trees.” our less-than-a-square-mile city. If you have trees and shrubs, please make If we have good snowfall, don’t forget the sure they are not hanging over public alleys hills around the schools and parks. Sledding and sidewalks. is, and always will be, a memory in the making. Being close to home to shop, eat and have fun will certainly help alleviate some of the Jeffco Action Center Donations stressful time spent sitting in your car on busy We have donation boxes for new socks, streets. gloves, hats, and canned and dried goods Walk around your neighborhoods, open (high-protein foods are always needed), your hearts and eyes to all the diversity we have located at our Civic Center at 1800 Harlan, here. Use this season to make new friends and now through Dec. 28. Please give to those in meet new neighbors. We are indeed fortunate need during this cold, harsh season. to live in such a small, welcoming city. Jeffco Action Center is always in need of items and accepts donations year round at 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood. Donation dropImportant Edgewater Codes off dates and times are Monday, Tuesday, Edgewater Municipal Code Section 11-2Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and 40, regarding snow removal, states: It’s the Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. They’re closed responsibility of Edgewater homeowners and Wednesday and Sunday. renters of property to remove all snow and ice Edgewater Mayor Laura Keegan can be on all sidewalks surrounding the property, reached at lkeegan@edgewaterco.com. including avenue corner lots. All residents and
expanding the sidewalk into a street more than wide enough to accommodate it, we quickly make walking on 20th safer while n the two years I’ve been on council, I’ve sacrificing next to none of the parking we had the pleasure to work on so many already have. projects and upgrades to Edgewater it’s While I wouldn’t expect too much else dizzying to think about. We’ve already in 2020, the next few years are going to opened more park space and finished two provide big changes including 25th Street, massive developments in the Civic Center naturally calming traffic on and Edgewater Public market, interior streets, traffic circles to which opened last month. You improve flow, changes to Pierce might think we’re done for a Street at Jefferson High, and while with big ticket items, but making travel in our city safer we’re just now hitting what I for everyone. consider our most community A lot of people have asked, centered and improving “How do you decide what’s most project in my time on council: important and where to allocate implementing our mobility plan. our money?” Mobility plans are the When making our roadmap to improving safety decisions, we looked at data and ease of travel when on the showing accidents and potential roads and sidewalks of our city. Caleb Rountree hazards across Edgewater. One If it’s a route people move on, it’s of the more surprising findings was that part of the plan. Mobility plans may not be while speeding on the interior streets is one as sexy as new developments, but they are of our most reported issues, the inner streets what make our new developments useable aren’t where the accidents are happening. and accessible. So what’s in the Edgewater They’re happening on 20th, 26th, Pierce, plan and when can you expect to see it? and Sheridan. In fact, there hasn’t been a The first step is expanding the sidewalk pedestrian incident on our inner streets in on the north side of 20th street from Harlan years. Because of this, we’ve made 20th, to Sheridan. If everything goes through 26th, Pierce, Sheridan and 25th our top quickly with bids and work, we should see priorities moving forward. some progress towards the end of 2020. Be sure to look on upcoming agendas for Why start there? Because it currently poses more discussion around mobility, and look one of the biggest, yet easiest to fix problems. around your city over the next year for even The sidewalk in many places isn’t currently more big, positive changes. wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, Contact Edgewater City Councilman or two people walking side-by-side. This Caleb Rountree at CRountree@edgewafunnels kids into our bike lines where terco.com. they’re right next to cars going 30+ mph. By
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tax revenue is the answer to all of Edgewater’s needs. However, that money goes quickly (hello, new civic center), and hen I was first elected as a the fact remains we need people to bring councilperson for Edgewater, I Edgewater’s festivals and events alive. thought two things: 1) I am so honored and Volunteering in humbled to be elected to this Edgewater is easy and fun. You position, and 2) four years is a meet your neighbors, learn long time. about the city, and have the Well, it turns out that I am opportunity to give your opinion still very honored and humbled and input. While this may be to have served Edgewater. the case for many other cities However, four years isn’t long as well, Edgewater’s size allows at all. No cliché can describe your small input to become a big how quickly the time has passed, difference. and I am amazed at how much City staff and our various Edgewater has changed. boards are constantly looking These four years have for volunteers to make our brought development to 20th Kate Mulcahy events and festivals the best they and Depew (finally), the Civic can be, so if you want Edgewater’s events to Center, a mobility plan, a sustainability keep going and be even more amazing than plan, a sustainability board, new festivals, they are, volunteer and make it happen. and the list goes on. When we look for volunteers, we often I would love to take sole credit for all call for help program by program via the of these changes, but the most I can truly Town Crier, Nextdoor or the city website. claim is to have put forth my best to support However, if you would like to simply be put these efforts and not get in the way of all the on a list as a possible volunteer for future others around me helping to make these events, please email edgevolunteers@ changes possible. edgewaterco.com and the city will contact This speaks to my biggest takeaway you as needed. Help as you can, when you from my time in office: it takes a village to can. raise, well, a village. By the time you read this article, it is For such a small town, Edgewater is rich likely that I will already be out of my official with festivals, events and causes that make position as a councilperson. While I’ll our town unique. Yet the fact remains that certainly miss being a part of council, I have since we are a small town, we also have a no doubt that my voice will still be heard in small city staff with small resources. Our this city because I’m still going to volunteer. town needs our help to make the events that Kate Mulcahy is a former Edgewater we love possible. City Council member. Some people like to think the marijuana n By
Kate Mulcahy
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Sloan's Church Continued from page 1
raising questions about the health of the foundation. The beautiful stained-glass windows in the sanctuary are cracking and bowing. “We’ve been given an estimate of $25,000 to fix each window,” Brown said. He said the deferred maintenance on the church building reflects a decline in membership that is happening all across the country. He said that approximately 3,200 churches are closing in the U.S. every year. Brown was hired three years ago and charged with increasing membership. “We started a new music program and the church grew some, but our average age is increasing. My first year here, I did 14 funerals.” To save its church community, Sloan’s Lake Church has merged its membership of about 100 people with the Arvada Church of God at 68th and Wadsworth. The new merged community is named Altitude Church. “They are a sister church in the same situation. It’s an opportunity to give life to our two congregations,” Brown said. The church plans to leverage its existing property to buy or build a new church. “We’re thinking maybe a vacant Builder’s Square or something on a main street,” Brown said. The church has engaged Brad Oaster of Oaster Development, a design and build company that specializes in churches, to oversee the process. The property at 28th and Utica, zoned for single-family residential, has not been put on the market yet. “We have talked to a number of developers to see what they would do if they purchased the property,” said Brown. “Since it is tucked into a single-familyzoned neighborhood, most have affirmed that there is not much chance of rezoning for commercial, and that the current singlefamily housing designation would be their
preferred path.” Oaster said the prospectuses they have received propose to build between nine and 11 homes on the block, each selling at between $1 and $1.3 million. He said the build-out would take 15 to 18 months. “They think the best use of this property would be a mirror of the houses across the street, with eight 5,500-square-foot lots facing Utica and two long lots behind, facing 27th and 28th avenues.” Oaster said the church is considering several options for selling the property, including partnering with a developer in order to retain more control rather than selling outright. Neighbors supported this idea, expressing concern that a developer could acquire the property and apply for a zone change. “We support a partnership model because if they just sell outright, we all lose control,” said Galen Guerrero-Murphy, a nearby neighbor on Tennyson Street. Neighbors asked about redeveloping the building as a community center or selling it to another church. “Community centers mostly work downtown, not in tucked-away residential areas,” said Brown. “As for another church, this building would not be a benefit because of all the repairs. It would be even more expensive for them because they’d need to bring it up to code – including a sprinkler system and ADA – whereas we’re grandfathered in.” Other neighbors expressed sadness that the church will go away. “You will be missed,” said an across-thestreet resident. “Our kids learned to ride their bikes in your parking lot.” The church is a Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). It was called the North Denver Church of God until 1997, when it became Sloan’s Lake Church. The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) first arrived in Denver in 1887, when a company of three men and two women held meetings upstairs at the United Brethren Church at 27th and Welton streets. After moving several times to various downtown locations, they found a permanent home at 32nd Avenue and
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THE 22,000-SQUARE-FOOT SLOAN’S LAKE CHURCH PROPERTY will be up for sale in early 2020. PHOTO BY LAURIE DUNKLEE Vallejo Street until they built the church on Utica in 1951. Judy Rotola, 73, has been a member of the church since it was built. “I was 5 years old. All my relatives went here,” she said. “My grandmother and my great-aunts cooked meals here and were part of the women’s group. My daughter was married here. Before this building was built, the family attended at 32nd and Vallejo. My great-grandfather died in a pew
there during a Wednesday night service.” Rotola said leaving the Utica building is “emotional. But I’ve had time to process it because I volunteer in the office, so I knew a while ago.” Brown said the church plans to host another meeting with neighbors after their board of elders meets in December to discuss the matter. He said they’ll likely come to a decision about the property by January.
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NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS Justin Beard and Julien Palmiha At Pirate: Contemporary Art n By
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hallenge your artistic comfort zone at Pirate: Contemporary Art this Jan. 10 through 26 with the work of artists Justin Beard and Julien Palmilha. Palmilha is a trained graphic designer and fashion photographer and enjoys wrapping his art “in a high-flying aesthetic synthesis” that privileges pose, light and staging. He seeks to effect a “rapture of the gaze” that is, he feels, best accomplished by what he says is a “disturbing strangeness” in his work. Think Man Ray or Bunuel, if you need a reference. Justin Beard has had showings around the region, and his installations have surrealist overtones and a political bent. Viewers are invited to question the boundaries of private space vis-avis the public, the human effect on the environment, the unspoken policing of our youth and the commodification of the natural for our amusement. Pirate: Contemporary Art is located at 7130 W. 16th Ave., and is open Fridays, 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
Wheat Ridge Historical Society’s Quilt Circle
Around The World Mosaic Show And More At Lakewood Arts Gallery The Colorado Mosaic Artists’ Around the World show closes the old year and rings in the new at Lakewood Arts Gallery, from Dec. 29 through Jan. 31. A reception for the show will be held at the gallery on First Friday, Jan. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m., and includes artwork by Anna Kogler on the Community Wall, a silverpoint demo by Kristi Czajkowski and Tarot readings. Until then, patrons and holiday shoppers still have a chance to purchase handmade art and craft gift items by Colorado artists at Lakewood Arts Council’s Holiday Craft Show And Sale, running through Dec. 26. Artists will display an assortment of crafts: fiber, baskets, pottery, glass, wood, lotions/soaps, ornaments, cards, etc. Jewelry will be offered exclusively by Lakewood Arts Council members. The Lakewood Arts Gallery is located at 6731 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Call 303-980-0625 or go to lakewoodarts.org for more information.
For the crafty among us: The Wheat Ridge Historical Society’s next Quilt Circle is Jan. 15 and meets at the Red Brick house, 4610 Robb St., from 10:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. This is a day to join other crafters to share your expertise in and learn about crafts of all kinds. Get advice, just socialize, whatever suits you. Bring a snack or even your lunch if you like. The cost to attend is just $2. Pretty
PASTERNACK’S ART HUB HAS SEEN NO FEWER THAN FIVE NEW GALLERIES open or relocate to its space over the past two years. These big names and upand-coming newbies are Core New Art Space, EDGE Gallery, NEXT Gallery, Kanon Collective and Flourish. PHOTO COURTESY 40 WEST ART DISTRICT “work that highlights a person, place, thing, idea or other that has captured your heart.” Each piece is accompanied by a two-tofour sentence artist-written love letter to be displayed alongside their work. Visit 40westarts.org/events#!calendar for more information.
‘Love Letters’ Exhibition Ends Jan. 4
Free Paul Pfeiffer Lecture At RMCAD, Jan. 21
“Love Letters” – An art show all about what, who and how featured artists love – can be seen at the 40 West Arts District through Saturday, Jan. 4. Artists were tasked to bring forward
The seduction of pop art lies in its seeming effortlessness: Warhol grabbed fame by just perusing the soup aisle, right? Paul Pfeiffer might beg to differ. A
sculptor, photographer and video artist who employs erasure, builds scale models and does much more besides, Pfeiffer is a master of recasting notable entertainment events in a way that forces the view to rethink public entertainment itself. Pfeiffer resamples footage from YouTube, television and other sources to assess its racial, religious and technological dimensions. But Pfeffer doesn’t stop there: His objects and images aim to establish a lineage with the past that informs them. Some have said his objects create “genealogies that connect contemporary Continued on page 7
40 West Arts - Where Art Means Business! 40 West Arts is a state-certified creative district, a destination to explore and discover its unique culture (both old and new). But, it’s also a place where the business of creativity happens! From the more than 120 creative enterprises located in or near the district to the creative pulse emanating from the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design in the heart of the district, 40 West Arts is a creative destination where painters, sculptors, glassblowers, woodworkers, metalworkers, musicians, actors, motion artists, and makers of all kinds gather to connect, collaborate, and celebrate creativity!
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ngazette.com – DECEMBER 17, 2019 – JANUARY 13, 2020 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS Continued from page 6
culture and its many particularities to the long, seemingly remote histories of art, media, religion, politics and nationhood.” The free lecture is Jan. 21 at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) in the Mary Harris Auditorium at 1600 Pierce St. Attendees must register beforehand. Visit rmcad.edu/vasd-lecture/paulpfeiffer to claim your spot. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the lecture starts at 6:30.
First-Ever Dolly Day Denver At The Oriental Theater, Jan. 26 For the die-hard country and Dolly Parton fans out there (because some love one, some love the other and the chosen love both!): Celebrate Dolly’s birthday with a day of Dolly-themed activities for all ages and abilities, including an attempt at the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Dolly Parton. (You read that right.) Dolly Day Denver is Jan. 26 at the Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. Events will include a learn-to-line-dance session set to Dolly’s greatest hits and a Drag Queen Story Hour for children and parents alike. The celebration ends with an adult, Dollythemed vaudeville variety show. All profits will be donated to The Imagination Library of Denver which provides books to children up to age 5, no matter their families income. While currently serving children in zip codes 80205, 80211 and 80220, their goal is to increase service to the entire Denver area. Be sure to visit dollydaydenver.com/ guinness-world-record to get all information on the Guiness World Record attempt’s participation requirements.
Full-day tickets are $30 for adults 21 and up. Daytime tickets (3 to 6 p.m.) are $15 for ages 5 and up (younger children are free). Just want to attend the Evening Variety Showcase? Those tickets are $20. Doors at 6:30 p.m.; show at 7.
Pasternack’s Art Hub Transforms Historic Pawn Shop into Multi-Gallery Complex The old Pasternack Pawn sign still stands at the corner of Pierce Street and Colfax Avenue, but a swab of white paint covers the word “pawn” in the name. That’s because this iconic West Colfax building has been transformed over the past few years, from one of Denver’s longest-standing pawn shops into a literal hub of artistic and creative activity. In the past two years no fewer than five new galleries have either opened or relocated to Pasternack’s Art Hub. These big names and up-and-coming newbies are Core New Art Space, EDGE Gallery, NEXT Gallery, Kanon Collective and Flourish. And a building that once housed long, glass cases filled with odds and ends now showcases brightly painted white walls, track lighting and art of every style and medium you can imagine. The high ceilings and exposed beams are some of the only remnants still in place. 40 West Arts executive director Liz Black said that Pasternack’s Art Hub is “a transformation in support of the district.” “Owner Scott Pasternack saw the vision for the arts district from the very beginning and knew that he wanted to be a part of it,” said Black. “He could have taken any number of tenants but he held out for the galleries and creative businesses that he recognized would add value to 40 West Arts and create an artistic transformation.
“This space is a gem filled with amazing artwork and incredible artists who are all passionate supporters of this movement.” In another nod to promoting creativity within the community, Scott Pasternack recently renovated an additional space in the back, now called the Elevation Room and available for rent by artists or groups looking for exhibition space. See Pasternack’s Art Hub and all of the galleries located in 40 West Arts District during First Fridays or at their many monthly exhibition openings. Find Pasternack’s Art Hub on Facebook at Facebook.com/PasternacksArtHub1. And find a full district calendar or events at 40westarts.org/events.
Give Feedback on the Lakewood West Colfax Corridor Do you live, work or play in and around Lakewood West Colfax? Please, take our survey. It’s only two or three minutes in length and will help the Lakewood West Colfax Business Improvement District do its work of improving the area. Find the survey and more information about the corridor at westcolfax.org. The survey link is right on the homepage. Go to westcolfax.org for more information.
Closing B-Cycle System Never Made It West n By
A
Tawny Clary
t this time of year, it’s hard to think about taking a brisk, refreshing bike ride to work to sweat out long hot days. Unfortunately for B-cycle, it will be hard to visualize those days at all after January. Sadly, after a nearly 10-year ride, Denver Bike Sharing will shut down the B-Cycle program. According to B-Cycle, back in 2010 they launched as the first large-scale bike sharing system in the country. Their presence has been prevalent in the Denver area, but why could they not be found west of 32nd and Julian? When asked why B-Cycle never expanded into the Wheat Ridge, Edgewater or Lakewood areas, Mike Pletsch of B-Cycle explained, “As a local, nonprofit with a focus on serving the Denver community it has never been financially feasible to serve the entire geographical area of Denver nor expand into other municipalities.”
Pletsch continued to explain that B-Cycle’s station placement was done “in partnership with the City of Denver through community outreach efforts.” While that worked in 2010, B-Cycle’s once-successful idea quickly became outdated no longer able to keep up with the demand or competitors in Denver. Denver B-cycle has let riders know that their contract with B-Cycle LLC ends on Jan. 30, 2020, but riders with annual or monthly passes have access to unlimited 60-minute rides until that date. They will temporarily have a gap in service as they work with another vendor to replace the B-Cycle system. As Denver Bike Sharing is in the process of selecting other vendors to replace B-Cycle for the Denver community, is this a time when we might inquire upon other municipalities to see what lies ahead for mobility sharing within their communities?
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– DECEMBER 17, 2019 – JANUARY 13, 2020– ngazette.com
FITNESS CORNER Overcoming Fear After Injury: Restarting Your Exercise Routine especially when making the leap to public fitness classes. It will also be crucial njury: it can stop us in our tracks, especially information for your instructors to know, when it comes to health and fitness goals. especially if you have an injury-specific Major injuries may create fear in exercise restriction in movement, such as no lifting or may change our physiology for the rest weights or jumping. of our lives in ways we never expected. So, 3. Find a gym/studio that aligns how do we overcome the fear of starting with your goals and that has instructors an exercise routine after injury? who are knowledgeable of How can we obtain health while various types of injury. Personal healing? Here are three simple training ensures an instructor steps to help you through it. can give one-on-one attention, 1. Talk to your primary which is very important when care physician, any required you’re just getting back into specialists, and a physical exercising while healing. therapist before returning to Smaller studios may also offer any form of exercise. Your safety nutritional counseling that, with is top priority. With a doctor’s the approval of your doctor, guidance, you’ll be able to could help you work towards better understand what types of your goals while keeping your Caitlyn Alter exercise and range of motion is physical activity to a minimum. safe for you. It’s important to keep Remember: getting to in mind that many injuries, such as tendon a goal weight or fitness level isn’t the top or ligament injuries, often cause some priority when recovering from an injury! muscles to overwork during the healing Be sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, process. Overworked or tight muscles could and eat nutritiously while healing. You put you at risk for further injury, so be sure deserve to take this time for self-care, both to get medical approval before attempting a physically and mentally while you heal. new or pre-injury exercise regimen. You’re doing great. 2. Figure out what types of Feed Your Soul Fitness offers yoga, exercise are safe for you during your strength and cardio training for groups healing journey. Many doctors and physical of 8-10 individuals at beginner and therapists suggest starting out slow with intermediate levels. Many of our clients have things like gentle yoga. However, your chronic pain or injuries they’re overcoming. doctor may have some specific weightLearn more about our unique approach to bearing or traditional strength training wellness at feedyoursoulfitness.com. exercises to rebuild muscle tissue. Having Caitlyn Alter is a yoga teacher and Reiki this knowledge will help to keep you safe, practitioner in the greater Denver area. n By
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‘Murder on the Orient Express’ Coming To Arvada Center n By
Gazette Staff
W
ith snow on the ground and the mountains frosty white around us, there’s no arguing January is the perfect time for a wintery whodunit. Even though an escape to the slopes is possible (if you want to brave a white-knuckle I-70 traffic jam), staying put and snuggling in is always a good bet, and it’s more or less the theme of Agatha Christie’s classic “Murder on the Orient Express.” A lavish train trip through Europe, a race against time to solve a murder, an avalanche that stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks and the world's greatest detective — Hercule Poirot. There’s no beating this plot. Regular performances begin Jan. 31 and run through May 17. Previews begin Jan. 29 but may be sold out by press time. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays with matinees Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $45. (Previews are $30.) Call the Arvada Center box office at 720898-7200 with questions or to book your seat. If you want a richer experience, consider a Talk Back: discussions of the production with members of the cast, director and/or designers. For this production, Talk Backs follow every performance except opening night and closing matinee. Visit arvadacenter.org/agatha-christies-murder-on-the-orient-express to learn more.
A Few More Days Left Of Partying To ‘Elf’ At Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is throwing
a full-on party showing of the modern-day holiday classic “Elf” through Thursday, Dec. 19. This might be the most-quoted, most-memorable and most laugh-outloud holiday movie ever, and Alamo Drafthouse’s Movie-Watching Party features fun props, a themed contest before the showing and, for “Elf,” a “real,” in-theater snowball fight. There’ll be cotton balls, bubbles and a special scratch-and-sniff card so you smell-along with Buddy and his family. Tickets are available at drafthouse. com/show/elf-movie-party.
‘A Christmas Carol, The Musical’ Plays Through Dec. 22 The Arvada Center is staging Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 22. The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from grinch into giving soul transports audiences through the skinflint’s memories past, present and future — all in the service of redeeming him by Christmas Day. A great tale made even more memorable with music by Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”) and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (“Ragtime,” “Seussical”). Showtime Tuesday through Saturday is 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday matinee 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees 2 p.m. Tickets start at $53. Call the Arvada Center box office at 720-898-7200 with questions or to book your seat. Visit arvadacenter.org/a-christmascarol-the-musical-2019 to learn more.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– DECEMBER 17, 2019 – JANUARY 13, 2020– ngazette.com
What’s Happening in the WRBA
WHAT’S HAPPENING Free Introduction To Theatre Class Explores Tales Of Dr. Seuss
Congrats to our final Every Member Drawing winner EduCyber, Inc., they won $200 at our Biz Mix November 20, very well deserved.The Drawing will start again in Jan. 2020. HUGE thank you to our co-hosts Clear Fork Cider, Nostalgic Homes, Affordable Computers, Wild & Precious Optimal Living, Profile by Sanford & Rotary Club of Wheat Ridge and to everyone who braved the cold! Catering provided by Cibo Meals
JANUARY 2020 MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST DATE: Tuesday, January 14, 2020 TIME: 7:00am-9:00am LOCATION: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO COST: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members TOPIC: Painless Time Management SPEAKER: Jamie Lovett Cornell – Leadership Coach, DIVE, LLC
Please RSVP & pay for this event by 5pm on Thursday, January 9. Meeting Sponsor: TBA wheatridgebiz.com/upcoming_events/
Member Business Spotlight: TBA
Bud Starker • 303-233-3377 29th & Depew • west29th.com
Protect Pets And People In Your Back Yard With Wise Winter Weather Tips
We would love to have you join us for our next meeting. Call (720) 588-2317 or Email Membership Chair today for more information.
Sue Ball • 303-421-7311 sueball.com
Paul V. LoNigro • 303-423-0162 9195 W. 44th Ave. • e-gia.com
Challenge includes: • 16 Small Group Sessions • Simple Meal Plan • Yoga Workshop Thomas R. Ripp • Joseph H. Lusk • Coaching Calls 303-423-7131 • Party with CASH & PRIZES!
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For more information, visit The Curtain Playhouse on Facebook, email info@ thecurtainplayhouse.com or call 720-8870122.
The enrollment window for the 2020-2021 school year is open through Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. Last year, Jeffco Public Schools launched an online enrollment system – EnrollJeffco – that makes school information easier for families to access, streamlines the enrollment process, and ensures the same timeline for all schools. As part of the EnrollJeffco platform, you can use School Finder to identify your neighborhood school and learn about other schools and programs. Several schools are making changes for the upcoming year, such as Vivian Elementary’s transition to a New Classical Academy, an IB program at Summit Ridge Middle School, Doral Academy’s expansion to K-10, as well as others. Families are invited to learn about schools using School Finder. School Finder allows people to search schools by neighborhood, address, school name, grades offered, academic programs, before-and-after school programs and extracurricular programs. If you are a current Jeffco Public Schools family, you should have received an email on Dec. 10 that contains familyspecific instructions about how to login to EnrollJeffco. If you are new to Jeffco Public Schools, you can call the school you are interested in attending or establish an account with our parent portal known as Jeffco Connect. Once you have a Jeffco Connect account, you can then begin the enrollment process through EnrollJeffco. Please contact your current or prospective school with any questions or concerns.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Don Seyfer • 303-422-5261 4501 Harlan St. • seyferauto.com
The Elitch Theatre Academy is partnering with The Curtain Playhouse for a free Introduction to Theatre class, Jan. 4, from 1 to 2 p.m. For beginning actors in grades K-6, participants will explore the tales of Dr. Seuss, and experience bringing characters to life. The Curtain Playhouse was founded in 2005 with a mission of bringing quality theatre education to the Denver area. In 2019, they celebrated our 135th production. It is their mission to develop students’ confidence in their own sense of creativity, and an understanding of the creation of live performance. The Curtain Playhouse is located in the EV Studio Building, 5335 W. 48th Ave., Suite 102 Denver, near Lakeside Amusement Park on the north side of Interstate 70 on the frontage road.
Amira Watters • 303-996-8976 awatters@jeffcobrc.org
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When Old Man Winter comes calling, homeowners need to keep everyone in the family – including pets – safe. To that end, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and TurfMutt offer these winter weather tips: Bring pets inside. Dogs and cats should be kept inside during cold weather months. Wipe their paws and bellies after they’ve been outside, and check for ice accumulation between paw pads. If you’re using a de-icing agent, remove that salt and other agents, too. Pick up debris. Before it snows, remove debris and household items from your
family yard. Doormats, hoses, toys and sticks can hide under a layer of snow that could harm your snow thrower, family or pets. Clear a path. Your snow thrower is a convenient way to clear your driveway and sidewalks. It also gives your pet a path to their bathroom area. Trim trees carefully. When using a chainsaw, stand with your weight on both feet, adjust your stance so you are angled away from the blade and hold the chainsaw with both hands. Ventilate portable generators. If a winter storm knocks out your power, a generator can be a life-saver, if used properly. Place the generator outside and away from windows, doors and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Watch where you throw. Keep kids and pets away from the equipment, and never put your hand in the chute or auger to clear a blockage. Turn the machine off and always use a clean-out tool.
Six Postal Service Tips To Keep Holiday Packages Secure & Prevent Porch Piracy The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the federal law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), is working around the clock to keep the more than 15 billion mail pieces expected to be mailed this holiday season safe, according to a holiday press release. But you can play your own part in preventing porch piracy. The Inspection Service advises everyone mailing gifts this season to be aware and alert, and follow the six tips below: • Do not leave delivered mail and packages unattended. Just as wallets and purses should not be left on the front seat of an unlocked car unattended, mail and packages should not be left uncollected in mailboxes or on front porches for any length of time. • Going out of town? Hold mail at the local post office. Instead of risking leaving a package unattended for an extended period of time, customers planning on being away from home for a few days are encouraged to take advantage of the USPS Hold Mail service located on USPS.com. Letters and packages will be held securely at the local post office until the customer returns. • Plan ahead. Ship using Hold for Pickup. When shipping packages, customers can choose the Hold for Pickup option, and the recipients can collect the packages at their local post office. For customers receiving packages, they can redirect incoming packages to their local post office by selecting Hold for Pickup using USPS Package Intercept on USPS.com. • Customize the delivery. If the package does not fit in the mailbox and the customer will not be home to receive it, the receiving customer can provide delivery instructions online and authorize the carrier to leave it in a specified location. Visit www.usps. com, enter the tracking number and select Delivery Instructions. • Secure the shipment using USPS Special Services. Signature Confirmation helps ensure the package is placed in the right hands by requiring a signature at the time of delivery. For the most valuable packages, customers can opt for Registered Mail service. A Registered Mail piece receives special handling from the time it is mailed until it is delivered, documenting the chain of custody. • Monitor your front door. If you have a home security camera system and/ or doorbell camera, ensure it captures and saves activity at your front door and mailbox. If you catch any mail thieves in the act, save the video and alert your local postal inspectors. Additionally, if you notice an unfamiliar vehicle following a USPS truck or unknown Continued on page 11
ngazette.com – DECEMBER 17, 2019 – JANUARY 13, 2020 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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WHAT’S HAPPENING Continued from page 10
persons loitering around mailboxes, report the activity to your local police department immediately, and then call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455. If you believe that you are a victim of a crime involving the mail, you may submit an online complaint by visiting www. USPIS.gov and selecting Report at the top of the page.
On The 10th Day Of Christmas, The Red Cross Gave To Me: 10 Holiday Cooking Safety Tips Although Thanksgiving is fast receding in our holiday rear-view mirrors, the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming wants you to brush up on home fire safety and prevention with your household. Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, representing most of the more than 62,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year in the U.S. In Colorado and Wyoming, local Red Cross volunteers responded to 677 home fires since the beginning of 2019. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S., and the Red Cross urges everyone to never leave cooking food unattended – which is the most common cause of kitchen fires. • First, keep an eye on what you fry. Stay in the kitchen and never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove. • Clean and clear the area around the stove before turning on the heat. • Move items that can burn away from the stove. These include towels, bags, boxes, paper and curtains.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove. • Turn pot handles to the back of the stove, so no one bumps them or pulls them over. • Fires can start when the heat is too high. When frying food, turn the burner off if you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil. Carefully remove the pan from the burner. • Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. • Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. • Check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to ensure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off. The Red Cross also advises people to test their smoke alarms and practice their home fire escape plan until everyone in their household can get out in two minutes or less. Visit redcross.org/homefires for more information and free resources, or download the free Red Cross Emergency App (search ”American Red Cross” in app stores).
Dealing With Depression During The Holidays: Tips And Resources It is no secret that the holiday season can be a stressful time. With family gatherings, office parties, gift exchanges, and other demands on our time and attention, the final months of the year can be a trying time for even the most optimistic and enthusiastic people. For individuals who suffer from or are
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at risk for depression, though, the impact of holiday stresses and pressures can be much more severe than the momentary frustrations that almost everyone experiences. For example, some causes for the onset of a depressive episode, such as feeling overwhelmed, experiencing a sense of isolation or deprivation, and having personal conflicts, are also common holiday experiences. For individuals who are at risk for depression, The Jason Foundation provides these simple tips that can help during the holiday season. • Stay organized. Considerable holiday stress is related to feeling overwhelmed or out of time. Planning ahead can help eliminate or ease some of this pressure. • Learn to say “no.” You do not have to accept every invitation that comes your way. Giving yourself time to relax and decompress during the holidays is more important than yet another party. • Set realistic expectations. There is no such thing as a “perfect holiday,” and trying to create one is an invitation to disappointment. On the other side of the coin, don’t allow dread to destroy your ability to enjoy the season. • Take care of yourself. Sugary and high-fat foods, which are staples during the holidays, can drain your energy and increase your risk of getting sick. Enjoy a sweet here and there, but do not abandon your healthy diet. Also, make sure that you are getting some exercise and enough sleep. • Get Help When You Need It. The
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holidays are definitely not the time to go it alone. From an extra set of hands in the kitchen to the therapeutic insights of a professional counselor, ask for help when you need it. These tips can help to reduce the risk of a depressive episode, but they are by no means a substitute for effective professional help. Depression is a serious illness that impacts adults and more than 2.5 million adolescents in the United States. Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide attempts. When examined as an age group from 10 to 24, suicide is the second leading overall cause of death for Colorado. Contrary to a prevalent myth, suicide does not peak during the holiday season. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression and/or thinking about suicide, get help now. The National Suicide Hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is a free resource that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 text line where trained crisis counselors support individuals in crisis. Text ”Jason” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free. Another resource for suicide prevention and awareness is The Jason Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide prevention and awareness. The nearest local JFI office is in Aurora. Call 303-695-2600 or visit http://jasonfoundation.com/about-us for more information.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– DECEMBER 17, 2019 – JANUARY 13, 2020– ngazette.com
Have a talk with your teen about boundaries. Setting and adjusting boundaries is an ongoing process throughout life for everyone. For teens, it’s especially important to have clear boundaries, because adolescence is a time of great change, and youth with clear boundaries are happier and safer. Talk to your teen about their current boundaries, whether those are curfews, privileges, etc. Have an open, back-and-forth conversation with them about their wants and needs — decisions are more likely to stick that way.
The best way to show your teen you care?
Be there.
Jefferson County Communities That Care
St. Anthony’s 16th Street Chapel To Be Focal Point Of Public Plaza n By
Mike McKibbin
A
public plaza built around a historic chapel at the former site of St. Anthony’s Hospital next to Sloan’s Lake Park is the last piece of a redevelopment project at the site. The Sloans master developer, EnviroFinance Group, plans to convert the area around the 16th Street chapel into a public plaza. Executive Vice-President Cameron Bertron said the half-acre site was originally proposed to be torn down to make room for right-of-way along 16th Street. The company worked with the City of Denver to preserve the chapel, he added. The chapel, or shrine, was used as a “contemplative place” for hospital visitors and patients, Bertron noted. It is located north of the Lakehouse development and south of the Regatta Sloans Lake project, he said. A “three-tiered” design focuses on Raleigh Street as the main Sloans neighborhood with commercial and office retail space and restaurants around the 16th and Raleigh intersection. “We think that will give some nice energy to that corner,” Bertron said. “East of the park we’ll have more landscaping and a big grassy area will be good for things like farmer's markets and summer concerts.” 16th Street will be widened and designed to be shut down to help accommodate crowds for outdoor activities, he stated. The Sloans project also includes the Alamo Draft House Cinema and Even Stevens restaurant, both opened along West Colfax Avenue in 2017, following Starbucks and Tap & Burger in 2016. The former St. Anthony’s Hospital opened in 1893 on a roughly 20-acre campus, directly across from the 177-acre
THE DEVELOPERS OF THE SLOANS PROJECT at the site of the former St. Anthony’s Hospital next to Sloan’s Lake plan to use the 16th Street chapel as the focal point of a public plaza, the final portion of the redevelopment project. An architect’s drawing shows a portion of the plaza. COURTESY OF ENVIROFINANCE GROUP Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver’s second-largest park. In 2005, plans were announced to build a new facility at the Federal Center in Lakewood and St. Anthony’s abandoned the Sloans campus in 2011. Demolition began April 22, 2013. The chapel and nearly 80-year-old Kuhlman Building — originally built as a nursing residence around 1940 and now 49 units of affordable housing — were the only hospital buildings saved from demolition, along with a parking garage. The Sloans Lake site was rezoned into seven city blocks for mixed-use development, between West Colfax Avenue and West 17th Avenue. It is part of both the West Colfax and Sloans Lake neighborhoods.
The Chapel Plaza will feature some of the original chapel foundation stones placed by St. Anthony’s, Bertron said. “We’ll place them artistically around the chapel as part of the contemplative space the chapel was originally intended for,” he stated. Sidewalks will connect the plaza to Stewart Street and a connection point for neighborhoods to the west, Bertron noted. The plan is to finish most construction in the first half of 2020 and final landscaping in the spring and summer, Bertron said. “We think the Chapel Plaza will be a great little spot and a great opportunity to enhance the community we’ll have here,” he added.