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The Central Business District may sound like a stuffy array of bank buildings, but don't let the name fool you. While LoDo has garnered most of the publicity for growth and housing over the last decade, the truth is that residential growth in the upper end of Downtown - the Central Business District - has been equally strong. Both areas have populations of approximately 3,500 people, and the Central Business District has a distinct personality all its own. One of the most charming things about this neighborhood is the history its buildings hold and the links they have to Denver's past. In recent years, several vacant historic structures in the upper end of Downtown Denver have been renovated into apartment and condominium projects. With a little research, each building tells a story of the early days of Denver's bustling downtown, from banking and railroads to fine shopping. One of these projects is the Denver Dry Lofts, built in what was one of Denver's grand and stylish department stores of an earlier era. A walking tour of this neighborhood will take you past The Baldwin Lofts (16th and California Street), the Denver Dry Lofts (15th and California Street), A.T. Lewis & Rio Grande Lofts (16th and Stout Street), Boston Lofts (17th and Champa Street) and Bank Lofts (17th and Stout Street). Two developments on Champa Street include the Buerger Brothers Industrial Lofts (1742 Champa Street) and the Chamber Apartments next door (1726 Champa Street). Residents of the Central Business District are certainly not all business. They're surrounded by some of the city's best dining, shopping, arts and culture. Everything is a quick walk or a short free shuttle ride away, making cars necessary only for trips out of the city. The Denver Center for Performing Arts, Denver Art Museum, Colorado History Museum, Cherry Creek bike path, Denver Public Library, Civic Center Park, Pepsi Center and the Paramount Theatre are just a few of the treasures within walking distance for these Downtown residents.
The upper end of Downtown now has approximately 1,550 rental units and 650 for-sale units. In addition to many loft projects, several developments offer below market-rate apartments for the Downtown workforce.
Downtown also has high-rise apartment and condominium buildings that were built in the 1970s and 1980s as part of Denver's urban renewal projects. |
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 Denver Pavilions
The opening of Denver Pavillions entertainment retail complex in 1998 on the 16th Street Mall introduced 52 shops, restaurants and a 15-screen movie theater to Downtown, giving urban residents all the luxuries often found only in suburbia. Summer months at the Pavilions includes the Hot Sounds Summer Concert Series with live music as you shop every Thursday.
Larimer Square
A quick shuttle ride takes residents back in time to the historic Larimer Square and its quaint street of upscale shops, great restaurants and plenty of sunny places to sip a cappuccino. The block is a favorite shopping and eating destination of tourists and locals alike. Plus, everyone flocks to the yearly events held here including its famous Oktoberfest with brats, beer and plenty of Oom-pah-pah. Or, check out the annual La Piazza dell’Arte. The event features professional, amateur and student street artists who transform the block into a beautiful street museum.
Writer Square
Just across the street from Historic Larimer Square are the shops, homes and restaurants of Writer’s Square. With sculptures, gardens and plenty of benches to sit and people-watch it is another great corner of the city to shop, dine or just enjoy our 300 days of sunshine a year.
The Tabor Center
The Tabor Center mall recently underwent a $26 million renovation. It is now a primary shopping and dining destination for Downtown residents. Tabor Center's menu of unique restaurants includes ESPN Zone, a 23,000 square-foot sports restaurant and store, along with longtime favorites The Cheesecake Factory and The Palm.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1972 and dedicated to excellence in the arts, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is a showcase for live theatre, a nurturing ground for new plays, a preferred stop on the Broadway touring circuit, an award-winning multi-media production facility, a national training school for actors, and the site of a voice clinic and research facility. The DCPA is currently the largest tenant of the Arts Complex and encompasses Denver Center Theatre Company, Denver Center Attractions, the Education Department, Denver Center Media and the National Center for Voice & Speech.
The Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Originally built in 1908, this opera house was Denver’s Municipal Auditorium. It was the largest in America except for Madison Square Garden in New York, and was completed in time to host the Democratic National Convention in 1908. The building was a multi-purpose structure accommodating concerts, operas, theatrical shows, conventions, basketball, auto shows and even circuses. In 2002, the city spent $75 million, and private donors provided $17 million more, and the historic shell of the old Auditorium Theatre was rebuilt into a beautiful new site inspired by the world's greatest opera houses.
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