Historic, architecturally significant structures are essential to Denver’s intellectual vitality and cultural enrichment. CHUN is committed to preserve existing historic structures with an emphasis on adaptive reuse, restoration, and innovative design. Community assets that offer historical, architectural, geographic, or cultural significance, and located within CHUN’s geographic boundaries, are of particular interest to further neighborhood character and promote civic livelihood. CHUN works actively to preserve architecturally significant landmarks, supports effort to revitalize historic properties, and is committed to celebrating the rich history of the greater Capitol Hill community.   

​CHUN and Curtis Park Neighbors Collaborate on a Walking Tour of Curtis Park

CHUN and Curtis Park Neighbors joined forces for a walking tour of the historic Curtis Park Neighborhood, led by CHUN board member Amanda Pennington. We learned about the area's history and the social and urban policy factors that have shaped the contemporary issues the community is now dealing with. 

​Landmark Preservation Commission Discusses Landmarking and New Initiatives at CHUN's October 2022 Board Meeting

​Kara Hahn, Senior City Planner for the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission, joined the CHUN October 2022 board meeting to discuss the process of landmarking existing buildings and to share new initiatives, such as defining additional geographic areas in neighborhoods that are currently underserved by the City.

​CHUN History Matters Members Enjoy Tour of Historic Patterson Inn

CHUN History Matters committee held an in-person meeting in August 2022 at the Historic Patterson Inn.

​A stately and distinguished National Landmark, the Patterson Inn is situated on a quarter acre in the heart of Denver's Capitol Hill neighborhood.

In attendance were members of CHUN History Matters committee and the CHUN executive committee.

​After the meeting, they enjoyed a tour and heard a lot of stories about the Historic Patterson Inn from owner Chris Chiari (pictured on the right in the picture to the right).

---

CHUN Members Join 7th Avenue Governor's Park Conversations

CHUN History Matters representatives and Travis Leiker have been in dialogue with neighbors and business owners in the Governor's Park area, which is experiencing a great deal of change. 

​CHUN will continue to have a key voice in discussions about maintaining the character and history of this important neighborhood.

---

Activating Neighborhoods

CHUN supports the soon-to-be revitalized All In Motel. This project is the nexus of historic preservation, smart development and neighborhood activation.

​Further, in partnership with the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, the project will provide exciting neighborhood serving amenities like a coffee shop, public pool, and other local economic activation.  

[photo,  Renovated bathroom, Westword 3/2020]

Tears-McFarlane House Renovations

Significant work has been done on the renovations of the interior and exterior of the Tears-McFarlane House in 2022.

Much progress has been made with refinished floors, new paint, updated lighting and fully renovated bathrooms. Work will continue over the coming weeks as new carpet is installed, furniture arrives, and finishing touches are added. CHUN and City Street Investors are anticipating an early fall return to the renovated property.

Design and permitting work continue on the new café with work on that phase of the project anticipated to start in early 2023.

---

Rowena Algeria ​honors the Chicano and Latino roots of many Denver neighborhoods.

April 2022 History Matters Webinar guest speaker, Rowena Alegria, is Chief Storyteller for the City & County of Denver, founder and director of the Denver Office of Storytelling and the citywide storytelling and cultural preservation project, I Am Denver.

​Alegria introduced a new documentary, ¡Qué Viva la Raza!, that honors the Chicano and Latino roots of many Denver neighborhoods.

---

Revitalizing properties through preservation and adaptive reuse

As 2021 draws to a close, CHUN continues to work with City Street Investors and Semple Brown Design on the renovated and restored Tears-McFarlane House and new annex cafe.

This year has seen significant milestones for the project including approval from the Landmark Preservation Commission on September 7th and the preparation of final design documents for the project. Semple Brown Design is currently working with the City of Denver to obtain the necessary site development plan and building permit approvals for the project. A building permit is expected in the first quarter of 2022 and work will begin once a permit is received and a contractor is selected. ​Expect to see big changes in 2022!

---

Join Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods today, and help preserve the history of Capitol Hill.

• Be an active part of your community and to get involved in shaping your neighborhood and city. 
• Your voice matters, and our supporters are essential to fulfilling our mission and vision. 
• If you are not a member yet, CLICK HERE TO JOIN.