A Message From Brittni JoyHello Neighbors, Happy October! 🍂 This is always such a vibrant month in Capitol Hill, which means cooler evenings, colorful leaves, and plenty of opportunities to connect as a community. I’m thrilled to share this issue of the Urban Dweller, packed with events, conversations, and ways for you to get involved. From walking tours and Fireside Chats to our upcoming Happy Hour, CHUN is proud to be your neighborhood hub for connection, advocacy, and fun. Thank you for being an essential part of what makes our community so special. We couldn’t do this work without you! Warmly, Brittni Joy Executive Director, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods CHUN News and Highlights🍦 Dry Happy Hour at Liks = Sweet Success!  Thank you to everyone who joined us at Liks Ice Cream Shop for our September Dry Happy Hour! Neighbors connected over scoops and conversations about building a safer, more connected community. A special thanks to Liks for hosting us. Couldn’t make it? Don’t worry—our next Happy Hour is happening Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 4:30–6:30 PM at Home at the Secret Garden Café. Bring a friend, grab a drink (or mocktail), and join the fun.   🚋 History Matters: Railways, Streetcars & More |
 | Our September History Matters meeting was a hit! Ryan Keeney presented his master’s thesis on Denver’s streetcar history, sparking great conversation and resources shared by Robert about further reading. We also celebrated Governor Polis’ decision to cancel the proposed “Bridge to Nowhere,” a project CHUN and Historic Denver opposed—94% of 87,000 survey respondents said no! Don’t forget to explore the Denver Public Library’s 5th floor Western History Collection for local research gems. And save the date: Nov. 4 at 6 PM, we’ll welcome a librarian from DPL’s Western History Collection as our next guest speaker. |
🏘️ Missing Middle Walking Tour – Oct. 2
| What is the “Missing Middle” in housing, and why does it matter? Join CHUN’s Urban Planning Committee and YIMBY Denver President Ryan Keeney on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 PM for a walking tour of Greater Capitol Hill. We’ll explore duplexes, townhomes, ADUs, and other human-scale housing options that balance affordability and character in our neighborhood. Learn about zoning challenges, design solutions, and how we can make Denver more inclusive. Tickets are $10 (advance only!) and space is limited. Meet at Locales Taco & Tequila Bar. This is a chance to see firsthand how housing shapes our future—don’t miss it! |  |
🔥 Final Fireside Chat – Oct. 7
Our last Fireside Chat is here! Hosted by George G., this session is all about community—how we can grow together, create impact, and build stronger connections. Bring your thoughts, ideas, and open minds. Following the chat, enjoy a mini-mobility demo featuring scooters, bikes, and more to explore fun, sustainable ways to get around Denver. Join us at the Tears McFarlane House on Oct. 7 at 6:15 PM. This is your chance to shape conversations that matter and connect with neighbors in a relaxed setting. Don’t miss it!
🏙️ Urban Planning Meeting – Oct. 28
CHUN’s last Urban Planning Committee meeting of the year is shaping up to be a great one! We’ll welcome Councilman Chris Hinds as our guest speaker, sharing updates from City Council and discussing upcoming planning priorities for Denver and the state. This is your opportunity to learn, ask questions, and engage directly with the leaders shaping our city. Join us at the Tears McFarlane House at 6 PM and be part of the discussion about our neighborhood’s future. Everyone is welcome—come make your voice heard!
📚 Next History Matters – Nov. 4
Mark your calendar for our next History Matters meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 6 PM at the Tears McFarlane House. We’re excited to welcome a special guest from the Denver Public Library’s Western History Collection, who will share unique insights and resources about our city’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Denver’s roots, this is a chance to learn something new and connect with neighbors. Bring your questions and curiosity—we’ll see you there!
🎄 Save the Date: CHUN’s 2025 Home for the Holiday
| Mark your calendars now! CHUN’s Home for the Holidays Extravaganza returns December 4, 2025, and you won’t want to miss it. If you joined us last year, you know it was filled with delicious treats, holiday cheer, and outstanding performances. Highlights this year will include the East High School Angelaires, live music, and plenty of festive surprises. This is one of our most magical community traditions—bring your family, friends, and neighbors and help us celebrate the season Capitol Hill style. More details and ticket information will be shared soon, so stay tuned! |  |
💬 CHUN in Community: Good Neighbor Panel
We’re proud to share that CHUN Executive Director, Brittni Joy will represent our organization as a panelist in the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless Education Series. Brittni will discuss what it means to be a “Good Neighbor” and how we can work together to support those who need it most. Join this important conversation on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 12–1:15 PM via Zoom. Register here: CCH Webinar Registration. Let’s show up, listen, and learn as we continue building a more compassionate Denver.
History Matters Moment
East High School 100 years in its “new” building
and 150 years in Denver
In September 1925, the new East High School was dedicated with fanfare and
community commitment to a tradition of excellence. The “Old East High” served
students since 1889 at a site between 18 th and 19 th on Stout Street.
The “New East” was designed by George Williamson in the English Jacobean style its
clock tower rises above the quarter mile City Park Esplanade, which extends from
Colfax to 17 th Avenue. Both the school building and the park are on the National
Register of Historic Places. The school received landmark status in 1991.
Fast forward to September 18, 2025, when community leaders, parents students and
alumni gathered on the west steps of the school to rededicate the school, which proudly
serves 2,600 students. All of these East High School Angels are part of a proud tradition
of excellence in academics, arts and athletics in a welcoming and inclusive
environment.
Former Colorado Senate President and East Alum said, “this building helped create our
identity and our ideals.”
Following the speeches and music from the East Honor Choir, a small crowd gathered
in the 3 rd floor library as students from the Museum Club prepared to open two sealed
time capsules. These lead boxes had been filled at the Arapahoe School, Denver’s first
school and moved to East when it opened in 1925.
The crowd leaned in as papers, real estate records from 1872, dance cards and letters
were revealed. These artifacts will ultimately be part of the East High School Museum
and will be digitized as part of the effort to preserve the past.
Submitted by Bruce Caughey, chair, CHUN History Matters
Photos included:
East High School Rededication 9.18.25
Time Capsule opening
Founders of Denver Public Schools 1872
Old East High School between 19 th and 20 th on Stout
community commitment to a tradition of excellence. The “Old East High” served
students since 1889 at a site between 18 th and 19 th on Stout Street.
The “New East” was designed by George Williamson in the English Jacobean style its
clock tower rises above the quarter mile City Park Esplanade, which extends from
Colfax to 17 th Avenue. Both the school building and the park are on the National
Register of Historic Places. The school received landmark status in 1991.
Fast forward to September 18, 2025, when community leaders, parents students and
alumni gathered on the west steps of the school to rededicate the school, which proudly
serves 2,600 students. All of these East High School Angels are part of a proud tradition
of excellence in academics, arts and athletics in a welcoming and inclusive
environment.
Former Colorado Senate President and East Alum said, “this building helped create our
identity and our ideals.”
Following the speeches and music from the East Honor Choir, a small crowd gathered
in the 3 rd floor library as students from the Museum Club prepared to open two sealed
time capsules. These lead boxes had been filled at the Arapahoe School, Denver’s first
school and moved to East when it opened in 1925.
The crowd leaned in as papers, real estate records from 1872, dance cards and letters
were revealed. These artifacts will ultimately be part of the East High School Museum
and will be digitized as part of the effort to preserve the past.
Submitted by Bruce Caughey, chair, CHUN History Matters
Photos included:
East High School Rededication 9.18.25
Time Capsule opening
Founders of Denver Public Schools 1872
Old East High School between 19 th and 20 th on Stout
Community News and Highlights
16TH STREET GRAND OPENING
Enjoy a full day of live music, activations, giveaways, $16 deals and more! Come experience the new 16th Street from Market Street to Broadway. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the REI Scavenger Hunt and live music at 16th & Cleveland.
The Downtown Denver Partnership, the City and County of Denver and RTD are thrilled to officially reopen 16th Street on October 4, 2025, exactly 43 years after its inaugural opening in 1982. We invite all Denverites and Coloradans to be part of this momentous celebration as we unveil the completion of this reconstruction project that has enhanced accessibility and infrastructure, expanded amenities and "moments of joy," and preserved the Downtown Denver’s iconic main street. Join us for an all day celebration as we reveal our completed 16th Street, which is better than ever and ready to create new memories for future generations. This is your moment to join in the experience what promises to be an extraordinary day of community celebration.
The Downtown Denver Partnership, the City and County of Denver and RTD are thrilled to officially reopen 16th Street on October 4, 2025, exactly 43 years after its inaugural opening in 1982. We invite all Denverites and Coloradans to be part of this momentous celebration as we unveil the completion of this reconstruction project that has enhanced accessibility and infrastructure, expanded amenities and "moments of joy," and preserved the Downtown Denver’s iconic main street. Join us for an all day celebration as we reveal our completed 16th Street, which is better than ever and ready to create new memories for future generations. This is your moment to join in the experience what promises to be an extraordinary day of community celebration.
Join Us on Saturday, October 18th! Food Bank of the Rockies
Join us for a fun morning at the Food Bank of the Rockies! We’ll be sorting and packing food to be distributed to community members in need.
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 8:45AM - 12:00PM
Location 10700 E. 45th Ave. Denver, CO 80239
We still need 38 volunteers:
Sign Up Today!
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 8:45AM - 12:00PM
Location 10700 E. 45th Ave. Denver, CO 80239
We still need 38 volunteers:
Sign Up Today!
Celebrate SCFD Free Day: OUT! at the Museum on Sun, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy free general admission, performances, music and family fun with our LGBTQ+ collaborators. https://bit.ly/3KhQdVO #FreeDayOUT #dmns
Locales Turns 2 Oct. 1!!
That’s a wrap for this month’s Urban Dweller!
We hope to see you at an event (or two!) in October, whether it’s sharing ideas at a Fireside Chat, learning about housing on our Missing Middle tour, or simply catching up with friends at Happy Hour. Every time you show up, you strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood.
Until next month—stay safe, stay engaged, and stay connected.
We hope to see you at an event (or two!) in October, whether it’s sharing ideas at a Fireside Chat, learning about housing on our Missing Middle tour, or simply catching up with friends at Happy Hour. Every time you show up, you strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood.
Until next month—stay safe, stay engaged, and stay connected.
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