November 2023

Introduction from our Executive Director

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Community Member of the Month

Historic Denver

As one of the nation’s premier nonprofit urban preservation organizations, Historic Denver, Inc. works everyday to promote and protect Denver’s historic places and spaces.

​Founded in 1970, Historic Denver believes Denver’s historic assets are part of its cultural fabric and essential to a diverse, dynamic, and distinctive city — and that everyone should see themselves in the story of their city through its places.

Through technical assistance, grants, project management, easement donations, and public programs, Historic Denver invests in the historic places and neighborhoods that are key to our city’s identity and help tell the stories of generations of Denverites. In our vibrant and growing city, Historic Denver is actively engaged every day in finding creative solutions to the places where growth and preservation meet.

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CHUN News, Events and Updates

October Happy Hour at Wild Taco

Thanks to all of our members and neighbors who joined us for our October CHUN Happy Hour. 

​A special welcome to the new members who joined that evening!

Special thanks to our hosts and providers of lots of yummy food, Wild Taco!  

​Wild Taco is a new restaurant in Governors Park that offers the ultimate Mexican restaurant-bar-patio experience with friendly service, creative menu, exquisite libations and great atmosphere.

October Presentation and Discussion on Proposition HH

Thank you to our speaker, Scott Wasserman of the Bell Policy Center, and CHUN's Urban Planning committee, who hosted a special presentation in October on Proposition HH, a property tax measure appearing on the November ballot.

​The presentation and discussion addressed how we arrived at this measure, what it means for property owners and renters and what rent relief proposals may be tackled in the 2024 legislative session.

November 18: CHUN and Historic Denver Walking Tour of Cheesman Park, Humboldt Street Historic District and the Tears-McFarlane House

Join Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods' (CHUN) History Matters Committee and Historic Denver for a special program that delves into the history of Cheesman Park and nearby Humboldt Street Historic Denver District.

Explore the recently completed interior and exterior renovation of the historic Tears McFarlane House.  You will also hear about plans for an new on-site cafe at the house.

Join us as we walk through Cheesman Park, discuss its history, from its early days as the city cemetery, to its conversion into one of the city's beloved parks.

November 18, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
​Tickets available for $25. Register here.

Meet at the Tears McFarlane house, 1290 Williams Street
Tour will last approximately one hour and will cover approximately one mile.

December 5: Winter Wine..derland, CHUN's Annual Fundraiser and Colorado Gives Day Event

Join CHUN on Colorado Gives Day for a one-night-only winter fundraising event for Capital Hill United Neighborhood (CHUN) to support its mission to Preserve the Past, Improve the Present, and Plan for the Future of Denver's greater Capitol Hill community through historic preservation, supporting affordable housing and addressing homelessness, promoting smart land use and zoning, advancing public safety, and encouraging neighborhood enhancements through volunteerism and community engagement. 

You are cordially invited to kick off the holiday season with the 2023 CHUN winter fundraiser! This year we are headed to Logan Street Restaurant & Bar for beverages, appetizers, and fellowship! Cash Bar is available.

December 5 from 5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Logan Street Restaurant and Bar, 400 E. 7th Ave.
Price: $75. Tickets are limited!

Click here to purchase tickets and support CHUN and Colorado Gives Day!​

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Denver and Colorado News, Events and Updates

November 6: Denver Landmark Design Guideline Update - Windows

Denver is continuing its community meetings for the phase 2 of its update to the Design Guidelines for Denver Landmark Structures and Districts. We plan to host an interactive meeting to get ample input on windows and we hope that you can join us for this meeting. 

Zoom meeting: November 6 at 7 p.m.
Click this Zoom link below to register: 
https://denvergovorg.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtcOqtrjwuHNLGqUBhkXIf6RTfEeOLcuM9

November 7: Denver Elections

The election is upon us. As you look over your ballot and decide how to vote, check out Denver Decides for forums and information on the candidates and issues. Make sure to return your ballot by November 7.

Click here for Denver Decides election info.

November 16: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Community Webinar

Join the East Colfax Ave. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) community webinar on Thursday, November 16 from 5-6 p.m. to hear the latest on the project and preview what's ahead. ​Register here.

The project team will share updated station and streetscape designs, introduce the construction team and preliminary construction plan, and outline the resources available to small businesses during construction.

December 3: Rudolph Ramble 5K

Then one sunny Denver day, Santa came to say, "Will you help me with your running shoes, and find Rudolph so he can guide my sleigh"? Well, will you help Santa? Will you save Christmas?  Rudolph loves to Ramble around Colorado! So, grab your running or walking shoes and join the Rudolph Search & Rescue Team as we help Santa reunite with Rudolph just in time for Christmas. 
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Participants receive a pair of fun Rudolph Ramble-themed running socks!  
Bells for the collars of any "search" dogs who run with their owners
Free post-race photos with Santa & Rudolph 

Click here for Course Map

Leaf and Pumpkin Recycling Sites Open

This fall, give your leaves and pumpkins a second life by dropping them off at a DOTI Leafdrop location! Our composter, A1 Organics, will turn them into compost made available to Denver residents at a discounted price at participating Ace Hardware locations this spring.
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Residents utilizing Leafdrop sites are encouraged to bag their leaves in brown paper bags instead of in plastic and can download a coupon to receive a free five-pack of paper leave bags at participating Ace Hardware stores, while supplies last. Leaves dropped off in plastic bags must be emptied on site.
 
A quick reminder that it’s unlawful to rake your leaves into the street, so please collect and compost your leaves instead!

Three weekday Leafdrop sites are now open! Weekend sites open Nov 4. See the full Leafdrop schedule at www.denvergov.org/Leafdrop.

Denver Funds New Five-Story Family Shelter

​The Volunteers of America Colorado (VOA Colorado) Family Motel, a facility serving families and veterans experiencing homelessness, is set for reconstruction thanks to a significant investment from the City and County of Denver. 
 
Denver City Council today approved $17.7 million toward construction of the new VOA Colorado Theodora Family Hotel non-congregate shelter at 4855 W. Colfax Ave.

The new shelter allows VOA Colorado to serve families in greater numbers, in better facilities with increased services. Set to be completed in early 2025, the five-story shelter will have capacity for 60 families, plus underground parking. 

[not actual building]

Outdoor Place Program Releases Draft Requirements

The Outdoor Places Program has released draft requirements for structures and enclosures for Below Curb and Above Curb outdoor patios. The design standards seek to ensure that these elements integrate with surrounding environment while maintaining safety, accessibility and the outdoor character of the space. Public comment on the draft Structures & Enclosures requirements will be accepted until November 8, 2023. Feedback received will be used to further refine the draft requirements. 
 
View the Draft Structures and Enclosures Standards