Urban Dweller

December 2023

12/1/2023

A Message from our Executive Director

Business Member of the Month

Carboy Winery

Located in the heart of the Capitol Hills neighborhood, Carboy has been making award-winning wines since 2016 that have helped lift the Colorado wine industry into prominence as a wine region ripe with possibilities. Through ambitious winemaking and innovation with new varietal wines, sparkling wines, and wine seltzers, they have helped turn a state known for its beer into one that creates exciting and adventurous wines. They craft impactful wines that reveal the extraordinary terroir, and unmistakable typicity of Colorado's Grand Valley and Washington's Horse Heaven Hills AVA's.

From grape to glass, Carboy is committed to sustainability and helping to shape a more resilient future for the Colorado wine industry. Through holistic vineyard management, water conservation, and innovative packaging solutions, they continue to reduce our carbon footprint while creating award-winning wines year after year.

Visit Carboy Winery
at the corner of 7th Avenue and Logan Street

400 East 7th Avenue

CHUN News and Announcements

December 5: Colorado Gives Day and CHUN's Annual Fundraiser

December 5 is Colorado Gives Day and we invite you to join CHUN and its friends and neighbors as we raise a glass to kick off the holiday season and support Colorado nonprofits.

CHUN's mission is to work with neighbors, neighborhoods and the city of Denver to 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.

Tuesday, December 5 from 5:30 to 8:30
Logan Street Restaurant and Bar at 400 East 7th Ave.

Click here to get your tickets and or give directly to Colorado Gives.

Thank you for supporting CHUN and Colorado Nonprofits.

December 16: Community Food Drive

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

Thanks to all of our friends and neighbors who joined CHUN's History Matters Committee and Historic Denver for a sold-out walking tour event in November.

The tour dove into the history of Cheesman Park, from its early days as the city cemetery, to its conversion into one of the city's beloved parks.

We then walked over to the nearby Humboldt Street Historic Denver District and heard the history of several of the grand houses that grace the 2 blocks that make up this historic district. The district reflects the type of residences owned and occupied by some of the city’s most influential and wealthy citizens of the period.

We then toured the recently completed interior and exterior renovation of the magnificent historic Tears McFarlane House on Chessman Park and heard about plans for a new on-site cafe at the house.

Would YOU Like to Have a Say in What's Happening in YOUR Neighborhood?

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your neighborhood?

Do you live in any of the Greater Capitol Hill neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek, Cheesman Park, City Park, Congress Park, Country Club or Speer?

The Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN) Board of Directors is on the lookout for dedicated individuals to join our dynamic team and help lead the charge in building a stronger, more connected community!

Learn more and apply here.

APPLY TODAY - Applications Available for the 2023 - 24 CHUN Seed Awards

Central to CHUN's mission and vision is the belief that communities can only become healthier and more vibrant through active citizen involvement and civic entrepreneurship.

To support this mission, each year, CHUN distributes SEED awards for Smart development, Enrichment and learning, Environmental sustainability and Diversity to neighborhood organizations and nonprofits for projects enhancing the greater Capitol Hill neighborhoods.

Recipients can receive up to $1,000 in SEED awards to enhance their own mission. Details on funding priorities and an online application are available on CHUN's website. A list of past recipients is also available here.

APPLY TODAY!

DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 18th!

Denver and Colorado News and Announcements

Denver's City and County Buildings are Lit Up for the Holidays, Christkindlmarket is Open and Parade of Lights is Dec 2!

This year's light ceremony was mid November!

The authentic German Christkindlmarket holiday market is open from Nov 17 to Dec 23.

Sunday - Wednesday: 11am - 7pm
Thursday - Saturday: 11am - 9pm
Festival Hall Hours:
Thursday - Saturday: open until 10pm
Exception:
Last week (Dec 17-23): 11am - 9pm

Parade of Lights to Downtown Denver live parade is Saturday, Dec 2nd at 6:00pm!

How to Support Unhoused Neighbors During the Winter Months

Winter is especially hard on our unhoused neighbors during these cold months.

You can help find a shelter at this link.

Help connect the unhoused to food, shelter or rental assistance with 2-1-1.

Mutual Aid Monday is a grassroots, mutual aid community in Denver that serves a community meal every Monday night from 4 to 7 p.m. at 14th and Bannock Street. They also distribute heaters, insulation for tents, blankets, sleeping bags, clothing, hand warmers and toiletries.

You can contact Volunteer Services and In-Kind Giving to coordinate donation dropoffs or donate directly.

City and County of Denver Identifies Additional Hotel for Families Experiencing Homelessness

In late November, Mayor Mike Johnston announced a major milestone in ongoing efforts to address homelessness, bring people indoors and permanently close encampments. The hotel, located at 7525 E. Hampden Ave, has been identified as the newest site to support Denver’s homelessness initiative and will begin the City Council approval process. The facility will serve primarily families with children, as well as transgender and gender non-conforming guests.

Once approved by City Council, a master lease of the site will mark the fourth hotel property secured as part of Mayor Johnston’s groundbreaking House1000 initiative, reflecting the city's determination to explore diverse shelter options for those in need. Read the full press release.

[not actual building]

Your Opinion Matters: Take Part in the Denver Public Safety Survey

Through December 8, 2023, your Denver Police Department encourages residents and those who work in the city to take part in the Denver Public Safety Survey which can be accessed at DenverPublicSafetySurvey.org. The survey will assess residents’ top safety concerns, the most prominent public safety themes shared by participants, and measures community perceptions of public safety in Denver, such as:

• Police legitimacy
• Resident participation in public safety initiatives, such as neighborhood watch, police advisory councils, community meetings, etc.
• Neighborhood social cohesion/connections
• Perception of low-level misdemeanor/public order crimes
• Fear of crime

Business Impact Opportunity Funds Accepting Applications for Encampment Impact Grants up to $15,000 and Technical Assistance

Under its signature Business Impact Opportunity (BIO) Fund program, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is now accepting applications for grants up to $15,000 and technical assistance to address specific ongoing post-pandemic challenges; the current round is focused on small businesses that have been impacted by nearby encampments. This effort complements the city’s House1000 initiative as the city continues to move individuals and families experiencing homelessness indoors and permanently closes encampments.

Landscape Transformation: It's In Denver's Nature

Perfect lawns are out, and native grasses are in!

Natural and “uniquely Denver” landscapes in urban settings have an important social, community and habitat value. Restoring land can help improve access to nature for residents, providing more opportunities to enjoy natural settings and wildlife, improve mental health, quality of life and keeping our parks sustainable for generations to come.

Read more here about what you can do to reintegrate nature.

Denver is Seeking Input on it's Current and Future Bike Network Buildout

Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is asking the public to weigh in on existing bike facilities and help shape the buildout of the city’s bike network in the future.

Denver’s bicycle network currently consists of 493 miles of on-street and off-street facilities. More are proposed in the city’s Denver Moves: Bikes plan.

Share your comments and ideas at bit.ly/denverbikesurvey.

Cheesman Park Fountain Improvements Underway

Thanks to Parks Capital Improvement Funds, the historic Cheesman Park fountains are receiving needed improvements!

The scope of the Cheesman Park Fountain Improvements Project is to remove, replace, and waterproof all three fountain basins and to replace the piping, plumbing, and drain valves. This project also includes the automation of water filling and upgraded controls.

Construction started this week and is expected to be completed in June 2024.

Image of Cheesman Park from the 1930’s