 A Message from the CHUN Board of DirectorsCHUN’s Statement on the Recent Closing of the Secret Garden On October 10, 2025, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN) board learned that the Secret Garden Café was closed for business.The day-to-day management of the café is the responsibility of City Street Investors (CSI), but CHUN is a partner in the Tears-McFarlane House and its many uses. We are very much interested in the success of the historic home, which is the location of CHUN offices, and its ancillary functions. We are sorry for closing of the café, the loss of jobs and the shuttering at least temporarily of an important and beloved neighborhood gathering place. We value our relationship with CSI and have held discussions to be more fully informed about the reasons for the café closing so that we can plan more effectively for the future. You have our commitment that reopening a café or restaurant on this site is a shared vision with our community.Importantly, we know that creating a beloved space will once again help us bring our neighborhood together, improve what exists today, and plan for the challenges we will face in the future.We are confident that this spring we will once again gather on the edge of Cheesman Park to gather and share conversation over a cup of coffee or a meal. Best, CHUN Board of Directors CHUN News and Highlights🍹 Happy Hour at the Secret Garden: A Celebration of Community Our October Happy Hour at the Secret Garden Café was one for the books — and a beautiful reminder of why this little corner of Cheesman Park holds such a special place in our hearts. Friends and neighbors gathered on the patio under the twinkling lights to enjoy drinks, mocktails, and conversation as autumn settled in around us. The event created space for genuine connection and community spirit. Even though we later learned of the café’s closure, that evening served as a heartfelt celebration of what the space has meant to so many. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to the day when a new café reopens on the site, bringing life and laughter back to the garden once again. If you missed out, don’t worry — our next Happy Hour will be at Locales Taco & Tequila Bar later this month! Bring a friend, enjoy some local flavor, and raise a glass to community. And don’t forget to save the date for CHUN’s Annual All-Members Meeting on January 15, 2026, at the Althea Center. Parking will be available, and we’ll also present our SEED Award winners during the meeting. 🌱 SEED Awards Now Open! CHUN’s SEED Awards encourage civic entrepreneurship and community engagement by providing financial support for projects that align with CHUN’s mission and values while enhancing the quality of life for those living in Greater Capitol Hill. Funding priorities include:
🔥 Fireside Chat Closed the Season on a High Note Our final Fireside Chat of 2025 was an evening to remember — full of warmth, reflection, and meaningful exchange. Hosted by CHUN member George G. at the historic Tears-McFarlane House. Before the discussion, neighbors spilled out onto the porch to enjoy a mini-mobility demonstration featuring e-bikes and scooters, a fun reminder of the ways our city is reimagining transportation and accessibility. This month’s conversation also featured an informative and lively discussion about the Vibrant Denver Bond Campaign, led by Lisa Carpenter of Summit Street Group and Evan Dreyer from the Mayor’s Office. Lisa and Evan shared insights about the bond’s key initiatives to improve public infrastructure, expand parks and green spaces, and invest in Denver’s cultural and civic assets. Attendees had the chance to ask thoughtful questions about how these projects might impact the Capitol Hill area, and the dialogue reflected our community’s ongoing commitment to understanding and shaping the city’s future. Attendees filled the living room, sharing stories about what drew them to Capitol Hill and what keeps them invested in its future. Themes of inclusion, sustainability, and community voice emerged throughout the evening, sparking thoughtful ideas about how CHUN can continue to lead with compassion and creativity. The Fireside Chat series has truly become one of CHUN’s most beloved traditions. Each session this year invited neighbors to listen, learn, and connect in meaningful ways — and this final event was a fitting close to a year marked by progress, collaboration, and community pride. 🏘 Exploring the “Missing Middle” — Walking Tour Highlights
On October 2, CHUN’s Urban Planning Committee and YIMBY Denver President Ryan Keeney led neighbors on an eye-opening Missing Middle Housing Walking Tour through Greater Capitol Hill. The tour explored the importance of “human-scale” housing — duplexes, triplexes, ADUs, and small apartment buildings — that balance affordability with neighborhood character. Participants strolled through historic blocks and newer developments, learning how zoning and design choices impact everything from density to sustainability. Ryan discussed how Denver’s housing shortage calls for creative solutions that preserve the charm of older neighborhoods while making room for diverse housing options. We even were allowed to tour the inside of a neighbors property! Attendees asked thoughtful questions about zoning codes, parking challenges, and architectural harmony. Conversations continued over tacos and margaritas afterward, proving that community dialogue doesn’t always have to happen in a meeting room...sometimes, it happens best on the sidewalks where we live. The event underscored CHUN’s commitment to fostering a livable, walkable, and inclusive city. We hope participants left inspired, informed, and ready to advocate for balanced growth that reflects the values of Greater Capitol Hill.  No One Should Be Hungry, Period: |
 |  |
History Matters November Recap
Our November meeting featured an engaging presentation by Brian Trembath and Eden Irwin from the Denver Public Library. They introduced the many online and physical resources available in DPL’s Special Collections and Archives (formerly known as the Western History Collection) on the 5th floor. The presentation inspired a lively discussion and Q&A, and we all walked away with a deeper appreciation for Denver’s wealth of historical resources.
We also reflected on the many contributions of Michael Henry, whose passing on October 5th marked the loss of a true preservation champion. His work is honored below in this month’s History Matters Moment.
Finally, we discussed the Mayor’s meeting of RNOs and the upcoming revisions to the RNO ordinance, a topic CHUN will continue to monitor closely.
Please mark your calendars for our 2026 History Matters meetings, held on the first Tuesday of every other month at 6 PM at the (Gilbert) Tears-McFarlane House, 1290 Williams St.:
We also reflected on the many contributions of Michael Henry, whose passing on October 5th marked the loss of a true preservation champion. His work is honored below in this month’s History Matters Moment.
Finally, we discussed the Mayor’s meeting of RNOs and the upcoming revisions to the RNO ordinance, a topic CHUN will continue to monitor closely.
Please mark your calendars for our 2026 History Matters meetings, held on the first Tuesday of every other month at 6 PM at the (Gilbert) Tears-McFarlane House, 1290 Williams St.:
- January 6
- March 3
- May 5
- July 7
- September 1
- November 3
History Matters Moment: Remembering Michael Henry
Michael Henry, a long-time Denver community leader and former president of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN), passed away on October 5, 2025.
He will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to historic preservation and neighborhood advocacy, particularly within the Capitol Hill area. In addition to serving as CHUN President, Michael chaired CHUN’s Historic Preservation Committee, leading efforts to protect historic properties and designate historic districts, including the Wyman Historic District.
In 2017, Michael spoke about CHUN’s collaboration with the Landmark Preservation Commission and Historic Denver on the Discover Denver project — an effort to document the city’s architectural history.
Michael was also instrumental in shaping Denver’s Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) framework through his work with the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC), which he helped establish and supported for five decades. In 2019, he co-founded Neighbors for Greater Capitol Hill to continue his advocacy for ethics, transparency, and community voice in local government.
CHUN celebrates Michael Henry’s legacy as a tireless preservationist, ethical leader, and neighbor whose work continues to shape Greater Capitol Hill and the city we all love.
He will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to historic preservation and neighborhood advocacy, particularly within the Capitol Hill area. In addition to serving as CHUN President, Michael chaired CHUN’s Historic Preservation Committee, leading efforts to protect historic properties and designate historic districts, including the Wyman Historic District.
In 2017, Michael spoke about CHUN’s collaboration with the Landmark Preservation Commission and Historic Denver on the Discover Denver project — an effort to document the city’s architectural history.
Michael was also instrumental in shaping Denver’s Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) framework through his work with the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC), which he helped establish and supported for five decades. In 2019, he co-founded Neighbors for Greater Capitol Hill to continue his advocacy for ethics, transparency, and community voice in local government.
CHUN celebrates Michael Henry’s legacy as a tireless preservationist, ethical leader, and neighbor whose work continues to shape Greater Capitol Hill and the city we all love.
Community News and Highlights
1st Ave Redesign Open House!
1st Avenue Preliminary Redesign – Downing St. to University Blvd.
Community Open House #2
Help shape the future of 1st Avenue! The City of Denver is exploring a redesign of 1st Avenue and the Cherry Creek Trail from Downing to University. Join us to review the preliminary concept and share your ideas on how well it addresses the issues you see along the corridor. Family-friendly! Activities and light refreshments provided.
Open House Details:
Community Open House #2
Help shape the future of 1st Avenue! The City of Denver is exploring a redesign of 1st Avenue and the Cherry Creek Trail from Downing to University. Join us to review the preliminary concept and share your ideas on how well it addresses the issues you see along the corridor. Family-friendly! Activities and light refreshments provided.
Open House Details:
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 15th | 10:30 AM -12:30 PM (Join us anytime!)
- Location: Bromwell Elementary School (Gymnasium)
Winter Activity Guide | Share the fun!
Denver Parks & Recreation’s Winter Activity Guide is here! ️
Winter registration opens Wednesday, November 5 at noon— mark your calendars and don’t miss out!
Share the fun!
Winter registration opens Wednesday, November 5 at noon— mark your calendars and don’t miss out!
Share the fun!
Comments are closed.
Print FriendlyThe Urban Dweller is published on the first, working Monday of each month. To submit your content via email, please click on the button below. Content is due by the 25th DAY of each month.
