Halfway through the 2-week long Denver Restaurant Week, Panzano was running as efficiently as a Swiss railroad on a very busy Friday night. And, it really was a good deal!
Chef Elise Wiggins knew they would be busy, having served over 3700 meals during the event last year. We would guess she is on her way to a new record this year. Every space taken, only running a few minutes late, but adding a layer of quality and efficiency every Denver diner should strive to experience. Panzano didn't bother with pared down portions, or even a special menu for Restaurant Week. They simply put some of their best regular items, along with the regular prices showing, for a FOUR course meal that was memorable.
If you wanted to add up the real prices and compare what you paid ($26.40 for one, $52.80 for two) you would easily see you were eating for about half-price!
Here's one combination that worked: Crespelle ai Funghi, Insalata Mista, Gamberi Griglia and Pumpkin Canoli. And, here's another: Anatra Mousse con Zeppole, Zuppa, Pappardelle alla Bolognese and Sorbetti. That's what I'm talkin' about!
Service from our waiter Dumitri was precise and perfectly paced. Not too fast, not too slow. You could take a sip or two of wine between courses, but not get overly anxious for the next. Pacing is critical to a good dining experience. Dumitri is a professional, and even though he was lamenting having a few "inexperienced" new team members for the promotional rush, you would not know it from the service level and quality.
There's just a few days left. See if you can get in here. Some restaurants either really stretch to offer a meal worth $26.40, or they just go through the paces hoping the two weeks go by fast.
Panzano will get our return visit. You just know when everything has gone right! And, did I mention that this is a really good deal?
28 February 2010
26 February 2010
Big Game to be Played on Wazee Street! Hmmm...
Those of us living downtown have figured out by now that something was finally going on in the space formerly occupied by Il Fornaio, 1631 Wazee. This big, beautiful, warm and inviting room of a restaurant has been sitting empty and mostly dark for well over two years. I think we have all missed it. But, recently there have been signs of life, and yesterday in The Denver Post, Penny Parker broke the Big Game open.
In late March, or early April, the Big Game Restaurant and Lounge will open there. And, we know this to be true, as this morning a beer truck driver confirmed that delivery schedules were in the works. We hope they have some good local beers delivered as well! The people playing the Big Game have reportedly worked on the concept for about a year and a half. The Chodorow group of Texas is opening this, their second restaurant in a new venture called the TurnTable Restaurant Group.
Very recently, they opened a restaurant in Miami's tony South Beach area called the El Scorpion Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar. Early reviews speak well, mentioning good guacamole's, food, decor, interesting drinks, loud music and a bar full of 20-something's sipping their trendy South Beach beverages.
We get the Big Game. Many of the fixtures from Il Fornaio remain. The new menu is not set yet, but may include some game meat items (I trust they know that Buffalo is not really game any more) and they plan a Giant TV Screen which can show up to 12 sporting events at the same time. I believe that would be like watching a digital quilt that your grandmother would have made crossing the prairie if she could have at the time.
Now, of course, this is not the first Big Game in LoDo in recent years. Every year we get the Longhorn Steers in the Stock Show Parade. That probably doesn't count. But, a couple of years ago, a very large Black Bear was parked on 17th Street by McCormick's for an event. And, one Sunday night in the fall of 2004, the Ringling Brothers' Circus had to move from the Pepsi Center to the Denver Coliseum. The elephants marched in perfect elephant formation right down the street below our window, sounding like big guys shuffling along in house slippers. And, don't forget the Gorilla Run!
So, get ready for the Big Game on Wazee. Let's see who shows up to play!
In late March, or early April, the Big Game Restaurant and Lounge will open there. And, we know this to be true, as this morning a beer truck driver confirmed that delivery schedules were in the works. We hope they have some good local beers delivered as well! The people playing the Big Game have reportedly worked on the concept for about a year and a half. The Chodorow group of Texas is opening this, their second restaurant in a new venture called the TurnTable Restaurant Group.
Very recently, they opened a restaurant in Miami's tony South Beach area called the El Scorpion Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar. Early reviews speak well, mentioning good guacamole's, food, decor, interesting drinks, loud music and a bar full of 20-something's sipping their trendy South Beach beverages.
We get the Big Game. Many of the fixtures from Il Fornaio remain. The new menu is not set yet, but may include some game meat items (I trust they know that Buffalo is not really game any more) and they plan a Giant TV Screen which can show up to 12 sporting events at the same time. I believe that would be like watching a digital quilt that your grandmother would have made crossing the prairie if she could have at the time.
Now, of course, this is not the first Big Game in LoDo in recent years. Every year we get the Longhorn Steers in the Stock Show Parade. That probably doesn't count. But, a couple of years ago, a very large Black Bear was parked on 17th Street by McCormick's for an event. And, one Sunday night in the fall of 2004, the Ringling Brothers' Circus had to move from the Pepsi Center to the Denver Coliseum. The elephants marched in perfect elephant formation right down the street below our window, sounding like big guys shuffling along in house slippers. And, don't forget the Gorilla Run!
So, get ready for the Big Game on Wazee. Let's see who shows up to play!
"Watch the Parkin' Meters..."
"They are A-Changin'"! Thank you, Bob Dylan, for two totally unconnected lines. But, those Smart Meters are starting to show up in LoDo. Saw them today along 15th Street, and along Wazee. We wrote about them on February 3 in Denver by the Slice. Check that blog, "Just How Smart are these Meters, Anyway?"
Now we'll get to find out. Visa, Mastercard, coins including dollar coins, but no parking keys. Testing tonight in LoDo! Did you know that parking meters were invented in Oklahoma City? Neither did I.
Now we'll get to find out. Visa, Mastercard, coins including dollar coins, but no parking keys. Testing tonight in LoDo! Did you know that parking meters were invented in Oklahoma City? Neither did I.
25 February 2010
Lodo's Limelight Awards Banquet Next Week!
Formed in 1989, LoDo District Inc. is a membership organization supporting Lower Downtown's unique historical, cultural and retail neighborhood.
Cocktails at 5:30. Dinner, very brief business session and awards ceremony, with jazz and dancing into the night. 9 News Meteorologist Ashton Altieri mc's this gala. Honor the winners! Enjoy the venue! Party down!
RSVP by March 1! Buy your tickets at http://www.lodo.org/ or call 303-628-5428 for more information.
24 February 2010
More Window Work at the Saddlery Every Day!
More on the remake of the Colorado Saddlery building at 15th and Wynkoop. This article from yesterday's Denver Post, link here: http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_14451347
Just a Few More Days...
...to participate in Denver Restaurant Week. It ends on Friday. Even though you can't get to all 76 Downtown participants for the $52.80 dinner for two specials, chances are there are still spots at a couple of great places you haven't tried yet. See the list and the menus at www.denver.org/denverrestaurant.
...to watch the Winter Olympics from Vancouver, British Columbia. There are just enough glimpses of the surroundings to remind us what a beautiful part of North America the Vancouver area is. Now, if we just had an ocean! Closing this weekend.
...Until this month's Denver Mandolin Orchestra Free Concert at the
Wynkoop. Sunday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. On tap, The Panache Ensemble for your monthly mandolin fix. And, some very good beer as well!
...to watch the Winter Olympics from Vancouver, British Columbia. There are just enough glimpses of the surroundings to remind us what a beautiful part of North America the Vancouver area is. Now, if we just had an ocean! Closing this weekend.
Wynkoop. Sunday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. On tap, The Panache Ensemble for your monthly mandolin fix. And, some very good beer as well!
19 February 2010
Our 40th Post! Celebrating Favorite Shapes in Downtown!
That got us to thinking. What are some of our (and send us yours) favorite shapes of Downtown Denver. Great spaces and buildings. Here are just a handfull, six actually. We'll get back to Doors Open with more closer to the event.
2. A space created to hold together the several buildings of the Denver Center for Performing Arts is a beautiful and alive people space. The Galleria is the center feature of this, the second largest performing arts complex in the country. Walk through every chance you get.
3. The D & F Tower. This is a fixture everybody would miss if it was suddenly not there. And, that almost happened years ago in the misguided days of DURA. But, we are lucky, and for those of us who don't like watches, it keeps perfect time.
4. The 56-story Republic Plaza building is iconic in its own way. Views of Downtown always seem to focus there, especially when, on special occasions they play with the lights to spell out messages in the windows!
5. The Red House, on Wazee Street. This modernist residence is a more-than-compatible addition to the historic buildings in the LoDo neighborhood. Jim Olson, of Olson Kundig, Seattle, designed this home for the Mayers. Olson's firm specializes in new construction in historic areas. The building is striking and pleasant to look at from the outside. If Jan Mayer ever invites you to see the inside of this residence/gallery, don't miss it. It is truly a privilege. And, she is a most gracious hostess.
In the Cafe atop the Museum of Contemporary Art:, photo by Diane Huntress
16 February 2010
Change is Coming to the 16th Street Mall. Read All About It!
Go to this article to read about the proposed changes to the 16th Street Mall, and the Public Hearings where you can voice your opinion. The Mall needs help. Here are the proposals being considered.
From the February 16 Denver Business Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/02/15/daily13.html
From the February 16 Denver Business Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/02/15/daily13.html
15 February 2010
Ground Floor Retail We Can Sink Our Teeth Into!
Many new, or re-developed buildings in Downtown strive to add “Ground Floor Retail” to whatever is on the upper floors. In fact, often this is required. In LoDo, we have some excellent examples of what should not be encountering the pedestrian, vacant spaces. And, most of those vacant spaces all have the same commercial leasing agent’s name on them.
The EPA building has been open a few years now, and space is still available. Plenty of it. Sure, it has what seems to be the obligatory bank filling one space. The only other leased space is a pizza place that never appears to be very appetizing. The Opus-built structure at 140O Wewatta has only a bank. On the Wynkoop side of that building, the only occupied street level space is the fitness facility for building employees.
The new IMA building that will occupy the north end of the Union Station development promises Ground Floor Retail, perhaps a large restaurant. Okay, but will that restaurant be the kind of neighborhood contributor that Ground Floor Retail seems to be promising? How many branch banks do we need? Where are the deli’s, the convenience shops, the retailers who we would support? How about a Tabak?
Yes, the economy certainly plays a role in some of the current vacancies. But, somewhere along the line, the builders and developers need to do more to actually secure some of the promised street-level benefit. It seems rather gratuitous to simply add “Ground Floor Retail” to the renderings to get approvals. Their revenue comes from above the first floor.
Now, though, we are happy to tout the opening of a good example of Ground Floor Retail. Owner Pete Pflum and Executive Chef Ian Kleinman have combined to bring H Burger Co. to life in the Sugar Cube building, on the Mall, between Blake and Wazee. Fine looking place, fine looking menu. They opened last Saturday, February 13, featuring, of course, Burgers (your choice of Angus Beef, Lamb, “Eden” or Portobello Mushroom). And, who will resist one of their New Age Milk Shakes, chilled with Liquid Nitrogen. (Is that safe?)
Any new restaurant that quotes Calvin Trillin and Dave Barry in their marketing efforts gets my visit very soon!
“Mother Nature clearly intended for us to get our food from the ‘Patty’ group.” – Dave Barry
And, it takes a good sense of humor to keep looking into all that other empty Ground Floor Retail space in nearby blocks.
http://www.hburgerco.com/
The EPA building has been open a few years now, and space is still available. Plenty of it. Sure, it has what seems to be the obligatory bank filling one space. The only other leased space is a pizza place that never appears to be very appetizing. The Opus-built structure at 140O Wewatta has only a bank. On the Wynkoop side of that building, the only occupied street level space is the fitness facility for building employees.
The new IMA building that will occupy the north end of the Union Station development promises Ground Floor Retail, perhaps a large restaurant. Okay, but will that restaurant be the kind of neighborhood contributor that Ground Floor Retail seems to be promising? How many branch banks do we need? Where are the deli’s, the convenience shops, the retailers who we would support? How about a Tabak?
Yes, the economy certainly plays a role in some of the current vacancies. But, somewhere along the line, the builders and developers need to do more to actually secure some of the promised street-level benefit. It seems rather gratuitous to simply add “Ground Floor Retail” to the renderings to get approvals. Their revenue comes from above the first floor.
Any new restaurant that quotes Calvin Trillin and Dave Barry in their marketing efforts gets my visit very soon!
“Mother Nature clearly intended for us to get our food from the ‘Patty’ group.” – Dave Barry
And, it takes a good sense of humor to keep looking into all that other empty Ground Floor Retail space in nearby blocks.
http://www.hburgerco.com/
12 February 2010
Filling that Occasional Need...to Drive Somewhere!
There is car sharing in Denver. One of its providers is Occasional Car, a business based in Evergreen, but operating in Capitol Hill and in LoDo. Occasional Car makes it possible to rent a car for brief periods at very low rates that include gas and insurance. This is a very good idea!
It works this way. You sign up for a membership level that reflects your anticipated frequency of usage. For instance, there is the Occasionally "Trendy" Plan that charges a low annual fee of $50, but no monthly fee and rental rates as low as $7.99 per hour. The "Hip" Plan has no annual fee, but a monthly fee of about $10 and rental rates as low as $5.95 per hour. And, with the "Hot" Plan, you can rent for as low as $3.49 per hour with a $30 monthly fee. Hourly rates vary by time of day and weekends. Daily rates are available as well.
And, now in February, there is a special promotion of free membership and a free rental hour. You can find out more at the link below, or at 720-259-7809.
The LoDo Occasional Car is parked behind the Barclay at 16th and Larimer. Members have a special key fob which opens the car and allows it to start. Reservations are, of course, necessary for rental periods, and billing is automatic through your account. The owners told me they have never had any problems or vandalism with their car parked downtown. And, they are looking for a second LoDo parking spot, well located and easily accessible, to add another car.
Check this out at their web-site, upon every page of which there is a cool speeding car sound. I believe the car is the Honda, not the Toyota. If you have to drive, and most of us eventually have to, this is a great solution. And, we have it in Downtown Denver!
http://www.occasionalcar.com/
It works this way. You sign up for a membership level that reflects your anticipated frequency of usage. For instance, there is the Occasionally "Trendy" Plan that charges a low annual fee of $50, but no monthly fee and rental rates as low as $7.99 per hour. The "Hip" Plan has no annual fee, but a monthly fee of about $10 and rental rates as low as $5.95 per hour. And, with the "Hot" Plan, you can rent for as low as $3.49 per hour with a $30 monthly fee. Hourly rates vary by time of day and weekends. Daily rates are available as well.
And, now in February, there is a special promotion of free membership and a free rental hour. You can find out more at the link below, or at 720-259-7809.
The LoDo Occasional Car is parked behind the Barclay at 16th and Larimer. Members have a special key fob which opens the car and allows it to start. Reservations are, of course, necessary for rental periods, and billing is automatic through your account. The owners told me they have never had any problems or vandalism with their car parked downtown. And, they are looking for a second LoDo parking spot, well located and easily accessible, to add another car.
Check this out at their web-site, upon every page of which there is a cool speeding car sound. I believe the car is the Honda, not the Toyota. If you have to drive, and most of us eventually have to, this is a great solution. And, we have it in Downtown Denver!
http://www.occasionalcar.com/
10 February 2010
Art Slice: LOVE LINES at REDLINE Opens Thursday!
Come this Thursday, February 11, for the Opening Reception of "LOVE LINES", a collection from 23 artists of "figurative works exploring the condition of love - from the romantic to the relational". The exhibit has been curated by Robischon Gallery. Reception is 6 to 9 p.m.
And, after you peek at REDLINE's web site, you probably will be interested in REDLINE's first Valentine's Day Pajama Party on Saturday night. Party among the art...with artists...in pajamas. Hmmmm.
http://www.redlineart.org/ http://www.robischongallery.com/
09 February 2010
Looking for Chili in Downtown Denver!
We are looking. Where can we find some? On one of those days that says, "Chili" at about lunchtime, you know what you have to do. Find Chili. I'm talking Red Chili, not the green that seems to be everywhere in Denver. You need Chili for lunch, today, but you don't know where to get it.
A lot of people know that we make a very good Chili. A little mix, lots of tomatoes, pork and beef, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, a bunch of flavor and some love. But, out is out.
Several years ago, in the space most recently vacated by Zaidy's at Writer Square, a restaurant called Charlie and Barney's operated and sold Chili, and Chili with Cornbread, and Chili with Spaghetti. This group out of Indianapolis was trying to launch a very mid-western habit at high altitude. This was the kind of Chili that Harry Truman would drive over to Westport Road in Kansas City to eat. Didn't last.
So, where can we get honest Red Chili downtown now...without going to a chain restaurant like Chili's? Send in your suggestions. There will be more Chili days soon!
A lot of people know that we make a very good Chili. A little mix, lots of tomatoes, pork and beef, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, a bunch of flavor and some love. But, out is out.
Several years ago, in the space most recently vacated by Zaidy's at Writer Square, a restaurant called Charlie and Barney's operated and sold Chili, and Chili with Cornbread, and Chili with Spaghetti. This group out of Indianapolis was trying to launch a very mid-western habit at high altitude. This was the kind of Chili that Harry Truman would drive over to Westport Road in Kansas City to eat. Didn't last.
So, where can we get honest Red Chili downtown now...without going to a chain restaurant like Chili's? Send in your suggestions. There will be more Chili days soon!
Schmuck Bus Driver Has Good Taste!
The danger of shuttle profiling. Over the years, Denver by the Slice has made a lot of trips on the Mall Shuttle. They seem to go back and forth on their own, faceless and without much flair. But, there is this one driver that I swear takes delight in closing the doors while looking at you about to board. Roaring off with people still in the crosswalk. Braking harder than necessary with full loads. And, generally making for a Ride less pleasant than most up 16th. I've even waited for the next shuttle upon seeing him behind the wheel.
Add to that his incessant cigarette break at either end of the trip. Every time. Now, perhaps it gets a bit boring to drive back and forth at the front of the rolling box. One other driver a couple of years ago used to add announcements at every block as to what businesses, restaurants or attractions could be found at each stop. I think he had sponsors. I miss that guy.
Back to my chosen smoker, rude, quick to leave guy. He shows up next to me today, checking out at Cook's Fresh Market at 16th and Glenarm. I am sorry, but I just never figured this guy would buy his lunch here. So, I apologize. At least the guy has good taste! It may even have been one of their Bistro Dinners.
http://www.cooksfreshmarket.com/
Add to that his incessant cigarette break at either end of the trip. Every time. Now, perhaps it gets a bit boring to drive back and forth at the front of the rolling box. One other driver a couple of years ago used to add announcements at every block as to what businesses, restaurants or attractions could be found at each stop. I think he had sponsors. I miss that guy.
Back to my chosen smoker, rude, quick to leave guy. He shows up next to me today, checking out at Cook's Fresh Market at 16th and Glenarm. I am sorry, but I just never figured this guy would buy his lunch here. So, I apologize. At least the guy has good taste! It may even have been one of their Bistro Dinners.
http://www.cooksfreshmarket.com/
08 February 2010
2 Weeks in One! Or, is it One Week in Two?
Denver Restaurant Week is upon us again. And, it has grown both in numbers of restaurants participating, and in length of time. The event is a project of Visit Denver. Two weeks this year, February 20-March 5. Restaurants are offering a multi-course meal for two people for just $52.80, or $26.40 for one person.
In Downtown Denver, just our neighborhood, fully 76 restaurants are participating. Most every place you would like to try or your regular favorites. A few notables apparently missed the memo, but you still have plenty to choose from. Check the ad in yesterday's Post, or better and faster is www.denver.org/denverrestaurant/. There you can shop, choose, check the special menus. Reserve early. As you might guess, great meals go down fast!
And, wholly unrelated, a food item that might not go down so fast was in the news today. It's the new McItaly Burger making its way onto the menu of the McFranchise's 392 locations in Italy. Imagine a McD burger made only with Italian beef and dressed with asiago cheese and artichoke sauce. Can you really dress up a sneaker?
In Downtown Denver, just our neighborhood, fully 76 restaurants are participating. Most every place you would like to try or your regular favorites. A few notables apparently missed the memo, but you still have plenty to choose from. Check the ad in yesterday's Post, or better and faster is www.denver.org/denverrestaurant/. There you can shop, choose, check the special menus. Reserve early. As you might guess, great meals go down fast!
And, wholly unrelated, a food item that might not go down so fast was in the news today. It's the new McItaly Burger making its way onto the menu of the McFranchise's 392 locations in Italy. Imagine a McD burger made only with Italian beef and dressed with asiago cheese and artichoke sauce. Can you really dress up a sneaker?
07 February 2010
Sunday Slice: Toy Story at the Art Store
For art supplies, of course there is only one place to go...just south of Downtown at 5th and Broadway. It's Meininger's. Canvas, paints, chalks, sketchbooks, brushes, easels, portfolios and Toys! The best toys for adult minds in the city.
Where else can you find a slice-of-bread size "stamp" that puts an image of the Eiffel Tower on your morning toast? And, where would you go to find a 1-1/2 cubic inch wind-up music box that plays "Stairway to Heaven"? Go there with or without the next artist you run into!
http://www.meininger.com/
http://www.meininger.com/
06 February 2010
Saturday Slice: Cafe Berlin!
Our order for Wienerschnitzel and Veal Bratwurst dinners was personally delivered by co-owner Marlene Garrett. And, in her own way, she announced, "Wienerschnitzel for the lady, and for you, Schnitzel in tights!" Zer Gut!
http://www.cafeberlindenver.com/
05 February 2010
Find out More about Union Station Redevelopment
Here are some links to more information about the station redelopment project:
http://www.unionstationdenver.com/
http://www.denverunionstation.org/
http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/
http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/
http://www.unionstationdenver.com/
http://www.denverunionstation.org/
http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/
http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/
Dig, Baby, Dig!
Life in Downtown Denver launched onto a new track today. Federal Transit Administration Administrator Peter Rogoff popped into town to deliver BIG news!
Not only will the Federal Government back the FasTracks projects for the Gold Line and East Corridor, but Union Station Redevelopment can now get underway.
Administrator Rogoff joined RTD’s General Manager Phil Washington, Colorado’s U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper for an announcement ceremony on the west side of Union Station. The main reason for the gathering had been the announcement of the Federal intention to help fund the next big steps in the FasTrack plan. “I see the trains!” exclaimed RTD’s Washington.
But, just as importantly to Downtown and the LoDo neighborhood, Rogoff also brought the long-awaited news of the final $300 million in Federal loans to the package of financing needed to start the Union Station Redevelopment. “All the funding is now in place”, announced the Administrator to the crowd of about 200.
(above: Rogoff, Bennet and the Mayor, r to l)
The crowd was ecstatic as most members of the involved stakeholders in the station project were there in the sunshine, along with all the politicos, press, neighborhood representatives and only a naysayer or two. This whole effort, approved by the voters in 2004 including the transit hub and FasTracks, was described as the single most ambitious transit project currently under way in the country.
As reported yesterday on Denver by the Slice, construction will begin immediately now that the funding is there. Watch initially for the start of moving the light rail tracks to the west and their new terminus…and the digging of a very big hole. Ultimately, thousands of new jobs will be created in the construction and the development of this transit hub. And, ultimately, we’ll be able to take the train to the airport. From the station.
Downtown residents should enjoy watching this all develop. Dig, Baby, Dig!
Not only will the Federal Government back the FasTracks projects for the Gold Line and East Corridor, but Union Station Redevelopment can now get underway.
Administrator Rogoff joined RTD’s General Manager Phil Washington, Colorado’s U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper for an announcement ceremony on the west side of Union Station. The main reason for the gathering had been the announcement of the Federal intention to help fund the next big steps in the FasTrack plan. “I see the trains!” exclaimed RTD’s Washington.
But, just as importantly to Downtown and the LoDo neighborhood, Rogoff also brought the long-awaited news of the final $300 million in Federal loans to the package of financing needed to start the Union Station Redevelopment. “All the funding is now in place”, announced the Administrator to the crowd of about 200.
(above: Rogoff, Bennet and the Mayor, r to l)
The crowd was ecstatic as most members of the involved stakeholders in the station project were there in the sunshine, along with all the politicos, press, neighborhood representatives and only a naysayer or two. This whole effort, approved by the voters in 2004 including the transit hub and FasTracks, was described as the single most ambitious transit project currently under way in the country.
As reported yesterday on Denver by the Slice, construction will begin immediately now that the funding is there. Watch initially for the start of moving the light rail tracks to the west and their new terminus…and the digging of a very big hole. Ultimately, thousands of new jobs will be created in the construction and the development of this transit hub. And, ultimately, we’ll be able to take the train to the airport. From the station.
Downtown residents should enjoy watching this all develop. Dig, Baby, Dig!
Union Station Funding is in Place!
Check back later this afternoon for the full story. Dig, Baby, Dig!
04 February 2010
Union Station: Construction Starting in 7 to 60 days!
A meeting with some real meat to it.
The Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association held it’s Annual Meeting last night (February 3) at Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian Steakhouse in LoDo. An overflow crowd of nearly 200 enjoyed a terrific array of appetizers and passed meat dishes. And, between bites, an important discussion of the redevelopment of Union Station took place.
The Business Meeting portion of the annual meeting included a special honor for departing board member, Shannon Gifford, honoring her 10 years of service, including a term as President. Four new board members were elected including Christine Santucci, Terry Hershey, Eric Nakata, Lara Davies. And, the baton was passed from Jim McCotter to Josh Davies as the new President.
This busy neighborhood association highlighted the year’s activities and involvement in such projects as the Children’s Playground, LoDo Lights, the Holiday Project, the Good Neighbor Committee and the popular Women’s Series of programs.
And, more meat! A distinguished panel of principals updated the group on the Union Station redevelopment. Councilwoman Judy Montero, Bill Mosher, Diane Barrett from the Mayor's office and Tom Gougeon spoke to the specifics. This project is waiting for final funding approval which is expected, literally, any day. Construction will start immediately, so look for activity within 7 to 60 days!
This “public/private” partnership has put together a creative funding package to start work on moving utilities, grading and dirt removal, moving the Light Rail station, building the underground bus terminal, accommodating commuter rail and putting the transit portion in place for the surrounding commercial development expected.
One of those commercial buildings should break ground soon, the IMA building as the north “wing” building adjacent to the station. Look for more development announcements soon.
Lamb chops, chicken bits, rib-eye and a lot of information about this important LoDo project. All prime!
The Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association held it’s Annual Meeting last night (February 3) at Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian Steakhouse in LoDo. An overflow crowd of nearly 200 enjoyed a terrific array of appetizers and passed meat dishes. And, between bites, an important discussion of the redevelopment of Union Station took place.
The Business Meeting portion of the annual meeting included a special honor for departing board member, Shannon Gifford, honoring her 10 years of service, including a term as President. Four new board members were elected including Christine Santucci, Terry Hershey, Eric Nakata, Lara Davies. And, the baton was passed from Jim McCotter to Josh Davies as the new President.
This busy neighborhood association highlighted the year’s activities and involvement in such projects as the Children’s Playground, LoDo Lights, the Holiday Project, the Good Neighbor Committee and the popular Women’s Series of programs.
And, more meat! A distinguished panel of principals updated the group on the Union Station redevelopment. Councilwoman Judy Montero, Bill Mosher, Diane Barrett from the Mayor's office and Tom Gougeon spoke to the specifics. This project is waiting for final funding approval which is expected, literally, any day. Construction will start immediately, so look for activity within 7 to 60 days!
This “public/private” partnership has put together a creative funding package to start work on moving utilities, grading and dirt removal, moving the Light Rail station, building the underground bus terminal, accommodating commuter rail and putting the transit portion in place for the surrounding commercial development expected.
One of those commercial buildings should break ground soon, the IMA building as the north “wing” building adjacent to the station. Look for more development announcements soon.
Lamb chops, chicken bits, rib-eye and a lot of information about this important LoDo project. All prime!
03 February 2010
Just How Smart are these Meters, Anyway?
Right of Way Enforcement, part of Denver Public Works, apparently liked the program well enough in the test. They plan to have "Smart Card" outlets where keys were previously sold, and perhaps others. The Smart Card can be charged up and used in place of the popular parking keys. Parking meters generate over $8.5 million for the city annually. A tidy business.
And, with the advent of Smart Meters, another partner gets in on the food chain. The banks. Bank fees are charged on any card transaction. In the 6-month test, the city planned $4,500 for bank fees. If I do the math, even just closely, a year's worth of 3500 meters should yield about $225,000 spread around the friendly banks. They are always in there somewhere, aren't they. Who's the smartest?
02 February 2010
Everyone is Welcome at the LoDoNA Annual Meeting!
Wednesday, February 3 and everyone is invited! The gathering starts at 5:15, Fogo de Chao, 15th and Wynkoop. Drinks, great food, and an informative meeting about the Union Station Project.
Your $10 admission (members, $15 for non-members) gets you a free drink as well as those great appetizers including meat on a stick and much, much more. This is your chance to the see the neighborhood association in action, and to join or renew. New program. New location. New friends!
And, on Thursday, if you don't make it, read what you missed right here on Denver by the Slice!
Your $10 admission (members, $15 for non-members) gets you a free drink as well as those great appetizers including meat on a stick and much, much more. This is your chance to the see the neighborhood association in action, and to join or renew. New program. New location. New friends!
And, on Thursday, if you don't make it, read what you missed right here on Denver by the Slice!
Downtown's LoDog Sees Shadow, Predicts...
For the lucky 13th time, this dog ventured out on February 2 to look for his shadow and try to make some sense of it. Ramon, the house weiner dog of Denver by the Slice, indeed saw his shadow today.
The tradition, of course, is based on some old German folklore that claims six more weeks of winter will ensue if a hibernating mammal sees his shadow on February 2. A snooze alarm for the critter. Somehow the job got filtered down to a groundhog in Pennsylvania. This dog, however, qualifies as a mammal that sleeps most of the time, so let's give the job to him.
He and the hog reached slightly different conclusions. Ramon predicts some cold days in February, early spring buds, a snowstorm in April, and one Rockies rainout in May. Sort of like it always is. Then he went back to sleep.
The tradition, of course, is based on some old German folklore that claims six more weeks of winter will ensue if a hibernating mammal sees his shadow on February 2. A snooze alarm for the critter. Somehow the job got filtered down to a groundhog in Pennsylvania. This dog, however, qualifies as a mammal that sleeps most of the time, so let's give the job to him.
He and the hog reached slightly different conclusions. Ramon predicts some cold days in February, early spring buds, a snowstorm in April, and one Rockies rainout in May. Sort of like it always is. Then he went back to sleep.
01 February 2010
Meet the Neighbors! Adam Lerner of the Museum of Contemporary Art
This quick interview ran last Friday in Westword. http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2010/01/back_talk_adam_lerner_wants_to.php
Adam is a friend. He directs a fine museum. And, it's in our neighborhood! Get to know him a bit, and then get to know the Museum of Contemporary Art at 15th and Delgany. It's almost Ground Hog Day. You can do it!
Adam is a friend. He directs a fine museum. And, it's in our neighborhood! Get to know him a bit, and then get to know the Museum of Contemporary Art at 15th and Delgany. It's almost Ground Hog Day. You can do it!
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