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Apr
03
Posted by Jennifer Allan
Those of us who know and love the Charming Old Denver neighborhoods have a soft spot in our hearts for older homes - we love our Tudors, our Bungalows, our Victorians, our cottages and our Denver Squares. We happily put up with an appalling lack of electrical outlets, virtually non-existent closet space, garages built for Model T’s and so on. You know what I mean.
But as our families have grown (or, ahem, we’ve “matured”), we’re noticing that these Charming Old Homes don’t quite meet our needs the way they used to. We kinda want the amenities of newer construction, but are loath to give up our City life to get them. What to do, what to do?
The answer? In-fill construction.
In-fill construction is nothing new in Denver - they’ve been doing it all over town for at least a decade. But the trend is relatively new to my part of the world - that is - Northwest Denver. When I left Denver a few years ago for my writing sabbatical, there was some new construction here in the ‘hood - specifically at Highland Garden Village (Old Elitch’s), East Bay near Sloan’s Lake, a few condo projects in what is now hot LoHi and some random attached homes scattered around. But the attached homes didn’t sell well and many of the local Old House Snobs (myself included) had a tendency to look down their/our noses at the tiny lots and vinyl-sided exteriors of the new developments.
Well, no more!
Northwest Denver is now exploding with in-fill new construction! Some, even, at reasonable prices! Admittedly, many of the new homes are attached - that is - they’re duplex style where each side is sold separately, but you can get some serious square footage and generous amenities, including gourmet kitchens, master suites, awesome finished basements and rooftop decks. Most have usable yards and two-car garages. Yeah, I love my 1927 Bungalow, but I’ll admit, walk-in closets, plentiful outlets and a garage that comfortably holds a Subaru are seductive, even to this Old House Snob…
Tomorrow… How does the neighborhood feel about all this development?
The next day… In-fill construction in Northwest Denver - What, where and how much?
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Apr
02
Posted by Jennifer Allan
I was away from Denver for two years - two years and six weeks to be exact. Got back to town in January. Love it, love it.
So, to celebrate my return home, here’s a little tribute to Denver…
Denver Is….
…Friendly
I’ve yet to leave the house for any sort of errand and not had a pleasant conversation with someone - a conversation that left me smiling on my way to the next pleasant conversation. Now, that may not sound like much to you, but I’m not at all a people-person and I tend to retreat into my own little world when I’m in public. People are so nice here! I’m inspired to hold up the tradition!
…Healthy
In my two years away, I’d forgotten how darn healthy this town is. 2 degrees outside? No problem! You still see people biking and jogging (not me). I’ve yet to see a cigarette and last night I couldn’t find a parking space at the new organic grocery store in my neighborhood. When I tell someone I’m gluten-free (can’t eat wheat), nine times out of ten they know what I’m talking about.
…Sunny
My first day here, last Sunday, was so darn sunny I could hardly stand it. Where else on the planet do you have Sun Glare reports in conjunction with the local traffic reports? Seriously, the sunshine is fabulous and can make an otherwise chilly day feel like spring. Maybe all the sunshine is why people are so friendly?
…Dry
Dry is good… except while you’re adjusting. I had a pot of boiling water on my stove for weeks which needed replenishing every hour. Chapstick is never far from reach. When I put on my moisturizing lotion in the morning (at 41, I gotta think ahead, y’know), I have to add more 15 minutes later. But, once my body got re-used to it, dry is great. There really IS such a thing as “dry” cold and “dry” heat, both of which make temperature extremes much more bearable.
…Easy to Navigate
On my way to Denver from Alabama, I stopped off in Kansas City to see family. Got lost, lost, lost and lost again. I grew up there, for gawd’s sake! Denver? All grid. Straight lines that intersect at perfect right angles; even the highways are pretty much straight and uncomplicated. Oh, and most of the streets in Central Denver are alphabetical! How cool is that??? (e.g. Zenobia, Yates, Xavier, Wolff, Vrain, Utica, etc.).
…Home
It just feels right. It’s good to be home.
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Apr
02
Posted by Jennifer Allan
My Favorite Restaurant on the Planet - Highland’s Garden Cafe
My birthday was February 26. I’m 41 years young.
To celebrate, I convinced a friend to take me to Highland’s Garden Café, which, in years past, was where I always celebrated my Big Day. But I haven’t been there in five years or so, so I was curious to see if it was as fabulous as I remembered.
For the uninitiated, HGC is on 32nd Avenue at Perry Street, in Northwest Denver. It’s built into two Victorian homes and has amazing patios for summer al fresco dining. The interior is delightful – exposed brick, wood floors, beautiful murals on the walls.
You’ll be happy to know that HGC is every bit as wonderful as it always has been. The ambience, the service, the food and the wine… all (dramatically kissing my fingers) superb. Expensive, but worth it.
I’d just like to add that our server, Molly, was only on her second night at the restaurant. Well, Molly, meet Jennifer – NW Denver’s fussiest eater! I have several food sensitivities and I’m getting (in)famous for grilling the wait staff for an ingredient list of every item. She handled me beautifully and never made me feel the slightest bit annoying. That’s important to me!!! So, thanks, Molly!
So… a big thumb’s up to my still-favorite-restaurant-on-the-planet! I’ll be back!
