Platt Park and Washington Park Business Update
There is always a lot happening around in the neighborhood with local businesses so let’s hit some of the highlights in our business update
Jacks on Pearl opening in Spring.
Located at 1475 S Pearl St, the site of the former Tavern on Pearl, Jack’s was originally reported to be opening in December of 2021 but as things often go in construction, that date has now been revised to ‘Spring of 2022’. Jack’s is easily the biggest and most expensive endeavor happening on Pearl Street right now in the restaurant category. I recently met with the general manager and had a tour of the completely renovated space. Gone is everything on the main floor that was reminiscent of the Tavern. The main floor now will be the primary dining area that will feature an open kitchen and wood fired ovens. There is a bar to one side and a chef’s table for those who want a more interesting culinary experience. For Oyster lovers (me) there will be an Oyster Bar which should be fun. Upstairs is vaguely similar to the Tavern as they largely kept the central bar but the space and bar have been completely made over. The large outdoor patio remains intact which was, in my opinion, the best feature of the Tavern.
Too soon to give menu details but seems they are bent on creating a wonderful dining experience that they hope will appeal to both the neighborhood and beyond. You can keep informed by visiting their website at Jacksonpearldenver.com.
The Ruffly Rose undergoes major expansion
Located at 1611 S Pearl the Ruffly Rose recently underwent a major expansion taking over the space to the north that has seen numerous businesses come and go over the years. The building now has the signature bright ‘rose’ color of the original building which is still in full operation. I dropped by to chat with the owner Emily Rodriquez to see what is happening. She quickly reminded me that 2021 was the ten-year anniversary of the Ruffly Rose which is remarkable in and of itself. Emily shared that the space limitations of the original building has always been a challenge so when the next-door space became available, she jumped at it.
The new space has allowed Emily to expand their offerings to include not just flowers but an assortment of home decorations, clothing apparel, jewelry and larger house plants. The space is beautiful and inviting—as is the original building. They now also offer flower arraigning classes which you check out online at TheRufflyRose.com. As for someone who grew up in the area Emily is so happy to have built a successful business where she has always called home and she is especially grateful to all the neighbors who have helped make this successful.
New apartment and retail building at 1250 S Pearl St
Long gone now is the old Buchtel Motors that used to grace the corner of Buchtel and South Pearl. In its place is a new ‘High-end boutique living experience” (aka apartments) being constructed by Narrate of Denver. It appears the property will be named The Wayfarer on South Pearl. The building will consist of 72 units for rent and two ground floor retail spaces, one of which the developer anticipates to be leased to a restaurant. As apartment buildings go this one appears to be fairly attractive. You can see a rendering at Narrateco.com/portfolio if you want to take a peek. The website advertising the apartments mentions, “Not a cookie cutter, boxed-in and boring apartment community for the masses. Wayfarer is a home for the consummate local, the connoisseur, the world wanderer who recognizes true modern craftsmanship and a tangible feeling of purpose”. Sounds like we all need to move in. No schedule has been set for opening but from the looks of it I’d expect completion to be sometime late summer or fall 2022.
Denver Digs Trees offers trees on the cheap
Denver Digs Trees, a local non-profit is holding their annual tree planting project. We received two trees from them years ago and they are now providing wonderful summer shade and fall color to our home. You can get a tree for $35 dollars. You can apply by calling 303-722-6262 or at The Park People.org. Deadline is approaching fast so don’t delay.
La Chiva moves locations on Broadway
This Broadway staple recently relocated to 1446 S Broadway to take advantage of that space which opened up during the pandemic. Chiva serves authentic Colombian food and has been a consistent Westwood magazine “Best of Denver” winner. Chef, owner and Colombian native Jorge Aguirre has made it his goal to bring the unique tastes of his homeland to Colorado. If you’ve never been, go check them out at their new location. https://www.lachivacolombian.com/
Tidbits
And last tidbits for now. New store at 1804 S Pearl St, Buffalo Mountain Apparel Company. Was not able to reach anyone at the time of this writing but looks like a fun store with both apparel and home good. This is a branch store of the original which is located in Breckenridge. I’m also intrigued by what is cooking next door that used to be part of the Yoga studio. The owners of the beautiful closed garden and meditation area have applied to the city for a variance to open some sort of restaurant or food related business. No details at this time, just rumors, I guess. Stay tuned.
Always so much going on in the neighborhood which is one of the fun parts of living here. As we move through the winter and spring, I certainly hope you and your loved ones stay healthy and have a wonderful start to the year. May this Covid thing finally come to some form of a conclusion—we’ll see.
See you around the neighborhood.
Tom Snyder