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City Cast Denver

The Denver Broncos officially announced this week that they have chosen the vacant 

 as their preferred location for a new stadium, a massive project that reportedly will be privately funded. So, what does the move mean for the city and its beloved football team? Here’s everything you need to know.

There’s been a national trend of sports teams looking to expand their prospects with entertainment districts surrounding state-of-the-art stadiums, and it sounds like Broncos ownership is no different. Plus, the average lifespan of a sports stadium is only a few decades – Empower Field at Mile High opened in 2001 and while it is less than 30 years old, newer arenas of this size offer retractable roofs, better seating, and other amenities Denver doesn’t currently have.

The West side was once the epicenter of Denver's Chicano Movement and is already in a fight to preserve that history, so a development of this magnitude would have some serious implications. Broncos ownership currently owns around 100 acres in Burnham Yard — considered part of the historic West side as well as being a place of significance in 

 — and is looking to acquire more land for what it hopes to develop into an entertainment district with retail and housing around the new stadium.

As with any growing community, some neighbors are excited at the prospect of new amenities and better walkability, but others say they feel somber and fear 

 to live in the neighborhood. For their part, the Walton-Penner ownership group see themselves as a community partner looking to build their vision with input from folks who already live there. Much like the community-involved negotiations happening at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s neighboring redevelopment around Ball Arena, Broncos ownership says it is “fully committed to a strong and inclusive 

There’s a collective sigh of relief that the team plans to stay in Denver. 

 had been rumored as potential relocation options, but the most excited Denverite was perhaps Mayor Mike Johnston, who touted his administration’s efforts to keep the team within Denver proper during his latest State of the City Address.

Mayor Johnston told Denverite that the city would get possession of the 80 acres around Mile High when the team moves, and that 

 to make way for future development like parks and housing.

The short answer: it’s projected for 2031. The team is obviously keen on making it happen, but there are a lot of things that must be done before the new stadium becomes a reality — more on that below.

CU Denver professor of public affairs Dr. Geoff Propheter told us “everyone is just speculating up the wazoo,” adding that the team’s announcement is all about political momentum.

Councilwoman Jamie Torres — whose district includes the proposed stadium site — 

 that City Council would have four key decisions to make in the coming years: an approval of the small area plan for Burnham Yard, rezoning of the land, possible tax incentives for the urban renewal plan, and a development agreement. The team will also have to hash out a community benefits agreement with the current residents of the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood.

In the short term, expect a lot of town hall meetings and community engagement. The project has a lot of energy, but it’s nowhere near the goal line.

RE: New Broncos Stadium

What Do You Think About the Broncos Moving? 💬

What You Need to Know About The Broncos Move to Burnham Yard

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

The City Cast Denver team recently hosted a members-only event at the new-ish Schoolyard Beer Garden in the Golden Triangle neighborhood and it got me thinking. If you’re a 

 and joined us — or you’ve stopped by Schoolyard for a beer — you might have wondered about the gorgeous building. Yes, it used to be a school, but what’s the story behind this beautiful piece of Denver architecture?

The building at 1115 Acoma St. was built in 1904 and designed by architect David W. Dryden as the prototype for Denver’s public schools. You can see Dryden’s other work in the Renaissance Revival design of local schools like North High and the Steele Elementary School. The Evans Elementary School opened in 1905 — named after then-governor John Evans, who donated the land for the project.

For much of its 69-year history as an educational space, Evans School was the only one in the Denver area serving children who were deaf, blind, or living with physical disabilities. The school’s enrollment took a hit after the white flight to the suburbs in the 1960s, eventually leading to its closure in the early 1970s.

There was a looming prospect of demolition after Evans School closed, so Denverites Richard and Alan Eber purchased the property at auction in 1974 for $620,000 in an effort to save the building, despite having no real plans for it. The Ebers renovated many parts of the old school, but it sat mostly vacant for more than 40 years until it was sold for $18 million in 2019 and immediately sold again for $11 million.

Before opening in its current form, the school was temporarily home to nearly 60 artists who utilized the freshly-remodeled building as studio space through RedLine Gallery’s Satellite Studio program. Eventually, the artists were uprooted to make way for the Schoolyard Beer Garden.

Schoolyard Beer Garden and Schoolyard Cafe opened in April 2025, repurposing the first floor and 5,000 square-foot outdoor patio into a casual food and beer hall. As for the rest of the vintage structure, developers have plans to add retail and offices on the second and third floors, and turn the 4,000-square-foot auditorium into an event space.

How this historic building went from an elementary school to a modern beer hall and event space.

The History of Denver's Evans School Building

Denver History

People, places, and scenes from Denver's past.

A Day In Denver History

There’s been a lot of news about Business Improvement Districts, or BIDs, throughout the city lately. RiNo 

 for 10 years; Broadway is looking to create a General Improvement District; and the Downtown Denver BID is part of the efforts to revive 16th Street, including 

 of commercial property owners and the approval of City Council. A majority of the owners of commercial property in the designated area must petition for the BID.

Once formed, a BID can collect fees from businesses or ask voters to levy special taxes on consumers to fund improvements and services within the designated area in an effort to benefit the community. Some areas with BIDs include RiNo, Cherry Creek, Colfax, and Downtown.

BIDs are led by an elected board and executive director.

BIDs can use the funding they raise to pay for services like security, marketing, additional trash collection, snow removal, and event management. The funds can also pay for capital improvements like sidewalk enhancements, crosswalks, signs, and wayfinding.

The services and improvements are in addition to regular services and maintenance provided by the city.

In addition to BIDs, neighborhoods can implement 

 (GIDs), which work similarly, but include residential property owners as well as commercial.

GIDs levy taxes on all property owners within the district to pay for local improvements — think 

Another example would be if a Broadway GID is formed, it could help finance the annual neighborhood Broadway Halloween Parade by covering parade barriers and event security.

: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the type of special district that the Broadway neighborhood is trying to implement. The Broadway area is hoping to create a General Improvement District. We apologize for the error.

A break down of what business improvements districts are and how they work.

Denver's Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Explained

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Explained

It’s Black History Month, and we’re zooming in on the historic center of Denver’s Black community: The Welton Street corridor. This commercial and cultural hub has been home to legendary businesses — like the 

, which hosted famous guests like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington — and was a renowned part of Five Points’ reputation as “The Harlem of the West.” Fast-forward to today and the blocks of Welton Street are still buzzing with both new and established Black-owned businesses. Here are just a few of our faves:

From chicken and waffles and beignets to avocado toast and lox and bagels, 

 is the spot for brunch on the block. But as the name suggests,

 the beverages — try one of their drink towers featuring 12 flutes of mimosas in a rainbow of flavors!

👐 Foster Community at Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center

Brother Jeff Fard has been a staple in local art and activism circles for decades, and 

 is a welcome extension of that ongoing community work. Serving as a gathering place, art gallery, educational hub, food access point, and so much more, Brother Jeff welcomes the Black community and beyond to learn, connect, celebrate, and take action in this space.

Combining the cool timelessness of a jazz club with the innovations of a modern brewery, 

 is the perfect place to start or end an evening out. Grab an in-house brew or a craft cocktail and choose from live jazz, trivia games, dance nights, brunch, and more from the bar’s packed calendar.

🫖 Sip and Savor at TeaLee’s Tea House

, visitors are encouraged to let the conversation simmer over high tea, finger sandwiches, and soul music in a “relaxing afro-centric atmosphere.” Stay up to date on events at TeaLee’s, like author talks, tea parties, and live poetry, by following them on 

🧘 Find Healing and Connection at Urban Sanctuary

’s mission is about more than just yoga — the vision laid out by founder Ali Duncan is to foster a healing space centered on social justice where members of marginalized communities can practice mindfulness, find connection, and fight back against systemic oppression.

🍽️ Experience the New and Improved Welton Street Cafe

The Dickerson family is back on the block, serving up all their cult-followed favorites like catfish, cornbread, jerked chicken, collard greens, and more. But this new version of 

 is even better than before — Welton Street Cafe now features a fully stocked bar and double the dining space.

Other Places to Celebrate Black History Month

 | Feb. 11 | Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors

 | Feb. 15, 22 | Businesses along Welton Street

Resilience: Black History Month Fashion Show

It’s Black History Month, and we’re zooming in on the historic center of Denver’s Black community: The Welton Street corrid

A Guide to Denver's Black-Owned Businesses on Welton Street in Five Points

Where to Celebrate Black History Month on Welton Street

Everything to know about Denver neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Denver Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

If you consume eggs and live in Colorado, maybe you’re wondering the same thing we are: Where have all the eggs gone?? Local grocery store shelves have been noticeably barren. And when you 

 able to finally get your hands on some — why the heck are they so expensive?? We did some digging. Here’s what we found 🕵️ 🥚

 Because of Colorado’s New Cage-Free Egg Law

If you thought the egg shortage and price increase might

 prohibiting the sale of eggs that don’t meet “cage-free” standards, you weren’t alone. But alas, the timing 

. The Colorado Egg Producers organization says farmers have been preparing for the legislative change since the law was initially passed in 2020 — so don’t @ them for the state’s current egg predicament.

Here’s what you need to know about the new cage-free egg law, and several other 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu. Last year, Colorado led the nation in a devastating outbreak of bird flu that infected nearly 

, wiping out much of the state’s egg-laying hen population — ergo the shortage; ergo the steeper costs to transport eggs from other states. In fact, experts 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s daily price report for Jan. 13, the 

price of a dozen large white eggs for the region including Colorado 

 — which lines up with the $7-plus pricetags I’m seeing at my local stores. (Count your blessings, the price in Meeker was 

Both finance and agriculture experts say 

 until poultry farmers can recover their flocks — but with new cases of bird flu continuing to roll in, it’s hard to say when that will be. My advice? Buckle up for a long ride and find a friend who owns chickens.

Spoiler: It's not the state's new egg law.

Why You Can't Find Affordable Eggs in Colorado Right Now

Where Are All the Eggs? And Why Are They So Expensive?

Last week, the City of Denver awarded the designation of “Legacy Business” to 

 across the Mile High — from deeply rooted locales like Bonnie Brae Ice Cream and El Taco de Mexico to hipper, newer hangs like X Bar and Olive & Finch. It’s a fancy title, for sure. But what does it actually entail? Here’s what it means:

What Is the Denver ‘Legacy Business’ Program?

In September 2023, Denver’s Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) 

 to launch the city’s first-ever Legacy Business program modeled on successful examples from other cities around the country. The goal was to “protect and strengthen" small, locally owned businesses by “taking a broad range of steps to support [them] and help them succeed.”

DEDO awarded the first round of “Legacy Business” designations earlier this year to 12 businesses located within one of Denver’s 18 

Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization (NEST) neighborhoods

. For Round 2, applications were open to 

 Denver business that met the program's requirements, and another 37 places were added to the list.

Now, with the most recent 36 additions, the city’s Legacy Business Registry swells to a 

, representing 43 different Denver neighborhoods.

According to DEDO, the designation is reserved for “longstanding, independent businesses that have contributed to community character and vitality and hold cultural significance.” But beyond that, the more 

Have annual gross revenue between $30,000 and $5 million

Operate a brick-and-mortar within the city

Are in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office

Are compliant with all city, state, and federal taxing authorities

Any Denver business that meets those requirements can apply for a designation when applications are open. A business can also be 

. Then, program officials determine which businesses receive designation, giving priority to businesses facing “vulnerability to displacement pressures.”

One important thing to note is what Denver Legacy Businesses 

get, which is money. There are no grants or loans connected to the designation. What awardees do get is:

Public recognition and networking opportunities

Marketing support, technical assistance, and resource training provided by the city

Spotlighting any small, locally owned business is always a good thing! But there’s no doubt that 

Legacy businesses

Who would you nominate? 📧

Who qualifies and what comes with the distinct designation? 

What Is a Denver Legacy Business?

March is Women's History Month, so we're highlighting some of our favorite local businesses owned and operated by women. From restaurants and breweries to buzzy boutiques and community-centered nonprofits, here are few places where you can go to shop and support women-owned businesses this month and all year long.

From cat cafes and craft breweries to nationally acclaimed baked goods and soul food, these local ladies are bringing the flavor to Denver’s dining scene. Below are just a few fan-favorite Denver bakeries, bars, and restaurants owned and operated by women.

A brewery and pizzeria designed intentionally for patrons and staff with disabilities. 

A locally focused brewery with a mission to support and empower women, girls, and nonbinary community members.

A small, vibrant cocktail lounge inspired by the unconventional, globe-trotting 

, who loved any excuse to travel and a good story.

Laura Reynolds, Sara Bencomo, and Lisa Herman, 

An award-winning, nationally acclaimed bakery with the simple mission of crafting pastries that bring happiness. 

A French-inspired, from-scratch bakery also offering brunch, lunch, and a space for community gathering.

An undoubtedly unique take on baked goods that combine Han’s love for hip hop, her Asian heritage, and that universal pursuit of happiness. 

Colorado’s first fast-casual, health-focused Ethiopian dining experience. 

With plans to relaunch in a new location very soon, this family-owned soul food staple remains a culinary and cultural pillar in the Five Points community. 

A neighborhood gem specializing in organic craft coffee and fresh baked pastries.

One of the country’s first cat cafés, committed to protecting, sheltering, and finding fur-ever homes for Denver cats and kittens.

A Five Points tea house centered on the “art of conversation and engagement.”

Ethical fashion and small-batch beauty products, handmade jewelry and custom stationery — here are just a few local, women-owned boutiques where you can shop and support the bright, brilliant lady entrepreneurs of Denver.


An employee-owned craft supply store — your “haven for all things textile and fiber-related.”

Beautifully designed memory-keeping journals for parents.

Handmade notebooks, greeting cards, and other stationery from Denver’s only brick-and-mortar paperie.

A candle shop with a mission of encouraging intentional self-care and healing mental health. 

Refillable and sustainable household, beauty, and personal care products for an eco-friendly lifestyle.

A sex-positive boutique offering a safe, fun, inclusive space to learn about and explore your sexuality. 

Hair and skin care products for Black women.

A Certified Green lifestyle boutique pedaling home decor, children’s toys, handmade jewelry, and small-batch self-care products. 

A chocolate shop and gourmet coffee bar founded on the health benefits of all natural chocolate. 

A one-stop-shop for plant-lovers offering workshops, classes, and community connection. 

Creative custom gift boxes filled with locally sourced products and goodies. 

A clothing boutique founded on ethical, sustainable sourcing. 

These Denver organizations center on community, giving back, and furthering boss lady legacies. These are local agencies built by women for women and other communities who have historically faced oppression and discrimination.

An online directory dedicated to empowering Colorado’s small Black-owned businesses.

Crystal Egli and Parker McMullen Bushman, 

A digital guide that lists and ranks local businesses and community spaces based on their commitment to inclusivity and reputation for being a safe, welcoming environment for people of marginalized identities. 

A virtual and in-person community for new and expectant parents to find emotional and physical support, lasting friendships, and educational resources. 

A nonprofit promoting economic equity in outdoor recreation through education and excursion opportunities. 

Founded by Jossy Eyre in 1989, this nonprofit social enterprise / food manufacturer provides job training and employment to women facing social and economic barriers in the workforce.

Founded in 1986 by Toni Schmid and Kathy Carfrae, The Gathering Place still operates today as a resource for women, transgender and non-binary individuals, and children facing poverty and instability.

Sonya Ulibarri, GIMD aims to foster safe spaces for young girls and women to reach their full potential.

A retail space for independent female makers and artisans to showcase their work. 

A creative event space catering to local small businesses, especially those centered on the BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities.

Denver’s only 100% female owned coffee roaster supporting women farmers around the world. 

 👉 Give Your Fave Women-Owned Business a Shoutout!

Here are a few fan-favorite women-owned businesses to support during Women's History Month and all year round!


Get to Know Denver’s Women-Owned Businesses

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

From brand new boots to pre-loved snap button shirts, here are some of the best places in town to add a little giddy-up to your getup.

 I highly recommend this spot if you’re on the hunt for a comfortable pair of Western boots. I own three pairs and they’re some of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.

 If you’re willing to spend a good chunk of your paycheck on a great outfit, this is your spot. I would risk it all for their sheepskin coats.

 One of my favorite stores, they have an impressive inventory and some of the nicest staff.

For my fellow vaqueros, these spots have the look you want.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to add some Western flare to your wardrobe. Instead, shop second-hand at the 

: Did you know that the snap button “Western shirt” was invented in Denver? After seeing bull riders rip their shirts at the rodeo, cowboy Jack A. Weil had the idea of adding snap buttons so that the shirt would unbutton if got caught in a bull’s horns. Weil purchased a five-story building in downtown Denver in 1948, where Rockmount has been selling its iconic sawtooth pearl snap button shirts and other Western goods ever since.

We spoke to Rockmount Ranch Wear President Steve Weil about 

that time when the Stock Show almost left Denver forever.

From brand new boots to pre-loved snap button shirts, here are some of the best places in town to add a little giddy-up to your ’fit.

business

What You Need to Know About The Broncos Move to Burnham Yard

The History of Denver's Evans School Building

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Explained

Latest articles

What You Need to Know About The Broncos Move to Burnham Yard

The History of Denver's Evans School Building

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Explained

Where to Celebrate Black History Month on Welton Street

Where Are All the Eggs? And Why Are They So Expensive?

What Is a Denver Legacy Business?

Get to Know Denver’s Women-Owned Businesses

Latest articles

Where to Celebrate Black History Month on Welton Street

Where Are All the Eggs? And Why Are They So Expensive?

What Is a Denver Legacy Business?

Get to Know Denver’s Women-Owned Businesses

Where to Giddy-Up Your Getup in Denver

How Tecovas is Keeping Denver's Western Spirit Alive

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