Metro moves: Downtown Denver’s Giggling Grizzly will close in July
Courtesy photo, Monfort Co.
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Downtown Denver’s Giggling Grizzly closing
A nearly 30-year-old bar in Lower Downtown (LoDo) is closing on July 6, the owner of the Giggling Grizzly announced on Facebook.
The sports bar on 1320 20th St., a block away from Coors Field, is set to be redeveloped alongside the building once home to the former jazz club El Chalpultepec.
“As many of you know, some local developers bought the building that the Giggling Grizzly has been doing business in for nearly 30 years,” the post said.
The building was bought by Monfort Companies, a development venture run by Kenneth Monfort, son and nephew of Colorado Rockies’ owners.
Last year, Monfort Co.’s Director of Business Development Matt Runyon confirmed the Giggling Grizzly’s lease will not be renewed as the developers plan to combine the two buildings to host a new food and beverage concept as they did with their Whiskey Row and Riot House project down the block.
Its not clear when the project will break ground as the developers are also pursuing extra funding from the newly-expanded Denver Downtown Development Authority to support the costs from the design process and stakeholder outreach.
The project faced several delays due to concerns from historic preservationists wanting to save the former jazz club space next door and officials requiring the design meet the neighborhood’s historic guidelines.
The Giggling Grizzly plans to host a final celebration for the July 4th weekend, when Coors Field will be active with Colorado Rockies games and fireworks shows.
“Although our time in LoDo is coming to an end, the memories will last a lifetime,” the Giggling Grizzly’s post said.
A rendering of 2nd & Adams in Denver's Cherry Creek North.
Courtesy photo, Magnetic Capital.
A rendering of 2nd & Adams in Denver’s Cherry Creek North.
Boulder-local and ‘The Bear’ chef consultant opening restaurant at Cherry Creek North
A new place to dine is coming to Cherry Creek North’s new development 2nd & Adams.
Magnetic Capital, the developers of the project, announced last week that hospitality company Boka Restaurant Group will make its Denver debut and spearhead a ground-floor and a rooftop restaurant on its property.
The restaurants will be led by Chef Brian Lockwood, a culinary talent from Boulder and a consultant on Hulu’s hit TV series “The Bear.” He previously worked at Boulder’s Frasca Food & Wine and helped lead New York City’s Eleven Madison Park when it earned three Michelin stars.
More details about the restaurant concepts are set to be released later in the summer, according to Magnetic Capital.
The project 2nd & Adams, a mixed-use office and retail building, is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
“Partnering with Boka Restaurant Group and Chef Brian Lockwood ensures that 2nd & Adams will become a true destination that redefines the culinary landscape of Cherry Creek,” said Chris Carroll, managing partner of Magnetic Capital, in a press release.
FILE PHOTO: Cars drive past Coors Field on Friday, June 28, 2024, the namesake of Denver's Ballpark Neighborhood. (Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Stephen Swofford/Denver Gazette
FILE PHOTO: Cars drive past Coors Field on Friday, June 28, 2024, the namesake of Denver’s Ballpark Neighborhood. (Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)
Ballpark General Improvement District names first executive director
Downtown Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood has its first leader to run the new district approved by voters last year.
Kate McKenna will be the first executive director of the Ballpark General Improvement District, the district’s advisory board announced.
McKenna is a Ballpark resident and has leadership experience running Chicago’s Wrigleyville Business Improvement District as its director of community development.
McKenna worked on community interests amidst large commercial developments and disruptive city projects around Wrigley field when she worked for the BID, as well as working with organizations such as the Chicago Cubs.
Her work focused on helping the hospitality industry overcome struggles during the off season and improving public safety and city perceptions.
Downtown Denver's 'donut-hole' problem: Can a Ballpark taxing district fix it?
The board led a nationwide search after voters last November voted to create a general improvement district to fund beautification and safety investments in the neighborhood surrounding Coors Field in LoDo.
McKenna was a “leading candidate” out of 361 applicants, according to the Ballpark board.
“Kate’s experience, resourcefulness and vision for urban neighborhoods was impressive,” said Marti Page, the GID’s board chair. “The fact that she is already a Ballpark resident positions her to hit the ground running.”
She began her role on June 4.