Spotlight

Cinco De Mayo Cruising – A Bittersweet Affair

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

Alberto Sigura plays music for tips on Federal—Denver Post, RJ Sangosti

Cruising Federal celebrating Cinco De Mayo is a bittersweet affair for businesses and residents along Federal. Years past has seen various forms of neighborhood disruption, heated discussions among community members and people enjoying an opportunity to celebrate history and culture. This year in contrast to years past, cruising along north Federal was near non-existent. There was no traffic disruptions north of W. 6th Avenue, according to local Police District 1 staff. Cruising has consistently decreased the past two or three years. Levels of cruising has decreased at lessor rates south along Federal, between W. 6th and Kentucky Avenues.

The decrease in cruising is probably partially affected by traffic control measures implemented by Denver police. Such measures typically restricts vehiclar access to local neighborhood streets as well as moving traffic off Federal to local highways (I-25 and W. 6th Ave), when congestion gets to high. In the past, closing Federal also occurred for short periods of time when traffic was routed away from Federal. As this local news story exploring history of the holiday and past cruising issues illustrates, police enforcement minimizing excessive horn honking and loud music surely plays a role in reducing cruising levels. (more…)

Adams Mystery Playhouse Treacherous Fun

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

It is probably fate this 1890 Victorian at 2406 Federal Boulevard for much of its life served as a mortuary, is more recently occupied by a dinner playhouse where murder is on tap every weekend.

Opened in 2006, the Adams Mystery Playhouse offers entertainment galore, providing dinner and suspense where patrons attempt to solve murder mysteries in the only Colorado theater specializing in interactive dinner mysteries.

The mystery begins the minute you enter the premise. As you check your coat and flow towards social hour and cocktails, the mystery begins to unfold—you better pay attention. Typically the action gets so hilarious you must hold your gut to keep things from spilling out! No one is forced to participate but most folks can’t keep from jumping in. (more…)

Highlands City Hall

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

“The foothills of the Rockies are a trifle over ten miles away from the City of Highlands, and Highlands will grow and expand until the eternal hills of the great mountain range shall bid her `thus far and no further.’ The entire territory between the western limits at the city of Denver and the foothills of the Rockies will, in the next decade or two, be embraced within the city of Highlands. It will be a city of happy homes, with rapid transit into the metropolis of Denver, where we will transact our daily business and retire at eve to the pure air and atmosphere of the Highlands for rest, refreshment and family comfort. The Highlands, north and west of Denver, is destined to be the only perfect residence place about Denver. It is not a fanciful prediction to say that in twenty years 300,000 people will make their homes on the Highlands west and north of Denver, stretching out to the foot of the great range, and all embraced under one city government — the City of Highlands.”

Excerpt from: The Past The Present The Future
Dedication of Highlands City Hall
July 11, 1890
Highland Ave and Boulevard (26th and Federal)

Where Denver Fire Station #12 now stands, once stood the proud Highlands City Hall. It was built during the heyday of Highlands growth and hubris, at the city’s geographic center on the Boulevard when the conventional wisdom west and north of Denver believed Highlands would one day rival Denver. The City Hall was a handsome brick structure designed by architect William Quayle, who lived two blocks away on Emerald (West 25th Avenue). Upon opening in 1890, it contained several retail stores on the first level, the post office on the corner, and assorted city offices including a small jail. The second floor contained a large room used by social clubs and churches without their own dedicated billings. (more…)