Life in Denver: Curtis Park Neighborhood
This charming neighborhood has everything—from eclectic architecture and popular music venues to craft beer bars and some of the best eateries in Denver. Curtis Park isn’t one to be missed!
Curtis Park Boundaries:
Larimer St (North), N Downing St (East),Welton St (South), Park Ave W (West)
A Quick History of Curtis Park
Just northeast of downtown Denver, Curtis Park was founded and developed between 1870 and 1893, making it the area’s oldest neighborhood. Just a year in, Curtis Park was already laying out the first streetcar line, fully equipped with horse-drawn cars.
As development continued, the neighborhood was hailed an “instant city” with a “spirit of improvement,” according to one reporter from the Rocky Mountain News. The neighborhood continued to boom into the late 1800s as immigrants from abroad and migration through the U.S. brought residents to the area.
In the early decades of the new millennium, Curtis Park began transitioning from single-family homes to boarding houses for rent. Lower-middle-class, blue-collar families began to fill the area as wealthier folks fled to Cap Hill.
Today, after decades of ebb-and-flow within the neighborhood, Curtis Park has been designated a historic district boasting an incredible mix of architecture: Italianate, Eastlake, Queen Anne, Victorian, Romanesque, French Second Empire, Gothic Revival, Bungalow, and Classical Denver foursquare homes. Many artists and young professionals call this neighborhood home.
What the Locals Say About Curtis Park
From local amenities to friendly neighbors, folks can’t stop raving about Curtis Park
There’s lots of parks. The neighborhood is nice to walk around because the houses have so much character. – Trulia user
I’ve lived in this neighborhood for three years. I love this neighborhood, still has lots of action, character, and old Denver folks. – Trulia user
It’s my favorite place to live for so many reasons. I have lived and worked in the neighborhood for a year now… it is unique, historical, charming, and alive. We have a great community feel… super walkable as well as bike friendly. The immediate area provides easy access to several beautiful parks, restaurants, bars, and music venues. – Niche user
The neighborhood is beautiful, safe, diverse, and close to downtown. The light rail runs through the neighborhood making it easy to access the rest of the city. Street parking is fairly easy to find… Lots of cute local shops and restaurants! This is a great neighborhood to walk through. You’re guaranteed to find a cute shop or eatery to stop at. – Niche user
8 Reasons to Love Curtis Park
#1 Walkability
Curtis Park is immensely walkable. With wide historic sidewalks, separated from the street with mature trees, you can ditch your car and hoof it (or go public).
#2 Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
The Museum is housed in the former home of Dr. Justina L. Ford, first licensed African American female physician in the state of Colorado. While famous for telling the story of the Black cowboys, the museum tells the stories of the early African Americans who came west and performed as miners, soldiers, homesteaders, ranchers, blacksmiths. schoolteachers, lawmen, and every other profession needed to build up and develop the West.
#3 The Architecture
Curtis Park is a showcase of architectural styles including Italianate, Eastlake, Queen Anne, and Victorian eclectic homes. Romanesque, French Second Empire and Gothic Revival buildings are also present, as well as a small number of Bungalow and Classical Denver foursquare homes representing the neighborhood’s early 20th century build-out.
#4 Mestizo-Curtis Park
Mestizo-Curtis Park is the oldest park in Denver. It has everything—a playground, outdoor pool, picnic areas, basketball and tennis courts, and plenty of bike and walking paths. And it pays homage to the mix of cultures and ethnicities—mestizo—that formed the neighborhood into what it is today. We’ve got all the warm fuzzies just thinking about it!
#5 Food and drink galore!
OMG, you’ll find so much to eat and drink in Curtis Park. Nearby, you have plenty of craft breweries and tap houses to choose from, like Our Mutual Friend Brewing and Ratio Beerworks. Or, if you’re feeling peckish, try Mimosas for brunch or Uchi Denver for delicious Japanese.
And we can’t mention Curtis Park’s food and drink sitch without highlighting The Beer Spa. Here you get an all-inclusive spa experience with a craft brew in your hand at all times. Magical!
#6 The RedLine Contemporary Art Center
Not to be outshined by the RiNo neighborhood’s art scene, Curtis Park has some artsy stuff of its own. Here, you’ll find the RedLine Contemporary Art Center, offering cutting edge exhibits that “investigate the relationship between social, cultural, and artistic vision.” In addition to fabulous exhibitions and special events, they also host an arts education and community outreach program, art mentorship, and art residency programs.
#7 Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
Live music is no stranger in Curtis Park thanks to Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom. At this top-rated music venue, you’ll find an eclectic mix of rock, funk, hip hop, and electronic music. And with ticket prices as low as $15, this is a neighborhood staple you shouldn’t miss.
#8 Curtis Park Neighbors
This community organization isn’t all regular-shmegular. As a Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO), Curtis Park Neighbors fiercely advocates for their community’s interests. In addition to your typical zoning and advisory committees, they boast a Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) to better support all their neighbors—housed and not.
Want to be a Curtis Park resident?
We think you’ll love this neighborhood. Book a Discovery Meeting today to schedule a walkabout through Curtis Park!
Images courtesy of Ratio Beerworks Facebook Pages