Photo courtesy of Brent Andeck Photography
Over the past few years, downtown Denver has continued to evolve into a new kind of dining destination. It seems our fair city has finally shed its cow town persona. One of the things that differentiates us amidst all the rapid growth is our commitment to preserving history. In Denver, what’s old, it seems, is new again, so visitors and locals alike can venture through the past and explore downtown in a whole new light. This coming spring marks another milestone in the city’s history as a massive development project combining retail, hospitality, and local tastemakers will be on display—all of it centered around the city’s first activated alley. Welcome to Dairy Block.
Situated between Wazee and Blake Streets and 18th and 19th streets, Dairy Block blends the historic side of the city with Denver’s unmistakable entrepreneurial spirit. Built in 1918, the historic red brick building first housed Windsor Dairy Farm in 1920. Cheese, milk, and butter were processed in the building until 1928 when Meadow Gold bought it from the company. Real estate firm Grand American Inc. eventually took hold of the building, owning it for nearly 30 years. A prime real estate for any venture, the space could have easily been torn down and replaced to keep up with the ever-expanding city.
In conjunction with Grand American Inc., real estate development firm McWHINNEY and nationally-acclaimed hospitality group Sage Hospitality came together with a vision of what the block could be. With the Windsor Dairy Farm building surrounded by vacant historic buildings and surface parking lots, a thought came to mind: Why not expand and develop the entire block? Blending old with new, the project built off of the original Windsor Dairy building to develop the entire block into something truly one-of-a-kind.
Blending modern design with inventive food and cocktails plus quality crafts, Dairy Block is set to be its own Denver destination. The project is truly a milestone, but the heart of it all will introduce something Denver has never seen. Cutting through the block itself is a once-ordinary alley that is being transformed into something truly extraordinary.
Dairy Block | Photo courtesy of Brent Andeck Photography
Drawing inspiration from activated alleys on the streets of Barcelona to the popular Pike Place Market in Seattle, Dairy Block’s pedestrian-only alleyway will be lined with a multitude of makers, including local and statewide retailers, restaurants, and more. “The Alley was always the heartbeat of the venture,” explains Tom Martin, General Manager of Dairy Block. “The Alley offers a refuge in the heart of the city where people can come together to have dinner, shop, and build a community.” Although the project is still under construction, here is a blueprint on how guests can experience the Dairy Block now.
Starting in the AM, caffeinated cravings can be alleviated at Huckleberry Roasters. A productive start to any morning, warm up to espressos and pour overs plus a selection of grab-and-go items. Set up shop in the café or underneath the giant wooden hand which beckons over the modern-styled lobby of The Maven. After a few hours on the grind, grab a fresh bouquet from the second outpost of The Perfect Petal and take to the open air alleyway for a taste of what makes Dairy Block so unique.
The Alley | Photo courtesy of Brent Andeck Photography
Sprinkled with artwork up and down the block, The Alley, which illuminates when travelers amble down the tiled path, is truly a feast for the senses. Socialize among bold, beautiful murals from Colorado Crush. Spend time uncovering new interactive works, including bronze cast ‘musical churns,’ which produce melodies composed by the Colorado Symphony.
Right off of The Alley sits a retail refuge with a handful of carefully selected, local and statewide retailers. “We spent a lot of time talking about what it is to be a maker,” says Martin. “We wanted to bring that wow factor with all of our tenants, while keeping in mind what was unique to Denver.” Buying gifts (or shopping for oneself) has never been made easier. Housing a whole class of entrepreneurs from makers, chefs, musicians, and more, the retail outpost, Free Market, offers something for everyone. The coming storefront from the producers of the Denver Flea will highlight a handful of local Colorado brands unique to the area.
Lou’s Hot & Naked | Photo courtesy of Rachel Greiman
To satiate afternoon hunger pangs, wander down the alleyway to the massive forthcoming marketplace, Milk Market. Serving as a local eatery and market hall, Milk Market will house 15 original restaurant concepts. Overseen by famed restaurateur Frank Bonanno—who had the idea for a marketplace concept over six years ago, before it was a trend—the outlets will play off of Bonanno’s tried–and–true concepts. Twirl up handmade pastas—including favorites from his Italian joint Luca—at Mano Pastaria. Rejoice in the revival of the shuttered Lou’s Food Bar with Lou’s Hot & Naked, offering the infamous Nashville-hot chicken. With each concept offering its own seating area and drinking program, finding solace is easy. Need a meal on-the-go? Snag a steamed bao bun from Bao Chica Bao’s walk-up window.
Kachina Southwestern Grill | Photo courtesy of Brent Andeck
Sure to impress colleagues and family, dinner at Kachina Southwestern Grill is a must. A unique concept by award-winning restaurateur, Peter Karpinski of Sage Restaurant Group, Kachina dishes up Southwestern cuisine by way of Navajo fry bread tacos and Bison Empanadas set to Southwestern-inspired décor. Quick bites before a night out can be indulged with guacamole and chips and cactus margaritas which can be enjoyed barside or in the hotel lobby, straight from a repurposed Airstream trailer.
Arrive at The Alley, ideal for starting or ending any night out. Intimate nights can be enjoyed underneath the alley with high-end cocktails at Run for the Roses. Sample unique varietals by way of whiskey flights at Seven Grand Whiskey Social Bar. Don’t forget to groove to live tunes at the underground lounge Mr. Pink’s. Satisfy late night cravings with gooey slices of NY-style pizza from Engine Room Pizza (psst—doors are open until 3am). Thanks to Dairy Block’s common consumption liquor license, ordering a cocktail and taking to The Alley is encouraged.
Poka Lola Social Club | Photo courtesy of Dairy Block
Top off the evening with a classic cocktail at the swanky Poka Lola Social Club, enjoyed alleyside. Bask in intimate conversations underneath the stars while soft music fills the streets. Just don’t forget to look up. Perched above it all sits an illuminated “Here” sign. Gaze upon it and know that you’ve arrived to something truly special in the Mile High City.
Morgan Carter, Managing Editor
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