Serving Residents of Lower Downtown & The Central Platte Valley

After a couple days wondering whether the application of Mellow Mushroom for a Hotel & Restaurant and Standard Cabaret for its under construction pizza/music place on the Mall between Lawrence and Larimer and right across from Writer’s Square, would go to a contested hearing, the GNC and MM reached an agreement. The main contested area was outdoor noise. MM agreed that it would direct any patio speakers inward, operate them so as not to interfere with normal conversation and limit their hours later in the evening. If this does not address satisfactorily any noise issues, the agreement also contains mediation and binding arbitration provisions. The GNC received valuable support for Writer’s Square residents and Mall businesses, particularly Ling & Louie’s. The Agreement was approved by the LoDoNA and offered into evidence at the June 2 uncontested hearing. MM hopes to open around July 10.

Smashburger has applied for an H&R license for its establishment to be located on the Mall between Ling & Louie’s and Mellow Mushroom. We have sent a proposed GNA and the hearing is set for June 30. Wild Ivories recently opened at 1400 Market, as did Brothers Bar and Grill at 1920 Market. On the downhill side, Blues on Blake has closed and the Samba Room is “temporarily” closed for remodeling.

Oak Tavern, which is located next to Spill, 1410 Market, has asked the GNC to consider not opposing a potential application for a rooftop patio. Spill has a rooftop patio that has not thus far caused any issues–there are no residents on Market in that area or nearby elsewhere. GNC and Oak Tavern are continuing to discuss the situation. The LoDoNA Board would have the final say from the Association’s stand point.

We recently reported that Francois Safieddine had filed with Excise and Licenses for an Under Age Permit for 5 Degrees, 1475 Lawrence St. Following two meetings with the Good Neighbor Committee which made clear that the Committee was not supportive of his plan, Francois withdrew the application.

And, just yesterday, Sports Book, formerly The Lure, pulled up stakes, literally along with some TVs etc., at 1434 Blake. But they are gone, to the apparent relief of the owners, who are owed considerable rent, and Dale and Valerie Chandler, the next door neighbors who have endured a lot over the last couple years. The GNC had tried to help find a workable solution to a bad problem, but it was the Sports Book folks who finally did it by leaving.

   The Good Neighbor Committee has had an active Spring. We successfully negotiated Good Neighbor Agreements with two new ventures. First, Wild Ivories Dueling Piano Club approached us with their plans for the former Buca di Beppo space at 14^th and Market. In addition to using the main floor as a dueling piano club along the lines of Sing Sing, where the principals formerly worked, they proposed to use the basement as a lounge space for which they sought a Dance Cabaret (in addition to the Hotel and Restaurant License they were applying for). We had a good discussion about the issues and subsequent negotiations were successful. Highlights of the agreement are that, in addition to standard provisions, they have identified a concept for both floors and agreed not to change it without LoDoNA approval and they have agreed to convert the Dance Cabaret to a Standard Cabaret before any sale or transfer.

   We also became aware in March of plans that Mike Barsch, the owner of the Marquis, 20^th and Larimer Sts., had for a live music venue–to be called Summit Hall and focused on the under 25 crowd, including under 21–for the former Bash space, 1902 Blake St. He plans to make the back part of the space into a concert venue (capacity +/- 700) for 6-10 performances a month and run the front part as a bar/restaurant. Once the performances are over, anticipated to be no later than midnight—obviously before bar let-out—under age folks will be required to leave. We were generally impressed that he was a savvy operator, and limited further research showed he runs decent operations at Marquis and a similar place in Colo. Springs.

Following additional meetings with Mike and his lawyers and lots of email exchanges, we reached an acceptable agreement.   It contains very detailed business and age monitoring plans, which Summit has agreed not to change without consultation with us, etc. There are provisions for regular meetings between the Committee and Summit and meditations if there are issues that can’t be resolved. We were all impressed that Michael really wants to be a good neighbor and we certainly expect his operations will be a definite improvement.

In sum, the two agreements with Wild Ivories and The Summit, which were both approved by the LoDoNA Board, have advanced the goal of a vibrant neighborhood, while at the same time providing good safeguards on the “safe and secure” side.

   There continue to be issues with Lavish, 1448 Market St. They filed for a Dance Cabaret despite a provision in our agreement that they would not do so. For that reason, Excise and Licenses declined to set a hearing, which prompted Lavish’s lawyers to file a motion requesting a hearing, apparently on the theory that the condition saying Lavish could not file for a Dance Cabaret is not valid. A hearing has been set a couple times but continued for various reasons. In the meantime, we are attempting to see whether there is some basis for resolving the issues surrounding Lavish and LoDoNA’s relationship.

            In other matters, a new application for an H&R license at 1555 Blake St. (Sugar Cube) has been filed, a meeting has been held, and we have executed an agreement. Cholon Bistro will be an upscale Asian eatery. In addition, a transfer of the license for the former Il Fornaio space—to be called Big Game—is in the works, and we have made initial contacts to discuss their operations. Mangiamo Pronto, 17^th and Wazee, has filed for a patio, which we don’t see as problematic, but we will seek assurances about its not being open too late—no problem now, because they close at 9:00 pm. Finally, we have met with the proprietors of a restaurant to be called Fresh Craft, which will be located in the former Thunderbird BBQ space at 1530 Blake St. We have met and given them a draft agreement

   Of some potential concern to us is the filing by 5 Degrees, 1475 Lawrence St., for an Under Age permit.   We have met with the owner, Francois Safieddine, and made him aware of our concerns. Another meeting will be held in the near future.