Life Style Denver by Gretchen Faber

Denver’s Union Station Redevelopment on Track

Denver's Union Station Redevelopment is underway and miraculous changes are happening daily. Frank Cannon of Continuum Partners gave a special presentation to Kentwood Real Estate Brokers and Managers last Friday with exciting photos and an update on what the "new" Union Station will look like in just a couple of years. Continuum Partners and East West Partners have teamed up on this massive project.  It will transform the neighborhood into a vibrant multi-modal transportation hub right in the heart of downtown Denver. In...Continue Reading!

2012 Denver Restaurant Week Gearing Up

Denver's famous 5280 Restaurant Week is coming soon. This year,  "Restaurant Week" is actually two weeks.  From February 25 - March 9 over 325 restaurants are offering their multicourse meals for $52.80 per couple. This is always a hot event, and the restaurants are already booking up.  The most popular times are taken, so you'll need to be flexible about eating early or late. Denver Restaurant Week is presented by Visit Denver, and their web site allows you to choose a restaurant by...Continue Reading!

Top 10 Things to do on A Denver Snow Day

We're buried. Imagine a friend dumps a bucketful of shaved ice over your head after the Super Bowl.  It all comes down in a rush and where you were previously dry, you're now covered in ice. That's Denver today.  We were dry and warm until Thursday, our normal balmy temperatures.  Yesterday, the bucket was upended. So here are a few tips if you're new to Denver on how we while away the hours on those rare, glorious snow days: 1. We Shovel: And shovel,...Continue Reading!

5 Things You Should Know About Relocating to Denver

If you're moving into the Mile High City, there are a few things you may find helpful as you pull up stakes and head to the Rocky Mountains. 1. Denver isn't actually in the mountains. During college, one of my friends from home commented, "Wow!  You must be in good shape to ride your bike in Denver!"  It took a minute to realize she was under the impression I was riding over mountain passes.  I explained that Denver is on...Continue Reading!

Denver’s Economic Growth Strong by Some Measures

The Denver Post published a story this morning based upon research comparing Denver to 9 other U.S. cities. According to their study, Denver continues to outpace most other regional cities for Economic Power, Earning Power, Brain Power and Innovation Attractiveness. It's been our hope, here in Denver, that the Innovation Attractiveness will help fuel employment, but apparently we're lagging in jobs creation.  We rank 6th out of the 10 for job creation and 5th for housing affordability. I spent two days last week...Continue Reading!

Colorado Gives Day is Big in Denver

On the 2010 Colorado Gives Day, $8.7 million was donated to local charities. The 2011 Colorado Gives Day hopes to outpace that amount.  Donate at their site by clicking the big green button "Donate Now."  You can designate from over 880 local non-profits.  This event is sponsored by the Community First Foundation. Give early, give often and extend a helping hand.  The giving begins at 12:01 am on December 6th. For that one day, let's remember our friends in need.Continue Reading!

Downtown Denver Flipping the Switch, Lighting the City and County Building

Denver has been lighting the The City and County Building during the holiday season since 1926. This year is no different, and Mayor Hancock will flip the switch to the lights tonight. Driving past the building on winter nights puts a smile on the face of everyone but Oscar the Grouch or Scrooge.  Head downtown during the next month, and check it out. A few years ago, the city made a switch to LED lights for energy efficiency, and it looks just...Continue Reading!

Shop Denver Small Businesses on 11/26/2011

This is shop local weekend on Small Business Saturday. Time to support your favorite local Denver area businesses. Here are a few Gretchen Faber favorites: Pine Creek Clothing Company in the Washington Park neighborhood. The Tattered Cover Bookstore at Colfax and Elizabeth. PJ's Boutique and 5 Green Boxes on Old South Pearl Street. The Tended Thicket on Old South Gaylord Street. Bonnie Brae Wine & Liquor. Mariel's and Cry Baby Ranch at Larimer Square. Antique Row on South Broadway. Feel free to comment below and add your own favorite locally...Continue Reading!

Adopt-A-Pet at Denver Animal Shelter

It was time to renew Duke's license-to-exist in Denver today, and when I logged onto the Denver Animal Shelter's license renewal site, there were photos of awfully cute cats and dogs looking for a new home. Don't let these pets be homeless for the holidays, consider adoption.  Duke says it was the best thing that ever happened to him, and he's definitely the best dog ever. That's Duke on the left, loping around Chatfield Reservoir (in the doggie area.) Are you looking for...Continue Reading!

Denver Among Top 10 Healthiest Housing Markets

Recently, Builder Magazine listed Denver as among the top 10 healthiest housing markets in their  "Healthiest Housing Markets: Mid-2011 Update." We've been experiencing such low vacancy rates for rentals, that much of what's driving home sales is investor interest.  Investors are willing to take a risk on our market and are snapping up good rentals.  With investors getting back in, more buyers will feel confident in the coming months. Builder Magazine says permits for new construction look to double in 2012 and...Continue Reading!