Tag Archives: Downtown

February Events

2017-02_Events

February may be a short month, but is not short on Boulder events.   Valentine’s day is not dominating this month, though any of these events would make a great date night.  Here’s a look at just four events this February has in store for Boulder.

Boulder Bookstore: February 10th, 7:30pm-Laird Hunt and Eleni Sikelianos

Authors Laird Hunt and Eleni Sikelianos will be speaking about, and doing signings, for their new books.  “The Evening Road” by Laird Hunt, is the story of two women on the run through Jim Crow-era Indiana.  The two travel a violence and hate filled America in search of a new life and escape their pasts.  “Make yourself Happy” by Eleni Sikelianos offers an answer for one of the greatest questions: How to live.  This unique book has both text and images sprawled out across the pages in a fresh take on mimicking ideas.  “Humanity, happiness, and the survival of the biosphere spin each section forward, species are wiped out, yet the poem endures.”  Vouchers are $5, and good for $5 off the author’s book or any purchase made that day.

Boulder Public Library: February 12th, 3:15pm- The Boulder Choral

The Boulder Public Library is hosting this all ages event showcasing the Boulder Choral. As part of their concert series, this free event will be an afternoon of live choral music by local performers.  Everyone can come enjoy these beautiful sounds at the Library’s Canyon Theater  with no reservations or tickets required.

Mountain Sun: February 19th, 10pm-1am- Hello, Dollface

If you’re looking for a more instrumental live music experience, Mountain Sun has you covered.  Hello, Dollface, a 2-10 piece band, will be playing live all night.  Their style embraces the energy and soulful nature of music rather than being perfectly precise.  The event is free to enter, but drinks and food are available.  This event is for those 21 and up.

POSHsplt: February 25th, 9-11am- Kid’s Saturday Morning Art Exploration

For those under 21, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.  This event is designed to allow kids a chance to be fully creative.  Participants are encouraged to use all types of materials to create works of art. while working together and independently.  Each group is hosted by an art therapist to make sure everyone is having fun.  Kids will be given as much assistance and support as they need to make something all their own.  With clay, beads, paint, and much more at their fingertips, imaginations can run wild.  At $20 per child, this weekly event is great for inspiring creativity.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Aurora 7

Aurora 7 is a Boulder neighborhood that manages a perfect balance for people who love exploring downtown and nature.  Many great local restaurants and shops are just a short walk or drive away. A great park and creek are also right in the neighborhood’s heart. Aurora 7 also provides a great mix of housing options.  There’s a lot of variety from beautiful family homes built in the 60’s and 70’s to modern apartment complexes. Within  walking distance to CU’s campus, as well as High Peaks elementary, Aurora 7 harmoniously blends a diverse age group.

Getting Around

Transportation

Getting around from Aurora 7 may offer too many choices.  Drivers can utilize 30th street to get them onto either Baseline or Arapahoe with ease.  From there the trip downtown or onto the highway is a quick and comfortable cruise.  Bus riders  also have  options.  The Bound goes down 30th, plus multiple other lines run down Baseline and Arapahoe so there’s almost no wait for a bus.  CU students can utilize the Buff Bus pickup point for a safe ride to and from campus.

Biking

Being so close to downtown, biking may be even more convenient than driving.  Aurora 7’s close proximity to places like the 29th street mall make it perfect for bikers.  Students will have no trouble taking the paths or streets to school, whether it be CU or the nearby New Vista High School.  Even errands and commutes are within a comfortable and scenic biking distance.   Walking is a great way to get around with so much close at hand.

Neighborhood Amenities

Aurora 7 has not one, but two great parks in the neighborhood.  The Aurora 7 park is tucked away in the neighborhood and a great place to bring young kids and pets.  Scott Carpenter Park also has so much to offer with the wide open field, playground, pool, and skatepark for summer play.  In the winter, the hill in the field becomes a great local sledding area.  There are two fantastic shopping options on either side of the neighborhood.   William’s Village is to the south, with a Sprouts Market, the local Cosmo’s Pizza, and Carelli’s restaurant.  Sports fans will love how close The Dark Horse Saloon is on game nights.  To the North is a King Soopers, the local Moe’s Bagels, and Jamba Juice among much more.

Aurora 7 in a Nutshell

With so much so close at hand, there’s no need to choose between doing errands and going for a bike ride or playing in the park.  Aurora 7’s great neighborhood is safe and diverse with options for all types of families.  The nearby mall and shopping options, as well as direct streets to anywhere in or out of town, is truly unique.  There’s hardly a better example of a true Boulder neighborhood.

January Events

new-year

Why not make your 2017 resolution to enjoy more of the events Boulder has to offer.  January is shaping up to be a great month to make your resolution a reality. Let’s take a look at some events kicking off 2017.

Boulder Theater: Jan 26th Chevelle

The alternative rock group Chevelle will be performing at the Boulder Theater.  Chavelle has nearly 2 decades of experience and a newly released album.  Opening for the band is Black Map and Dinosaur Pile Up.  The event is for all ages, but kids 15 and under will need a parent with them.  The tickets are tightly priced at $27.50-$30 and are sure to sell out fast.

Boulder Bookstore: January 12, 7:30PM – Adrienne Russell

Adrienne Russell will appear at the Boulder Bookstore on January 12th to speak about her new book, titled “Journalism as Activism.”  The book explores the important aspects of journalism and how it is changing in the modern age.  “Journalism as Activism” delves into the effects of digital journalism as a means to cover issues.  Adrienne Russel will sign books after the appearance.  The voucher to attend is $5 and good for $5 off the book price or any other item the day of the event.

Puzzah! at the Flatiron Mall: All January Long – Escape Room

Escape rooms have been growing in popularity for the past few years all across the country.  A unique puzzle experience where groups of 2-6 must solve puzzles as a team in 60 minutes.  Puzzah! Is a Colorado based company creating unique puzzle rooms for teams to solve.  All through January they are running the Specimen rooms, based on escaping an alien ship.  At $25 per person, it is a great afternoon with friends and family for a fun team building experience like no other.  In addition, there are 2 escape rooms in Boulder if you’d prefer to stay in Boulder.

Jester Dinner Theature: Every Thursday, Friday, & Sunday in January – Seussical

A collection of Dr. Seuss’s most loved characters come together in this original musical.  A young child, Jojo, brings all these characters together in a lighthearted musical.  Familiar characters such as The Cat in the Hat, Horton, and the Whos are just a few of Seuss’ creations to appear.  The music spans a wide range of genres, from Pop, to Latin and Funk.  All the charm of the original stories make this a great show for all ages.  The show will play at the Jester Theatre every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday in January.  Tickets range from just $7.50-$15 so there’s no reason to miss this great family outing.

 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Keewayden

Nestled in the Southeast corner of Boulder Colorado is the quaint neighborhood of Keewayden.  Placed between Baseline and South Boulder road, Keewayden has the advantage of easy access to downtown and major highways, but also has so many amenities that are just a quick walk or bike ride away.  The eclectic homes found in Keewayden were built between 1965 and 1978, giving the neighborhood a diverse and appealing image.  Most homes offer personal views of the majestic flatirons to the west that Boulder is known for.

Getting Around
Bike Trails

The South Boulder Creek trail and the trails that branch off offer more than just a view of nature.  Right in Keewayden’s backyard, this trail is perfect for walks and bike rides both long and short.  Along the way, trails conveniently pass the East Boulder Rec Center (EBRC) which offers a wide range of amenities.  Trails within Keewayden also connect to Keewayden Meadows Park, the EBRC off-leash dog park, Manhattan Middle School, and open space.

Transportation

RTD offers a bus to Fairview and down Baseline and Broadway into downtown Boulder in quick reliable fashion.  For trips that require a car, Baseline, South Boulder Road/Table Mesa, Foothills Parkway, & US-36 are in the neighborhood.  Between these major roads & highways, Boulder and surrounding areas are conveniently accessible.

Neighborhood Amenities

The EBRC offers an indoor pool, full gym, climbing wall, tennis courts, fitness classes, and much more.  The EBRC is a great asset for the many neighborhood families during summer including many school age camps.  Manhattan Middle School is in the heart of Keewayden and Fairview High School is nearby.

It isn’t just schools and the EBRC that living in Keewayden grants easy access too.  The Meadows shopping area is walking distance over the Foothills Parkway pedestrian overpass.  Here you will find just about everything you need from Safeway, salons, Michaels, Rite Aide, the locally owned Art Cleaners, and much more.  The Meadows branch of the Boulder Public Library also finds its home within this cozy shopping center for readers of all ages.  Getting the morning coffee and breakfast is also just a quick walk away at Colorado’s own Big Daddy Bagels, and for an afternoon treat there’s Glacier Ice cream, also locally owned and operated, just across the parking lot.

Keewayden in a Nutshell

Keewayden is a longstanding neighborhood in Boulder that has been home to many families for years.  It has all the necessities one could need within arm’s reach, but without the crowded nature of living downtown.  Outdoor enthusiasts love the trails and rec center, yet getting downtown is easy by bike, bus, or car.  Keewayden is one of the best examples of how living in East Boulder can cater to people of all lifestyles.

Sakura Square Redevelopment Proposed

blueprints

Sakura Square in Denver Colorado has been home to many Japanese-American families and businesses for decades, and is now seeking a proposal to redevelop much of its downtown block to better serve and represent future generations.  This redevelopment would be done around some existing landmarks such as museums, martial arts studios, Japanese restaurants, and gardens.  The Tri-State Buddhist Temple would also remain where it is, but could potentially be getting a new building.  A special effort is being made to preserve well established businesses and locations, such as the Pacific Mercantile, which has been family owned and operated for over 70 years.  The owners of Sakura Square’s proposal specifically call for a “redevelopment outcome that reflects their sensitivity to sustainable and superior modern Japanese-influenced design and architecture. Quality over quantity is a focus.  When complete, the block should be a simple but iconic expression of Japanese community and culture and have a gracious presence in relationship to the street, neighborhood and community.”

The areas that would be renovated could give Sakura Square, and Denver as a whole, new office spaces, residential areas, and retail space.  This proposal comes from a night and day transformation of what Sakura Square was when first established.  As Sakura Square CEO Gary Yamashita said “When members of the temple first purchased the block 45 years ago, this area of Denver was literally Skid Row. It was bars and brothels.  We’ve had such good fortune that it’s probably some of the hottest real estate in Denver, right next to LoDo, right next to the ballpark, right next to the redevelopment in Arapahoe Square.”

The desire to keep the Square’s location in downtown Denver is more than just a monetary one, however.  Many families and businesses feel tied to that location, and have spoken out about selling the block and relocating the temple when considered in the past.  Sakura Square is the remnants of a much larger Japanese-American neighborhood that began close to 1900 when many Japanese came to Colorado as farmers.

“2016 is the 100th anniversary of the Denver Buddhist Temple. It hasn’t been at Sakura Square for all 100 years, but this is its 100th year,” Yamashita said. “We’re now looking at re-positioning ourselves for the next 100 years — Sakura Square and the temple. It’s looking into the future.”

The owners of Sakura Square have already put forth their request for developers to submit proposals for the redevelopment with a deadline set for October 19th.  From that point they will decide which proposals to pursue further and discuss more in depth plans.  Whatever the outcome, this will mark a big change in the heart of downtown Denver Colorado.