Get To Know Your Neighborhood: Observatory Park
Denver’s Observatory Park neighborhood is one of our favorites at Frontgate Realty Group. We love this historic, south Denver neighborhood for its plethora of big, leafy trees, its wider uncrowded streets, down to earth community of empty nesters and young families occupying historic homes with big front porches or modern apartment communities, and the star-gazing opportunities at the neighborhood observatory. It is also home to the University of Denver (DU) and the Iliff School of Theology, which gives it a college town charm in the middle of the big city.
In this blog post we are going to give you the scoop on getting to know this unique Denver neighborhood.
The Location
Bordered by Evans Ave to the north, Yale Ave to the south, Colorado Blvd to the east and University Blvd to the west, Observatory Park has a central location. It also has easy access to I-25 and two of Denver’s main north-south roads (University Blvd and Colorado Blvd). There is also a University of Denver Light Rail Station on Buchtel Blvd that takes you north to Downtown or south to the Denver Tech Center and the Park Meadows Mall.
The History
DU and the Iliff School of Theology moved to Observatory Park from downtown Denver in 1880. Both schools were founded by Colorado’s 2nd territorial governor John Evans in 1864. Take a stroll around either campus and learn the history. DU’s first building, University Hall, was designed by Robert Roeschlaub, who was a well-known architect at the time.
The university is also home to the Chamberlain Observatory. The building itself is an impressive Romanesque structure, but even more impressive is its prized telescope: an 1894 Alvan Clark-Saegmuller with a 20-inch refracting lens. Before arriving at DU the telescope had been displayed at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. While currently on pause due to Covid-19, normally the Denver Astronomical Society hosts weekly and monthly events at the observatory. Check their website for more details on when these will return.
The Neighborhood
Besides the university, Observatory Park is home to a number of clusters of shops and restaurants. Right around DU along University Blvd and Evans Blvd you’ll find dining options from around the world as well as some cute coffee shops/wine bars like La Belle Rosette. This cozy coffee shop features all the usual espresso drinks in mornings then serves wine and beer in the afternoons. It is a popular study or WFH spot.
The Pioneer Bar, on University, is a long-time favorite with both students and residents. It has a large rooftop patio as well as outdoor sidewalk seating and is known for its Mexican fare and margaritas. On Evans Ave, check out Jerusalem Restaurant. It is another neighborhood staple that stays open late and is known for its delicious gyros, falafel and other Middle Eastern favorites.
There are more shops and restaurants in the Old South Gaylord and South Pearl Street sub-districts on the fringes of Observatory Park. Both host seasonal farmers markets and feature quirky boutiques and a slew of bars and restaurants.