Park Hill - Historic Denver Neighborhood
- by nina
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- August 26, 2008
Established in 1887 by Baron Allois Gillaume Eugen von Winckler (now that is a mouthful), Park Hill is a historic Denver neighborhood full of distinctive architecture and colorful history. Find everything you need to know about visiting or living in this neighborhood. The ornate entranceway of the Park Hill Elementary School (shown on left) was built in Spanish Colonial Revival style in 1912.
Introduction
With its tree-lined streets and rich mixture of architecture, Park Hill is a haven against Denver’s daily grind. The area’s charm is shared by long-term residences as well as young transplants starting new families. Not only is Park Hill multi-generational, the people have diverse culture, faith and political backgrounds which create Park Hill’s unique character and reputation.
Conveniently located several miles east of downtown Denver, the neighborhood encompasses 500 blocks and is divided into South, North and Northeast Park Hill. The Denver Zoo and Denver Nature & Science Museum are immediately to the west while the new Stapleton Urban development is to the east.
History
Established in 1887 by Baron Allois Gillaume Eugen von Winckler who purchased a track of land in the area, Park Hill was home to a dog track and served as a camp during the Spanish-American War. Park Hill did not flourish as a neighborhood until 1900s shortly after the Baron’s death. The neighborhood sprang to life through a series of additions that showcase the different architectural styles promoted by developers.
During the turn-of-the century, dairy farms and herds of cattle dotted the southern and eastern part of the neighborhood while the clay soil was idea for promoting the brick industry in the north. Ferry Brickyards, which closed in the 1950s, had produced more than 24 million bricks. The northern part of the neighborhood was home to the several airfields including Lowry Field and Curtis Humphrey Fields which eventually closed when the Stapleton airport developed.
This brick English Tudor was built in the 1920s.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The large urban neighborhood offers plenty of educational and sports related activities to please everyone in the family. Often classes are offered by local residents and offered by “word of mouth”, advertised in the Park Hill News (neighborhood newspaper) or posted on community bulletin boards in churches, schools and local businesses.
Greater Park Hill Community Inc (GPHC) not only edits and delivers the newspaper but sponsors a community food bank and several major events each year including:
Garden Tour – Showcasing landscaping and gardens in June
Home Tour – Take a tour of six neighborhood houses in mid-Sept ranging in architectural style. Craft fair and food are also available.
Bike Tour – A five mile family bike ride through the neighborhood. Date varies.
Park Hill Library was built with Carnegie Foundation funds in 1920.
Park Hill Branch Library
4705 MONTVIEW BLVD DENVER, CO 80207
This Spanish Renaissance Revival building was built in the 1920s and expanded in the 1960s. The quiet, classic interior offers a variety of programs including weekly story times but get there early for the popular Super Saturday events at 10:30 a.m. that can include everything from Irish Dancers to a magician to a monkey (Haven’t you always wanted a monkey…?).
Pauline Robinson Branch Library
5575 E 33RD AVE DENVER, CO 80207
This cozy branch offers weekly story time with craft and Super Saturday events in the afternoon.
Denver Public Libraries
Find out what is happening weekly at your local library branch.
Children abusing the turtle at “Turtle Park”
Ferguson Park - "Turtle Park"
E 23RD AVE & DEXTER ST DENVER, CO 80207
Nicknamed for the small turtle that graces the entranceway, this small park is situated close to shops and two blocks from the library. It is a favorite with families to enjoy a picnic lunch from Spinelli’s or pastry from Adagio while children play.
This Arts & Crafts two story home resides on 17th Avenue Parkway, one of the most prestigious areas in Park Hill.
Forest Avenue Parkway
E 17TH AVE DENVER, CO 80220
This stretch of grassy area between 17th Avenue and Montview Boulevard offers a tranquil spot to play Frisbee or enjoy a tai chi class.
Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center
3334 HOLLY ST DENVER, CO 80207
Set in northern Park Hill, the center offers an Olympic size pool, gym, fitness room and classes (including yoga, yeah). Don’t miss the excellent and affordable swim lessons for all levels.
Art Garage
6100 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
Community run art classes for toddlers to adults offering everything from painting to pottery. Schedules vary monthly so call for latest details.
Community run art classes for toddlers to adults offering everything from painting to pottery. Schedules vary monthly so call for latest details.
Little ballerinas practice at Dancer’s Advantage
Dancers Advantage the
4638 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
Offers ballet classes for children aged 4 and above.
Offers ballet classes for children aged 4 and above.
Dardano's School of Gymnastics Inc
2250 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207
Offering a variety of gymnastic classes from parent-tot to teenagers, the gym is also popular for birthday parties.
Offering a variety of gymnastic classes from parent-tot to teenagers, the gym is also popular for birthday parties.
Park Hill Golf Club
4141 E 35th Ave, Denver, CO 80207
This 18-hole public golf course offers a driving range and lessons for all levels.
This 18-hole public golf course offers a driving range and lessons for all levels.
Dramatic Adventures
Several different classes geared for children ages 4 to 7 to explore their creativity, imagination and feelings through story telling and crafts.
Music Together
Daily music classes involving singing and dancing are offered for parents and their children from birth until age 5.
Tales N Tunes
A early childhood literacy, music and movement program for young children and their parents or caregivers. Classes are offered daily at Dancer’s Advantage.
Dining
With the exception of restaurants located in the south on Colfax Avenue, many of the restaurants are independently owned ranging from pastries to quick dining to fine (or almost fine) dining. There are several small business districts in the area but the two districts that are friendliest for pedestrians and dogs are Kearney (22nd and Kearney) and 23rd Avenue (23rd and Dexter).
Adagio Baking Co
4628 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
This bakery servers a variety of pastries, bread and breakfast items. Go early for the best selection and avoid Mondays (they are closed).
This bakery servers a variety of pastries, bread and breakfast items. Go early for the best selection and avoid Mondays (they are closed).
Cherry Tomato the
4645 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
Housed in a former pharmacy, this Italian bistro still retains its character with tiled floors and original woodwork. The moderately priced restaurant caters to everyone from families with young children (crayons on every table) to singles on romantic dinners (later in the evening). For something totally tasty, try the restaurants signature dish – Pasta Felese.
Housed in a former pharmacy, this Italian bistro still retains its character with tiled floors and original woodwork. The moderately priced restaurant caters to everyone from families with young children (crayons on every table) to singles on romantic dinners (later in the evening). For something totally tasty, try the restaurants signature dish – Pasta Felese.
Oblio's Pizzeria
6115 E 22nd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
With homemade pizza and several beers on tap, this quaint pizzeria is a perfect place to bring the kids or hang out with friends. During the summer, dining expands onto the outdoor patio.
With homemade pizza and several beers on tap, this quaint pizzeria is a perfect place to bring the kids or hang out with friends. During the summer, dining expands onto the outdoor patio.
Perk Hill Coffee
2202 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207
This small coffee shop is the hub of the neighborhood. Amenities include WiFi, movie rentals, ice cream and entertainment that can range from music to a movie. After much controversy from a neighboring business, a small playground in front of the coffee shop was removed and due to insurance issues and some very stupid laws it will not be put back in place.
This small coffee shop is the hub of the neighborhood. Amenities include WiFi, movie rentals, ice cream and entertainment that can range from music to a movie. After much controversy from a neighboring business, a small playground in front of the coffee shop was removed and due to insurance issues and some very stupid laws it will not be put back in place.
Tables
2267 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207
Eating at Tables is a real treat (and yes, I would leave the kids at home). Mismatched furniture add to the homey feel of the restaurant while the menu changes with the mood of the chefs and the season.
Eating at Tables is a real treat (and yes, I would leave the kids at home). Mismatched furniture add to the homey feel of the restaurant while the menu changes with the mood of the chefs and the season.
Meet your neighbors at one of the Friday night dinners or Sunday brunches.
Satchel's Market
5021 E 28th Ave, Denver, CO 80207
Off the beaten path, this little bistro offers coffee, pastries, gourmet cheeses, meals-to-go and light breakfast & lunch. Owner Andrew is all about building community offering monthly dinners, brunches and poker nights where strangers become friends over several long tables.
Off the beaten path, this little bistro offers coffee, pastries, gourmet cheeses, meals-to-go and light breakfast & lunch. Owner Andrew is all about building community offering monthly dinners, brunches and poker nights where strangers become friends over several long tables.
Joseph’s is a work of art…
Joseph's Southern Food
2868 Fairfax St, Denver, CO 80207
Stepping into Joseph’s is like wandering into a long-lost aunt’s house who lives in the South. This quirky restaurant offers take-out only but does have a single-drive up window for orders taken over the phone. Offering everything from fried chicken to yam fries to sweet tea, you’ll want to go running to burn off the calories.
Stepping into Joseph’s is like wandering into a long-lost aunt’s house who lives in the South. This quirky restaurant offers take-out only but does have a single-drive up window for orders taken over the phone. Offering everything from fried chicken to yam fries to sweet tea, you’ll want to go running to burn off the calories.
Spicy Thai
2235 Oneida St, Denver, CO 80207
Tucked away in an unassuming strip plaza, Spicy Thai is a beautiful, modern decorated Thai and sushi restaurant. Despite its nice ambiance, it is affordable and family-friendly.
Tucked away in an unassuming strip plaza, Spicy Thai is a beautiful, modern decorated Thai and sushi restaurant. Despite its nice ambiance, it is affordable and family-friendly.
Kate's At 35 Av
3435 Albion St, Denver, CO 80207
Located a block from the golf course and the hustle-and-bustle of Colorado Boulevard, Kate’s offers organically prepared food in a turn-of-the century Victorian. It is only open several days for lunch and Sunday brunch; reservations are essential.
Located a block from the golf course and the hustle-and-bustle of Colorado Boulevard, Kate’s offers organically prepared food in a turn-of-the century Victorian. It is only open several days for lunch and Sunday brunch; reservations are essential.
The one story bungalow is very common in the neighborhood.
Architecture & Housing
A variety of architectural styles that often vary by block are present in the neighborhood. The earliest homes were Victorian – Queen Anne style architecture but during the early part of the century the Foursquare (also know as Denver Square), one story bungalows and English Tudors became very popular. The neighborhood also sprouted a few Mediterranean and International-style homes. Housing in South Park Hill ranges from the lower $300,000 to over $1,000,000. Prices have remained strong, especially between 17th Avenue Parkway and 23rd Avenue.
The north and northeast part of the area was developed after WWII and is comprised of many simple tract homes. The homes generally are under 1,000 square feet and built from brick or cinder block. Housing remains affordable in this area from the low $100,000 to the low $300,000.
New development is occurring in the neighborhood where homes on larger lots are sub-divided to make way for a new home, existing homes have been scraped to build new homes and smaller houses have been expanded with a new addition onto the back or adding a second story (called a pop-top).
Historic Denver Guide - Park Hill
Written by several local historians, this little blue book discusses Park Hill’s colorful history through the events and people that shaped the neighborhood. The book is organized by four different walking tours to give visitors a flavor of the architecture.
A recent renovation also called a “pop-top” (not to be confused with a Pop-Tart), added a 2nd story to this house.
An example of a newly constructed McMansion on a previous lot that was split.
Businesses
A variety of businesses dot the neighborhood from doggy grooming to dry cleaners to fitness, residents do not have far to go. Large grocery stores are not present in the neighborhood but are conveniently located close-by (of course, Spinnelli’s does offer a small range of groceries when you can’t leave the neighborhood).
Shops along Kearney Street with Bang Salon in the forefront. Look for the unique bike racks throughout the neighborhood.
Bang Salon At Park Hill
2200 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207
For a high-end trendy cut, Bang is the place to go.
For a high-end trendy cut, Bang is the place to go.
Grape Expectations Wine & Spirits
2270 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207
Every neighborhood needs a wine store, and this small one fits the bill selling wine, beer and hard liquor.
Every neighborhood needs a wine store, and this small one fits the bill selling wine, beer and hard liquor.
Supper Club is one of the businesses on Kearney Street.
Supper Club Inc
2216 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207
For those of us too tired to cook, The Supper Club offers an alternative to eating out. Entrees are big enough to feed 4 to 6 people and rotate monthly. Meals can be assembled on-site or be pre-assembled.
For those of us too tired to cook, The Supper Club offers an alternative to eating out. Entrees are big enough to feed 4 to 6 people and rotate monthly. Meals can be assembled on-site or be pre-assembled.
Renue For Nails
2210 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207
This small nail and waxing boutique also offers clothing and jewelry.
This small nail and waxing boutique also offers clothing and jewelry.
Art Deco clock near Art Garage studio and Kearney Garage on 23rd Ave.
Kearney Garage
6030 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
Everything to service your car in the heart of the neighborhood.
Everything to service your car in the heart of the neighborhood.
Park Hill Community Book Store
4620 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
This volunteer-operated book store offers new and used books.
This volunteer-operated book store offers new and used books.
Spinelli's Market
4621 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
Stepping back in time, this Italian market offers a wide variety of groceries, take-out meals and gourmet deli. The freshly made sandwiches are generous and my personal favorites are the Tuscan and the Roasted Vegetable. The market also sells their own line of pasta sauces…yum.
Stepping back in time, this Italian market offers a wide variety of groceries, take-out meals and gourmet deli. The freshly made sandwiches are generous and my personal favorites are the Tuscan and the Roasted Vegetable. The market also sells their own line of pasta sauces…yum.
Mile High Mutts Park Hill
4613 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80207
Grooming and boarding services for your pooch.
Grooming and boarding services for your pooch.
Education
A plethora of educational opportunities (too many to list) are available in Park Hill from a cooperative preschool to parochial schools to several public elementary schools.
Denver Public Schools (DPS)
DPS runs over 150 schools that serve a diverse population of 75,000 students.
For those not familiar with the Denver Public School (DPS), school districts are based on quadrants and each quadrant contains many zones. An elementary, middle and high school is associated with each zone and this is the primary school for your house. Parents have the opportunity to choice into any school within their quadrant (if space permits) or test into gifted/talented programs.
The choice process is maddening, is difficult to navigate and changes frequently. Make sure to check the website frequently and talk with school administration for clarification.
Park Hill Elementary School
5050 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80220
Public Elementary with ECE for 4 year olds to Grade 5. Diverse school with high parent involvement.
Public Elementary with ECE for 4 year olds to Grade 5. Diverse school with high parent involvement.
Stedman Elementary School
2940 Dexter St, Denver, CO 80207
Public Elementary with ECE for 4 year olds to Grade 5. Also offers Advanced Kindergarten.
Public Elementary with ECE for 4 year olds to Grade 5. Also offers Advanced Kindergarten.
Smiley Junior High School
2540 Holly St, Denver, CO 80207
Public Middle School with Grade 6 to Grade 8 offering an International Preparatory and International Baccalaureate program.
Public Middle School with Grade 6 to Grade 8 offering an International Preparatory and International Baccalaureate program.
Denver School of the Arts
7111 MONTVIEW BLVD DENVER, CO 80220
Public high school dedicated to performing arts where auditions are required for entrance.
Montview Community Preschool & Kindergarten
1980 Dahlia St, Denver, CO 80220
Cooperative play-based preschool for 3 to 5 year olds that also offers Kindergarten.
Cooperative play-based preschool for 3 to 5 year olds that also offers Kindergarten.
Blessed Sacrament Church
1973 Elm St, Denver, CO 80220
Parochial school with Preschool for 3 year olds to Grade 8.
Parochial school with Preschool for 3 year olds to Grade 8.
Park Hill United Methodist Church Children's Center
5209 Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80207
Preschool and daycare options for 2 to 5 year olds.
Preschool and daycare options for 2 to 5 year olds.
Denver International School
1958 Elm St, Denver, CO 80220
Private Preschool for 4 year olds to Grade 5. Language immersion offering French, Spanish and Mandarin.
Private Preschool for 4 year olds to Grade 5. Language immersion offering French, Spanish and Mandarin.
Churches
A number of churches are sporadically placed in the neighborhood with well established churches containing large congregations along Montview Boulevard while smaller churches can be found on the outskirts and in the north. The clergy at many of these churches played a role during the turbulent 1950s to 1970s in finding solutions to fight racism and promote religious tolerence. Denominations range from Methodist to Catholic and also serve several different ethnic populations such as Ethiopian and Korean. Below is a list of a few prominent ones.
Park Hill United Methodist Church resides prominently on Montview Boulevard.
Some of the businesses and restaurants found in the neighborhood.
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