Capitol Hill, Denver

Did You Know?

• Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg were former residents of the Colburn Hotel on Grant Street in Capitol Hill.
• The Esquire Theatre at 590 Downing Street, originally the Hiawatha Theater (1927), operated as an art-house cinema from 1942 until its closure in July 2024.
• Wax Trax! Records, opened in 1978 at 13th and Washington, spawned Wax Trax! Records in Chicago.

History

Originally home to Denver's elite, the neighborhood saw a shift after the Silver Crash of 1893, when apartment construction replaced mansions. Surviving examples from that era include The Colonnade, Alta Court, and the Hamilton. Capitol Hill remained middle-class until after World War II, when families left and transients and renters moved in. The completion of Interstate 70 diverted tourist traffic from East Colfax Avenue, hurting local businesses.

The area later attracted young bohemians, artists, and musicians, including Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, leading to gradual gentrification during the 2000s. Rents increased, and many cheap apartments became condominiums, though older housing stock lacking off-street parking kept some affordability. Portions of East Colfax Avenue are being redeveloped for density and pedestrian use. In 2012, the History Colorado Center opened next to the new Colorado State Judiciary building.

Characteristics

Capitol Hill is Denver's most densely populated neighborhood, featuring historic mansions, apartments, and condos. Parking is at a premium due to the urban character and multi-family uses. Commercial activity concentrates on major arterials like Colfax Avenue, East 8th Avenue, East 14th Avenue, East 13th Avenue, Lincoln Street, and Broadway. Many mansion properties have been converted to office uses under zoning exemptions for historic structures. Office development is primarily in the northwest portion of the neighborhood.

Arts and culture

Capitol Hill is a cosmopolitan neighborhood known as a haven for artists and bohemians, with numerous restaurants, clubs, bars, concert venues, and cultural amenities. East 13th Avenue is the center of Denver's punk community. Colfax Avenue offers nightlife at venues such as The Fillmore Auditorium, The Ogden Theater, The Bluebird Theater, and 1Up Colfax, along with late-night bars, coffeeshops, and stores. The Esquire Theatre at 590 Downing Street, originally the Hiawatha Theater (1927), operated as an art-house cinema until July 2024.

Lobbyists and politicians from the Colorado State Capitol frequent the neighborhood's restaurants and bars. The area is also known as gay and lesbian friendly. Nearby parks include Civic Center Park and Cheesman Park, which host festivals like the People's Fair. Notable landmarks include the Colorado State Capitol, Cathedral of St. John in the Wilderness, Molly Brown House, the first Quizno's subs location, Wax Trax! Records, History Colorado Center, the Episcopal Church, and the Colorado Governor's Mansion.