Welcome to Denver, where 300 days of sunshine, a rich cultural scene, and diverse neighborhoods await. In this blog, we explore the dynamic landscape of downtown Denver, shedding light on Choozle’s exciting move to 1125 17th Street. Join us as we uncover the city’s top attractions, hottest restaurants, diverse art scene, various neighborhoods, and how the city invests for the future.
A Walkable City
Denver has the 10th largest downtown area in America, recognized as one of the most walkable. Within a one-mile radius, the city features the nation’s second-largest performing arts center, three major sports stadiums, three colleges, a river offering whitewater rafting, numerous art and history museums, a mint, a convention center, and a theme and water park.
What’s in a Name?
Talking about Denver without acknowledging its nickname is nearly impossible. So, how did Denver acquire the title of the Mile High City? As it happens, the 13th step on the west side of the Colorado State Capitol Building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level — precisely a mile high. In Denver’s thin air, golf balls travel 10 percent farther, and with lower water vapor at this altitude, Colorado’s sky is truly bluer.
Choozle’s New Home: 1125 17th Street
Choozle recently relocated its corporate headquarters to 1125 17th Street, a gleaming 492,799-square-foot Class A office tower in downtown Denver. The property is in the Midtown West portion of the central business district—a prime office location at the gateway to LoDo, with easy access via road and rail.
Complete with on-site amenities like a gym and Starbucks, Choozlers have everything they need right at their fingertips. One of the best aspects of the new office? An unobstructed view of the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Choozle CEO Adam Woods had this to say about the move, “The decision to move our headquarters to downtown Denver aligns with our strategic vision for growth and innovation. We believe this vibrant location will not only enhance our company culture but also provide an ideal setting for attracting top talent in the industry.”
Local Art Scene: Spotlight on Pat Milbery
Denver’s art scene is a kaleidoscope of creativity, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural influences. From renowned galleries like the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art to art galleries to suit every taste, the city offers a rich tapestry of artistic expression.
Beyond traditional mediums, Denver embraces street art, fostering an environment where artists like Pat Milbery can thrive. The RiNo Art District, known for its eclectic murals and graffiti, serves as a canvas for both established and emerging street artists.
A Minnesota native drawn to Colorado’s mountains, Milbery’s “Love This City” series has left an indelible mark, captivating locals and businesses alike. His unique approach to street art blends seamlessly with the urban landscape, finding the perfect balance between expression and placement.
Milbery, a self-taught artist and former professional snowboarder, not only brings color to Denver’s streets but also co-owns So-Gnar, a collective fostering creativity through initiatives like the Snowboard Camp Tour and the Shredded Beats hip-hop concert series. At Choozle, we’re fortunate to enjoy several original artworks by Millberry in our offices.
What To Do
Discover Denver’s diverse attractions, each contributing a unique facet to the city’s rich tapestry. From historic landmarks to contemporary cultural hubs, our exploration encompasses a range of experiences. Uncover the charm of locations seamlessly blending the past with the present, offering vibrant street scenes, lively promenades, and cultural institutions.
- Union Station: Union Station is a hub of activity for locals and travelers alike. This Beaux Arts train station is a historic landmark dating back to 1881. Completely revitalized in 2014, today Union Station is a bustling attraction that doubles as a working train station. You can catch the A-line train to the airport, RTD transit around Denver, or embark on Amtrak rail trips across the country from here.
- Larimer Square: Larimer Square stands as a noteworthy instance of urban rejuvenation, showcasing meticulously restored buildings from the Civil War era. Designated as Denver’s inaugural historic district in 1971, Larimer Square has evolved into a prominent entertainment hub. The district boasts an array of art galleries, shops, inviting restaurants, and charming gas lamps, collectively contributing to its vibrant atmosphere today.
- The 16th Street Mall: A mile-long pedestrian-friendly mall packed with shopping, restaurants, and attractions in downtown Denver. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the pedestrian promenade is made of red, white, and gray granite in a repeating pattern that, seen from above, resembles the skin of a diamondback rattlesnake.
- Coors Field: Take a tour or see a game at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies baseball club. The stadium, which opened in 1995, has a seating capacity of 50,200. Coors Field has earned a reputation as a hitter’s park, due to the effect of Denver’s high elevation and semi-arid climate on the distances of batted balls.
- Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA): The Denver Center for the Performing Arts features Broadway tours, locally produced Theatre Company productions, immersive experiences, intimate cabaret shows, statewide education programs, once-in-a-lifetime events, and more.
- Denver Art Museum: Founded in 1893, the Denver Art Museum is a cultural institution housing over 70,000 works of art. Renowned for its diverse collections, the museum showcases pieces from various periods and regions, including American Indian, European, and contemporary art. Its iconic Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, stands as a modern architectural gem in Denver.
- Central Denver Public Library: Established in 1889, the Denver Public Library serves as a hub for literature and learning. The central library, located in the Civic Center neighborhood, is an architectural landmark designed by Michael Graves. The library hosts cultural events, workshops, and serves as a community resource for education and information.
Where To Dine
No exploration of downtown Denver is complete without savoring the local flavors. From charming cafes to upscale eateries, the area surrounding Choozle’s new office is a haven for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely lunch, you’ll find a plethora of options to satisfy your taste buds.
- Corinne Denver $$: Upscale American eatery and bar with a warm, relaxed vibe at the stylish Le Méridien hotel.
- French 75 $$$: Steak Frites, escargots & other traditional bistro plates served against a warm, cozy backdrop.
- Ocean Prime $$$$: Upscale chain known for its sophisticated decor, long wine list & classic steak & seafood menu.
- Osteria Marco $$: Handcrafted pizzas, cured meats & cheeses, plus other Italian plates in a cozy basement setting.
- Panzano $$$: Posh yet casual eatery focusing on sustainable North Italian cuisine.
- Rioja $$$: Locally sourced, imaginative Mediterranean dishes & wines in a high-energy dining room.
- Stout Street Social $$: Hip setting for an eclectic & far-flung menu, including New England clam chowder & sushi rolls.
- Tamayo $$: Innovative Mexican plates come out of the kitchen of this chic spot with a vast rooftop deck.
- The Capital Grille $$$$: A fine dining restaurant & steakhouse featuring the freshest ingredients for our artfully prepared dishes.
- The Nickel $$$: Situated in the Hotel Teatro, this buzzy American bistro serves up local, seasonal dishes.
Denver City-Center Neighborhoods
Denver’s neighborhoods reflect a range of vibes and atmospheres. From preserved historic districts to energetic urban hubs, each area adds its distinct touch to the city’s identity. Whether wandering through streets, checking out cultural spots, or experiencing the mix of history and innovation, Denver’s neighborhoods offer a varied glimpse into the city’s diversity.
LoDo (Lower Downtown):
- Historic district with well-preserved architecture
- Home to Union Station and vibrant nightlife
- Hub for dining, shopping, and cultural attractions
Capitol Hill:
- A diverse and eclectic neighborhood
- Houses the Colorado State Capitol and Civic Center Park
- Rich in historic mansions and apartment buildings
Five Points:
- Historically significant African American neighborhood
- Booming arts and cultural scene
- Known for its jazz history and diverse community
Highland (LoHi):
- Trendy and vibrant neighborhood
- Mix of historic and modern architecture
- Offers a variety of dining and entertainment options
Golden Triangle:
- Cultural district with museums and galleries
- Home to the Denver Art Museum and Civic Center Park
- Blends modern developments with historic charm
RiNo (River North):
- Former industrial area transformed into an arts district
- Booming craft breweries, galleries, and creative spaces
- Embraces street art and hosts various cultural events
Uptown:
- Residential neighborhood with a mix of historic and modern homes
- Boasts a variety of dining options and local businesses
- Proximity to City Park and the Denver Zoo
Central Business District (CBD):
- Downtown commercial and financial hub
- Skyscrapers, corporate offices, and convention center
- Home to major cultural institutions and entertainment venues
Investing in the Future
According to the Downtown Denver Partnership (DDP), over the last 10 years, Downtown Denver has experienced a historic development cycle, adding 4.4 million square feet of office space, over 10,000 residential units, and 3,700 hotel rooms, resulting in $6.6 billion of total investment in our center city. The commitment to furthering this progress is evident in ongoing plans for continued investment in the city.
The 16th Street Mall Project
At over 40 years old, the 1.2-mile corridor between Wazee St. and Broadway needed a refresh. The DDP refers to the renovation as, “creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.” Construction began in 2022 with a targeted completion date of fall 2025 — at an estimated cost of $172.5 million.
Mayor Johnston’s Revitalization Project
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has unveiled a $350,000 plan to rejuvenate downtown Denver in response to declining foot traffic. The collaborative initiative named the Dynamic Downtown Denver plan and involving the city, Denver Arts & Venues, and the Downtown Denver Partnership, aims to distribute grants totaling over $350,000.
According to Johnston, the goal of this endeavor is to “both elevate and activate the city in a way that we know makes everyone remember why they fell in love with downtown Denver in the first place.”
Kourtny Garrett, the CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership (DDP), stated, “Individuals, nonprofits, community groups, businesses, are all eligible to apply for the grants, which will range from $500 to $25,000.”
The Bottom Line
Choozle’s relocation to 1125 17th Street, marks not only a change in address but a celebration of Denver’s artistic, culinary, and entrepreneurial spirit. This blog has only scratched the surface of the experiences that await in downtown Denver. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover in this dynamic city.
Ready to be a part of downtown Denver’s vibrant landscape?
Explore available job opportunities at Choozle and join us in shaping the future of omnichannel digital advertising. Discover your next career move and become a key player in our thriving community. Check out our open positions now.
About Choozle
Choozle is an omnichannel digital advertising platform – and strategic partner that helps advertisers and agencies navigate the modern media landscape with confidence. Detailed consumer data fuels strategic planning and precision media buying. We’re on a mission to propel brands into the spotlight, connecting them with their target audience across diverse media and channels. In a world saturated with information, we champion advertising that’s contextual and relevant to each media experience. This approach allows marketers and advertisers to break through the noise and deliver meaningful outcomes. Choozle seamlessly consolidates a suite of digital advertising tools – from a demand-side platform and data management platform to smart tag management – all unified within a user-friendly platform and augmented by our media experts. Established in 2012, explore the future of digital engagement at choozle.com.
About the Author:
Annie Wissner is an accomplished and innovative B2B marketing leader with over 20 years of experience. She has proven success in start-up and enterprise environments, as well as in domestic and international markets. As Vice President of Marketing, Annie oversees all corporate marketing functions at Choozle, including brand management, go-to-market strategy, product, digital, demand generation, partnerships, and media relations.
