thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Aurora homicides up 53% compared to last year; no easy explanation for rise in violence

In the first seven months of 2020 , more people have been killed in homicides in Aurora than in all of 2018 .
Twenty-three people have been killed in the city so far this year — up 53 % from the 15 people killed in the same time period last year and more than the 18 people killed in all of 2018 , according to department data .
In the first six months of the year , every category of major crime except sexual assault is up over the first six months of 2019 .
Interim Police Chief Vanessa Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Post that it ’ s impossible to pinpoint an exact cause for the rise in crime .
“ The rise in crime is not only an issue for the police department , but for our entire community , ” she said .
Aurora isn ’ t the only Front Range city seeing large increases in violent crime .
Denver is on track to have its deadliest year in a decade , and aggravated assaults are up 22 % percent in the first half of the year .
Several large cities across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aurora is not immune to the metro , and even country wide , increase in violent crimes , ” Wilson said .
Crime experts also say that it ’ s difficult to tell exactly why many violent crimes are on the uptick because there are so many factors : a pandemic that has altered nearly every aspect of daily life , the ensuing economic fallout , and nationwide protests of police brutality that affect how people think about policing .
“ It ’ s hard to disentangle the these events , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Colorado Boulder who studies crime .
“ I don ’ t know if we ’ ll ever be able to do that.
” A study of crime rates in 27 large U.S. cities , including Denver , found that many categories dropped during the first weeks of the pandemic when businesses were closed and states enacted stay at home orders .
Beginning in May , however , rates of homicide and aggravated assault started to rise significantly , the researchers found .
The study was compiled for the National Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel of experts tasked with examining the effects of the pandemic on the country ’ s criminal justice system .
The authors of the study found there ’ s no clear connection between recent protests of police brutality and the violent crime increase .
The pandemic has interrupted methods police and community groups use to prevent and interrupt violence , the study states .
“ Subduing the COVID-19 epidemic is also a necessary condition for halting the rise in violence , ” the study ’ s authors wrote .
“ The police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence reduction require that people meet face-to-face ; they can not be replaced by Zoom .
An underappreciated consequence of the pandemic is how social-distancing requirements have affected outreach to high-risk individuals.
” Every one of the Aurora Police Department ’ s three districts has seen an increase in major crimes , defined as murder , sex assault , aggravated assault , robbery , burglary , motor vehicle theft and larceny .
Aurora Deputy Chief Harry Glidden said in a City Council committee hearing Thursday that eight of the homicides were connected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one was a domestic violence homicide .
Underlying circumstances for the other cases remain unclear , he said .
Councilwoman Allison Hiltz , chair of the Public Safety , Courts and Civil Service Committee , called the increase in crimes alarming .
Overall , violent crime is up in the city by 17 % and major property crimes are up 12 % compared to the first six months of 2019 .
Here ’ s how the crimes break down from Jan. 1 to June 30 and compare to last year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the problem is that some property crime suspects aren ’ t being locked up after arrests because of how jails and courts have changed procedures to limit the number of people inside detention facilities , which have been hotspots for outbreaks of COVID-19 .
Those people then commit more crimes , Wilson said .
The early research on the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic shows it has had a mixed effect on crime , Pyrooz said .
A medical system overburdened by COVID-19 demands could have an impact on the homicides numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between an aggravated assault and a homicide often has to do with our first responders , ” he said .
More broadly , the daily routines and resources of millions of people have been disrupted by the pandemic , impacting how crime occurs , he said .
Police , too , are adjusting how they respond in light of increased health risks and renewed criticism of their profession .
“ The trend is not looking good in Aurora , ” Pyrooz said of the crime data .
“ The trend is not looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s got to say enough is enough .
”

In the first seven months of 2020, more people have been killed in homicides in Aurora than in all of 2018.
Twenty-three people have been killed in the city so far this year — up 53% from the 15 people killed in the same time period last year and more than the 18 people killed in all of 2018, according to department data. In the first six months of the year, every category of major crime except sexual assault is up over the first six months of 2019.
Interim Police Chief Vanessa Wilson said in an emailed statement to The Denver Post that it’s impossible to pinpoint an exact cause for the rise in crime.
“The rise in crime is not only an issue for the police department, but for our entire community,” she said.
Aurora isn’t the only Front Range city seeing large increases in violent crime. Denver is on track to have its deadliest year in a decade, and aggravated assaults are up 22% percent in the first half of the year. Several large cities across the country are reporting similar trends.
“Aurora is not immune to the metro, and even country wide, increase in violent crimes,” Wilson said.
Crime experts also say that it’s difficult to tell exactly why many violent crimes are on the uptick because there are so many factors: a pandemic that has altered nearly every aspect of daily life, the ensuing economic fallout, and nationwide protests of police brutality that affect how people think about policing.
“It’s hard to disentangle the these events,” said David Pyrooz, an associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who studies crime. “I don’t know if we’ll ever be able to do that.”
A study of crime rates in 27 large U.S. cities, including Denver, found that many categories dropped during the first weeks of the pandemic when businesses were closed and states enacted stay at home orders. Beginning in May, however, rates of homicide and aggravated assault started to rise significantly, the researchers found. The study was compiled for the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice, a panel of experts tasked with examining the effects of the pandemic on the country’s criminal justice system.
The authors of the study found there’s no clear connection between recent protests of police brutality and the violent crime increase. The pandemic has interrupted methods police and community groups use to prevent and interrupt violence, the study states.
“Subduing the COVID-19 epidemic is also a necessary condition for halting the rise in violence,” the study’s authors wrote. “The police, public health, and community approaches to violence reduction require that people meet face-to-face; they cannot be replaced by Zoom. An underappreciated consequence of the pandemic is how social-distancing requirements have affected outreach to high-risk individuals.”
Every one of the Aurora Police Department’s three districts has seen an increase in major crimes, defined as murder, sex assault, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, motor vehicle theft and larceny.
Aurora Deputy Chief Harry Glidden said in a City Council committee hearing Thursday that eight of the homicides were connected to drug sales, two to gang activity and one was a domestic violence homicide. Underlying circumstances for the other cases remain unclear, he said.
Councilwoman Allison Hiltz, chair of the Public Safety, Courts and Civil Service Committee, called the increase in crimes alarming.
Overall, violent crime is up in the city by 17% and major property crimes are up 12% compared to the first six months of 2019. Here’s how the crimes break down from Jan. 1 to June 30 and compare to last year’s numbers for the same period:
Sex assault victims: 125, down 27%
Aggravated assault victims: 986, up 27%
Robbery victims: 334, up 14%
Burglary incidents: 795, up 23%
Motor vehicle theft incidents: 1,407, up 21%
Larceny incidents: 3,667, up 7%
Part of the problem is that some property crime suspects aren’t being locked up after arrests because of how jails and courts have changed procedures to limit the number of people inside detention facilities, which have been hotspots for outbreaks of COVID-19, Wilson said. Those people then commit more crimes, she said.
The early research on the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic shows it has had a mixed effect on crime, Pyrooz said.
A medical system overburdened by COVID-19 demands could have an impact on the homicides numbers, he said.
“The difference between an aggravated assault and a homicide often has to do with our first responders,” he said.
More broadly, the daily routines and resources of millions of people have been disrupted by the pandemic, impacting how crime occurs, he said. Police, too, are adjusting how they respond in light of increased health risks and renewed criticism of their profession.
“The trend is not looking good in Aurora,” Pyrooz said of the crime data. “The trend is not looking good in Denver. Someone in leadership’s got to say enough is enough.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Woman stabbed to death in Thornton restaurant parking lot

A man and a woman were stabbed Thursday in a restaurant parking lot , and the woman has died , @ @ @ @ @ happened outside a Chili ’ s , 16507 Washington St. , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ to a hospital .
A suspect , a man , is in custody .
An @ @ @ @ @ police said there ’ s no continuing threat to the public .
This story will @ @ @

A man and a woman were stabbed Thursday in a restaurant parking lot, and the woman has died, police said.
The stabbing happened outside a Chili’s, 16507 Washington St., police said. The male victim has been taken to a hospital. A suspect, a man, is in custody.
An investigation is ongoing, and police said there’s no continuing threat to the public.
TPD investigating a multiple stabbing in Chili’s parking lot, 16507 Washington St 1 adult female deceased, 1 adult male victim taken to area hospital, 1 adult male in custody. No threat to the public. Preliminary investigation underway. Updates posted as they become available. pic.twitter.com/P0Q1Gdhyoj — Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) July 30, 2020
This story will be updated.


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Buffalo Exchange temporarily closes all Colorado stores, cuts ties with franchisees as police invest

Buffalo Exchange temporarily closes all Colorado stores, cuts ties with franchisees as police investigate abuse allegations

Buffalo Exchange , the Tucson , Ariz.-based vintage clothing retailer with stores in 19 U.S. states , has cut ties with its Colorado franchisee group after dozens of anonymous allegations of employee abuse surfaced on an Instagram account this week .
At the same time , Denver police — with help from the FBI — said they are investigating the complaints , which included allegations of sexual assault , underage drug and alcohol use , fraud and theft .
People identifying themselves as former employees of Buffalo Exchange locations in Denver and Boulder levied the accusations against Colorado franchise managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post has communicated with nine people who said they are former employees of the Denver and Boulder locations .
Their stories closely match and in some cases overlap with the allegations on the Instagram account , which has attracted more than 5,000 followers in a matter of days .
“ I didn ’ t expect it to go this far this quick , ” said Jessica Straughter , who worked as a buyer at the Denver location from 2010 to 2012 .
“ But honestly , all of those stories are 100 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a professional place.
” Straughter said she was fired from her job for not enabling Colletti ’ s behavior .
In response to the allegations , Buffalo Exchange on Monday closed all of its Colorado stores .
A sign on the South Broadway location originally noted , “ We hope to reopen Saturday 8/1/2020.
” Colletti , who was a managing partner of the six-person Colorado franchisee group , had been “ released from responsibilities and associations from The Buffalo Exchange of Colorado , ” according to a July 28 post on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon , however , the company decided to cut ties with Colletti and his stores entirely , according to an open letter by Rebecca Block , the Buffalo Exchange corporate vice president .
“ As of today , our relationship with the Buffalo Exchange Colorado franchise stores is terminated , ” she wrote .
“ We have revoked any rights to the Buffalo Exchange brand and name .
… To the victims , I am so sorry this happened .
Most of all , I want you to know : we believe you.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview requests with Arizona-based executives , but on Wednesday released a statement attributed to corporate leadership .
“ The recent revelations about a franchisee in Colorado are beyond disturbing and abhorrent .
We are grateful and encouraged that the Denver Police Department is speaking to victims and opening an investigation into these very serious allegations , ” the statement read .
No police reports have been filed related to the allegations , according to Denver and Boulder police departments .
Colletti does not have a criminal record in Colorado , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokeswoman for the Denver Police Department said they have opened an investigation into the allegations on the Instagram account , with assistance from the FBI , and urged potential victims to contact detectives .
“ If someone was a victim or witness to these allegations , they are encouraged to call ( 720 ) 913-2000 , ” wrote public information officer Christine Downs .
Denver police detective Shanna Michael , who works with the FBI ’ s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force , is providing FBI resources to Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s full name and personal phone number emailed The Denver Post this week .
“ Take it easy on my scared employees and I will give you a story worth printing , ” the person , who identified himself as Colletti , wrote .
“ Twenty-five years of used pants .
Not quite front page but a lifetime of love and community and inclusion .
It can ’ t be lost in a moment of anger.
” Colletti has not responded to follow-up calls , emails and texted requests for further comment .

Buffalo Exchange, the Tucson, Ariz.-based vintage clothing retailer with stores in 19 U.S. states, has cut ties with its Colorado franchisee group after dozens of anonymous allegations of employee abuse surfaced on an Instagram account this week.
At the same time, Denver police — with help from the FBI — said they are investigating the complaints, which included allegations of sexual assault, underage drug and alcohol use, fraud and theft.
People identifying themselves as former employees of Buffalo Exchange locations in Denver and Boulder levied the accusations against Colorado franchise managing partner Patrick Todd Colletti.
The Denver Post has communicated with nine people who said they are former employees of the Denver and Boulder locations. Their stories closely match and in some cases overlap with the allegations on the Instagram account, which has attracted more than 5,000 followers in a matter of days.
“I didn’t expect it to go this far this quick,” said Jessica Straughter, who worked as a buyer at the Denver location from 2010 to 2012. “But honestly, all of those stories are 100% true. It clearly wasn’t a professional place.”
Straughter said she was fired from her job for not enabling Colletti’s behavior.
In response to the allegations, Buffalo Exchange on Monday closed all of its Colorado stores. A sign on the South Broadway location originally noted, “We hope to reopen Saturday 8/1/2020.” Colletti, who was a managing partner of the six-person Colorado franchisee group, had been “released from responsibilities and associations from The Buffalo Exchange of Colorado,” according to a July 28 post on the stores’ Facebook page.
On Thursday afternoon, however, the company decided to cut ties with Colletti and his stores entirely, according to an open letter by Rebecca Block, the Buffalo Exchange corporate vice president.
“As of today, our relationship with the Buffalo Exchange Colorado franchise stores is terminated,” she wrote. “We have revoked any rights to the Buffalo Exchange brand and name. … To the victims, I am so sorry this happened. Most of all, I want you to know: we believe you.”
A representative for the company declined interview requests with Arizona-based executives, but on Wednesday released a statement attributed to corporate leadership.
“The recent revelations about a franchisee in Colorado are beyond disturbing and abhorrent. We are grateful and encouraged that the Denver Police Department is speaking to victims and opening an investigation into these very serious allegations,” the statement read.
No police reports have been filed related to the allegations, according to Denver and Boulder police departments. Colletti does not have a criminal record in Colorado, according to a Colorado Bureau of Investigation database.
However, a spokeswoman for the Denver Police Department said they have opened an investigation into the allegations on the Instagram account, with assistance from the FBI, and urged potential victims to contact detectives.
“If someone was a victim or witness to these allegations, they are encouraged to call (720) 913-2000,” wrote public information officer Christine Downs.
Denver police detective Shanna Michael, who works with the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, is providing FBI resources to Denver police.
A person using Colletti’s full name and personal phone number emailed The Denver Post this week.
“Take it easy on my scared employees and I will give you a story worth printing,” the person, who identified himself as Colletti, wrote. “Twenty-five years of used pants. Not quite front page but a lifetime of love and community and inclusion. It can’t be lost in a moment of anger.”
Colletti has not responded to follow-up calls, emails and texted requests for further comment.


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Polis says it’s “reasonably safe” to reopen schools as Colorado tells educators how to handle COVID-

Polis says it’s “reasonably safe” to reopen schools as Colorado tells educators how to handle COVID-19 outbreaks

Gov .
Jared Polis on Thursday said it ’ s “ reasonably safe ” to reopen Colorado ’ s schools in the coming weeks , as the state health agency released specific steps local educators should take to address any COVID-19 outbreaks within their facilities .
“ Unlike parts of Texas and much of Florida , it ’ s reasonably safe to open schools .
Just as it ’ s reasonably safe to go to the grocery store , just as it ’ s reasonably safe to go to work , ” Polis said during a virtual news conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Coloradans have made to make schools a safe place to be , ” he added .
“ I know many kids are going to be going back in the coming weeks , including my own.
” Polis ’ comments came one day after Denver Public Schools , the state ’ s largest district , extended remote learning through Oct. 16 for most of its students , citing increased levels of COVID-19 in the community .
The World Health Organization has advised governments that the rate of coroanvirus tests coming back positive should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two weeks before any reopenings .
Denver ’ s positivity rate was 4.6 % the week ending Sunday , leading Superintendent Susana Cordova to announce classrooms will largely stay closed for the first quarter of the semester .
The district is working with local public health agencies to develop a set of indicators to inform when students might be able to safely attend school in person , she added .
Polis ’ remarks were in response to a question from a reporter about whether he would have done anything differently , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a safer environment under which to reopen schools — or whether he believed districts that have opted for remote learning to start the year were overreacting .
The governor didn ’ t answer the question directly , instead saying different districts are taking different approaches .
On Thursday , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released statewide guidance to help schools respond in the event of confirmed COVID-19 cases or outbreaks .
An outbreak is defined as two or more confirmed cases of the virus in a facility .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff member tests positive for the virus , they must stay home until released from isolation , defined as about 10 days after the onset of symptoms and at least 24 hours without a fever , according to the state health department .
Everyone in the infected person ’ s class or cohort must quarantine for 14 days , according to the guidance .
If the school is not practicing cohorting or mixes cohorts , leaders should work to identify the infected person ’ s close contacts and have them tested within seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools should close when five or more cohorts or classrooms report an outbreak within a two-week period ; or when 5 % or more of unrelated students , teachers and staff have confirmed cases within a two-week period , according to the guidance .
Schools should also close if they need additional time to clean facilities before students and staff return , if they need time to gather illness data and confer with public health experts , or if a school can not operate because a large number of students and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report single cases of COVID-19 to their local public health agencies and requires they notify local or state public health officials within four hours of all suspected and confirmed outbreaks .
Read Colorado ’ s guidance on how educators should handle COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in schools here .

Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday said it’s “reasonably safe” to reopen Colorado’s schools in the coming weeks, as the state health agency released specific steps local educators should take to address any COVID-19 outbreaks within their facilities.
“Unlike parts of Texas and much of Florida, it’s reasonably safe to open schools. Just as it’s reasonably safe to go to the grocery store, just as it’s reasonably safe to go to work,” Polis said during a virtual news conference.
“That reflects a lot of sacrifices that Coloradans have made to make schools a safe place to be,” he added. “I know many kids are going to be going back in the coming weeks, including my own.”
Polis’ comments came one day after Denver Public Schools, the state’s largest district, extended remote learning through Oct. 16 for most of its students, citing increased levels of COVID-19 in the community.
The World Health Organization has advised governments that the rate of coroanvirus tests coming back positive should be 5% or lower for at least two weeks before any reopenings. Denver’s positivity rate was 4.6% the week ending Sunday, leading Superintendent Susana Cordova to announce classrooms will largely stay closed for the first quarter of the semester.
The district is working with local public health agencies to develop a set of indicators to inform when students might be able to safely attend school in person, she added.
Polis’ remarks were in response to a question from a reporter about whether he would have done anything differently, such as enacting a mask order sooner, to create a safer environment under which to reopen schools — or whether he believed districts that have opted for remote learning to start the year were overreacting.
The governor didn’t answer the question directly, instead saying different districts are taking different approaches.
On Thursday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released statewide guidance to help schools respond in the event of confirmed COVID-19 cases or outbreaks. An outbreak is defined as two or more confirmed cases of the virus in a facility.
If a student, teacher or school staff member tests positive for the virus, they must stay home until released from isolation, defined as about 10 days after the onset of symptoms and at least 24 hours without a fever, according to the state health department.
Everyone in the infected person’s class or cohort must quarantine for 14 days, according to the guidance. If the school is not practicing cohorting or mixes cohorts, leaders should work to identify the infected person’s close contacts and have them tested within seven days or earlier if they display symptoms.
Schools should close when five or more cohorts or classrooms report an outbreak within a two-week period; or when 5% or more of unrelated students, teachers and staff have confirmed cases within a two-week period, according to the guidance.
Schools should also close if they need additional time to clean facilities before students and staff return, if they need time to gather illness data and confer with public health experts, or if a school cannot operate because a large number of students and staff are absent.
The guidance recommends schools report single cases of COVID-19 to their local public health agencies and requires they notify local or state public health officials within four hours of all suspected and confirmed outbreaks.
Read Colorado’s guidance on how educators should handle COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in schools here.


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Seniors savor luxury lifestyle at The Grove At Stapleton

The Grove at Stapleton offers much more than luxury apartments for seniors .
Through its signature Senior Umbrella Network ( SUN® ) program , it provides services and activities designed to create an active , engaged , senior living community for residents 55+ .
Adapting the SUN® programs during the time of COVID-19 has been a challenge .
“ We are so proud of our activity program , and suddenly restructuring it was something we all had to adapt to , ” says Taylor Patton , The Grove at Stapleton property manager .
“ For a community as social , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Grove , we are determined to do whatever it takes to keep our character alive , and our morale high with the resources we are given.
” The complex switched to holding fitness classes using Zoom , moved movie nights outdoors with a giant , inflatable screen and socially distanced seating , started going door-to-door to sing “ Happy Birthday , ” and changed to balcony bingo .
The staff also delivers coffee and pastries door-to-door on Tuesday mornings and wine and individually-packaged cheese and crackers on Wednesdays to replace its weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal is to keep them involved , but protected , ” Patton says .
See for yourself The Grove at Stapleton is inviting people 55+ to three upcoming events so they can enjoy that community experience for themselves .
Today , Aug. 2 , all-new tours that visit the Grove will receive a $ 25 gift card .
On Aug. 7 , from 4 to 6 p.m. , visitors can attend a build it yourself succulent bar .
“ We ’ ll have different stations so that you can grab a pot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variety of succulents , and then pick some shells and marbles to decorate , ” Patton says .
“ And , of course , we ’ ll have wine to drink.
” On Aug. 24 , starting at 4 p.m. , visitors can join the Grove community for a drive-through Blues and Brews to hear a blues band and take home an array of local craft beers to enjoy .
To RSVP for either event , call ( 833 ) 232-0928 .
The Grove understands that this time of uncertainty can make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s why the complex is offering a move-in special designed to give new residents time to become part of the friendly , fun community at your own pace and live rent-free until Oct. 1 with exclusive savings programs to be applied towards moving costs .
Considering moving to The Grove at Stapleton ?
New resident John P. says you won ’ t be sorry when you do .
“ I can not say enough about the staff here .
I definitely would do it , ” he says .
“ Go ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll find that The Grove is one of the better ones .
I think this is a great place to move in to.
” New residents have a variety of spacious , maintenance-free , one- or two-bedroom apartments available for rent with zero buy-in or HOA fees .
The one-bedroom apartments start at $ 1,800 per month , while the two-bedroom apartment starts at $ 2,400 per month .
The Grove at Stapleton offers four layouts for one-bedroom apartments that range in size from 664- to 895-square-feet and strikes the perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community ’ s eight two-bedroom , two-bath options range in size 967- to 1,357-square feet and offer more room to roam .
The apartments all offer private patios or balconies , plus expertly designed kitchens with adjoining dining and living rooms , and elegant bathrooms .
All homes feature high-end finishes , including Energy Star stainless steel appliances and washers and dryers , and high-efficiency lighting .
Every floor provides recycling and trash receptacles .
Residents also enjoy the benefits of multiple elevators , and an on-site clothes care center , a fully-equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to public transportation .
The Grove offers both free surface lot parking and below-ground parking for a monthly fee .
The community is conveniently located at 2980 N. Syracuse St. , within walking distance of the East 29th Avenue Town Center , Founder ’ s Green , and a local farmer ’ s market .
Downtown Denver , along with well-known medical centers like HealthONE , Centura Health , and Denver Health , is only 20 minutes away .
But you don ’ t have to go out if you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Stapleton is designed to meet its residents ’ needs .
It offers catered meal options , an outdoor kitchen , a sparkling pool , and year-round hot tub , community garden and gardening shed , a resident-led library , and its very own Barks & Rec private dog park .
The Grove allows residents to have up to two pets .
“ Our community amenities were thoughtfully designed to promote a healthy , social and active lifestyle , ” Patton says .
The seven-prong SUN® program focuses on health and wellness ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education and lifelong learning ; fun and recreation ; convenience and economies ; community and friendship , and safety and security .
As an active member of the Stapleton community , the community also plans to change its name once the neighborhood does .
But no matter the name , The Grove at Stapleton is a great place to live .
“ I have lived at The Grove for a little over two and years , and I have loved it from the beginning , ” says Patricia P. “ I moved from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
The management team is excellent and takes good care of us .
I highly recommend The Grove.
” The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

The Grove at Stapleton offers much more than luxury apartments for seniors. Through its signature Senior Umbrella Network (SUN®) program, it provides services and activities designed to create an active, engaged, senior living community for residents 55+.
Adapting the SUN® programs during the time of COVID-19 has been a challenge. “We are so proud of our activity program, and suddenly restructuring it was something we all had to adapt to,” says Taylor Patton, The Grove at Stapleton property manager.
“For a community as social, connected, caring, and tightly-knit as The Grove, we are determined to do whatever it takes to keep our character alive, and our morale high with the resources we are given.”
The complex switched to holding fitness classes using Zoom, moved movie nights outdoors with a giant, inflatable screen and socially distanced seating, started going door-to-door to sing “Happy Birthday,” and changed to balcony bingo. The staff also delivers coffee and pastries door-to-door on Tuesday mornings and wine and individually-packaged cheese and crackers on Wednesdays to replace its weekly Wine Down Wednesday gathering.
“Our goal is to keep them involved, but protected,” Patton says.
Want to go? What: Seniors 55+ can check out what The Grove at Stapleton offers during three free events.
Seniors 55+ can check out what The Grove at Stapleton offers during three free events. Where: 2980 N. Syracuse St.
2980 N. Syracuse St. When: Open House: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 2, $25 to all first-time tours (one per party.) Build Your Own Succulent Bar: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 7. Plant your own succulent and enjoy some wine. Blues and Brews: starting at 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Enjoy local craft beers while listening to a blues band.
Open House: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 2, $25 to all first-time tours (one per party.) Build Your Own Succulent Bar: 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 7. Plant your own succulent and enjoy some wine. Blues and Brews: starting at 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Enjoy local craft beers while listening to a blues band. More Info: Call to RSVP for Build Your Own Succulent Bar or Blues and Brews
Call to RSVP for Build Your Own Succulent Bar or Blues and Brews Phone: 833-232-0928
See for yourself
The Grove at Stapleton is inviting people 55+ to three upcoming events so they can enjoy that community experience for themselves.
Today, Aug. 2, all-new tours that visit the Grove will receive a $25 gift card.
On Aug. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m., visitors can attend a build it yourself succulent bar. “We’ll have different stations so that you can grab a pot, then the soil, choose from a variety of succulents, and then pick some shells and marbles to decorate,” Patton says. “And, of course, we’ll have wine to drink.”
On Aug. 24, starting at 4 p.m., visitors can join the Grove community for a drive-through Blues and Brews to hear a blues band and take home an array of local craft beers to enjoy.
To RSVP for either event, call (833) 232-0928.
The Grove understands that this time of uncertainty can make it difficult to decide to move. That’s why the complex is offering a move-in special designed to give new residents time to become part of the friendly, fun community at your own pace and live rent-free until Oct. 1 with exclusive savings programs to be applied towards moving costs.
Considering moving to The Grove at Stapleton? New resident John P. says you won’t be sorry when you do.
“I cannot say enough about the staff here. I definitely would do it,” he says. “Go ahead and shop around, but I think you’ll find that The Grove is one of the better ones. I think this is a great place to move in to.”
Variety of choices
New residents have a variety of spacious, maintenance-free, one- or two-bedroom apartments available for rent with zero buy-in or HOA fees. The one-bedroom apartments start at $1,800 per month, while the two-bedroom apartment starts at $2,400 per month.
The Grove at Stapleton offers four layouts for one-bedroom apartments that range in size from 664- to 895-square-feet and strikes the perfect balance between spacious and intimate.
The community’s eight two-bedroom, two-bath options range in size 967- to 1,357-square feet and offer more room to roam.
The apartments all offer private patios or balconies, plus expertly designed kitchens with adjoining dining and living rooms, and elegant bathrooms. All homes feature high-end finishes, including Energy Star stainless steel appliances and washers and dryers, and high-efficiency lighting. Every floor provides recycling and trash receptacles. Residents also enjoy the benefits of multiple elevators, and an on-site clothes care center, a fully-equipped bike maintenance shop, and easy access to public transportation.
The Grove offers both free surface lot parking and below-ground parking for a monthly fee.
Ideal location
The community is conveniently located at 2980 N. Syracuse St., within walking distance of the East 29th Avenue Town Center, Founder’s Green, and a local farmer’s market. Downtown Denver, along with well-known medical centers like HealthONE, Centura Health, and Denver Health, is only 20 minutes away.
But you don’t have to go out if you don’t want to do so. The Grove at Stapleton is designed to meet its residents’ needs. It offers catered meal options, an outdoor kitchen, a sparkling pool, and year-round hot tub, community garden and gardening shed, a resident-led library, and its very own Barks & Rec private dog park. The Grove allows residents to have up to two pets.
“Our community amenities were thoughtfully designed to promote a healthy, social and active lifestyle,” Patton says.
The seven-prong SUN® program focuses on health and wellness; finance, legal and administrative services; education and lifelong learning; fun and recreation; convenience and economies; community and friendship, and safety and security.
Adapting to community needs
As an active member of the Stapleton community, the community also plans to change its name once the neighborhood does.
But no matter the name, The Grove at Stapleton is a great place to live.
“I have lived at The Grove for a little over two and years, and I have loved it from the beginning,” says Patricia P. “I moved from out of state and found instant friendships here. The management team is excellent and takes good care of us. I highly recommend The Grove.”
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Players, coaches kneel before NBA’s re-opening night

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — Players and coaches from the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz knelt alongside one another before the first game of the NBA restart on Thursday night , an unprecedented image for the league in unprecedented times .
The coaches — New Orleans ’ Alvin Gentry and Utah ’ s Quin Snyder — were next to one another , their arms locked together .
Some players raised a fist as the final notes of “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” were played , the first of what is expected to be many silent statements calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of , among others , Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in recent months .
Even the game referees took a knee during the pregame scene , which occurred with the teams lined up along the sideline nearest where “ Black Lives Matter ” was painted onto the court .
The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers were expected to also take some sort of action before the second game of the re-opening night doubleheader later Thursday .
“ It ’ s so important at this point for us to be unified and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the critical things that are going on in the country right now , ” Snyder said .
The NBA has a rule going back to the early 1980s that players must stand for the national anthem .
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver , anticipating that players would kneel during these games at Walt Disney World , has made clear that he supports peaceful protests .
Many players warmed up wearing shirts that said “ Black Lives Matter.
” Thursday also marked the debut of new jerseys bearing messages that many players chose to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ Peace.
” The NBA season was suspended when Rudy Gobert of the Jazz tested positive for the coronavirus and became the first player in the league with such a diagnosis .
Gobert was diagnosed on March 11 ; two days later , Taylor , a 26-year-old Black woman , was fatally shot when police officers burst into her Louisville , Kentucky apartment using a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation .
The warrant was in connection with a suspect who did not live there and no drugs were found .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into the Black man ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes .
That happened on a street , with the images — and sounds of the man saying he couldn ’ t breathe , then crying out for his mother — all captured on a cell phone video .
NBA players have used their platforms — both in the bubble and on social media — to demand equality , to demand justice for Taylor .
Coaches have also said it is incumbent on them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the pregame actions by the Jazz and the Pelicans were just the start of what is expected to be a constant during the remainder of this season .
“ It ’ s taken a very long time to get this momentum going , ” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said in a video that aired pregame , a project organized by both the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association .
“ And it can not be lost.
” Gentry said he appreciated the accidental symmetry that came from the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours after the funeral for U.S. Rep. John Lewis , who died July 17 at the age of 80 .
Lewis spent most of his life championing civil rights and equality and was the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington — the one where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “ I Have a Dream ” speech .
Gentry said he believes this movement , like the one Lewis helped spark six decades ago , will endure .
“ If you talk to some of the younger generation , I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really do , ” Gentry said .
“ I have a 20-year-old son and a 22-year-old son , and I know that they feel like this is the most opportune time for us to try to have change in this country .
”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Players and coaches from the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz knelt alongside one another before the first game of the NBA restart on Thursday night, an unprecedented image for the league in unprecedented times.
The coaches — New Orleans’ Alvin Gentry and Utah’s Quin Snyder — were next to one another, their arms locked together. Some players raised a fist as the final notes of “The Star-Spangled Banner” were played, the first of what is expected to be many silent statements calling for racial justice and equality following the deaths of, among others, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in recent months.
Even the game referees took a knee during the pregame scene, which occurred with the teams lined up along the sideline nearest where “Black Lives Matter” was painted onto the court. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers were expected to also take some sort of action before the second game of the re-opening night doubleheader later Thursday.
“It’s so important at this point for us to be unified and be able to peacefully protest many of the critical things that are going on in the country right now,” Snyder said.
The NBA has a rule going back to the early 1980s that players must stand for the national anthem. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, anticipating that players would kneel during these games at Walt Disney World, has made clear that he supports peaceful protests.
Many players warmed up wearing shirts that said “Black Lives Matter.” Thursday also marked the debut of new jerseys bearing messages that many players chose to have added, such as “Equality” and “Peace.”
The NBA season was suspended when Rudy Gobert of the Jazz tested positive for the coronavirus and became the first player in the league with such a diagnosis. Gobert was diagnosed on March 11; two days later, Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot when police officers burst into her Louisville, Kentucky apartment using a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation. The warrant was in connection with a suspect who did not live there and no drugs were found.
Then on May 25, Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into the Black man’s neck for nearly eight minutes. That happened on a street, with the images — and sounds of the man saying he couldn’t breathe, then crying out for his mother — all captured on a cell phone video.
NBA players have used their platforms — both in the bubble and on social media — to demand equality, to demand justice for Taylor. Coaches have also said it is incumbent on them to demand change and educate themselves and others. And the pregame actions by the Jazz and the Pelicans were just the start of what is expected to be a constant during the remainder of this season.
“It’s taken a very long time to get this momentum going,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said in a video that aired pregame, a project organized by both the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. “And it cannot be lost.”
Gentry said he appreciated the accidental symmetry that came from the first games of the restarted season coming only hours after the funeral for U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who died July 17 at the age of 80.
Lewis spent most of his life championing civil rights and equality and was the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington — the one where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Gentry said he believes this movement, like the one Lewis helped spark six decades ago, will endure.
“If you talk to some of the younger generation, I think this is here to stay. I really do,” Gentry said. “I have a 20-year-old son and a 22-year-old son, and I know that they feel like this is the most opportune time for us to try to have change in this country.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-30--Vesta closes permanently after 23 years as a top dining destination in Denver

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to hasten restaurant closings across Denver , one part of the city in particular , long considered a top dining destination , could become a culinary wasteland .
“ There ’ s no office traffic , no business travel , no tourism and no hotels , and most of local clientele unfortunately seems to be avoiding downtown , ” said Josh Wolkon , who on Thursday announced the permanent closure of his restaurant Vesta , which opened in 1997 on Blake Street .
Vesta joins other recently shuttered restaurants nearby such as 20th Street Cafe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Euclid Hall , which have all closed their doors during the pandemic .
Previously known as Vesta Dipping Grill , over its 23 years , the restaurant had transformed from a concept centered around housemade dips and sauces into a 21st century farm-to-table occasion spot .
Some of Denver ’ s better-known chefs cut their teeth at Vesta , including the late Brandon Foster , who worked his way up to executive chef over more than a decade in the Blake Street space , before moving on to lead the kitchen at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a seizure earlier this month , a moment that Wolkon said was the lowest point for him and his shifting restaurants .
“ To not be able to gather and hug and be together at Vesta in a situation like that was really difficult as well , ” Wolkon said .
“ ( Brandon ) really helped transition between the Vesta of the past and the Vesta of the present.
” For more than the past few months , Wolkon has been wondering what to do with the future of his oldest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secret Sauce , a group that includes Steuben ’ s , Ace Eat Serve and Vesta .
He said the decision to close the flagship was a matter of choosing where to dedicate his team ’ s resources now among their three concepts and four total restaurants .
“ I , prior to COVID ( -19 ) , was already kind of wondering , ‘ What am I gon na do ?
’ ” Wolkon said of Vesta ’ s future .
“ And then this happened… .
” “ This ” refers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado restaurants to in-person dining for 10 weeks at the start of their busy season , followed by a rush to reopen with outdoor seating and reduced capacity last month .
RELATED : Denver restaurants that have permanently closed during the pandemic Wolkon has continued running his neighboring 17th Avenue restaurants — Steuben ’ s and Ace — with their easy to-go menus and expansive outdoor patio , but decided to keep his downtown and Arvada restaurant locations closed .
He owns the real estate beneath Steuben ’ s Arvada , so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wolkon had two years left on his lease and was questioning the business ’ viability beyond that .
“ Prior to ( the pandemic ) , full service , higher-end dining was sort of in jeopardy or being threatened , ” he said .
“ We ’ re at this weird breaking point with costs where you just can ’ t charge enough.
” While the Uptown restaurants are doing OK now relying primarily on outdoor dining and takeout , Wolkon said he wants to remain hopeful for concepts like Vesta “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Maybe , because of this ( pandemic ) , people will appreciate just how special it is to go out to a restaurant like Vesta , how good it feels , ” he said .
For now , to honor the restaurant and its late chef in a way that befits the times , Wolkon and team are holding a fundraiser for Foster ’ s family from Aug. 8-9 .
They ’ ll sell charcuterie ( a menu component that Foster promoted while at Vesta ) on keepsake cutting boards inscribed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” They will also sell the restaurant ’ s remaining wine collection .
“ We can ’ t throw a party , we can ’ t have everybody come to Vesta for one last meal , ” Wolkon said .
“ In a small way … it just feels like an appropriate send-off.
” Subscribe to our food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to hasten restaurant closings across Denver, one part of the city in particular, long considered a top dining destination, could become a culinary wasteland.
“There’s no office traffic, no business travel, no tourism and no hotels, and most of local clientele unfortunately seems to be avoiding downtown,” said Josh Wolkon, who on Thursday announced the permanent closure of his restaurant Vesta, which opened in 1997 on Blake Street.
Vesta joins other recently shuttered restaurants nearby such as 20th Street Cafe, Morton’s, The Market and Euclid Hall, which have all closed their doors during the pandemic.
Previously known as Vesta Dipping Grill, over its 23 years, the restaurant had transformed from a concept centered around housemade dips and sauces into a 21st century farm-to-table occasion spot.
Some of Denver’s better-known chefs cut their teeth at Vesta, including the late Brandon Foster, who worked his way up to executive chef over more than a decade in the Blake Street space, before moving on to lead the kitchen at Project Angel Heart.
Foster died suddenly from a seizure earlier this month, a moment that Wolkon said was the lowest point for him and his shifting restaurants.
“To not be able to gather and hug and be together at Vesta in a situation like that was really difficult as well,” Wolkon said. “(Brandon) really helped transition between the Vesta of the past and the Vesta of the present.”
For more than the past few months, Wolkon has been wondering what to do with the future of his oldest concept.
Wolkon is the founder of Secret Sauce, a group that includes Steuben’s, Ace Eat Serve and Vesta. He said the decision to close the flagship was a matter of choosing where to dedicate his team’s resources now among their three concepts and four total restaurants.
“I, prior to COVID(-19), was already kind of wondering, ‘What am I gonna do?’ ” Wolkon said of Vesta’s future. “And then this happened… .”
“This” refers to the pandemic, the closure of Colorado restaurants to in-person dining for 10 weeks at the start of their busy season, followed by a rush to reopen with outdoor seating and reduced capacity last month.
RELATED: Denver restaurants that have permanently closed during the pandemic
Wolkon has continued running his neighboring 17th Avenue restaurants — Steuben’s and Ace — with their easy to-go menus and expansive outdoor patio, but decided to keep his downtown and Arvada restaurant locations closed.
He owns the real estate beneath Steuben’s Arvada, so that was an easier decision. With Vesta, Wolkon had two years left on his lease and was questioning the business’ viability beyond that.
“Prior to (the pandemic), full service, higher-end dining was sort of in jeopardy or being threatened,” he said. “We’re at this weird breaking point with costs where you just can’t charge enough.”
While the Uptown restaurants are doing OK now relying primarily on outdoor dining and takeout, Wolkon said he wants to remain hopeful for concepts like Vesta “on the other side” of coronavirus.
“Maybe, because of this (pandemic), people will appreciate just how special it is to go out to a restaurant like Vesta, how good it feels,” he said.
For now, to honor the restaurant and its late chef in a way that befits the times, Wolkon and team are holding a fundraiser for Foster’s family from Aug. 8-9. They’ll sell charcuterie (a menu component that Foster promoted while at Vesta) on keepsake cutting boards inscribed with the message “Be like Brandon.” They will also sell the restaurant’s remaining wine collection.
“We can’t throw a party, we can’t have everybody come to Vesta for one last meal,” Wolkon said. “In a small way … it just feels like an appropriate send-off.”
Subscribe to our food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--What does Denver’s office of the future look like? Landlords, designers are starting to get an idea

It ’ s the big , potentially multi-million-dollar questions on the minds of commercial property owners , real estate brokers , interior designers , employers and countless office workers across the country .
What will the office of the future look like in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic ?
What do office users want and need in a space to feel safe and secure in signing a lease ?
In Colorado , the offices of companies in “ nonessential ” fields are capped at 50 % of capacity under the state ’ s “ safer at home ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees to work from home as much as possible .
Some of the world ’ s largest companies like Facebook and Google are telling many of their employees to continue working from home into 2021 at least .
For Denver-area companies , essential and otherwise , that have moved into new spaces during the pandemic , some early answers to those big questions are starting to emerge .
For some small firms , there is an increased focus on open spaces the give employees room , windows that open and let in fresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — say at shared office or co-working spaces — may have afforded them .
Outside of the makeup of the physical space , affordability and lease flexibility are paramount at a time when the country ’ s economic recovery appears to be sputtering and stalling .
“ Certainly the opportunity to save money during this period was a factor , ” Chris O ’ Halloran , CEO of Denver-based startup Joyne said Monday , the day his company was scheduled to move into a suite at the Flight office building in River North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all trying to minimize our cost at the moment because there is a heightened level of unknown.
” But money was hardly the only consideration in Joyne ’ s move .
The company , which provides contractors with an online platform for generating cost estimating , ordering materials and other pre-construction tasks , is growing .
It closed on a $ 2.5 million seed funding round in April .
Its Denver headquarters housed just O ’ Halloran and one other staffer when it opened in the Spaces co-working space near Coors Field but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company eventually absorbed a neighboring office inside the co-working space to use as a private conference room , growing Joyne ’ s footprint in the building to more than 700 square feet .
Its suite on the fourth floor of the Flight building is 600 square feet but feels and operates bigger than the two offices in Spaces , O ’ Halloran said .
It came furnished with items including adjustable standing desks and already has a private conference room inside , a must for Joyne , which in addition to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lanka , O ’ Halloran ’ s native Australia and elsewhere .
“ It ’ s got windows .
Every office is external , ” O ’ Halloran said , adding that he looked into another co-working space before signing on at Flight but the only room available in that space was in the middle of the building with no access to an external wall .
“ Certainly , it feels like a bigger space .
Whether that ’ s just the shape of the room or what .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Flight , part of Zeppelin Development ’ s mixed-use Taxi project along the South Platte River , has 35 suites like the one Joyne just moved into .
Leasing discussions have been steady late despite the pandemic , according to Adam Larkey , Zeppelin ’ s director of sales and leasing .
“ We are seeing a lot ( of prospective tenants ) that are either coming out of coworking or sort of tall downtown high rises where the elevators have become a pinch point and a design issue , ” Larkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much about its physical spaces because of the pandemic , save for commissioning of some local artists to paint murals in stairwells with aims of making them that much more inviting than cramped elevators that make social distancing difficult if not impossible .
But that company is finding that the hallmarks of its office projects — high-ceilinged spaces in walk-up scale buildings with ample natural light and , in many cases roll-up garage doors — are well suited to the demands of a public health crisis during which confined spaces are high-risk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience being here on urban edge as opposed to being in a hermetically sealed office floor that you have to take an elevator to , ” Justin Croft , Zeppelin ’ s vice president of development , said last week .
The main thing the company is doing right now in light of the pandemic is embracing simplified , short-term leases .
No fluctuating utility costs or fees folded in , but flat-rate agreements that fill up no more than a couple pages .
Zeppelin is letting potential tenants know it is offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s case , O ’ Halloran said Zeppelin allowed him to sign a six-month deal .
Zeppelin has felt some of the sting from the economic fallout that has accompanied COVID-19 .
Its 700,000-square-foot office portfolio was 97 % leased six months ago , Larkey said .
Now , it ’ s about 93 % leased , with some companies choosing not to renew as others grow .
In Denver metro-wide , vacancies ticked up only slightly in the second financial quarter of 2020 , hitting 13.6 % at the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estate services firm CBRE .
But that doesn ’ t tell the whole story .
A mass of space hit the sublease market this spring , according to CBRE ’ s research .
The amount of official “ occupied ” space that is available to secondary tenants rose 33 % in April through June over the first three months of the year , hitting 3.4 million square feet .
Half of that is downtown , according to CBRE .
D Bergin , who oversees office occupier services in Colorado for CBRE , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a contracting oil and gas sector crushed by not only falling demand because of COVID-19 but also a price war earlier this year between Russia and Saudi Arabia .
Bergin is confident that Denver will still be an attractive place for companies to lease office space in the coronavirus age , especially as a lower-priced alternative to coastal cities .
“ While there weren ’ t a lot of new deals getting done in the second quarter we are still a very strong market that has seen a lot of activity from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , ” he said earlier this month .
O ’ Halloran and his Denver-based Joyne team spent six weeks working from home when the novel coronavirus first spread across Colorado , even though the business fell in the essential category as part of the construction industry .
Many companies in Joyne ’ s investor network are planning to work remotely for at least the next year , but for a company that ’ s just over 3 years old and is focused on growth , O ’ Halloran felt that having an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t build a culture and a team working remotely as easily as you can if you ’ re working in the same building , ” he said .
Company culture was also at the heart of Ware Malcomb ’ s thinking when the international architecture and design firm built out its new 13,000-square-foot office in the Broadway Station building just south of Interstate 25 on Broadway .
The firm , which is rotating staff members between working in the office or from home to meet state COVID-19 protocols , moved in earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office allows us to review large documents easily ( especially for our civil engineering team members ) , and have clients engage with us as we present design solutions , ” Tom Jansen , the company ’ s principal in charge of civil engineering in Denver wrote in an email .
“ It is important to not only have a physical presence in the Denver area to promote our culture and connect our team members , but to also support the local community.
” In designing the new Denver space , Ware Malcomb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , but when it comes to combating COVID-19 , Matt Chaiken , another principal in the Denver office , said the focus has been on clear rules around wearing masks , social distancing , self-sanitizing and other safety protocols .
Ware Malcomb has developed a healthy workplace assessment protocol , which it applied to its Denver office and is offering to clients .
The assessment produces a report recommending actions on regulating office occupancy , distancing and in-building interaction , proper signage , the potential for using safer materials and other elements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Clear and concise communication about safety protocols to employees and visitors , including the capacity of spaces , entry/exit direction of travel and policy reminders , are key to addressing the risks , ” Jansen wrote .

It’s the big, potentially multi-million-dollar questions on the minds of commercial property owners, real estate brokers, interior designers, employers and countless office workers across the country.
What will the office of the future look like in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic? What do office users want and need in a space to feel safe and secure in signing a lease?
In Colorado, the offices of companies in “nonessential” fields are capped at 50% of capacity under the state’s “safer at home” guidelines. State health officials recommend allowing employees to work from home as much as possible. Some of the world’s largest companies like Facebook and Google are telling many of their employees to continue working from home into 2021 at least.
For Denver-area companies, essential and otherwise, that have moved into new spaces during the pandemic, some early answers to those big questions are starting to emerge. For some small firms, there is an increased focus on open spaces the give employees room, windows that open and let in fresh air and more privacy than prior arrangements — say at shared office or co-working spaces — may have afforded them. Outside of the makeup of the physical space, affordability and lease flexibility are paramount at a time when the country’s economic recovery appears to be sputtering and stalling.
“Certainly the opportunity to save money during this period was a factor,” Chris O’Halloran, CEO of Denver-based startup Joyne said Monday, the day his company was scheduled to move into a suite at the Flight office building in River North Art District. “We’re all trying to minimize our cost at the moment because there is a heightened level of unknown.”
But money was hardly the only consideration in Joyne’s move. The company, which provides contractors with an online platform for generating cost estimating, ordering materials and other pre-construction tasks, is growing. It closed on a $2.5 million seed funding round in April. Its Denver headquarters housed just O’Halloran and one other staffer when it opened in the Spaces co-working space near Coors Field but has since grown to four people. The company eventually absorbed a neighboring office inside the co-working space to use as a private conference room, growing Joyne’s footprint in the building to more than 700 square feet.
Its suite on the fourth floor of the Flight building is 600 square feet but feels and operates bigger than the two offices in Spaces, O’Halloran said. It came furnished with items including adjustable standing desks and already has a private conference room inside, a must for Joyne, which in addition to its team in Denver has employees in Sri Lanka, O’Halloran’s native Australia and elsewhere.
“It’s got windows. Every office is external,” O’Halloran said, adding that he looked into another co-working space before signing on at Flight but the only room available in that space was in the middle of the building with no access to an external wall. “Certainly, it feels like a bigger space. Whether that’s just the shape of the room or what. It’s a bigger space for a third less money.”
Flight, part of Zeppelin Development’s mixed-use Taxi project along the South Platte River, has 35 suites like the one Joyne just moved into. Leasing discussions have been steady late despite the pandemic, according to Adam Larkey, Zeppelin’s director of sales and leasing.
“We are seeing a lot (of prospective tenants) that are either coming out of coworking or sort of tall downtown high rises where the elevators have become a pinch point and a design issue,” Larkey said.
Zeppelin hasn’t changed much about its physical spaces because of the pandemic, save for commissioning of some local artists to paint murals in stairwells with aims of making them that much more inviting than cramped elevators that make social distancing difficult if not impossible. But that company is finding that the hallmarks of its office projects — high-ceilinged spaces in walk-up scale buildings with ample natural light and, in many cases roll-up garage doors — are well suited to the demands of a public health crisis during which confined spaces are high-risk.
“It’s just very different experience being here on urban edge as opposed to being in a hermetically sealed office floor that you have to take an elevator to,” Justin Croft, Zeppelin’s vice president of development, said last week.
The main thing the company is doing right now in light of the pandemic is embracing simplified, short-term leases. No fluctuating utility costs or fees folded in, but flat-rate agreements that fill up no more than a couple pages. Zeppelin is letting potential tenants know it is offering one- and two-year leases. In Joyne’s case, O’Halloran said Zeppelin allowed him to sign a six-month deal.
Zeppelin has felt some of the sting from the economic fallout that has accompanied COVID-19. Its 700,000-square-foot office portfolio was 97% leased six months ago, Larkey said. Now, it’s about 93% leased, with some companies choosing not to renew as others grow.
In Denver metro-wide, vacancies ticked up only slightly in the second financial quarter of 2020, hitting 13.6% at the end of June, according to research from real estate services firm CBRE. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. A mass of space hit the sublease market this spring, according to CBRE’s research.
The amount of official “occupied” space that is available to secondary tenants rose 33% in April through June over the first three months of the year, hitting 3.4 million square feet. Half of that is downtown, according to CBRE.
D Bergin, who oversees office occupier services in Colorado for CBRE, said that massive subleasing availability was due mainly to a contracting oil and gas sector crushed by not only falling demand because of COVID-19 but also a price war earlier this year between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Bergin is confident that Denver will still be an attractive place for companies to lease office space in the coronavirus age, especially as a lower-priced alternative to coastal cities.
“While there weren’t a lot of new deals getting done in the second quarter we are still a very strong market that has seen a lot of activity from groups outside of Colorado wanting to be here,” he said earlier this month.
O’Halloran and his Denver-based Joyne team spent six weeks working from home when the novel coronavirus first spread across Colorado, even though the business fell in the essential category as part of the construction industry. Many companies in Joyne’s investor network are planning to work remotely for at least the next year, but for a company that’s just over 3 years old and is focused on growth, O’Halloran felt that having an office was essential.
“You can’t build a culture and a team working remotely as easily as you can if you’re working in the same building,” he said.
Company culture was also at the heart of Ware Malcomb’s thinking when the international architecture and design firm built out its new 13,000-square-foot office in the Broadway Station building just south of Interstate 25 on Broadway. The firm, which is rotating staff members between working in the office or from home to meet state COVID-19 protocols, moved in earlier this month.
“Having a physical office allows us to review large documents easily (especially for our civil engineering team members), and have clients engage with us as we present design solutions,” Tom Jansen, the company’s principal in charge of civil engineering in Denver wrote in an email. “It is important to not only have a physical presence in the Denver area to promote our culture and connect our team members, but to also support the local community.”
In designing the new Denver space, Ware Malcomb sought to use germ-resistant antimicrobial surfaces wherever possible, but when it comes to combating COVID-19, Matt Chaiken, another principal in the Denver office, said the focus has been on clear rules around wearing masks, social distancing, self-sanitizing and other safety protocols.
Ware Malcomb has developed a healthy workplace assessment protocol, which it applied to its Denver office and is offering to clients. The assessment produces a report recommending actions on regulating office occupancy, distancing and in-building interaction, proper signage, the potential for using safer materials and other elements of operating an office during the pandemic.
“Clear and concise communication about safety protocols to employees and visitors, including the capacity of spaces, entry/exit direction of travel and policy reminders, are key to addressing the risks,” Jansen wrote.


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Judge upholds new state’s air-quality rules for oil, gas sites against challenge by Weld County

Weld County ’ s challenge of new state air-quality rules aimed at reducing oil and gas emissions has been dismissed by a district judge who rejected claims that the regulations are detrimental to the county .
Denver District Judge Michael Martinez issued a decision Wednesday granting a motion by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Air Quality Control Commission to dismiss the case .
Martinez agreed with state officials that Weld County had not shown that complying with the rules , approved by the AQCC in December , harms the county .
Martinez also said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to regulating air quality .
Therefore , the county is limited in its authority to adopting regulations that are the same or more restrictive than the state rules , the judge said .
The Weld County attorney and commissioners are reviewing the order and will determine whether to appeal the decision , county spokeswoman Jennifer Finch said in an email Thursday .
In December , the AQCC approved new regulations to implement Senate Bill 181 , which was approved in 2019 and mandates that state oil and gas rules be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety and the environment .
Among the changes adopted by the commission were more frequent inspections of well sites and equipment , including sites within 1,000 feet of occupied buildings and such public places as parks and playgrounds .
The rules took effect in February .
“ We have said from the beginning that the Air Quality Control Commission ’ s December 2019 rules — as well as the process that led to them — were consistent with state law .
We will continue to aggressively pursue new rules and regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air pollutants , ” Andrew Bare , spokesman for the state Air Pollution Control Division , said in an email .
Seven conservation organizations intervened in the lawsuit to defend the rules .
The same groups have intervened in a lawsuit by Garfield and nine other counties challenging some of the AQCC ’ s new regulations .
“ I think SB 181 made clear the need for the state to adequately protect the public health , safety , the environment and wildlife resources , ” said Sara Loflin , the executive director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communities .
Loflin said her organization and others represent hundreds of Coloradans who deal daily with the effects of living close to oil and gas sites .
Weld County argued in its lawsuit that the air-quality rules will harm its tax base because of the impacts on the oil and gas industry and interfere with its authority to regulate land uses .
The county is home to nearly half of the state ’ s roughly 52,000 active oil and gas wells .
Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer has said of the $ 890 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , $ 490 million came from oil and gas .

Weld County’s challenge of new state air-quality rules aimed at reducing oil and gas emissions has been dismissed by a district judge who rejected claims that the regulations are detrimental to the county.
Denver District Judge Michael Martinez issued a decision Wednesday granting a motion by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Air Quality Control Commission to dismiss the case. Martinez agreed with state officials that Weld County had not shown that complying with the rules, approved by the AQCC in December, harms the county.
Martinez also said the county is subordinate to the state agency when it comes to regulating air quality. Therefore, the county is limited in its authority to adopting regulations that are the same or more restrictive than the state rules, the judge said.
The Weld County attorney and commissioners are reviewing the order and will determine whether to appeal the decision, county spokeswoman Jennifer Finch said in an email Thursday.
In December, the AQCC approved new regulations to implement Senate Bill 181, which was approved in 2019 and mandates that state oil and gas rules be revised to give stronger protection to public health and safety and the environment.
Among the changes adopted by the commission were more frequent inspections of well sites and equipment, including sites within 1,000 feet of occupied buildings and such public places as parks and playgrounds. The rules took effect in February.
“We have said from the beginning that the Air Quality Control Commission’s December 2019 rules — as well as the process that led to them — were consistent with state law. We will continue to aggressively pursue new rules and regulations that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants,” Andrew Bare, spokesman for the state Air Pollution Control Division, said in an email.
Nine conservation organizations intervened in the lawsuit to defend the rules. The same groups have intervened in a lawsuit by Garfield and nine other counties challenging some of the AQCC’s new regulations.
“I think SB 181 made clear the need for the state to adequately protect the public health, safety, the environment and wildlife resources,” said Sara Loflin, the executive director of the League of Oil and Gas Impacted Communities.
Loflin said her organization and others represent hundreds of Coloradans who deal daily with the effects of living close to oil and gas sites.
Weld County argued in its lawsuit that the air-quality rules will harm its tax base because of the impacts on the oil and gas industry and interfere with its authority to regulate land uses. The county is home to nearly half of the state’s roughly 52,000 active oil and gas wells.
Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer has said of the $890 million in property taxes paid in the county in 2019, $490 million came from oil and gas.
UPDATES to correct the number of conservation organizations that have intervened in the lawsuits.


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Denver weather: Chance of thunderstorms through weekend

There ’ s a chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms in Denver through the weekend , and the weather will be slightly cooler than normal .
In Denver on Friday there ’ s a 10 % chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. and the high temperature will hit 86 degrees , according to the National Weather Service forecast .
On Saturday , Denver has a 30 % chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. , and the high temperature will top out at 88 degrees , the weather service said .
Skies will be mostly sunny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Storms in northeastern Colorado , including Denver , on Friday and Saturday mainly will bring light rain and gusty winds , the weather service said .
Sunday through Tuesday , increased moisture and shear will fuel strong storms across parts of the Eastern Plains , producing hail , strong winds and heavy rains .
On Sunday in Denver there ’ s a 50 % chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. , and the high temperature will reach 84 degrees .
On Monday afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrees .

There’s a chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms in Denver through the weekend, and the weather will be slightly cooler than normal.
In Denver on Friday there’s a 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. and the high temperature will hit 86 degrees, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
On Saturday, Denver has a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., and the high temperature will top out at 88 degrees, the weather service said. Skies will be mostly sunny, and winds will gust to 18 mph.
Storms in northeastern Colorado, including Denver, on Friday and Saturday mainly will bring light rain and gusty winds, the weather service said. Sunday through Tuesday, increased moisture and shear will fuel strong storms across parts of the Eastern Plains, producing hail, strong winds and heavy rains.
On Sunday in Denver there’s a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., and the high temperature will reach 84 degrees. On Monday afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible, and the high temperature will be near 86 degrees.