Daniel S.
Yelp
Where Denver Started:
Larimer Square has the distinction of being the first designated local historic district in addition to the oldest commercial block in the City of Denver. Although it is poor in size, only one city block between 14th and 15th Street; Larimer Square is rich in history. The history of Larimer Square goes as far back as 1858. That is around the time that a man by the name of General William Larimer laid out a city by the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. The original business district was this very area known as Larimer Square. From the time of General William Larimer to today, the square named after him has been a historical point of interest.
In the 2010s, Larimer Square offers much more than history. It truly is a cultural district that includes restaurants, shops, services, a Starbuck's, and nightlife in historically preserved buildings. From my observation in spite of the fact that Larimer Square is the historic and entertainment district where Denver started it also serves as a panhandle to the 16th Street Mall. If you are unfamiliar with downtown Denver, the 16th Street Mall is the north to south pedestrian mall. It is a tourist, entertainment, shopping, cultural, and restaurant destination in downtown Denver. Near the northern end of the 16th Street Mall is the crossroads of Larimer Street. If you go a block west you end up at Larimer Street. It was the 16th Street Mall and to a lesser extent the Denver tourist videos that led me to Larimer Square.
We stayed in Denver for a whole week. During that time we walked the 16th Street Mall many times. When we walked it at night, I'd peak west on Larimer Street. Catching my gaze were rows and rows of overhead lights. I knew that this had to be a nighttime spot. In my case it would be a daytime spot on the first of two visits. The second time when we ate in Capital Grille, I saw the magic of the canopy of lights at night.
In daylight and up close, I saw a city block of strings across Larimer Street displaying light bulbs and butterfly art. The strings of bulbs and butterflies defined the district. On the relatively short walk by the first two dozen buildings constructed in Denver, I'd pass quaint shops, restaurants, and establishments of culture. The lion's share of shops are mom & pop owned. It was by the oldest shop in Larimer Square that I spent some quaint moments. It is Gusterman Silversmith's established in 1966.
At the time I was impervious to Gusterman Silversmith's historical significance. What I was aware of was its surroundings. Tucked in back of the historical streetscape is the Kettle Arcade. This is a quaint courtyard situated between restaurants and shops. When I walked off the sidewalk and into the arcade I laid eyes on a human statue with a plaque saying "Welcome to Denver." The plaque might as well said "Welcome to Historic Denver." Relaxing to the sights of birds chirping above on the mature tree branches, I was enveloped in history. The Kettle Arcade was built in 1873. If it wasn't for the Yelp character limit I could go on and on about the history. I will go on and on about Larimer Square.
Oddly enough one of the prime ways to catch the street activity is from a sidewalk table at the Starbuck's. The tables were near Larimer Street's pictorial gas-lit lamps and flower baskets. Owing to the fact that it is by the west gateway to the district sitting here gave me the vantage point of taking in the energy of Larimer Square.
It is at night where the energy of Larimer Square takes place. It is an energy that radiates through the strings of overhead bulbs. It is a mellow energy that radiates through me. At nighttime, I enjoyed taking in the lit up historic buildings that captured the arcades, art galleries, and windows. It is an energy captured in the pictures below. Most of all I enjoyed taking in dinner in the Capital Grille.
I respect the historical significance that Larimer Square had in the story of Denver. This creates a city block that is unique and cannot be duplicated. In conclusion, I recommend visiting Larimer Square if you are in the area of the 16th Street Mall.