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LODO Lofts in Denver Colorado Real Estate - and Buying & Selling Lofts
LODO: Denver’s Historic Downtown
LODO – that’s Lower Downtown to natives – is the trendy heart of Colorado’s capital city, resting on the northern side of downtown. Situated between Union Station, Coors Field and the state capital building, LODO is the eclectic home to hip twenty-something’s, artists and high-powered, loft-dwelling execs. The only thing more diverse than the groups of people frequenting this part of town is the hodgepodge of culture, art and nightlife. With everything literally at your fingertips, it is hard to imagine a better place to settle down. Please refer back to our home page for more information on this or Denver Metro cities.
Originally known as the Market Street Red Light District in the roaring 1920’s, LODO transformed throughout the years. Now, the classic red brick buildings lining the downtown streets, most of which were built after the fire of 1863, have been preserved and, ultimately, characterize the area which, today, provides an idyllic hub for urban living at its finest. Today, LODO is a contemporary compilation of the old brick buildings, Victorian structures and warehouses that have been converted into lofts, offices, art galleries and restaurants. This city, the 10th largest in the nation, has all the entertainment, shopping and food anybody could want.
The epitome of young, hip and fun, LODO, boasting more than 90 bars and pubs, is often the prime spot for late-night club-hopping or post-Avalanche, Nuggets and Rockies fun. But, nightlife is not the only thing LODO has to offer. During the days, Lower Downtown bustles with sophisticated flair. Many chose to spend their days walking up and down the monumental 16th Street Mall, stopping for a quick bite to eat at one of the neighborhoods best kept secrets – a hot dog stand on 16th and Arapahoe that boasts “hot dogs” made of various meats for the adventurous eater to sample, including elk, venison and buffalo. Others spend their afternoons sipping draft beers (Coors is the local favorite!) at one of the city’s famous “Rooftop Bars”. Overlooking the majestic Rocky Mountains, these bars are perfect spots for lazy afternoons, as well as weeknight happy hours.
University of Colorado
The University of Colorado’s Auraria Campus, in the midst of downtown Denver, houses over 30,000 students. The Light Rail, Denver’s growing public transportation system, makes a stop at this urban campus, transporting students to its northernmost Union Station, or to several other southern locations throughout the city.
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Coors Field
Who says old-time ballparks are a thing of the past? Home to the Colorado Rockies, this ballpark, with all the traditional fixings, is a pivotal part of LODO. Just two blocks from Union Station, the stadium stands proud with its classic, hand-laid brick façade and old-fashioned clock tower above the main entrance. Attendance here is amongst the highest in Major League Baseballs. And, it’s no wonder. Ballpark patrons, those sitting above the purple ring of seats marking the spot that is exactly 5,280 feet high, have an excellent view of both the mountains and the downtown skyline. The grass-surface stadium houses over 50,000 viewers who can chose from the infamous and often rowdy “Rockpile” seating or the more upscale Club Level section. First opened in 1995, Coors Field was the sight of the 1998 All-Star Game. The ballpark is a local favorite because it provides the comfort of a modern stadium with the atmosphere of the old-fashioned ballparks of childhood nostalgia.
16th Street Mall
Designed by I.M. Pei, the same architect who plotted the Pyramide de Louvre in Paris and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, 16th Street Mall is a sixteen block-long promenade spanning the length of LODO. A free shuttle bus picks up tired walkers and transports them to the other end of this massive mall. Home of delicious local fare and popular chain restaurants as well as retail galore, this mall, literally, cannot be missed. When you need a break from endless shopping and dining offered, settle into a spacious seat at the Denver Pavilion Theater and catch the latest flick while your feet rest. If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting, you can’t go wrong with one of the 5,300 hotels, all located within a few blocks of the 16th Street Mall.
Larimer Street
Lit year-round with decorative lights, this festive street truly has its own sense of style. On Larimer, you’ll find antique jewelry stores and vintage shops nestled between fabulous, local restaurants and trendy hot-spots. Café Colore, a vibrant Italian restaurant with a large outdoor patio, is a local gem, perfect for people watching on a quiet summer afternoon.
Each year, Larimer Square hosts Oktoberfest, one of the city’s longest running festivals. Paying homage to the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, Larimer Square’s celebration is one of the largest of its kind. Once a year, the street is filled with German attractions such as touring groups, traditional music, international dance, unique décor, accordion concerts and real, German cuisine. There are even activities for the kids. This festival is a must! 
Tattered Cover Bookstore
Book lovers won’t want to miss this titanic Mecca, situated on the end of 16th Street Mall across from Union Station. A comfy haven for readers, this two-story bookstore is filled with antique chairs and tables, lamps, even a fireplace. So, grab a delectable treat from the cozy coffee shop, and then peruse the thousands of books. This historic store is the scene of many readings and book signings throughout the year.
Museums
The Denver Art Museum, located in Denver’s Civic Center, on the outskirts of LODO, is known for its vast collection of Native American Artwork. And, the Museum’s regular stock is certainly something to brag about. On a typical day, museum-goers can find pieces like John DeAndrea's painting Linda (1983), Claude Monet's whimsical flowerscape Le Bassin des Nympheas (1904) and Charles Deas' red-cowboy-on-horseback Long Jakes, The Rocky Mountain Man (1844). Extensive special exhibits are brought in on a regular basis as well. For children there are plenty of hands-on exhibits that provide lasting entertainment. To the east of the museum is a concrete outdoor plaza that leads to the Denver Public Library.
The Colorado History Museum is also located in this cultural enclave. This museum transports visitors back to the Wild West, complete with the history of covered wagons, Native American encounters, exhibits of fur trappers, information on the mining of the Rockies and, of course, tons of facts about the early days of Denver.
Attractions
In 1995, Elitch Gardens moved to the lower downtown area. This year-round amusement park offers 48 thrilling rides, as well as many restaurants and shops. Next-door is Denver’s must-see Ocean Journey, an aquarium with both fish and bird life that opened in 1999.
Walking and Hiking Trails
The Cherry Creek Trail, equipped with paths for bikers and walkers, winds around a narrow canal, finally ending in LODO. This is the perfect path for a stroll, especially in the warmer months. The Mile High Trail, a series of six walking tours throughout the downtown area, is another great option for walkers wishing to acclimate themselves with the neighborhood. Maps of the trail can be obtained from the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Information Center in the Tabor Center, which is located on the 16th Street Mall.
Population Projections
Over the next 30 years, the West is projected to grow at twice the national average. The current population of Denver is estimated to be around 510,000.
Demographics in Denver
Median Age: 31.7
% Male: 50.4
% Female: 49.6
White: 70%
African American: 5%
Native American: 1%
Asian Pacific Islander: 3%
Hispanic: 18%
Other: 3%
Relocation Information
Helpful Relocation Numbers
Telephone, Cable and Internet Service: Qwest Residential (800) 244-1111
Gas Service:
Water and Utilities: XCel Energy (303) 296-3416
Trash Service: Waste Management (303) 797-1600
US Post Office of LODO: (303) 861-9163
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Jeff Boyce
(303) 588-4665
This article was written by Jeff Boyce and Jamie Berglund. Jamie is a freelance writer residing in Denver, Colorado.
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