The historic Evans School, an architectural nod to Denver’s past, has been given a new lease on life. The century-old building, which originally functioned as an elementary school, has been transformed into a buzzing beer garden and café. Set in the Civic Center neighborhood, this local landmark at 1115 Acoma St. now marries its educational legacy with leisure, just blocks away from the Colorado State Capitol. The grand reopening of this 1904 establishment, named after business pioneer and former Gov. John Evans, signifies a form of homage to the city's history. According to KDVR, the venue invites patrons to enjoy drinks within a setting that was once hallmarked by the sound of school bells and children's laughter.
Preservation and renovation efforts were substantial. City Street Investors, who oversaw the project, were tasked with reviving the deteriorated structure. The restoration included modernization of the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, while ensuring that elements such as wooden floorboards and the brass-and-copper stairway handrails remain intact, The Denver Post reported. Within these storied walls, Velour banners designed by Colorado artist Lonnie Hanzon now drape the ceilings, softening both the acoustics and the visual atmosphere of a space that once echoed with a very different kind of life.
This adaptive reuse project highlights the city’s growing trend of revitalizing its historic structures rather than replacing them. It's a nod to Denver’s recognition of its architectural treasures and a commitment to preserving its rich backstory for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. “We weren't just gonna force our way in,” a local spokesperson said, as per CBS News. “We want the neighborhood to be able to come and enjoy it, to walk through the first and second floor.” The sentiment reflects a larger community-focused vision where the essence of the building's origins as an education center resonates through its renewed form.
Glimpses into the school’s past emerge through various exhibits, such as the original school’s design plans displayed on the walls, a historical touch for patrons to engage with. Kirsten Becker, marketing director for City Street Investors and daughter of John Ness, an 87-year-old former student of the Evans School, shares a personal connection to the site. This aspect of historical continuity furthers the Evans School's narrative as a centerpiece of the community, demonstrating how a single edifice can evolve in function while retaining its identity and cultural significance.
