Empowering Community Through the East Colfax Cultural District
The East Colfax Cultural District works to claim, celebrate, and preserve the commercial corridor and surrounding community as a diverse and inclusive space that can thrive and grow into the future, even as changes continue to come to Denver.
Since 2022, hundreds of community residents and small businesses have come together to co-create the District.
History of East Colfax
In the 1800s, it became a stopover destination for travelers to the West who visited East Colfax’s many motels and restaurants along their journey.
As changes continue to come to Denver and impact both neighborhood residents and small businesses, the idea to create a special district was born out of community input to the City and County of Denver’s East Area Plan, approved by City Council in 2020.
Creating the District - a Timeline
Phase 1: Name and Mission Statement
Through business breakfasts, online and in-person surveys, and neighborhood meetings and community events, local residents, business owners, and other stakeholders came together to co-create the ideas, vision, and initial framework for the District. In August 2022, months of community input culminated in choosing the official name of “East Colfax Cultural District” and crafting the final mission statement.
Phase 2: Treasure Mapping
Local businesses and residents came together to create a “treasure map” of the East Colfax corridor. Community members identified their favorite destinations as well as desired amenities for East Colfax through a collective map creation exercise and a community survey.
Phase 3: Designing a Logo
A local graphic designer developed a logo based on community input: to have a colorful, fun, approachable
and modern logo that made it clear that East Colfax is a welcoming neighborhood where people can come to experience culture, diversity and delicious food. In early 2023, after several rounds of community voting, a logo was selected that celebrates the history, present and future of East Colfax. Look for the logo throughout the corridor!
Phase 4: Launching a Website
In late 2023, the East Colfax Cultural District website launched to collectively market small businesses along the corridor and serve as a hub for information and engagement on business, community and cultural events.
Phase 5: What’s Next?
Creating a Cultural District is a work in progress! The East Colfax Cultural District Steering Committee was formed in November 2023 to guide decisions about small business promotion, cultural events and community spaces that make the District a thriving and inclusive place that meets the needs and aspirations of the East Colfax community.
The Fax Partnership (The Fax) is a long-standing nonprofit that works to strengthen and support the East Colfax community while advocating for equitable development. The Fax has led the initiative to develop The East Colfax Cultural District since 2022, convening hundreds of residents and small businesses to co-create the vision, mission, and logo for the District.
Contact Us
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