By: Tracy Williams, Tradewinds Communications
Less than three miles east of Central Park is Five Points, one of Denver’s oldest, historical neighborhoods.
“Five Points” was the name given to the neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Washington Street, 27th Street, 26th Avenue and Welton Street.
Known as the “Harlem of the West” because of its rich jazz heritage (Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and many other jazz greats played at the iconic Rossonian Hotel), Five Points also has a proud history as a hub of small African-American-owned businesses, soul food eateries, historic architecture and generations of families who still live there today.
After suffering from the effects of the economic downturn, today’s Five Points Corridor is re-emerging as a multicultural destination for arts, culture and entertainment.
As part of Denver’s District 8, Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks represents Five Points.
“It’s an honor to help lead the revitalization efforts in the Five Points along Welton Street,” he says. “When we contrast the vibrancy of the past with the vacancy of the present we see a need for smart, sustainable development. I believe in the next five years Five Points will be one of the most desirable and diverse communities in Denver.”
With this rebirth, you can now enjoy the annual Five Points Jazz Festival set for May 17, and the annual Juneteenth Festival and Parade, coming up June 14.
You can find comfort and neighborhood camaraderie at establishments such as Coffee on the Point, a local coffeehouse that also offers food and spirits for an eclectic mix of customers, as well as the wildly popular Welton Street Café and Tom’s Home Cookin.’
Culturally, Five Points’ African-American heritage is celebrated by the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, as well as the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library.
For nightly entertainment, the Casino Cabaret, now known as Cervantes, is also back as an urban nightclub and bar with balcony seating.
Finally, the Crossroads Theater boasts some of the most popular spoken word acts, stage and musical productions along with a dedication to continuing the neighborhood’s jazz legacy.
