Plans to refurbish El Chapultepec vetoed due to concerns

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Plans to renovate the historic El Chapultepec building in Lower Downtown Denver were denied by the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission due to concerns.

The building served as a jazz club for nearly nine decades before it closed in 2020 . The property was purchased by Monfort Companies in 2022, and future plans have been undetermined ever since.

Hundreds of people signed a petition to save the club , and the nonprofit, Historic Denver, filed for a landmark designation as part of an effort to save the building from demolition.

Monfort Companies wanted to tear the building down, but Historic Denver said it reached a compromise with the company that “honors the historic and cultural significance of the property while introducing thoughtful modern enhancements.”

Plans were presented on Thursday , and the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission voted 5-1 to deny the application.

A spokesperson for the city told FOX31 that while the commission “is supportive of the plans for the El Chapultepec building,” they have concerns about the plans that were presented .

“With that said, a commission vote to ‘deny’ is rarely a complete denial. In many cases, as is true here, the commission asks for modifications so the applicant can present again,” the city spokesperson wrote in an email.

According to the plan document , the redevelopment would “integrate” El Chapultepec at 1962 Market St. and the Giggling Grizzly at 1320 20th St. to “create a connected, cohesive development that celebrates the historic corner and provides a vibrant, safe street-level experience.”

However, the city spokesperson said the commission and staff had concerns about “the size and setback of the rooftop addition, the roof deck and the window replacements” for the Giggling Grizzly.

The city said the applicant has been asked to come back with modified plans that better meet the requirements and design guidelines, specifically for the Giggling Grizzly building. Monfort Companies confirmed to FOX31 that the city is not halting the project, and they are going to try and make plan modifications.

The Lower Downtown Design Review Commission will have another meeting on Oct. 3.

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