Nobody Wins in Colorado Jazz Club Controversial Compromise

It feels like nowadays, news regarding iconic Colorado businesses closing for good is all too common. If it wasn't for South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the COVID pandemic would have claimed the legendary Casa Bonita, Boulder's legendary Dark Horse is set to be demolished in favor of development, and a back-and-forth has been taking place regarding the future of a historic Colorado jazz club.

Now, it has just been announced that the plans to tear down the club have been slightly altered as a compromise has been struck between the developers and the opposition, but the agreement feels reminiscent of a King Solomon story in which no true winner emerges.

Drama Has Surrounded Colorado's Iconic Jazz Club El Chapultepec

The building at 1962 Market Street in Denver has been known as the legendary El Chapultepec for almost a century.

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However, after countless performances, jam sessions, and chill vibes over the decades, the club was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Following the club's closure, Monfort Co., the family that owns other Colorado staples including the Colorado Rockies, purchased the property with plans to demolish the building and redevelop it.

Much like the situation with the aforementioned Dark Horse, this news did not sit well with many Coloradans and after a failed attempt to include the club as one of the state's historic places, a compromise has been reached.

What's Going to Happen to Colorado's Iconic Jazz Club?

An announcement of the compromise was released on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, stating that while most of the building would be demolished as planned, some parts of it including the neon sign and front awning would remain intact.

The decision will allegedly cost the Monforts an additional $2 million, leaving no clear winner in this particular battle.

[Denver Post]