Andrew has roots in Denver – specifically northeast Denver. He is a fifth-generation Denverite whose family and business is rooted in Curtis Park, Five Points and RiNo. Andrew is a partner in the EXDO Events Center, Tracks and Jake’s Sports & Spirits, and he is on the board of the RiNo Art District and Engage Denver. He also happens to live in RiNo. So if anyone knows RiNo it’s him and today he shares his unique perspective on this vibrant area of town & his story behind his business.

 

 

Why was RiNo chosen for your business?

The home for Tracks night club and the EXDO Event Center were chosen before the area was known as “RiNo“. This warehouse district was perfect for a club because of the large spaces with modest rents, room for parking, and limited residential. (Loud clubs that stay open late aren’t popular with neighbors).

What about RiNo jives with your business culture?

Good community is good business. We believe it is important to have a home for everyone. Tracks is home for the LGBT community, a place where everyone is accepted and comfortable. When someone chooses to go out and spend their dollars, we appreciate the business and want to give back. This community has given way more to us than we could ever give back to them.

RiNo is also the home of many Denver artists. The mural program has been a unique way to attract the type of investors and businesses that hold similar values to the community, create jobs for artists, and make the neighborhood vibrant with colorful art.

Why are you passionate about in RiNo?

RiNo was built from a very effective partnership between the artists, businesses, and city. We recognized early on that artists needed to be at the forefront of the conversation. The business improvement district was formed to keep artists in the community. They dedicated full time employees to promote galleries and artist working here. RTD and the city stepped up big time to create the infrastructure, including public transit (the A-Line Station to DIA and Union Station). A new zoning overlay mandates ground floor activation, meaning the design of the street level will be full of storefronts, cafes, doorways to lobbies, and businesses. This use makes neighborhoods more walkable and business friendly. The tight partnerships between the artists, businesses, and city has been key to creating a thriving neighborhood.

What would you recommend newcomers check out in RiNo?

Unique events makes RiNo special. We’ve got cutting edge events, live performances, food, booze, and art (including our annual RiNo Art Safari and the Colorado Crush mural festival). There is something going on every night! Roller Skating night at EXDO on third Fridays is a must – as are our big Tracks events including Pride and Halloween.

 

 


 

 

kassidyWant to find your perfect neighborhood? Reach out to Kassidy, a Live Urban Realtor & Denver Vibe writer who interviewed Andrew.

kassidybenson.liveurbandenver.com