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Bonnie Brae: University to Steele, Exposition to Mississippi
Welcome (needs copy & photographs)
What’s New
(Box Out)
Have a question about the neighborhood, Ask Bonnie & Brae: BonnieandBrae@aol.com
About BBNA
Bonnie Brae has had an organized neighborhood association for many years. We are a small area (around 700 homes) and we partner with an active Merchants Association, our City Council, and the City of Denver. Bonnie Brae has an annual picnic each year in late summer at Bonnie Brae Park. This event is a great opportunity to meet neighbors if you are new to the neighborhood or re-connect with those you have not seen in a while. The picnic is also the venue for our one all-neighbor meeting including elections for the Bonnie Brae Neighborhood Association Board. The board meets on a regular basis, puts out a quarterly newsletter both in hard copy and electronically, and coordinates the annual picnic. Additionally, the zoning committee reviews any pending zoning requests.
Our mission is to share information and provide a conduit with the city; assist in community development, and facilitate any efforts to improve quality of life in Bonnie Brae.
Get Involved
Looking For A Few Good Neighbors…to serve on the Board of Directors for the BBNA. The Board meets four times a year, publishes this newsletter and puts on the annual picnic. If you would like to help, please contact our current president Mary Broere.
Bonnie Brae Newsletter
We encourage you to participate in supplying items of interest to the community for our publication. Please submit all materials, including any advertising requests to our Newsletter Editor, Mike Slattery at mslats64@aol.com.
If you would like to add an event or item to the Upcoming Events, such as yard sales, please email reneearrington@mindspring.com.
Upcoming Events
Annual Picnic Aug 24, 2008
Annual General Meeting and Election
of New Board of Directors
Bonnie Brae Board Meetings
If you would like to participate in any of our quarterly Board meetings to voice your concerns or share great ideas for our neighborhood, please join us.
July 16, 2008
November 19, 2008
To confirm location and time of these meetings, please contact Mary Broere at mary@thirdbrew.com.
Bonnie Brae Wine Group
The Bonnie Brae Wine Group is a great way to meet your neighbors. Neighbors meet on the third Saturday of every month in a different hosts' home. You don’t have to know anything about wine; all you need is a desire to hang out and chat with your friends and neighbors. In addition to the annual picnic, this is a great way to meet your neighbors and stay in touch with what’s happening in Bonnie Brae. For more information, or to get on the list, call Nancy Eggert at 303-321-3155, or by email: nanegg@comcast.net.
BBNA Board Members
Board of Directors for Bonnie Brae Neighborhood Association
2007-08 President
Mary Broere
303.777.7374
mary@thirdbrew.com
2007-08 Vice President
Lynn Crist
lynncrist@comcast.net
Treasurer
Barb Drews
Secretary
Kathy Stollar
katstollar@aol.com
Newsletter Editor
Mike Slattery
Mslats64@aol.com
Past President
Dave Bell
Steering Committee
Renee Arrington
Dejan Damjanovic
Susan Diliberti
Nancy Eggert
Diane Heidel
Patty Lewis
Patricia Robertson
History of Bonnie Brae
Located east of University Avenue between Mississippi and Exposition Avenues, Steele Street and University Boulevard, Bonnie Brae was developed in the 1920's on land that had been granted to the Kansas Pacific Railroad in 1870. The railroad eventually sold the land to farmers, and later it became part of the town of South Denver, one of the many small communities annexed by Denver.
George W. Olinger, one of the city's most active businessmen in the 1920's, began accumulating property in the area for his land development company, the Associated Industries Company. Olinger had been impressed by a subdivision he saw in Kansas City that was named Bonnie Brae, meaning "pleasant hill" in Gaelic. Borrowing the name, he strived to recreate the aura of peaceful Scottish village in Denver. In 1923, the company hired the noted landscape architect Saco DeBoer to design the street system for the new neighborhood in a fashion similar to the Kansas City subdivision. In planning the neighborhood of Bonnie Brae, DeBoer departed from the grid system that characterized most of Denver's streets and focused on the land's topography and natural beauty. The first homes were constructed in 1923 and 1924.
To demonstrate pride in the neighborhood, Olinger erected stone pillars at the entrances on Tennessee and Kentucky streets which remain today. Subdivision fillings were completed in April 1925, the same year Olinger sold his share of the Associated Industries Company. Three years later, the company declared bankruptcy, and most of Bonnie Brae fell into the city's hands for tax debt. Further development in the area slowed as the depression gripped the country in the 1930's.
The delay in development of Bonnie Brae proved to be beneficial in the long run. The 1920's and 1930's were exciting eras in the field of architectural design. In Europe, architects and designers were experimenting with bold new styles that later became known as Art Moderne and the International Style. Traditional notions of symmetry and decorative ornament exemplified by Neoclassic and Victorian designs were rejected, while new materials and technological advances enabled innovations in architectural compositions. The International materials and technological advances enabled innovations in architectural compositions. The International Style, as expressed by architects of the Bauhaus School in Germany, focused primarily on a building's function with the idea that "less is more." Art Moderne structures used classic elements in new ways, emphasizing horizontal lines and softening angles with curved corners. By the end of the Depression, when Denver development resumed, many of the homes in Bonnie Brae were being constructed in these revolutionary styles.
The turning point in the neighborhood's development came in 1936 when Ellipse Park, the centerpiece of Saco DeBoer's plan, was constructed. Homes built up around the park. Winding streets surrounding and elliptical-shaped park turned Bonnie Brae a serene residential enclave in the midst of the city. A decade later, when World War II ended, housing construction boomed and most of the homes east of the park were constructed in an era of post war prosperity.
As Bonnie Brae grew, businesses opened along the 700 block of University Boulevard. Carl and Sue Dire opened the Bonnie Brae Tavern in June 1934, seven months after the repeal of Prohibition, and it continues as a neighborhood gathering spot. The Bonnie Brae Tavern and other businesses form a thriving commercial area between Exposition and Ohio streets that still function as the "Main Street" of one of Denver's most charming neighborhoods.
Bonnie Brae Business District
In and age of chain stores and strip malls, Bonnie Brae's quaint commercial district is one of the neighborhood's most charming features. Within walking distance are favorite spots for pizza, spaghetti, fine dining, coffee, and homemade ice cream. It's hard to believe the variety available with the short strip on University Avenue between Exposition and Ohio. It also has a branch library, a gas station, a liquor store with a great wine selection, two flower shops, two cleaners, gift shops and more.
The commercial strip actually pre-dates the neighborhood. By the late 1920's University Boulevard was already becoming a major north-south transportation artery, although Bonnie Brae was largely undeveloped. Two gas stations, Conoco and Shell, served the passing motorists in the early years, along with a drug store and other shops. The gas stations survived the Depression years, but the others did not.
In 1934, the owner of the Shell station took advantage of the end of Prohibition to open a tavern next to the service station. The gas station disappeared years ago, its place now taken by a bank, but many original Bonnie Brae businesses have remained.
As the population of residents increased in Bonnie Brae, the commercial district grew. In 1938, Dolly Madison Dairy opened a store, its second in the city. Bonnie Brae flowers opened in 1941, Bonnie Brae drug reopened, and other stores opened in the early 1940's including Volmer's Bakery and the Bellaire Restaurant (the Campus Lounge since 1961.) At one point, there were four gas stations and a dozen other businesses including three groceries.
By the 1960's, the street, an almost empty stretch in the 1930's, had become a boulevard lined with locust trees. When the city widened University Boulevard in the early 1960's the trees were cut town. Some of the current businesses date from this time, including the Saucy Noodle and the Campus Lounge. The past decade has seen new enterprises taking the place of old ones, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream replaced Dolly Madison Dairy. Pour La France, and then "Seven 30" restaurant replaced one of the gas stations, and the Dutch Flower Marked occupies another.
Through the years the neighborhood business district has adapted to change, and today is one of the city's prime commercial locations.
Neighborhood Schools
Elementary Schools
Cory Elementary School
Principal: Lynne Scates
303-744-2726
1550 South Steele Street
Denver, CO 80210-2938
Knight Fundamental School
303-722-4681
3245 East Expostion Avenue
Denver, CO 80209-4924
Middle Schools
Merrill Middle School
Principal: Barbara Nash
303-756-3621
1551 South Monroe Street
Denver, CO 80210-3015
High Schools
South High School
Principal: William Kohut
303-698-6100
1700 East Louisiana Avenue
Denver, CO 80210-1810
Business District
The Bonnie Brae business district holds onto the flavor of its 1920s heritage. We are fortunate to have many wonderful neighborhood restaurants and businesses along South University Boulevard that have been run by the same family for two generations. It’s a nice change from the big chain stores just down the road in Cherry Creek. This year we are happy to welcome several new establishments that continue to add to the neighborhood charm.
Bonnie Brae Conoco
Gene Wilson, owner of the Bonnie Brae Conoco, has owned his Conoco store for 31 years; it's been in his family since 1942. It’s a great place to get your oil changed, tires rotated or other maintenance on your car.
724 S University Blvd
Denver, CO 80209
Phone: (303) 744-0811
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
799 S University Blvd
Denver, CO 80209-4722
Phone: (303) 777-0808
Voted Best Ice Cream in Denver,
2006. This locally owned ice
cream stand is a cool stop for
lovers of old-fashioned
confections.
Hours: Summer: Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Winter: Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm
Bonnie Brae Tavern
The Bonnie Brae Tavern has been the rock of the neighborhood since 1934 when
Carl Dire converted his gas station into a tavern, installing had four booths and a bar with eight stools. Carl’s wife, Sue, did all the cooking. Hamburgers, beers and shots of whiskey cost a dime. Dire’s sons Michael and Henry had to enlarge the place to accommodate the crowds who come for the homemade pizza, prime rib and spaghetti dinners. Generous portions, reasonable prices and legendary pizza make this the neighborhood favorite. The décor is well-scrubbed linoleum floors and leatherette booths. Grandsons Michael and Dick still run this neighborhood classic.
740 S University Blvd
Denver, CO 80209-4723
Phone: (303) 777-2262
http://bonniebraetaverninc.com/
Hours: Tue-Sat 10:30am-10:30pm, Sun 10:30am-9pm
Bonnie Brae Flowers
Jim Gobert's parents opened the Bonnie Brae Flowers in 1949; Jim took over ownership in 1989. He's had regular customers for so long that he's now preparing wedding flowers for the children of longtime customers for whom he did their wedding flowers years ago.
747 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80209
(303) 744-1091
http://www.bonniebraeflowers.com
Bonnie Brae Wine & Liquor Mart
Thirsty? Stop by the neighborhood store with big store prices.
785 S. University Boulevard • Denver, CO 80209
Phone: (303) 733-7261
http://www.bonniebraewine.com/home/
Fisher Clark Delicatessen
Recently opened, Fisher Clark is fine dining to go, gourmet grocery and your fantasy neighborhood bakery rolled into one. The name Fisher Clark represents two people who have a combined 30 years in the high-end Denver restaurant and bakery business. The partners have a long history of rave reviews in the Denver-area media. Clark was the executive chef at Tante Louise and Bluepoint Restaurant and most recently served as Executive Chef for Project Angelheart. Fisher has worked with Jennifer Jasinski at Panzano and comes to the operation directly from Project Angelheart. Fisher Clark features a variety of entrees for take away and a fantastic array of sandwiches, as well as cookies, lemon bars, brownies and fresh breads and croissants baked fresh daily.
Looking for lox, bagels and poppy seed strudel? Traditional delicatessen fare is not being ignored in this venture. Besides the imported meats, cheeses, olives, oils and vinegars, Fisher Clark will offer a variety of unique groceries as well as "signature" soups, salads, savory tarts, hummus, pates and more.
A different sandwich special is offered each day; box lunches and deli platters will also be available. The pastrami sandwich is highly recommended by Bonnie Brae neighbor, Lew Cady.
723 South University Boulevard, next to the Saucy Noodle
303-722-2091
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mélange
Our newest neighborhood business, Mélange is a medical spa offering salon services, cosmetic dentistry, facials, and more.
763 S. University Denver, CO 80209
(303) 777-7523
www.melangespa.com
Saucy Noodle
Seven 30 South
An American Bar & Grill and neighborhood hang-out offering large portions at very reasonable rates. Locally owned and operated, Seven 30 offers a wide variety of menu items including their award-winning eggs Benedict on Saturdays and Sundays.
Seven 30 South 730 S University Boulevard
Denver, CO 80209-4723
(303) 744-1888
http://www.730south.net/1341219.html
The Papery
It's true that great things come in small packages. For proof, look no further than Shirley Smith’s delightful stationery boutique that, while barely bigger than a broom closet, is stacked to the rafters with whimsy invitations, unique greeting cards and flirty wrapping paper. Shirley has been a loyal supporter of our Annual Picnic, always donating a nice gift bag for our raffle. So if you are looking for an alternative to a Hallmark card, stop by the Papery.
728 S University Blvd # B
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 744-1642
Still Need:
Flower Shop
Campus Lounge
Bank
Links & Resources
Local Government
- Mayor John Hickenlooper http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/Mayor
- Councilperson Charlie Brown http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/CouncilDistrict6
- City of Denver
http://www.denvergov.org/
- Denver Water Restrictions
http://www.denverwater.org/indexmain.html
Police & Safety
- Denver Police Department
http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/Police
- Crime Stoppers
http://www.metro-denvercrimestoppers.com/
- Denver Emergency Services
http://www.denvergov.org/TabId/37910/TopicId/1482/default.aspx
Resource Guide
- Denver Botanic Gardens
http://www.botanicgardens.org/
- RTD, Denver Bus System
http://www.rtd-denver.com/
- Denver Planning and Development Department
(Includes Permits, city codes, building reviews, neighborhood organizing, and mediation)
- http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/Planning
- Denver Public Library
http://www.denverlibrary.org/
- Denver Recycling
http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/recapp
- DPS School Accountability Reports
http://reportcard.cde.state.co.us/reportcard/CommandHandler.jsp?cmdSelect=queryBuilder&schoolLocation=4&ListItemName=Zipcodes
- Environmentally Friendly Landscaping
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/article/Homeowner/Environmentally-friendly_Landscaping
- The Park People
http://www.theparkpeople.org/
Newsletter Archives
2009
2008
2007
2006
Sunday, September 13, 2009 - Annual Picnic, Noon – 3P
BBNA Board Meetings 2009
Wednesday, February 18
Wednesday, May 20
Wednesday, July15
Wednesday, November 18