Saving the ‘Pec: Support grows to keep legendary jazz club from demolition
DENVER (KDVR) — Hundreds of people have signed a petition to save a legendary jazz club on Market Street in Denver as the building’s current owners consider demolition.
El Chapultepec, located at 1962 Market St., was once the home of jazz for the city, drawing in major stars from a range of genres and walks of life — from Etta James to Ed Sheeran. The building was constructed circa 1890, according to Historic Denver, and was regarded as the place to bump elbows with stars and common people alike.
Saving El Chapultepec: Historic Denver files for landmark designation
John Deffenbaugh, president and CEO of Historic Denver, has spoken extensively about the culture developed around El Chapultepec during its 130-year history in his bid to save the historic building.
“Demolishing one of the oldest and most culturally significant entertainment buildings in an area that is undergoing culture and entertainment-led regeneration is misplaced,” Deffenbaugh said in a release.
Finding a compromise for El Chapultepec’s use
On March 11, Historic Denver filed a landmark designation for the Market Street building in conjunction with Elbra Wedgeworth and professional jazz musician Ron Bland. Their goal is to save the building from demolition and give it a new life and purpose by compromising with the building’s current owners, Monfort Companies.
“Historic Denver has offered several examples of buildings that were in an exceedingly poor state of repair but have been brought back to life,” Deffenbaugh said in a release.
Deffenbaugh named one of Denver’s first fire stations, Hose House 1, which was transformed into the Woody Fisher bar and restaurant, and the former Moffat Depot, which has been integrated into the Balfour residences for senior living.
“In these examples, the original building is considered to be one of the best aspects of the contemporary development and adds historical richness to the surrounding neighborhood,” Deffenbaugh said in the release.
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However, Monfort Companies says El Chapultepec has structural issues. Historic Denver did not share what those issues might involve.
To “save the ‘Pec,” around 300 people have signed a petition that was launched on March 15.
“The outpouring of support to save the building has been wonderful to see,” Deffenbaugh said.
Anyone who wishes to save the building can sign their name at historicdenver.org/thepec. You can also share your favorite memories of the establishment.
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