Noteworthy Mention of the Hale Neighborhood

Hale neighborhood is an established Denver neighborhood that is witnessing a resurgence with the long-awaited redevelopment of the old University Hospital site at 9th Ave. and Colorado Blvd. Continuum Partners is pouring $500 million into the 26 acres site with over 1,000 new apartments, condominiums and townhomes. Plans also include a hotel, office space and retail/dining sites. From bungalows to stately two story brick homes, the Hale neighborhood accommodates a variety of lifestyles and once construction is complete, there will be even more housing options from which to choose.

History of Hale

The Hale neighborhood is named after one of Denver’s favorite sons — Irving Hale. After his graduation from Arapahoe School (now Denver East), he went on graduate first in class at West Point and became a Brigadier General during the Spanish American war. Camp Hale, the training ground in Leadville for the 10th Mountain Division, also bears his name. This neighborhood is just southeast of downtown, bounded by Colfax Ave to the north, 6th Ave on the south, Colorado Blvd. to the west and Holly St. on the east.

Notable anchors of Hale neighborhood are Rose Medical Center and the Veteran’s Association Eastern Colorado campus, and National Jewish Hospital is just across the way at Colorado and Colfax. But the community also boasts a wonderful enclave of businesses along 8th Avenue. Small boutiques, and independent restaurants and bars provide locals a chance to gather and socialize.

Restaurants and Culture

Trader Joe’s has its flagship operation at 8th and Colorado, and the popular breakfast place Snooze is right down the street. Soon, there will be 40-50 new shops and dining opportunities, and plenty of open space to allow for biking and pedestrian access as part of the Continuum redevelopment. The first phase calls for three 8-10 story towers on the northwest corner of 9th Ave. and Colorado, and will feature 55,000 square feet of retail and 550 apartments.

Make sure you check out the College Inn when in the Hale Neighborhood. Part diner, part hangout for the college-aged, it’s been a central Denver hangout for great food and drinks for decades. The College Inn offers affordable meals (of the pub fare variety) and a swell place to indulge in a few cocktails after work or class. The drinks are cheap and heavy on the good stuff. Taco Tuesdays feature $2 tacos and don’t miss out on their fabulous patio.