Noteworthy Mention of University Park

University Park neighborhood or “Uni Park” is an old, established Denver neighborhood that has remained immensely popular over the decades due to its proximity to the University of Denver, its highly ranked elementary school and beautiful, statuesque trees that line quiet streets. Its boundaries are I-25, University, Yale and Colorado.

Architecture and Homes in University Park

Like many south Denver neighborhoods, University Park neighborhood has seen many of its original small houses give way to spacious, two-story family homes. There is a dizzying assortment of homes built in the last 10 years, 1920 brick Tudors, bungalows, small frame houses from the 1940s and new apartments. The surge of growth surrounding the University of Denver has spilled over into University Park with many new apartment buildings replacing antiquated businesses and properties. Despite the beehive of activity along University Boulevard, the neighborhood remains a peaceful place for families and DU students alike.

Affixed in the center of University Park neighborhood is Observatory Park, the home of the Chamberlin Observatory. Built in the late 1800s, the Romanesque structure features stunning red rustic sandstone and a domed roof. Today, the observatory is limited in its ability to perform scientific research due to the “light pollution” of Denver, and the University of Denver focuses on using the structure for special events (www.denverastro.org/das/chamberlin-observatory).

Recreation and Culture

Observatory Park serves as an unofficial meeting place for its residents, You’ll find people walking their dogs, playing volleyball, softball, tennis and rugby, and kids enjoying the playgrounds. Further to the south is Robert McWilliams, a greenbelt associated with the three-mile long Harvard Gulch trail. Children and parents alike love the playground and picnic facilities here.

The DU campus offers many eating options and University Park residents like the new sushi restaurant Ginza at the base of One Observatory Park at University and Evans. On the other side of the neighborhood is the ever popular Italian restaurant Garlic Knot, across from University Hills Plaza shopping center. The garlic knots, pizza and chicken parmesan are among the favorites.