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The History of Palace Lofts in Denver’s Lodo Neighborhood

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a great place to live, Palace Lofts building is sure to pique your interest. This historic building in Lower Downtown was one of the first structures to offer spectacular loft living in Denver and hosts a variety of floor plans.

This mixed-use, 10-story building encompasses nearly the entire 1400 block of Blake Street, and was a new development in 1997. It offers high-end living in one of Denver’s most desirable neighborhoods, and is perfectly positioned in LoDo to access exceptional dining, sporting events, art and cultural offerings and transportation options.

History of Palace Lofts

Located near the banks of Cherry Creek, Palace Lofts hearkens back to the days when Denver was a rough and tumble cowtown, populated by people hoping to find their fortunes in gold. Back in the 1870s, this block was considered an entertainment district with the likes of the Palace Variety Theater, the Tivoli Beer Hall (the Tivoli Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in Colorado and still is in operation) and Lange and Hence liquor store, to name a few. Horse-drawn carriages made their way up and down the dusty street, as ranch hands, miners, entrepreneurs and farmers conducted business and socialized in the area. 


Photo circa 1898 | Viaduct/bridge construction on Blake and 14th Streets | Photo courtesy of the Denver Public Library

Moving into the early part of the 20th century, LoDo remained a bustling section of Denver with a multitude of vendors in the area. The 1400 block of Blake was home to the Palace Hotel from the late 1800s to 1926. Another lodge, the Revere Hotel, was a mainstay of the block until 1936. Other notable businesses included Sharp and Bros. Furnaces, Rhodes Candy, Queen City Brassworks and Western Root Beer and Supply. A.E. Heinsohn Printing Machinery Co. was a longtime company at the address until the late 1960s and 1970s when the block was virtually abandoned, much like the rest of LoDo.


Photo circa August 3, 1933 | Flood Damage on Blake between 14th and 15th | Courtesy of the Denver Public Library

Even before the downturn started in the 1970s, Blake Street’s location near Cherry Creek was fraught with challenges, namely the threat of flooding. Until the Cherry Creek Dam/Cherry Creek Reservoir were established in 1950, floods were a constant problem for businesses operating in close proximity to the creek. Washed out streets, and damage to buildings and personal property were a constant worry for residents and business owners operating in the area.

But it was the downturn of the 1970s that signaled the demise of Blake Street and the LoDo neighborhood. Coinciding with the flight of people to the suburbs, the LoDo warehouses were shuttered, businesses disappeared or moved, and the environs became a virtual ghost town. Few people ever ventured beyond Larimer Street and property values plummeted. It would take several decades before the area rebounded and rebound it did. Now considered one of Denver’s top neighborhoods, the LoDo neighborhood is one of the best “feel good” stories of the 21st century. Now home to upscale condos and lofts, popular restaurants, vibrant businesses and exceptional entertainment, the neighborhood is soaring in popularity.

A New Era Begins for 1400 Blake and LoDo

In the case of the 1400 block of Blake, the majority of the block was redeveloped by Ray Suppa and National Properties in 1997. Where there used to be multiple storefronts in mostly two-story buildings, the new 10 floor structure implemented a new vision as a multi-use development. Featuring 134 “industrial style” residential lofts, and retail and service providers on the street level, Palace Lofts combines the vintage brick of days gone by with contemporary style.

Numerous setbacks scaling up the building allow for many homes to have rooftop terraces and decks for additional living space. Floor to ceiling windows and 10-foot ceilings allow maximum natural light, and incredible city and mountain views from stunning balconies make for an amazing living experience. Check out our current rental listing to get a idea of the features residents enjoy at Palace lofts.

These homes are within walking distance to the Pepsi Center, the Denver Center of the Performing Arts, Union Station, Coors Field and the 16th Street Mall.

Mixed-Use Complements Palace Lofts

Palace Lofts building is home to several commercial business including Usaj Realty, as well as Board and Brush and LoDo Orthodontics. During the COVID-19 outbreak, contact the businesses directly to learn if their services and operating hours have been impacted.

Board and Brush offers classes in woodworking combined with the latest trends in custom graphics to help customers create wonderful home accessories and gifts. What started as a “Girl’s Night Out” with wine and crafts in the founder’s basement and quickly turned into a business idea and has grown to a 199 locations across the U.S. During the COVID-19 stay-at-home directive, contact them directly to get their latest updates.

LoDo Orthodontics, under the direction of orthodontist Dr. Sheila Soroushian, offers all forms of orthodontia, from braces to Invisalign for all ages. Dr. Sheila and LoDo Orthodontics are committed to providing you with an Orthodontic experience that compliments your lifestyle.

Exterior of Palace Lofts, located at 1499 Blake Street

Other businesses include Colorado Records Sooner, the Wyse Group and Law One.                 .

Whether you’re looking for premier penthouse living or a nifty one-bedroom, it’s likely Palace Lofts will have your dream home. Check out this spectacular drone video of the Palace Lofts location in Denver. 

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