Noteworthy Mention of Cherry Creek Neighborhood

Denver’s Cherry Creek Neighborhood has been and continues to be one of the most coveted areas in which to live in Denver. Its location just 3 1/2 miles southeast of downtown and amidst some of the best shopping around entices buyers and renters alike.

History of the Cherry Creek Neighborhood

Prior to the completion of the Cherry Creek dam in 1950, this area of Denver was virtually inhabitable due to the persistent flooding from the waters of Cherry Creek. With that obstacle removed, the neighborhood became a favorite residential choice for post World War II families. Brick bungalows and cottages sprung up along with popular local businesses in the Cherry Creek North area. Chicago-born architectTemple Buell built the original Cherry Creek Shopping Center in 1949, and the present day facility occupies the original site. Unlike its predecessor, today’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center is an indoor mall featuring high-end, brand named stores. The building of the mall coincided with an explosion of growth in the neighborhood that saw many of the original family homes razed in favor of multi-family developments and large homes on small lots. You’ll still find some of the original 1950s homes but the majority of residences are now townhomes, condos and luxury homes.

Restaurants and Culture

Residents of Cherry Creek typically live here because of its proximity to shopping and restaurants. Regardless of your address, you are within a few blocks of the boutiques and service providers in Cherry Creek North or the doors of the Cherry Creek mall. Cherry Creek Shopping Center is still a premier shopping destination in Colorado. It houses more than 160 specialty shops and restaurants. The mall is home to many international brands. It also has a movie theater which shows first-run movies.

Cherry Creek North is a bustling area, north of 1st Avenue and between University Blvd. and Steele Street. Today, nearly 600 businesses make up the area’s 16 walkable blocks, where you can find a variety of independent and international retailers featuring unique fashion, jewelry, and home furnishing stores, spas, salons, art galleries, and restaurants. According to the Cherry Creek Business Improvement District, more residential mid-rises, luxury hotels, and state-of-the-art office buildings are developing throughout the district. In the last five years alone, residential units have increased by 23%, hotel rooms have increased 69%, office space has increased 22% and retail space has increased by 19%.

During the summer, you can visit the Cherry Creek Fresh Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The market presents a group of Colorado growers and unique local gourmet food vendors that represent the best of the Rocky Mountain region. You will find chef demonstrations, kitchen and garden products, gardening tips from Master Gardeners and live music all in a fun and festive open-air shopping environment.

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival happens every year during the first week of July, typically around the 4th of July. It is a three-day event celebrating world-class and award-winning visual, culinary and performing arts. The CCAF’s year-round non-profit mission is to provide access to art experiences and to support education.

Highlights Include:

• Olive + Finch | Great food made from scratch. They offer classics as well as unique dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Barolo Grill | For 25 years, this family-owned restaurants has been serving up amazing Italian food. Check out their extensive and top-rated wine list which features small, earth-friendly wineries.
• Cherry Cricket | Since 1945, the Cherry Cricket has been serving up what many consider Denver’s best burger. It may be a dive bar but the food is delish.