This article is a part of Denverite's Street Week: Tennyson series. We're exploring the area by way of the history, people, carp-filled lakes and weird houses that define it. Read more Tennyson stories here.
There's always something new to be learned about every street corner in Denver.
We like to play our part in helping Denverites find those nuggets of knowledge with our annual Street Week series. For a whole week, we satiate your Denver fact-finding fancies about one chosen stretch of road in the city. We set up shop there for a few weeks and give you the rundown of what we found.
We've taken you to Morrison Road, one of the few diagonal corridors in the city. To Bruce Randolph Avenue, named after the eastside legend. And to all of Colfax Avenue, from the gritty nostalgia to the still-gritty present.
This year, we hit Tennyson Street. Here's a fact right off the bat: We spent time on all of Tennyson, not just the business corridor in the Berkeley neighborhood. We went up to Regis, down through Berkeley, wadded through Sloan's Lake, skipped Westwood like the street randomly does, then got back into Harvey Park.
So, sit back, and let us take you on a tour. It'll be like riding the trolley that once operated on Tenny.
Day 1: Monday, Nov. 27
What's a Tennyson? Where's a Tennyson? Why's a Tennyson?
Did you know Tennyson treks through about seven Denver neighborhoods and disappears in two of them? Do you know who Tennyson is? Do you know why the main portion of Tennyson is commercial? Would you ride the streetcar if it still existed? Here's a history lesson from me (that's Dez) on the corridor and what residents are hoping for in the future.
Cool history lesson. What's there to do on a Tennyson now?
Now that you've got a rundown of the past Tennyson, Isaac has a guide on how you can spend a day on the corridor, featuring old haunts such as the Oriental Theater and new places like CôNu's Corner Càfê and Bánh Mì Sandwiches.
Day 2: Tuesday, Nov. 28
What's the deal with Berkeley Lake?
There are a few well-known parks along Tennyson, like Sloan's Lake and Cesar E. Chavez Park, to name a few. But what's up with Berkeley Lake? It's been around since the late 1800s and was once the premier summer spot. Now, these old-timer fishermen might be the last ones still angling for a catch. Kyle waded into the lake's history and present.
Let there be art!
There are three pieces of public art that sit on or near Tennyson Street, one of which was donated to the city. Isaac tells us the history of those pieces and how they came to live in Tenny.
Day 3: Wednesday, Nov. 29
What's the deal with that mega-mansion?
Tennyson may be named after an English poet, but there's a bit of French invasion at the southern portion of the corridor in the Harvey Park neighborhood (right before Tennyson disappears again). There, you'll find a French Country Manor-inspired home owned by the Allison family. It's perhaps the largest property along the corridor and the most expensive. Kevin scored a tour of the chateau and is taking us with him.
Slot homes: The architectural style that changed neighborhoods
Mention the term slot homes and the response is visceral. Hated by many and loved by few (mostly and probably developers) slot homes are multi-residential buildings where the side-by-side units are perpendicular to the street. They add density to small spaces but they leave no room for neighbor connectivity or neighborhood character. Kyle dives into the controversy -- and meets someone who lives in the controversial architecture.
Day 4: Thursday, Nov. 30
Will the show go on at the Historic Elitch Theatre?
Fun fact: Berkeley's business corridor was once anchored by the original Elitch Gardens. Today, 130 years later, the park's Historic Elitch Theatre still stands. It's been three decades since live shows played there, but that could soon change. Isaac got a tour of the landmark and learned what's next.
From biker bar to karaoke spot, the Berkeley Inn has seen it all
Opening in the 1930s, the neighborhood watering hole has adapted to the block's identity. New owners Sarah Kinney and Andrew Peterson bought the place in 2021 and their mission for the space is clear: keep the jello shots coming and continue providing that neighborhood feel. Kevin and I went on a Saturday night to check out the scene.
Day 5: Thursday, Dec. 1
I want to ride my bicycle (on Tenny)
Eric Guetterman has lived on Tennyson since the 90s and he opened up his bike shop, eForce Electric Bikes, in 2017. With the surge of popularity in e-bikes, along with the rebates, Guetterman is navigating the increase in demand and competition from bigger chains. Rebecca hooks us up with the story.
Lions, elk, bears, buffalo, how tasty! Wait ... also on Tennyson?
At the northern end of Tenny, lies Meat Cleaver, a wild game and beef processing plant. Incredibly random but incredibly interesting. Kevin throws on the gloves and protective suit to meet the guys chopping up the goods.
BONUS!
What's in a (park) name?
César Chávez Park on Tennyson Street in Denver had a long history before it was dedicated to the Labor Rights activist. We took a look at the history of the park.
This also isn't Denverite's first time on Tenny. Here are some of our past stories from the street:
? Denver Cat Company sauntered onto Tennyson in 2014 with a purrrrfect goal: connecting cats with their furever homes.
? Call to Arms Brewing opened at weird time for the craft beer industry but their ability to adapt has kept the pints flowing on Tenny.
? When DJ's Café closed on Tennyson in late 2017, it left a hole in the hearts of breakfast lovers. Wendell's filled that space in April 2018 and continues serving up hearty breakfast goods. Their seasonal menu includes a pumpkin spice espresso martini and apple crisp French toast.
?Earl Grey & shortbread, basil with blackberry swirl and brown butter pecan. These are all the flavors High Point Creamery is serving up at their Tennyson location.
Read all the stories from Street Week: Tennyson here. (And dip into the Street Week archives with 2021's Morrison Road and 2020's Bruce Randolph.)
