North Park Hill neighborhood could add housing, retail if voters approve

North Park Hill appeals to both homebuyers and investors. Compared with other neighborhoods near downtown Denver like South Park Hill, prices remain relatively reasonable.

“You get a lot of bang for your buck,” says Natalie Hengel with 8z. “You’ll find more updated homes available in the neighborhood, and more are coming on the market.”

The neighborhood’s proximity to the Interstate-70 corridor and light rail makes accessing Denver International Airport or downtown convenient.

Want to stay off the highway? Three thoroughfares— East 23rd and East 26th avenues plus Martin Luther King Boulevard— offer opportunities to drive or bike anywhere from City Park to Central Park in minutes.

The area north of the neighborhood’s poised for a potential major makeover. Denver City Council will let voters decide on April 4 whether to redevelop the long-dormant Park Hill golf course. Voters will decide whether to release the city-owned conservation easement, which requires using the land primarily for golf-related purposes and allow for commercial and residential development.

If voters approve, developers could add 3,200 housing units focusing on affordable housing, retail shops, a potential grocery store, and a regional park.

What’s available now

The neighborhood is home to pre-1960s ranches on average size treeshaded lots. Plus, some newer, larger infill builds.

“You can still find a single-family home for $500,000 to $600,000,” Hengel says. “That’s a really good buy in this neighborhood.”

Who’s moving in?

North Park Hill appeals to first-time home buyers, singles, young families, and empty nesters who want to downsize and live closer to downtown.

“It’s a nice mix,” Hengel says. “The area’s accessibility appeals to everyone.”

Many residents use the light rail to get downtown for work and play.

“You can avoid parking downtown and go to Nuggets or Avs games or dine downtown. It makes the whole experience more fun,” Hengel says.

Neighborhood attractions

Bistro Barbès: Pronounced BAR-BESS, named for a Paris neighborhood, serves modern French cuisine melded with the flavors of North Africa and the Middle East.

Dandy Lion Coffee: A craft coffee and plant shop.

Long Table Brewhouse: This brewery features food trucks and special events in a 1920s building restored to house the seven-barrel brewhouse and seven-barrel fermentation tanks.

Spinelli’s market: For over 25 years, Spinelli’s Market has stocked gourmet food and Italian delicacies.

Trelliswine Bar: Owned by Alisha Stoltz and Ilona Botton, Trellis offers wine and small plates plus special events like monthly Blind Tasting Tuesday or wine-down-wednesdays with 1/2 off select wine bottles.

Sara B. Hansen has been an editor and writer for more than 20 years. Her professional background includes editing positions at The Denver Post, The Des Moines Register, The Fort Collins Coloradoan, and At Home with Century 21. She’s also the founder and editor of Dogsbestlife.com and the author of “The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels.”