Colfax Avenue is the longest commercial street in all of the continental United States,

spanning from California all the way to New Jersey. Built over 100 years ago, Colfax has changed drastically with the times. Starting out as a dirt path for horses, to the main street traveling through Denver, to the current negative perception- Colfax has seen it all. 

 

In the beginning, Colfax was home to several beautiful mansions and served as one of the most metropolitan boulevards in Colorado with manicured lawns on the medians, and lamp lined streets. It was a tourist destination for anyone visiting the state and winded through the heart of Denver (as it does today). However, with the redevelopment of areas outside of Denver, there was a massive white flight from Colfax Avenue. Additionally with the completion of I-70, Colfax no longer served as the primary way through Denver, causing a significant decrease in tourists. And so the area surrounding the street fell into disrepair. In the 1960s, with the mansions’ property value falling drastically, the state bought the buildings to house those with mental health issues. Thus began Colfax’s infamous reputation as an area with vagrants, criminals, and sex work.

Recent efforts to revitalize the community have been met with pushback due to the negative effects of gentrification. However, there continues to be a robust community that lives among Colfax Avenue dedicated to the equitable improvement of the neighborhood.  (A) (B)

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East Colfax Neighborhood Anti-Displacement Plan from the East Colfax Neighborhood Association (ECNA): 

 

As of mid-2019, the East Colfax neighborhood registered close to 30% of its c.11,500 residents living at or below the poverty line, with upwards of 60% listed as "vulnerable to involuntary displacement." We know this means that many of our residents are in urgent need of basics such as food, shelter or lower housing costs, and clothing and other basic items, and the clear majority of our residents will simply not be able to stay in their homes if prices increase.

 

Our neighborhood must combat the forces of displacement whenever and wherever they occur. ECNA is committed to acknowledging the long history of displacement and profoundly misguided notions of ownership within which we circulate. To that end the following guidelines are being set forth. (Please note: this is a preliminary list and is currently being edited.)

 

East Colfax Resident Rights

 

• Stable, safe, affordable, and quality housing options.

• Safe, walkable neighborhood with reliable transportation.

• Access to affordable, quality childcare.

• After school and summer opportunities for youth.

• Access to healthy, culturally relevant foods

• Employment opportunities for youth and adults.

 

East Colfax Neighborhood Prioritizes: 

 

• Gender and racial equity

• Safe workplaces

• Disability inclusion

• Employing underserved communities

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Read more about this plan, and learn about how you can support ECNA here.