1) New Luxury Apartment Complex

A new apartment complex is preparing to open in Central Park and offer a luxury apartment community for residents. MAA Milepost 35 is located at 46th and Beeler Court, and derives its name from the close proximity to Runway 35. The complex will feature 352 units that are scattered throughout four 5-story apartment buildings and five 3-story townhome sections. The complex is offering rental options for studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans that will be available in late November.

2) Three Arrows Gallery Opens in Central Park

Three Arrows Gallery (TAG) has opened at Roslyn and 29th Street in Central Park. This is the second location for the store, with its first being in RiNo. TAG sells items made by women-owned businesses, local entrepreneurs, and aspiring artists that include clothes, jewelry, art, food, pet accessories, bath products, and home decor. Although the mission is the same as the downtown spot, this new store has expanded sections for childrens’ toys and home products. TAG is owned by Sarah Smith, who has lived in Central Park for 12 years. Smith is happy to display the work of local residents. Since it opened in August, she has already met four Central Park women who are first-time entrepreneurs and are now selling their art in TAG.

3) Kurt Dennis Sues Denver Public Schools

Kurt Dennis has filed a lawsuit against Denver Public Schools (DPS) for what he believes was an unlawful termination from his position as principal at McAuliffe International School. The lawsuit was filed against DPS and the six board members who voted to uphold the termination in August. The lawsuit claims that DPS violated his First Amendment right to speak publicly about safety concerns, and that board members damaged his reputation with misleading statements regarding the de-escalation room. Dennis is seeking financial restitution, claiming that the unlawful firing cost him significant wages and that the damaged reputation impaired his ability to get another job. The lawsuit is also seeking his reinstatement as McAuliffe’s Principal. If the courts rule that the termination was unconstitutional, Dennis could be reinstated to his former position. The process is expected to take several months to be resolved.

4) New Businesses at The Shops at Northfield

Several new businesses are opening at the Shops at Northfield.

Sephora: The new location for Sephora is opening in November. The store will be selling its many beauty and skincare products on Main Street near the Bath & Body Works.

P.F. Chang’s: Positioned across from the Improv on 47th and Uinta, the new P.F. Chang’s is also slated to open its doors to customers and begin serving its Asian cuisine in November.

Lululemon: Known for its wide variety of athletic clothes and loungewear, Lululemon is preparing to open in November at the corner of 47th and Main Street.

Lucky Strike: The bowling alley will be located between Target and Bass Pro. Although the bowling alley has locations throughout the country, its only current spot in Denver is downtown on the 16th Street Mall. It has become a common gathering place for bowling enthusiasts who play in official leagues, for friends looking to have a fun night out, or for families hosting special events. It’s expected to open in early 2024.

5) National Wildlife Property Repository

The National Wildlife Property Repository, located at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, has re-opened for public tours following a brief closure for renovation. The Repository, which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, houses approximately 1.5 million wildlife items confiscated at U.S. ports of entry or in connection with criminal investigations, and includes elephant tusks, crocodile skin boots, taxidermy mounts, among other things. Many of the items are loaned to museums or universities to aid in education or law enforcement training. The building was remodeled to install new shelving, new temperature and humidity controls, and to modernize the facility’s education space. The Repository’s mission is to educate the public about impacts that the illegal wildlife trade has on species and ecosystems, and to let the public know how they can be part of the solution.

Free tours are operated on the first Friday of each month at 10am and 2pm, lasting approximately 60 minutes. Tours are open to anyone 13 years and older and group size is limited to 20 total guests. Reservations for the tour can be made by emailing NEWPR_education@fws.gov or by calling 303-729-2265. Registration closes 24 hours before each tour. For more information, read this 2019 Front Porch story: https://frontporchne.com/article/wildlife-contraband-becomes-conservation-library/

6) New Plans for Bluff Lake Nature Center

The Bluff Lake Nature Center unveiled its design plans for new facilities at its 123-acre wildlife refuge and environmental education area in Central Park.

Two new buildings will be constructed with sustainable materials. One will feature programming space with indoor/outdoor classrooms, a welcome desk, small exhibit space, and a large room that can be used to host community events. The other will house administrative offices. Additionally, the outdoor plans include multiple shade areas, new overlook structures, and a “gateway” area enabling visitors to more easily access the wildlife areas. The $7 million project is designed to enhance the many camps, classes, field trips, and research projects at the Center. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025. To make a donation, visit coloradogives.org/BluffLakeCampaign. Illustrations courtesy of Bluff Lake Nature Center.