Business District Spotlight: Old South Pearl

The Old South Pearl Shopping District, located on several blocks of South Pearl St. between Buchtel and Jewell Ave, is a favorite shopping destination of many Denverites.

This historican neighborhood is filled with one-of-a-kind specialty shops, restaurants and more! Check out the merchants in this area and download a printable version of the walkable Local Flavor Guide™ by clicking on the image to the right.

For a full list of merchants, click here.

History:

In June of 1893, the Denver Tramway Company extended it’s trolley car line from Alameda to Jewell Avenue along South Pearl Street. A few years later, tracks were completed south to Evans and then east to service the growing University of Denver. The University of Denver quickly became known as Tramway Tech and the building boom was on.

From 1900 to 1915 a number of multi-use buildings were completed along this burgeoning transportation corridor. The typical two story brick building would include one or more storefronts with apartments above. The corner locations would command larger buildings with increased rental units. The eighteen block corridor along South Pearl Street became quickly dotted with both commercial and residential construction.

The expanding neighborhoods required retail and service oriented businesses. Soon independent operators of barber and beauty shops, print shops, green groceries, creameries, dry good stores, tobacco shops, tailors, bakeries, hardware stores, pharmacies, five and dime stores, mechanic garages, movie houses, and diners were plying their trades along South Pearl Street from Alameda to Evans. As residential construction spread outwards and the adjacent neighborhoods became increasingly vibrant, doctors, dentists, lawyers, and other professionals began operation on Pearl Street.

During the 1950's the electric trolley cars were replaced with rubber wheeled trolley coaches. But progress also meant change and in the late 1950's, Interstate 25 neatly bisected South Pearl Street in half. The federally funded Valley Highway Project would end the direct link between Alameda and Evans on South Pearl Street and would alter the character of the affected neighborhoods.

In the 1960's and 1970's large scale retailing came into vogue forming regional shopping malls that drew business away from the smaller Mom and Pop operations. Much like the Great Depression years, borderline businesses were culled or abandoned. The empty storefronts attracted a number of poor artisans. These energetic painters, sculptors and potters formed a loose association to promote their wares. This lead to a formalized association sprang into existence in 1978: Old South Pearl Street Merchant’s Association.

The late 1980's and 1990's brough economic growth. Vacancy rates hovered at zero and the many merchants thrived on the expanded foot traffic. Retail diversity hit new heights and vibrant and exciting eateries joined the proven favorites.

Even with the global problems and local issues that marked the millennium, the second century on Old South Pearl Street has been greeted with optimism and excitement. The original merchant’s association has been expanded to embrace new businesses with a new name, the Old South Pearl Street Association. The vitality that was created in the 1970's with the influx of artists and off-beat ventures, has been refined. Yet, the small town flavor of a neighborhood business district has been enhanced with the advent of the charming weekly Farmer’s Market.

Rich Delanoy, who contributed this History, is a long time member of Old South Pearl Street Association and serves on the board of directors for the Platt Park People’s Association.

Upcoming Event:

Did you know that a purchase from any independent retailer on Old South Pearl Street can get you a mark on the Buy Local Bingo card? Then you're eligible to be entered to win prizes from great local businesses. It's that easy! (more details here)