August 18, 2016 VO LUM E 1 2 | IS S U E 1 2
LET THERE BE BEARDS There’s more to facial-hair fashion than meets the eye on PAGE 12.
ArvadaPress.com A publication of
J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
Olde Town Arvada enjoys newest evolution New business, younger people and improvements spur area’s rebirth By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
$1,000,000
$800,000
01
01
20 1
4
2
3
$971,343
1
2
2
$863,430
0
11
2
2
0
0
$738,102
$657,496
6
05
0
$602,683
$550,800
2
0
$559,442
2
10 2 09 20 08 20 7 00
0
$534,721
$200,000
$480,591
$400,000
$818,839
$600,000
20
Olde Town continues on Page 11
OLDE TOWN ARVADA SALES TAX BY YEAR
$442,390
About 40 years ago, Olde Town Arvada had a few staple businesses, such as the Army Navy Surplus store and Rheinlander Bakery. But many storefronts in the city’s historic heart stood empty or showcased antiques, attracting few to wander its streets. The metaphorical tumbleweed blew down the road for decades, longtime residents say. But not anymore. “It is so exciting to witness the transformation of Olde Town, both in terms of energy and beauty,” said Maureen Phair, executive director of the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority. “Fifteen years ago, Olde Town was sleepy with just a few restaurants and no outdoor patios — and
plenty of available on-street parking spaces. Fast-forward to today and Olde Town is a destination for great restaurants, pubs and shopping. And it’s so pretty.” Business owners and city leaders credit a handful of factors in the area’s rebirth: a thriving mix of entrepreneurs, an influx of young professionals and families, and a series of infrastructure improvements to attract shoppers and residents. Cementing the ongoing boom, they say, is the construction of a transit hub that will service the commuter rail line that opens this fall and is spurring even more commercial growth, including the city’s first hotel. “There was a reason Olde Town had struggled for so long,” said Brandon Capps, head brewer at New Image Brewing Company, 5622 Yukon St., which opened in 2015. “Now, there are so many people here working to make Olde Town grow and wanting it to be crowded … I’m excited for what people are trying to do here.”
5
Source: City of Arvada
The chart reflects sales tax dollars collected by the city and Arvada Police Department.
JEFFCO FAIR ALL SORTS OF FUN
Jeffco schools open doors to new year Supt. Dan McMinimee says district excited and looking forward to ‘positive start’ By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
From new playgrounds and schools to a new way to help creditdeficient students graduate, Jefferson County Schools have myriad new programs for its 86,000 students as they start the new school year. “There’s always that excitement about the start of the school year,” said Jefferson County School District Superintendent Dan McMinimee. “Who’s my teacher? Who’s in my class?” The district, McMinimee said, is looking forward to a positive start. The first day of classes for most of JefToday, Aug. 18, Jefferson County’s 155 schools is Aug. 18. And fco Public Schools there are some highlights to look forward will post first-day to in the 2016-17 academic year, said the school pictures from district’s chief communications officer Diana years past on its Wilson. Facebook page. Be sure to check them • A new charter school opens this year. out. Everybody is The ribbon-cutting for Doral Academy, invited to post his or 7100 Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada, took place her own first day of Aug. 15. The school, according to its website, school photos, from focuses on an arts-integrated curriculum the past and presand is serving students from kindergarten ent, as well. through seventh grade. The principal is Scott Eldred.
FIRST DAY
• Virtual academy initiates credit-recovery program. Jeffco Virtual Academy is starting its eighth year, but this fall a new program called Targeted Actions to Graduation will be implemented for full-time students, grades 10 through 12, who may need help getting back on track for graduation. The goal of the new program, said Dr. Leonard Brown, the director of blended and virtual learning for Jeffco Public Schools, is to provide an alternative pathway to graduation. The purpose is to positively School continues on Page 9
From rodeo to live music and street performances to vending, the 2016 Jeffco Fair & Festival, which took place Aug. 11-14 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden, offered folks a variety of entertainment, including these equestrian entertainers.For more photos from this year’s fair, turn to PAGE 5. Photo by Christy Steadman
SETTING UP SHOP
Whether short or tall, volleyball setters rely on skill to get the job done. Check out this story and others as we continue our fall sports previews on PAGE 19.