If you are looking for an East Denver neighborhood for a home, you may find the perfect spot. Five Points are neighborhoods that are just to the northeast of downtown Denver and it is often called the “East Side.” The way the downtown grid runs and the grid of the East Denver neighborhood area all come together at an intersection which is a five-way. This is why it is called Five Points.
The area has been around for a long time and was quite popular in the 1860s. In the 1930s, 1940s and the 1950s jazz was king in this neighborhood. There were more than 50 clubs and bars located here and many of the world famous jazz musicians played here. Names like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday were just some of the ones that played in the East Denver neighborhood.
Five Points was the first neighborhood in Denver to be primarily African-American. This, along with the many jazz musicians who played here earned it the nickname of “Harlem of the West.” The area today is packed with heritage and as such the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center is located here as well as the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library.
There are several landmarks in the area including African-American churches and some businesses. Their Juneteenth festival is an annual event that welcomes over 100,000 people. The festival begins at the Manual High School and proceeds to Five Points where there are literally thousands of vendors plying their wares. In addition, there are street performers and entertainment.
This East Denver neighborhood is often thought of by the African American community as their center for history. Despite the fact that the Five Points area is no longer primarily an African-American community, the residents of the area still consider it to be.
The Regional Transportation District of Denver constructed a light rail in this neighborhood and the renovations of the neighborhood began. The Victorian homes underwent a renovation process as well and the lofts began to appear in the downtown area. Many that remember this East Denver neighborhood as it was in the old day feel a bit sad that the neighborhood is changing. The disappearance of the old Five Points and the charm it had have given way to higher rents. Many of the old tenants have had to find new homes.
Please contact New Era Realty to learn more about East Denver neighborhoods, or any of the many wonderful Denver loft and condominium offerings at 303-522-7746 or 800.392.1950.