A Punch Bowl Social will inhabit the iconic Stapleton control tower.
If you've just moved to Denver, you probably have a friend or know someone who has moved to Stapleton in hopes of finding more affordable housing (and yes, they were sadly disappointed that rent still requires selling a kidney on the black market). Regardless, you've probably seen Denver's very own 'Tower of Mordor' ominously looming above the new builds and have wondered what it's all about. [caption id="attachment_13548" align="aligncenter" width="443"]
(Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)[/caption]
Well, believe it or not, that used to be Denver's airport from 1929 to 1995. Many people, from presidents, popes, rock stars, and other world leaders touched Colorado soil there. Dr. Fujita, the man responsible for the Fujita scale, or how you measure the severity of a tornado, studied severe weather there. However, the coolest part of the airport, besides being "Mr. Tornado's" lab, is that I-70 ran right under the runway.
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After the last flight in 1995, the area slowly wasted away until the city tore most of it down. In fact, the final parking structure was torn down in 2011 to make way for housing. The tower was spared as part of Denver's history, and, well, you know the rest – housing booms in Denver and we're left with an air traffic control tower in a neighborhood.
The word on the street is that it's going to house Denver's second Punch Bowl Social. The City of Denver has been floating the idea amongst business leaders in the community to renovate the space, that's when CEO of Punch Bowl Social Robert Thompson jumped at the chance to renovate the space. We can expect a mid-century travel-themed oasis serving cocktails, food, and fun by the end of the summer. As for sipping libations in the top of the tower, you'll have to wait a bit longer, since renovating the tower is too expensive. The view is priceless though.
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What do you think? Tell us about your experiences in Stapleton International Airport, if you have them! Let us know in the comments below!
