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 out from Pearl Street and the adjacent neighborhoods
became increasingly vibrant, doctors, dentists, lawyers, and
other professionals began operation on Pearl Street.
The
stock market crash of 1929 and the Depression that followed
in the 30's would force many of the marginal operators to
abandon their businesses. But as the neighborhoods continued
to grow, new operators would move into the empty storefronts
and it was business as usual until the out break of World
War II. The second World War again forced many businesses
to scale back their operations when basic goods were rationed
or limited.
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Like
so much of the United States after World War II, Old South
Pearl Street began an economic revitalization that lasted
into the late 50's. 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
and regional shopping malls drew business away from the smaller
Mom and Pop operations that comprised the now severed 18 block
South Pearl Street business district. Much like the Great
Depression years, borderline businesses were culled or abandoned.
Storefronts stood empty and only a few of the service oriented
businesses thrived.
Attracted
by inexpensive rental rates, a number of artisans began to
occupy the vacant storefronts. These energetic painters, sculptors,
and potters formed a loose association to promote their wares.
Coupled with the existing merchants in the 1400 and 1500 blocks
of South Pearl Street, a formalized association sprang into
existence in 1978. In the Fall of 1978, the newly formed Old
South Pearl Street Merchant’s Association (OSPSMA) hosted
it’s first street fair.
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The
early 80's was marked by a prolonged economic downturn in
Denver. Businesses on Old South Pearl Street continued to
come and go, but the artistic energy that marked the 1970's
resonated on the street. The Merchant Association focused
it’s energy on improving the "look" of the
1400 and 1500 blocks of South Pearl. In 1985 the City awarded
several grants to the Association. From these grants came
the distinctive street lamps and cobbled pavers. The original
street fair had grown to over a hundred vendors and was highlighted
by a Mother’s Day 5K run through the neighborhood.
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As
the economy rebounded, Old South Pearl Street began to attract
the attention of larger scale restaurants and pubs. South
Denver landmarks like the Sushi Den and the Pearl Street Grill
found their niche and flourished. The prosperity that came
with the rebound of the late 80's galloped headlong into the
90's.
Unprecedented
growth marked the 1990's and the businesses along Old South
Pearl Street were recipients of this largess. 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.
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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.
The future is very bright. In just a few short years, the
massive T-REX highway expansion program will be completed.
Light rail will daily move thousands of riders through the
newly named Louisiana - Pearl Street Station. The redevelopment
of the old Gates Rubber Company site will draw national attention
to the area. Yet, no matter how dizzying the pace of the world
becomes, one can always harken back to a simpler time with
a leisurely stroll on Old South Pearl Street.
Rich Delanoy, who contrbuted
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.
