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.

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.

area map old south pearl neighborhood 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.

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.

The early 80's were 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. Old South Pearl Mulberries Cake Shop

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.

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. With the new T-Rex highway expansion completed, light rail now moves thousands of riders daily through the new 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 hearken back to a simpler time with a leisurely stroll on Old South Pearl Street.

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.

Merchants

Arts & Culture
Dining & Drinks
Health & Beauty
Shopping & Specialty
Professional Services

Arts & Culture

Bell Studio Gallery	1573 S. Pearl St.	303.282.7343	web site	view map
Cameron Church	1600 S. Pearl St.	303.777.7638	view map	view map
Colorado Potters Guild	1541 S. Pearl St.	303.733.3003		view map
Denver Folklore Center	1893 S. Pearl St.	303.777.4786	web site	view map
Nicks Studio/Gallery	1525 S. Pearl St.			view map
Old South Frame & Gallery	1588 S. Pearl St.	303.715.3828	web site	view map
Sand Dollar Gallery	1256 S. Pearl St.	303.871.8028		view map
The Artyard	1251 S. Pearl St.			view map

Dining & Drinks

Black Pearl	1529 S. Pearl St.	303.777.0500	web site	view map
Budapest Bistro	1585 S. Pearl St.	303.744.2520		view map
Flower Wraps Café & Urban Market	1313 Clarkson St.	303.733.3240	web site	view map
Gaia Bistro	1551 S. Pearl St.	303.777.5699		view map
Hanson's Grill and Tavern	1301 S. Pearl St.	303.744.1052		view map
Izakaya Den	1518 S. Pearl St.	303.777.0691	web site	view map
Lincoln’s Roadhouse	1201 S. Pearl St.	303.777.3700		view map
Mulberries Cake Shop	1570 S. Pearl St.	303.282.1044	web site	view map
Nosh Gelato	1439 S. Pearl St.	720.570.7886		view map
Seven Cups	1882 S. Pearl St.	303.777.CUPS	web site	view map
Stella’s Coffee House	1476 S. Pearl St.	303.777.1031		view map
Sushi Den	1487 S. Pearl St.	303.777.0826	web site	view map
The Chocolate Berry Company	1890 S. Pearl St.	303.589.1520		view map
The Crushery	1579 S. Pearl St.			view map
The Duffeyroll Café	1290 S. Pearl St.	303.753.9177		view map
The Pearl St. Grill	1477 S. Pearl St.	303.778.6475	web site	view map
The Village Cork	1300 S. Pearl St.	303.282.8399	web site	view map

Health & Beauty

Bodies in Balance, LLC	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
Duet Salon	1833 S. Pearl St.	303.733.3713		view map
Fusion	1705 S. Pearl St.			view map
Headwaves Hair	1300 S. Pearl St.			view map
Jin Shin Jyutsu	1705 S. Pearl St.			view map
Larksong Acupuncture	1705 S. Pearl St.			view map
Massage Therapy Services	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
Metropolis Center for Holistic Health	1705 S. Pearl St.	303.321.7721		view map
Oriental Medicine	1705 S. Pearl St.			view map
Pearl St. Yoga	1550 S. Pearl St.	720.341.2233	web site	view map
Pilates on Pearl, LLC	1550 S. Pearl St.	303.919.6013	web site	view map
Pura Vida Chiropractic, LLC	1611 S. Pearl St.	303.733.2200		view map
Revolution Hair Studio	1284 S. Pearl St.	303.777.4247		view map
Skin	1486 S. Pearl St.	303.733.4799		view map
Sole Source of Energy	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
The Salon on Pearl	1527 S. Pearl St.	303.777.5301		view map
The Willow Room	1223 S. Pearl St.	720.570.2583		view map
Tichy Acupuncture	1804 S. Pearl St.			view map
Washington Park Wellness Center	1711 S. Pearl St.	303.733.5255		view map
Wellness First	1711 S. Pearl St.	303.744.6567	web site	view map
YAO Health Professionals	1705 S. Pearl St.		web site	view map

Professional Services

1801 Photography	1801 S. Pearl St.			view map
Ann Bortz, Psy.D.	1521 S. Pearl St.			view map
Belaire Cleaners	1581 S. Pearl St.	303.733.7800		view map
Buchtel Motors	1230 S. Pearl St.	303.733.4030	web site	view map
Catalyst Search	1837 S. Pearl St.			view map
Coverly Psychical Therapy	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
Cutting Edge Printing	1249 S. Pearl St.	303.722.5854		view map
Cynthia Dalton, CNT	1521 S. Pearl St.			view map
Danile J. Hudson, L.Ac.	1705 S. Pearl St.			view map
Denoak Realty	1592 S. Pearl St.	303.778.0123	web site	view map
Designo	619 E. Jewell Ave.	303.733.9800	web site	view map
Eagleton Landscape Architecture Design	1891 S. Pearl St.			view map
Enzed Design, LLC	613 E. Jewell Ave.	303.765.2500	web site	view map
Extra Strength Marketing Communications	1804 S. Pearl St.	303.744.8089	web site	view map
Feldhake Physical Therapy	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
FMS Digital	1255 S. Pearl St.	303.744.9800		view map
Infinite Design Inc.	1537 S. Pearl St.	303.324.2193		view map
Jodi Warter, NCMT	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
Kathie Owens-Tucker, M.A.	1521 S. Pearl St.	303-810-1779		view map
Leo’s Automotive	1563 S. Pearl St.	303.722.5530		view map
Lynne Lyon LTD	1887 S. Pearl St.	303.343.0747		view map
Marschhausen Legal Services	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
McStain at Platt Park	1500 S. Pearl St.	303.494.5900	web site	view map
Merten Design Group	1885 S. Pearl St.			view map
Mortgage West Home Loans	1539 S. Pearl St.	303.282.7777	web site	view map
Muscle Management Therapies	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
Nancy Prins Bush, M.A. L.P.C.	1521 S. Pearl St.			view map
Old Vine Management Group, Inc.	1459 S. Pearl St.	303.777.2500		view map
ParkSide Realty	1253 S. Pearl St.	303.722.4900		view map
Pearl St. Business Center	1601 S. Pearl St.	303.800.1000		view map
Pearl St. Publishing	1515 S. Pearl St.		web site	view map
Presidential Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance	1282 S. Pearl St.	303.722.0386		view map
Rick Ginsberg, Ph.D.	1521 S. Pearl St.	303.589.6111	web site	view map
Sauvage Design	1537 S. Pearl St.	303.229.3856		view map
Schumacher Accounting & Tax Service	1895 S. Pearl St.	303.777.5535	web site	view map
Sean Garrett Architecture, LLC	1457 S. Pearl St.	303.759.9660	web site	view map
Sherry S. Seiber	1515 S. Pearl St.	303.777.3068		view map
Sindrich & Associates	1490 S. Pearl St.	303.744.8899		view map
Stacy Morsch, NCMT	1550 S. Pearl St.			view map
Susan M. Tauger & Associates	1771 S. Pearl St.			view map
T. Caylor Wadlington, OMD	1705 S. Pearl St.			view map
The Washington Park Profile	617 E. Jewell Ave.	303.778.8021	web site	view map
Thomas P. Nussbaum	1515 S. Pearl St.	303.777.3068		view map
Voices of Victims	S. Pearl St.	303.345.7301	web site	view map
Wyatt & Associates, P.C.	1865 S. Pearl St.	303.698.1717		view map
Zing!	1459 S. Pearl St.			view map

Shopping & Specialty

5 green boxes	1596 S. Pearl St.	303.777.2331	web site	view map
5 green boxes	1705 S. Pearl St.	303.282.5481	web site	view map
Book Buffs, LTD	1519 S. Pearl St.	303.722.3630	web site	view map
Floral Expressions & Gourmet Goodies	1219 S. Pearl St.	303.722.6113	web site	view map
Greentree Cyclery	1549 S. Pearl St.	303.777.4518		view map
Grow, Inc.	1225 S. Pearl St.	303.722.2992	web site	view map
Jewelers Gallery	1505 S. Pearl St.	303.777.4333		view map
Maxine’s Market	1441 S. Pearl St.	720.570.0404		view map
Murder By The Book	1574 S. Pearl St.	303.871.9401	web site	view map
PaperTalk	1575 S. Pearl St.	303.777.1481		view map
PJ ’s Boutique	1509 S. Pearl St.	303.777.8912		view map
Polkadot	1577 S. Pearl St.		web site	view map
Reserve List	1886 S. Pearl St.		web site	view map
RK Leonard Specialties	1859 S. Pearl St.			view map
Seams Like Olde Times	1501 S. Pearl St.	303.871.8032	web site	view map
Stitches	1757 S. Pearl St.	303.871.9803	web site	view map
The Green Monkey	1511 S. Pearl St.			view map
The Twelfth House	1445 S. Pearl St.	303.777.1112	web site	view map
The Whole Cat & Dogs too!	1540 S. Pearl St.	303.871.0443		view map
Unity Boutique	1455 S. Pearl St.	720.570.5076	web site	view map
Von's Violin Shop	1869 S. Pearl St.	303.778.1349		view map

Don't see your business listed here? See something that needs to be corrected Please let us know.

The current version of the Old South Pearl Local Flavor Guide is being sponsored by:

Denoak Realty is an urban real estate brokerage located on historic Old South Pearl Street in the heart of the vibrant Platt Park neighborhood.

Broker/Owner Rich Delanoy brings to the company over 20 years experience in selling, buying, leasing and managing commercial and residential properties.

Additionally, the company can provide expertise and consultation on matters related to zoning, property tax evaluations, variances, tax deferred exchanges, development, and neighborhood out reach. At Denoak, we strive to maximize the use, pleasure and profitability of real property ownership.

Denoak Realty can be reached at:
1592 South Pearl Street
Denver CO 80210
Phone: 303-778-0123

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