🤝 Breakthrough compromise on oil & gas

🚫 Historic Building Faces Foreclosure

The current owner of Denver’s historic El Jebel Shrine building is facing foreclosure. The loan firm that financed the building says it is owed $9.1 million. Over a century ago, the space served as a Masonic society’s meeting hall. These days, it’s mostly used to host one-off events. Building owner Robert Lubin says he expects to pay off the debt and move on with some planned redevelopment projects for the property. [BusinessDen 🔒]

• Take a closer look: Learn more about the building’s stunning locally designed architecture. [Hey Denver]

🤝 Breakthrough Oil & Gas Compromise

Colorado’s oil and gas leaders have come to a milestone agreement with environmentalists. Climate advocates will back off the demand for more stringent drilling rules, and lawmakers will pass a new pair of bills to strengthen the state’s air quality regulations and raise funds for new transit projects. But only if both sides promise not to pursue other legislation for the foreseeable future. [CO Sun]

💻 CCD Goes Remote Amid Anti-war Protests

As dozens of protesters remain posted up at anti-war campouts on the Auraria Campus, officials at the Community College of Denver — which is housed on the property, along with CU Denver and MSU — have ordered all CCD classes and events go remote. For most students, this is the last full week of class before finals and graduation. [9News]

• How’d we get here? Hear from a student protester about demonstrations and how local leaders are responding. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🥡 Grab Lunch at Civic Center Park

Denver’s official summer food truck series, Civic Center EATS, returns next week, May 8. Swing by for lunch every Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. all summer long and take your pick from dozens of Denver’s favorite trucks.

💆 Pamper Yourself

Full-body massages, jetted spa pools, herbal steam rooms, essential oil rain showers?? Yes, please! Make it a day trip out to Black Hawk for a luxurious mountain wellness date at Spa Monarch. I’ll be treating myself for Mother’s Day 💅 but hey, there’s no excuse needed for a little self-lovin’.

• While you're in the mood: Why not check out our favorite hot springs? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🍷 Have a Post-Hike Treat

Springtime in Colorado is peak hiking weather, and a post-hike goodie is a must for this seasoned mountain-goer. If you’re out near Bailey (I like the Lost Creek Wilderness area), make a stop at Aspen Peak Cellars on your way home for a glass of housemade wine at a seat along the rushing river.

🛍️ Shop Local

All the local street markets and outdoor bazaars are setting up shop for the spring and summer seasons. For a tried-and-true Denver experience, we recommend Horseshoe Market — ranked “Denver’s Best Flea Market” five years running! Its springtime pop-up is scheduled for May 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Regis University.

Hey loyal readers and listeners. We love to hear from you! Got a question about something going on in the city? A spicy take on a trending topic? Commentary on a recent podcast episode or newsletter? We want to hear it 💌 Here’s the latest from the inbox:

🌳 Washington Park

After reading my guide to Wash Park, Dennis P. wants to add a recommendation:

• “Susan and her Blue Bunny ice cream truck. She’s been a Wash Park icon long before the paddle boats showed up.”

🏀 A Denver WNBA Team

If Denver gets a WNBA team, what should it be called? Christina in Mayfair says:

• “A Denver WNBA team should definitely be called the Majesty, as in ‘purple mountain's majesty.’”

🏢 The Populus Hotel Building

Regarding that unique new hotel building that WE think looks a lot like a cheese grater, but is supposed to resemble an aspen tree, Lee R. says:

• “For me, the Populus Building resembles a strange organic church-like building (e.g. Sagrada Familia or Gaudí-esque). I call it the Sagrada de Denver ⛪”

Your Guide to May in Denver

The days are getting longer, the temps are getting warmer, and we’re itching for some of that springtime Mile High sunshine. So here are our recommendations on what to eat, drink, and do in and around Denver this month.