This Local Cafe Defends Small Uptown Businesses

Serving as an art center of Uptown, The Weathervane Cafe is a coffee shop and brunch spot tucked into a historic cottage house. Built in 1896, this house holds character and memories of Denver from long in the past. Painted windows and cow-print umbrellas make the spot impossible to walk by without leaving an impression. 

Inside you can shop high quality coffee, sandwiches, kitchen supplies and handmade goods. Anything from candles, coffee table books and tarot cards are available, each with their own unique flair.

This spot is easily one of Denver’s most unique and a staple of the neighborhood park-goers, dog walkers, coffee lovers and nearby hospital employees. This staple shop was established in 2012 by a husband and wife duo with a passion for aesthetics and customer experience.

The Weathervane Cafe space offers a break from the norm and retreat from the busy city life. It’s a true home away from home. With seasonal drinks, fresh and healthy brunch options and no internet, this coffee shop is a pleasant step into a simpler time. Months of construction within feet of this peaceful shop will severely affect the customer and worker experience. 

Directly next to The Weathervane Cafe is unique building that has stood the test of time in our ever-changing city. Despite the historic energy of Uptown, this building is currently up for sale, with buyers looking to demolish the current building and develop the plot into town homes.

The management team at Weathervane is doing everything in their power to alter this upcoming project, with values far greater than the potential construction period.

The statement below provides context and encourages the community to get involved to preserve 1709 N. Williams Street.

“This zone proposal threatens to erase a critical piece of our neighborhood’s history—an affordable 4,500-square-foot space that’s been home to small businesses since 1964. Over the years, this space has housed a variety of local businesses, from a yoga studio to a woman-owned insurance office, a chiropractor, a massage therapist, and more. Historically, it has been 100% occupied. Right now, a skin care salon is still operating there.

In 2010, the East 17th Avenue Corridor underwent significant rezoning, but this particular property was left untouched because the city recognized the value of the space for local businesses. Today, it remains an affordable and vital location for entrepreneurs who wouldn’t otherwise have access to commercial real estate in this area.

Contrary to some claims, this building is far from being in disrepair. In fact, it recently underwent a $150,000 renovation to its roof and it’s underlying structure. The significant investment in its upkeep, along with its active rental license, clearly demonstrates the ongoing value of this space.

This space was built specifically to support businesses, and for decades, it has provided affordable, reliable real estate for local entrepreneurs. If we allow this space to be rezoned, we risk losing more than just the building itself—we risk losing the foundation that small businesses in our neighborhood rely on.

Ultimately, this is about balance. We want to embrace progress and Michael’s other developments on Williams, but we also want to protect the businesses that have helped shape our neighborhood and made it the vibrant place it is today. Local businesses like ours don’t just provide services; they build relationships, create opportunities, and help our community grow in meaningful ways.

We know that this is possible because we’ve seen it happen before. Last year, the Capitol Hill neighborhood successfully blocked a zoning change at 750 E 9th Avenue that would have replaced a small business space with mixed-use development. In a powerful show of community solidarity, residents and business owners rallied together, and the zoning application was denied. Today, that space is home to the Cap Hill Healing Center, which continues to house several thriving independent businesses.

1709 N. Williams Street

We urge our fellow community members and City Council to consider the long-term impact of reducing business-zoned properties. We have been fortunate to purchase our building, allowing us to stabilize our expenses and remain a part of this community. We want other small business owners to have the same opportunities we’ve had: access to affordable, commercially zoned spaces for rent or purchase. Preserving these areas is crucial for ensuring that future entrepreneurs can establish roots, grow their businesses, and contribute to the diverse services available to our neighbors.” – The Weathervane Cafe Team

The next step in this process is a zoning hearing is set for November 6th. Anyone looking to speak out on this decision can email [email protected] for more information or attend the community meeting at 6pm Oct. 24th at Vine Street Pub and Brewery.