|
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Muddy's
CoffeeHouse
Muddy Waters on
the Platte Coffeehouse, 2557 15th Street 1982
The scene above was taken
one winter evening when Muddy's was closed and no cars
obscured this magical sight - so warm and inviting.
Here it is for you now...enchanting.
Essentially,
Muddy's was a collection of various ingredients. On the
left, you see Re-Threads clothing store; next to that is
the Coffeehouse, and next to that is the theatre, Slightly Off
Center, with the bookstore, Left Bank Books, at 2553
15th Street, on the right.
Front door of
Muddy Waters on the Platte Coffeehouse 1985
This worn wood, stained
glass and neon sign welcomed the eclectic mix of
customers into a bastion of alternative thinking.
Muddy's inviting "7pm til 4am" sign and theatre 1982
Now, as we look at the
building, let's consider the vibes of the people who
appreciated Muddy's.
The feel was more Bohemian than not, with books, theatre,
rare vintage clothing, lots of coffee, mind altering
substances, late hours, well...you had a very
interesting place.
Students from Metropolitan State, writers, musicians,
actors, poets had a place all their own at
Muddy's. My Mother's
doctor - years later, I discovered - had consumed many a coffee
there...a long strange trip indeed.
So here you had an eclectic gathering of educational
and artful interests. It was a one-of-a-time
place that will never
be duplicated.
The pose of
"the main man" 1985
The tables and long
conversations that took place day and night at Muddy's.
Interior of coffeehouse, coffee and menu 1982
You can just feel the
cozy vibe, some great food, and coffee too.
Looking
Northwest at the former location of the Slockett Building 1987
Of interest in
this scene is Muddy's on the left, and Olinger Mortuary
on the right.
The Slockett building was at this exact location and
burned down in 1986? The Midtown Spa was slated to
take the space, but moved instead into a historic building
nearby.
The Olinger Mortuary finally died and is now the
location of Lingers Restaurant and Lounge.
A toast
to all the spirits.
For additional images and
commentary, please
refer to the Denver section.
Paris On The
Platte
Paris on the
Platte Coffeehouse, prior to grand opening at
1553 Platte
Street 1986
Paris on the Platte would
proudly carry on after the demise of Muddy's.
Located only a block away, Paris on the Platte would
open as a
bookstore and coffeehouse and create it's own identity
as a notable business.
The above image is construction before the grand
opening. The store front on the left would become the main
entrance. Many, many years later, a wine bar was
added as part of Paris on the Platte and would be
located to the far left of this scene.
Interior of
Paris on the Platte, shortly after opening 1986
This view is what
customers enjoyed as they entered into a new era of
books, coffee, food and stimulating conversation.
Interior of
Paris on the Platte, shortly after opening 1986
Looking back at the
interior of Paris on the Platte from the counter
location.
The small building across the street would be demolished
and large residential units would add to the density and
growth
of this area.
Under the 16th
Street Viaduct, looking Southwest on Platte Street 1984
The wonderfully strong
and seductive curves of the 16th Street Viaduct frame the
1500 block of Platte Street. The Big Chief Bottling
Company is center. Paris on the Platte is near the
awning and the base of the concrete stairs leading up to
the viaduct.
Looking North
on the 1500 Platte Street block 1991
Paris on the Platte is on
the left side of this image, close to the 16th Street
Viaduct. You can see the empty lot on the right, the
continuation of Platte Street heading north under the
16th
Street Viaduct and Maxfield's restaurant on the far
left.
For additional images and
commentary, please
refer to the Lower Downtown section.
Ponti-Sudler
"Red Headed Step Child"
The Denver Art Museum was
built in 1971, designed by the prominent Italian
architect Gio Ponti and assisted by James Sudler and
Associates of Denver.
The design is modern - a tall, strong fortress that
protects the magnificent treasures within.
With over 20 sides, it evolves into a multitude of looks
and moods over the course of a day; the thousands of
gray glass tiles add great depth to this majestic
museum.
Standing 7 stories tall, it proudly rises above the
Civic Center, next to the City and County Building, and
faces the Colorado
State Capital to the East. The museum, at one time,
allowed visitors to enjoy an observation deck on
the rooftop (serious consideration should be be given to
re-opening the rooftop).
As far as I am concerned, the Ponti-Sudler Building
holds the majority of the finest pieces in the Denver
Art Museum. However, do not take my word for it;
please visit this incredible, nurturing structure and
discover for yourself which artistic gifts enthrall you.
Included in the collections are:
- Architecture,
Design and Graphics
- Western American Art
- Textile Art
- Asian Art
- European and American Art
- American Indian Art
- Pre Columbian Art
- Spanish Colonist Art
- Photography
The Photography
Department is burgeoning and features the Delisa and
Anthony Mayer Gallery under the guidance of Curator Eric
Paddock.
The Hamilton building, which some refer to as the "South
Building", is a fine companion; let us remember the
"Red
Headed Step Child"
is a more than a formidable design and
structure.
For additional images and
commentary, please
refer to the Denver section.
- Kim Allen |
