Democrats Arrive

By Larry Hotz, All Denver Real Estate

We stopped for a quick bite to eat after the Rockies game and last night at the sidewalk Cafe of McCormick’s and Schmick’s in lower downtown Denver.  We joined what seemed like half the city to watch the people and enjoy the massive fireworks display at nearby Elich’s Gardens Amusement Park.  The celebration had begun and the Democrats are in Denver.

So how does this Convention affect real estate?  Well, there’s no doubt that many people across this nation will have impressions about Denver based on what happens here in the next few days.  People should be impressed by our city. There lots of things to see and do here and people are so friendly.  But, here’s a oddity.  How about what looks like a Buck Rogers-style ray gun aimed straight at downtown Denver from the roof of the national Western Stock show complex?

Most likely, that’s the fabled “stun-gun” which has been seen on “60 minutes” at the national Western about 2 1/2 miles north of downtown Denver.  It’s range is classified but believed to be at least 2 miles. The National Western Stock Show complex has been converted from a rodeo area a stock show venue into a military command Center.  Army National Guard troops will be billeted there. Over 500 FBI agents will have their command center in the same location.  In addition to the new age stun gun aimed at downtown Denver, at least two more fixed position machine guns crown buildings at the national Western Stock show complex according to an observer on the ground.

There’s no doubt that the military and police must be prepared and vigilant.  The only question remains how much of their preparations will be used?  For the sake of Denver, we hope none of the defensive preparations will be used. No doubt local, state and federal authorities would rather be over-prepared than under prepared. It is better to be safe than sorry.

A festive atmosphere prevailed throughout downtown Denver tonight.  The Dems have started partying and the locals didn’t interrupt us locals from filling up bars and restaurants downtown.  Cadres of friendly policeman on bicycles are everywhere.  The summer evening is warm, people are friendly and the Democrats had a joyous celebration to kick off their week of exposing Denver to the world. Everyone seemed to having a great time and thrilled to welcome out of town guests.

There had been rumors that Denver would extradite its homeless population during the convention.  This doesn’t seem to be the case.  The usual crowd gathered across from the Catholic shelter to get their lottery tickets for a cot inside.  Those who didn’t win the lottery stayed at the park across the street and no one bothered them.  But, homeless people closer to the 16th St pedestrian mall where delegates are meandering were stopped, politely asked for their identification and often escorted out of the area.  In one particular case, a 40-ish-year-old homeless man with long straggly hair was detained by police long enough until the detoxification van arrived to remove him.  That seemed an appropriate procedure for a drunk.  But this man was sober.

So Denver is walking a tightrope.  Trying to put its best foot forward, this city is dressed up like a prom queen on the way to the dance.  But trying to keep the city running smoothly and safely is more like a dad waiting for his prom queen to return safely from the dance.

The umbrella group coordinating most of the protests is called “Re-Create 68″. The lead spokesman for the group has been on many local talk shows in the last two weeks explaining that the group is planning no violent demonstrations and is only afraid of police overreaction.  The one thing this does not need is a recreation of 1968.

Denver is a newer and younger city.  It deserves a better fate and better future in Chicago suffered that summer.  For the sake of our reputation we are praying that our city doesn’t share the legacy of Chicago from this Democratic convention. Denver needs to carve a new and exciting legacy from this national shindig.

August 24, 2008 | Filed Under Denver Real Estate News, Downtown Denver 

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