Let’s journey to a place where Denver’s past whispers through hilly streets. We are standing in Villa Park. This neighborhood offers panoramic views of downtown and the Rocky Mountains. Lakewood/Dry Gulch Park divides Villa Park diagonally. It’s a fitting start to understanding this unique community.
Villa Park sits about two to three miles west of Downtown Denver. Lakewood Gulch borders it to the north. Federal Boulevard is to the east. The 6th Avenue Freeway marks the southern edge. Sheridan Boulevard forms the western boundary.
Three small creeks wind through Villa Park. These are Lakewood Gulch, Dry Gulch, and Weir Gulch. Parks like Martinez and Paco Sanchez straddle these creeks. These riparian areas offer a natural feel. Bike paths connect Villa Park to the wider city. The creeks contribute to Villa Park’s hilly character.
In 2017, Villa Park had a population of 9,400. Around 70 percent were Latino. About 26 percent were white. The rest were from other ethnicities. A significant immigrant community calls Villa Park home. The median income is about $49,000. Sadly, around 25 percent of Villa Park’s population lives below the poverty line.
Villa Park mainly consists of single-family homes. You’ll also find townhomes and apartments. Commercial development lines Sheridan and Federal Boulevards. Smaller commercial areas exist along Sixth and 10th Avenues.
The RTD W Line offers light rail service. Stops at Knox Court, Perry Street, and Sheridan Boulevard make commuting easy. It was the first completed project of the FasTracks system.
Villa Park has a rich history. Developers bought over 1,000 acres in 1871. Their plan included artificial lakes and landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted. He also designed Central Park. This grand vision never materialized.
Judge Hiram Bond later operated a cattle brokerage here. Then, Helen Barnum Hurd Buchtel bought the land. She was the daughter of circus owner Phineas Barnum. Villa Park developed slowly due to unfavorable geography. By 1900, only about 66 buildings stood here. Single-unit construction continued until the 1950s. Multi-unit buildings appeared in the 1960s and 1970s.
Villa Park offers a blend of urban and suburban living. Its location is excellent. It’s a short bike ride from Downtown Denver. You can quickly drive to the mountains via 6th Avenue. Expansive lots offer great value compared to other city areas. Many residents cultivate gardens and orchards.
Paco Sanchez Park attracts frisbee golf enthusiasts. The Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library is nearby. The St. Anthony’s redevelopment adds to Villa Park’s appeal. Numerous Mexican restaurants dot the neighborhood. Don’t miss Los Carboncitos and their homemade corn tortillas.
So, as you explore Villa Park, remember its layers of history. It is a neighborhood shaped by dreams, hard work, and community spirit. It continues to evolve while holding onto its unique character.