Perhaps Berkeley’s greatest charm lies in its blend of past and present. Berkeley, a city-center neighborhood in Denver, welcomes you. We are on the west side of Interstate 25. We’re just south of Interstate 70.
Berkeley’s story began in the mid-1800s. Homesteads marked the initial development. These homesteads were sold. They were eventually transformed into Berkeley Farms, an alfalfa farm. By 1892, about 450 people resided here. They called it the Town of North Denver.
An attraction made Berkeley famous. It was the first home of Elitch Gardens. The park opened between 38th Avenue and Tennyson Street in 1890. It started as a green oasis and zoological park. Elitch Gardens remained in Berkeley until 1994. Then, it was rebuilt in Central Denver.
Berkeley aimed to be clean and free from the city’s dust and smoke. The town wanted middle and working-class residents to live here. The land was fertile. The water supply was plentiful. Public transportation was convenient. More people moved into the Town of North Denver. The name officially changed to Berkeley in 1898. This spurred the creation of small neighborhood stores around Tennyson Street. The legacy of mom-and-pop shops thrives on Tennyson Street today.
Berkeley was officially annexed by the City and County of Denver on December 1, 1902.
Another beautiful Berkeley destination is the Oriental Theater. It has been open since December 24, 1927. It’s a historic legacy for small theater shows and concerts. You can find it right off Tennyson Street. It’s hard to miss its tall, lit-up sign. The theater has been renovated many times. It continues to thrive and host concerts and national acts. It’s one of the only theaters in Colorado that exclusively features classic films.
Today, Berkeley is quintessential Denver. It blends historical charm with contemporary wants. Berkeley has seen rapid growth and rising property values. This has been especially true since Elitch Gardens Amusement Park closed in October 1994. Tennyson Street has become a commercial and cultural center for Northwest Denver.
The neighborhood is bounded by Federal Boulevard on the east. I-70 is to the north. Sheridan Boulevard is on the west. 38th Avenue is to the south. West Highland borders it on the south. It is often grouped with the Highlands erroneously.
Berkeley offers much to explore and enjoy. The shops and restaurants on Tennyson are local and delicious. The parks are spacious. The history is incredible. Berkeley maintains its unique character and charm. Residents have enjoyed this for many years.
Berkeley has several parks and green spaces. They include Berkeley Lake Park and Rocky Mountain Lake Park. Berkeley Park has the William Scheitler Recreation Center. It has indoor and outdoor public pools.
The Tennyson Berkeley Business Association strengthens the local small business community. They host monthly First Friday Cultural Walks and an Annual Fall Fest.
Whether you are drawn to its historical roots, thriving arts scene, or beautiful parks, Berkeley offers a unique and inviting experience.