“Remote” was key. That’s what Chandler Romeo and Reed Weimer sought when they stumbled upon this spot for Blue Silo Studios. Now, standing here, you might not think “remote.” But back in the late 1990s, this location near the National Western Complex felt worlds away from Denver’s hustle.
Blue Silo Studios. It’s more than just a building. It is a haven. It is a community. It is a testament to Denver’s evolving artistic spirit. The building itself whispers stories of Denver’s past. Built in the early 1900s, it started as a creamery. Later, it housed Swift Meat Packing. Imagine the ghosts of trains and cattle that once surrounded this very spot. Romeo and Weimer recognized the potential in this old brick building. They saw the “wonderful bones” beneath the grit.
In 2003, Blue Silo Studios was born. Romeo and Weimer, Colorado natives and artists themselves, transformed the space into 15 affordable studios. They aimed to create an environment where artists could connect and cultivate their own community. And they succeeded. Today, Blue Silo cradles a diverse collection of creatives. Painters. Sculptors. Musicians. All find a home here.
Jeff Richards, a visual artist and the “Mayor of Blue Silo”, joined in 2005. He said that the adaptation of this turn-of-the-century building was perfect for artists. The studios are “dirty.” That is what Romeo and Weimer call them. Each space is unique. Walls extend from floor to ceiling. Every artist has their private sanctuary.
The area around Blue Silo is changing rapidly. Redevelopment is happening on all sides. But Blue Silo perseveres. It remains a space for artists. Romeo and Weimer are intentional developers. They prioritize artists over profits. They dance to the beat of their own drum.
Blue Silo Studios participates in RiNo’s Artist Studio Tours. They host art events. The website showcases the “artful grunge” of the location and the artists within. The mantra “Art Speaks, Passion Listens, Community Builds” echoes throughout the website. Blue Silo gives these old red bricks the energy it deserves. It thrives amidst a changing Denver.
So, as you stand here, take a moment to appreciate Blue Silo Studios. It is a place where history and art collide. It is a testament to the power of community. It is a reminder that even in a rapidly changing city, there is always room for creativity to flourish.