What secrets are hidden behind the doors of the Branding Iron Motel? This isn’t just another stop on East Colfax Avenue. It is a landmark. The Branding Iron Motel has a story etched into its very foundation.
Welcome to the Branding Iron Motel. It is a place where the past meets the present in unexpected ways. Let’s peel back the layers of time together.
Once upon a time in the 1950s the Branding Iron Motel emerged. Colfax Avenue was then a bustling motor vacation thoroughfare. Think classic cars and families on cross-country adventures. The Branding Iron Motel offered a place to rest their weary heads. The motel’s original sign featured a saddle. It was a nice touch of Western charm.
But as Interstate 70 drew traffic away Colfax Avenue faced decline. Many motels fell into disrepair. Yet the Branding Iron Motel stood firm. It adapted and evolved.
Fast forward to 2017. Alison Shunneson saw potential in the aging motel. She purchased the Branding Iron Motel with a vision. She would transform it into affordable apartments. Shunneson named it the Brandin’ Iron Apartments. She wanted to maintain the property’s identity. The renovation included micro-units. They were as small as 350 square feet. This stayed true to the motel’s original layout.
A key part of the renovation was restoring the original sign. Jeff Bebout a neon sign maker took on the task. In 2019 the original sign was uncovered. Years of renovations had hidden it. Bebout meticulously restored the sign. It was a labor of love.
Shunneson also wanted a coffee shop on the property. Bebout with his love for coffee was the perfect fit. His boutique roaster Glass Arrow Coffee would open a cafe here.
Glass Arrow Coffee brought more than just caffeine to the Branding Iron Apartments. Bebout filled the space with neon art including a neon picture frame. It held a portrait of a beloved Roostercat barista. The cafe became a memorial.
Bebout aimed to create a community hub. He wanted to keep things affordable. Lattes were priced at $3. Regular drip coffee was no more than $2.50. The Branding Iron Motel became a safe clean and fun environment.
Today the Brandin’ Iron Apartments stand as a testament to Colfax Avenue’s resilience. The East Colfax Neighborhood Association praised the refinished motel sign. They called the Brandin’ Iron Apartments a great example.
The story of the Branding Iron Motel reminds us that even old motels can take on new lives. It is a safe clean and fun place to stay. As we leave the Branding Iron Motel think about the stories that buildings could tell if they could talk.