Colfax Avenue

Colfax Avenue, the Longest, Wickedest Main Street in America, has a colorful and vibrant history that must be preserved. This site is a gift to the people of Colorado and the World for historical archival purposes. All content can be found through the links in the right hand column or use the search feature in the top left. If you use any content, please credit ColfaxAvenue.org.

 

Please visit the Colfax Avenue exhibit currently on display at History Colorado entitled Forty Years on the 'Fax!

 

Thanks for visiting!

Hanger Neon & Sign Co.

Hanger Neon & Sign Co, 15225 East Colfax Avenue (undated photo courtesy of the Shorty Hanger collection and scanned by Todd Matuszewicz)

Hanger Neon moved around the city over the years. In the early 1950s, they were located at 1323 Hanover St before moving to 1420 Kingston St. By the 1960s, they were located at 15225 East Colfax. By 1971, they had moved to 2177 West 10th Avenue in Denver.

Kenton Motel

Kenton Motel, 1463 Kenton St, Aurora, Colorado, (sketch courtesy of the Shorty Hanger collection and photographed by Todd Matuszewicz)

Although its sign is long gone and the Kenton Motel no longer exists as a business, the building still stands and the rooms now function as apartments. It's located behind the Radiant Motel on East Colfax and across the street from Jubilee Coffee Roasters.

Berry's Coffee Shop

Berry's Coffee Shop, 7030 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado, 1957

Berry's operated at this West Colfax address from approximately 1956 to 1963. By 1964, Berry's had moved to a new address at 3010 W 72nd Ave in Westminster. Architect Richard Crowther designed the West Colfax Berry's, making great use of natural light and creating an iconic structure that's sorely missed today.

The restaurant was run by brothers Joe and Jack Berry who reportedly also operated the Copper Kitchen restaurant at 8591 West Colfax. Copper Kitchen was also designed by Richard Crowther.

Colfax & Corona Street, 1988

 

Colfax Avenue & Corona Street, 1988.

New China Cafe

 

New China Cafe, 732 East Colfax, 1974

New China opened in 1942 and by 1973 they had moved to a new location at 4151 East Colfax. That location remained open until at least 1990 but was replaced by a Blockbuster Video soon after.

Other signs and businesses include Club Red Beret, Argonaut Liquors, Standard Oil and Safeway.

J. Solf Building

 

1976 Original Ira Gay Sealy Photo of the J. Solf Building on Colfax Avenue West.