City Council - 2026-01-05
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Denver City Council held its first meeting of 2026 on January 5, approving the landmark designation of The Gables apartment building at 1407 East 11th Avenue as a structure for preservation. The council also adopted proclamations recognizing January as Blood Donor Month, welcoming the 120th National Western Stock Show, and honoring the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission. Two shelter-related resolutions were postponed for further review.
Key Decisions (7)
Landmark Designation of The Gables at 1407 East 11th Avenue
Council unanimously approved the landmark designation of The Gables, a 14-unit Tudor Revival apartment building at 1407 East 11th Avenue in the Cheesman Park neighborhood. The 1914-1915 building was designed by architect Montana S. Fallis and constructed by master builder Adam M. Stein. It represents a rare early example of adaptive reuse, combining two single-family homes into one apartment building. Vote: 12-0.
Proclamation Recognizing January as Denver Blood Donor Month
Council adopted proclamation 25-2170 recognizing January as Blood Donor Month and recognizing Vitalant for its life-saving work. The proclamation encourages blood donations during the lowest donation period of the year. Vote: 12-0.
Proclamation Welcoming 120th National Western Stock Show
Council adopted proclamation 25-2173 welcoming the 120th National Western Stock Show Rodeo and Horse Show to Denver, running January 10-25, 2026. The event attracts over 700,000 visitors and contributes $170 million to Colorado's economy. Vote: 11-1 with Council member Gilmore voting no.
Proclamation Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission
Council adopted proclamation 25-2174 honoring the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission and Marade, marking the 40th anniversary of the celebration. Vote: 12-0.
Postponement of Stapleton Filing 49 Right-of-Way Resolution
Council resolution 25-2059 establishing public right-of-way for 44 street parcels in Stapleton Filing Number 49 Subdivision was postponed to January 12, 2026 at the request of Council member Lewis for additional review.
Postponement of US Motels Shelter Agreement Amendment
Council resolution 25-2070, a seventh amendment with US Motels Denver North Inc. for STAR program units and shelter spaces, was postponed one week pursuant to Rule 3.6 at Council member Lewis's request to review cold weather sheltering methodology and distribution across districts.
La Rasa Services STAR Program Agreement
Council resolution 25-2113 approving a fifth mandatory agreement with La Rasa Services Incorporated for culturally appropriate case management for the STAR program was adopted. Council member Gonzales Gutierrez abstained. Vote: 10-0-1.
Development Activity (2)
The Gables Apartments
14-unit Tudor Revival apartment building constructed 1914-1915 by combining two single-family homes. Three-story brick building with half-timbering, stucco infill, multiple cross gables, tower, and craftsman elements. Designed by architect Montana S. Fallis, built by Adam M. Stein.
Leetsdale and Forest Apartment Building (fire damage)
Large apartment building that was set to open in May with several hundred units of housing was destroyed in a five-alarm fire on Friday night. The fire did not spread to 18 adjacent properties due to Denver Fire response.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
A large apartment building near Leetsdale and Forest that was scheduled to open in May with several hundred housing units was destroyed by fire, representing a significant loss of planned housing inventory.
Infrastructure
The city has acquired and leased multiple sites on Peoria Street in District 8 for cold weather sheltering, with Council member Lewis expressing concern about concentration of shelter facilities in one district.
Sentiment
Council member Gilmore raised concerns about intimidation tactics affecting gender-affirming care at Denver Health and Children's Hospital, noting Denver Health stopped filling related prescriptions on January 3.
Housing Demand
Cold weather shelter demand is anticipated to increase 15-20% this year, with the city expanding its footprint of shelter sites including hotel rooms and ballroom spaces at multiple locations.