After a long hiatus, the historic La Vista Motel on East Colfax Avenue is open once again, brought back to life under the direction of Denver developer Nathan Beal.
Originally built in 1956 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the motel has been fully restored to evoke the style and spirit of 1960s Colfax.
The motel will host a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, featuring food trucks and live DJs.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests to La Vista Motel,” Beal said.
“Our goal was to create a space that honors the past while delivering a completely unique and modern experience. We like to say, ‘A little bit motel. A whole lot of mood.’ We can’t wait for the community and travelers to experience the restoration.”
The motel’s 23 guest rooms are now available to book and feature self-entry and self-check-in.
Each room is decorated with original artwork and vintage-inspired furniture, equipped with a mini fridge, TV and free Wi-Fi. Room options range from a king suite with a kitchenette to a single queen.
Opening alongside the motel at 5500 E. Colfax Ave. is El Piñon, a coffee shop and cocktail bar located on site. It will serve locally roasted Servant Coffee, along with craft cocktails, beer, an extensive wine program and bubbly on tap.
Operated by Weston Scott, founder of Denver’s Ephemeral Rotating Taproom, El Piñon also offers access to Grandma’s Basement, a downstairs space designed to resemble a 1960s-era basement.
The area can be reserved for private events or meetings, or used as a workspace for guests.
The coffee shop and bar is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Beal purchased the motel in 2022 for $1.82 million, according to city property records, and construction began last year.
The motel’s interiors, including all guest rooms and El Piñon, were designed by Melissa Friday of Xan Creative, known for her work on Snooze, Ginger Pig and Steuben’s.
Friday’s design blends retro-inspired elements with modern comfort, using salvaged pieces from antique stores and resellers throughout Denver.
That same attention to preserving character guided the exterior restoration by Sopher Sparn Architects, who maintained the building’s original charm. The restoration is complemented by a mural by Denver artist Emma Friday.
The motel’s neon sign was restored by Morry’s Neon, a Denver business with over 30 years of experience,.
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