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Denver's ArtDistrict on Santa Fe Drive is home to CHAC gallery where I am a showing artist and board member. Today someone told me that CNN's travel department had recently listed the Santa Fe Arts district as one of five SoHos of tomorrow. Along with Atlanta's Castleberry Hill, Boston's South End, LA's Culver City and Philadelphia's Northern Liberties.

One thing each of these areas have in common is that they were once neglected areas of their respective cities. According to ColoradoBiz "Not too long ago Santa Fe Drive was a rough neighborhood near the railroad tracks. Now it boasts the largest concentration of galleries in the United States, 40 in a few blocks". The concern of any veteran gallery is the cyclical nature of arty neighborhoods. Denver's "LODO" area was once an artists haven of warehouses and galleries and Denver's north side (especially the Highlands area) is another neighborhood experiencing gentrification. The Santa Fe arts district was a result of the 90's "LODO" birthing when galleries were priced out of the area and moved to the mostly Latino community along Santa Fe.

Could this happen again and could the amazing success of the ArtsDistrict actually speed up it's demise? The district receives an estimated 4,000 visitors for each First Friday Art Walk and has attracted national attention. This also means more businesses are ready to move into the area; driving up property value and rents. New restaurants, office spaces, apartments, condos, archetectual firms etc. Last year the Denver Business Journal took a closer look and the areas growth and future development. Smaller galleries and Ma and Pa shops may be the first to go when larger organizations need to get in or expand. Denverites need to look no further than upscale shopping district Cherry Creek to see examples. The small locally owned boutiques that gave the area it's distinct character are being replaced with national brands that can be found in any metropolitan area. The unique flavor of the Arts District has changed as well. La Bota de Oro still sells mexican imports but stays open on first friday to sell art. There once was a Panaderia (Bakery) near CHAC gallery that served the community. No one seems to know what became of it. On the other hand family owned restaurants such as Noa-Noa and the spectacular Taco de Mexico have benefited from the exposure.

For a non-profit like CHAC, the foot traffic has been nothing short of amazing as the gallery is experiencing unprecedented growth and interest in it's community outreach and cultural art programs. It is the Arts that has built up the Neighborhood and let's hope the Neighborhood will continue to support the Arts.

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