What it is like
RiNo, the River North Art District, is a Denver certified creative district about one mile in radius, east of I-25 to Larimer Street and south of I-70 to Park Avenue West/Broadway. It is known for street art, creative businesses and boutiques, restaurants, bars and a cool vibe.
Homes and housing
The area now known as Denver’s River North Art District (“RiNo”) underwent rapid redevelopment beginning in the 21st century and is part of Five Points, Elyria-Swansea, Globeville, and Cole. Denver’s 2003 River North Plan proposed changes in land use and transportation, including improvements to transit, infrastructure, housing, economic activity, and the natural environment. In 2005, Tracy Weil and Jill Hadley-Hooper formed the River North Art District; as of 2021 it included a registered neighborhood organization, state certified creative district, business improvement district, and general improvement district.
History and landmarks
RiNo covers parts of Denver’s Five Points, Elyria-Swansea, Globeville and Cole neighborhoods, bounded by I-70, I-25, Park Avenue West and Arapahoe Street. The area was industrial before rapid 21st-century redevelopment; Denver’s 2003 River North Plan proposed transit, infrastructure, housing, economic, and environmental improvements, and artists Tracy Weil and Jill Hadley-Hooper formed the River North Art District in 2005. Notable sites include RiNo ArtPark, Truss House completed in 2024, Denver Public Library’s Bob Ragland Branch Library, CAST Colorado, Arkins Promenade, National Western Center, CSU Spur, and The Mission Ballroom.
Parks, dining and things to do
RiNo ArtPark at 1900 35th St is a public park and creative hub in Arkins Park near the South Platte River, with artist studios, exhibition and performance spaces, public art and gathering places.
Community and events
RiNo’s annual and recurring events include First Fridays, when more than 50 studios and galleries open to the public until 9 p.m., and the Denver March Powwow, with more than 1,500 dancers from close to 100 tribes from 38 states and three Canadian provinces. RiNo Art District is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, certified Colorado Creative District and registered neighborhood organization. The RiNo Business Improvement District and RiNo General Improvement District were both founded in 2015.
Schools, getting around and services
RTD’s 38th / Blake Station is a rail station Park-n-Ride at 3737 Blake St, Denver, 80205, located near 38th & Blake. It serves bus routes 12 and 7 and the A rail line, with 200 paid parking spaces, 10 bike racks and 0 bike lockers.
Sources: visitdenver.com; history.denverlibrary.org; rinoartdistrict.org; rinoartdistrict.org; app.rtd-denver.com