The oddly shaped building at 3090 N. Downing St. has been many things in the past century — a church, a swingers club that lacked enough swingers, a gay bar known for its big and hairy clientele, a Scottish-owned Mexican restaurant — and must now be something else.
On June 16, Denver District Judge Kandace Gerdes ordered the eviction of Society Colorado, an offbeat restaurant, cafe, yoga studio and music venue. The eviction came just one year into a three-year lease and followed nonpayment of rent for April and May.
Not far from Five Points and RiNo in the Whittier neighborhood, 3090 N. Downing St. was built as a church in 1927, then thrived as Mexican restaurant La Hacienda for 50 years, until the 2000s. More recently, tenants have stayed only briefly, as Society Colorado did.
There was a lineup of restaurants: Kiva, Blackberries Bar, Swallows and, lastly, a vegetarian spot called Eden. Next, the swingers club, called 3090 Eden. Then the Wrangler, a so-called bear bar, or gay bar for large, hairy men. All shuttered before Society.
Since 2018, the 15,000-square-foot, three-story building has been owned by GHC Housing Partners. The California-based apartment developer paid $3 million for it.
Four years later, Society announced it would be taking over the vacant space. It did so with a splash, inviting a roster of muralists to replace the Wrangler’s gaudy exterior with Society’s own bold look. Inside, walls were demolished and wiring replaced, according to past reports.
“Our goal with Society is to set a precedent of what is possible in a community space in Denver,” founder Iman Haidar, who goes by Iman Alia, said then. “Keeping the synergy of the mind, body and soul as a guiding principle, we are committed to creating an inclusive space that fosters creativity, celebration and connection.”
Haidar and an apparent relative, Dr. Ahman Haidar of Mississippi, guaranteed the lease. Iman Haidar did not answer requests for an interview with BusinessDen.
GHC sued the Haidars and their Haidar Holdings LLC in May, alleging that they owed $148,000 in back rent and fees. The company also asked the judge to evict the business.
A hearing was held June 16. Gerdes sided with the landlord and evicted Society.
Through its lawyer, GHC declined to discuss 3090 Downing’s future or GHC’s plans for it.
