Many Colorado natives and readers alike are all too familiar with the historic Tattered Cover bookstore in Cherry Creek North.
The independent store, which opened its doors in Cherry Creek in 1971, is leaving Cherry Creek and relocating to downtown Denver.
The Tattered Cover, which already has locations in LoDo and Highlands Ranch, plans on moving to the Lowenstein Theater on Colfax Avenue in June.
“Not only is the lease expiring at the end of June, but the lease rates in Cherry Creek North are very steep for an independent bookseller,” said Neil Strandberg, the manager of operations. “This makesB aB leaseB renewalB or re-negotiationB veryB problematic.”
The Cherry Creek store features a cafCB) and three large floors of reading. In addition, The Fourth Story Restaurant & Bar, which will follow the store to its new location, serves customers above the Tattered Cover and will remain open until the bookstore closes its doors. The new location will feature the same atmosphere and selection as the Cherry Creek.
“WeB hopeB thatB allB ofB ourB storesB reflectB uniqueB styleB andB areB designedB with
comfortB inB mind,” said Strandberg. “The Colfax store is particularly unique by virtue of being in a performing arts theater.”
Strandberg said the ceilings are high, the walls curved and there are about four different floor levels.
“It willB probablyB beB unlikeB anyB retailB spaceB you’veB everB beenB in,” he said.
Rather than attempt to recreate the famous coffee-shop setting of the Cherry Creek store, the new store plans on possibly adding new style options to fit the Eisenhower era of the theater.
Although the new Colfax location may seem like a commute to some, it is actually a mere fourteen blocks from the original location and about five miles from campus.
The current location provides limited, paid parking to customers.
Strandberg feels that the Cherry Creek location of the Tattered Cover will be missed by many, repeat and new customers alike.
“I have watched children grow to adulthood,” he said. “I have known when a kid goes to college, comes home and to the store – on breaks, has been married, has had kids and now comes to story time. It’s wonderful.
Denver readers have grown up reading books from the Tattered Cover and return to us with their own kids. Bookselling doesn’t get better than that.”
No plans have been made for a future store in the Cherry Creek area, but Neil does comment that the Tattered Cover is always looking for possible locations.
