Building a thriving community corridor celebrating inclusivity, expression, and vibrant LGBTQ+ culture along twelve blocks of Colfax Avenue — from Grant Street to Park Avenue.
Our Vision
We think it's time for the City of Denver to have a clearly defined, LGBTQ+-focused commercial district.
Denver has a large, diverse LGBTQ+ population that is rarely seen in its collective glory outside of our annual pride celebrations. It's time for that to change.
The Colorful Colfax Project is on a mission to bring together business leaders, community organizations, and local philanthropists to build a community-affirming corridor along twelve blocks of Colfax Avenue — from the Colorado State Capitol at Grant Street to Park Avenue.
Bold Landmarks
Nationally recognized LGBTQ+ installations that make a permanent, physical statement of community identity.
Public Art
Installations featuring queer artists, turning every block into a walkable, visually compelling experience.
Welcoming Spaces
Safer, more welcoming pedestrian and social spaces designed for the entire community and allies.
Thriving Economy
A self-sustaining, LGBTQ+-owned business corridor celebrating inclusivity 365 days a year.
“Ask anyone in Denver's LGBTQ+ community what this city is missing, and you will hear the same answer: a real gay neighborhood.”
— The Colorful Colfax Project, Business Plan 2026
Why Denver. Why Colfax. Why Now.
Three forces have converged to make this the right moment for Denver's first permanent LGBTQ+ district.
Denver's BRT Investment
The City of Denver's massive investment in the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project is delivering increased foot traffic, improved safety infrastructure, and renewed developer interest — aligning perfectly with our vision for a walkable, destination-worthy district.
Protecting LGBTQ+ Visibility
The national rollback of LGBTQ+ protections — from federal landmark erasures to the removal of rainbow crosswalks in cities across the country — makes a bold, permanent, physical statement of community identity not just desirable, but necessary.
Shovel-Ready & Approved
The Rainbow and Cloud public art project has already been green-lit by the city's planning, zoning, and building departments. The bureaucratic groundwork is done. We are ready to build.
Why Physical Spaces Still Matter
The data is clear. Dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces don't just make communities more vibrant — they save lives and build economic resilience.
LGBTQ+ youth feel safe in person
While 44% of LGBTQ+ youth report feeling safe in online environments, only 9% feel secure in person. Physical spaces fill this gap.
Drop in depression with physical safe spaces
Access to dedicated physical spaces reduces depression rates by nearly 50%, providing a measurable lift in public health outcomes.
Loan denial rate for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs
LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs face systemic barriers, with a 46% loan denial rate compared to 35% for non-LGBTQ firms. Investing in dedicated districts corrects this disparity.
Our Business Wish List
Denver's LGBTQ+ community is built differently. Unlike the gender-segregated scenes of other major cities, our spaces are intentionally co-ed and inclusive — bringing the full spectrum of all backgrounds together.
We're building a full-service neighborhood destination, not just a bar district — a corridor where you can live, work, eat, play, and gather every single day.
“Density is the strategy. We recruit complementary businesses in adjacent blocks so that each new arrival makes the next one more viable. No business in this corridor will stand alone.”
This is How We Are Going to Do It
We're not going to wait for entrepreneurs with capital to come find us. Instead, we're taking capital directly to the LGBTQ+ community to encourage and empower them to build the businesses that will bring people out to our corridor. This is about creating opportunity where it doesn't exist today, and building ownership from within our community.
Seed Funding Grants
No-strings seed capital for qualified new LGBTQ+-owned businesses opening in the corridor.
Facade & Beautification
Per storefront for exterior design improvements that align with the corridor's welcoming aesthetic.
Angel Investment Matching
Introduction and facilitation connecting qualified entrepreneurs with aligned investors in our donor network.
Permitting Navigation
Dedicated staff support to help businesses move through Denver's zoning, licensing, and permit processes.
Phase 1 — Shovel Ready
The Giant Rainbow
Our first project will be the centerpiece of our vision for the Colfax Corridor. Standing 45 feet tall and 75 feet wide, the Giant Rainbow is a monument to the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado. After years of planning with the City of Denver and the Denver Public Art Commission, our first major installation is officially approved and ready to build.
- Signature rainbow archway — 45 feet tall, 75 feet wide
- Interactive murals and color-forward beautification
- Green space upgrades and community gathering zones
- Programming with local LGBTQ+ artists and creators
- Located between X Bar and Champagne Tiger — the heart of the community
Supporting Businesses
These Denver businesses are already part of the Colorful Colfax Project — representing the heart of our community along Colfax Avenue.
Join the Movement
Your contribution builds Denver's first permanent LGBTQ+ district. Every gift — at every level — becomes part of the corridor's permanent story.
Working toward our $5,000,000 goal — 12 landmark installations across 12 blocks
$500+
Pride Partners
- ✓Recognition on our digital donor wall at colorfulcolfax.org
- ✓Join a community of supporters building Denver's first permanent LGBTQ+ district
$1,000+
Community Sustainers
- ✓Named in annual report
- ✓Invitations to community events
$10,000+
Colfax Creators
- ✓Donor wall recognition
- ✓Invitation to annual gala
- ✓Ongoing project updates
$250,000+
Archway Champions
- ✓Recognition at installation site
- ✓Invitation into the design process
- ✓Quarterly project briefings
- ✓Invitation to all community events
- ✓Permanent name on historical marker at the Giant Rainbow site
- ✓Phase 1 installation naming rights
- ✓Board Observer seat
- ✓Invitation to all community events
The Colorful Colfax Project is a federally registered 501(c)3 nonprofit — EIN 39-4632770
Board of Directors
Community leaders, business owners, and philanthropists committed to building Denver's LGBTQ+ future.
Jorge Pesqueira
X Bar / Glow Lounge
John Jarrard
Table 6
Denon Moore
Colfax Business Improvement District
Scott Coors
Phyllis M Coors Foundation / William Kistler Coors Foundation