History

As the first zoological gardens opened west of Chicago, Elitch’s brought a unique cultural experience to Denver. Throughout the 1890’s Elitch’s acted as the cultural epicenter of Denver, showing the first films in the state and luring premiere actors and actresses from across the country to perform in the theater (whose building still stands today just west of Trocadero apartments).

With the arrival of rides like the carousel (which was moved to Burlington, Colorado in the 1990s, leaving behind the carousel building which remains just north of Trocadero apartments to this day), the Wildcat roller coaster, and the construction of the Trocadero ballroom (from which Trocadero apartments takes its name), Elitch Gardens swung into the 20th century in style as the preeminent entertainment destination in Denver.

With no room for expansion in the Berkeley neighborhood, Elitch Gardens owners moved the amusement park east to its current location next to the Platte River. The area was redeveloped to include new retail, housing (including Trocadero apartments), and community spaces utilizing what remained from the original Elitch Gardens (such as the carousel structure and the theater building) and ensuring that such an important part of Denver history lives on in exciting new ways.

In 2001, the redevelopment of the former Elitch Gardens site commenced under the guidance of HGV Land Company and the Perry Rose Company. The 27-acre parcel, once vacant and contaminated, was transformed into Highlands Garden Village, a mixed-use, transit-oriented development. The project aimed to integrate housing, retail, and community spaces while preserving historical elements like the Elitch Theatre and carousel building. The development emphasized sustainable practices, including the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs, setting a precedent for green urban development in Denver.

With the amusement park relocated and the site available, developers created Highlands Garden Village: a mixed-use, transit-oriented development which retained some of the historic aspects of Elitch Gardens while providing housing, commercial, and retail options to help the community thrive. By using green building techniques like recycled road bases and installing water-conserving plants, the community serves as an example for sustainable development and historic preservation.