Englewood Arts District
This historic district is in the midst of a revitalization that’s made it an arts-focused destination complete with an eclectic mix of shopping, dining and sightseeing.
Englewood Arts District
Exploring the Englewood Station Arts District feels like time traveling — and for good reason. The Independence neighborhood, which dates back to 1948, is still home to much of the original architecture, including the Englewood Theater.
A brief history
As 1948 began (and at the urging of residents who began a petition process two years earlier), Independence city leaders annexed several neighborhoods, including Englewood. Once complete, the annexation doubled the size and population of Independence.
A wave of retail and entertainment businesses opened in the wake of the annexation to serve residents and visitors, including the Art Deco-styled Englewood Theater. An incredible crowd of nearly 4,000 people gathered to open the theater on a steamy July day in 1949. The state-of-the-art theater boasted a number of exciting features, including air conditioning, more than 1,000 seats and a refreshment bar, the early iteration of a concessions stand. (Fun fact: “Colorado Territory” was the first movie shown at the new theater.)
Development continued to flourish throughout the district. A Ben Franklin Five and Dime store opened next to the theater, making the block even more popular. When the Five and Dime shuttered in 2000, followed by the theater in 2007, the once-lively community experienced an accelerated decline.
The comeback story
In the early 2010s, passionate residents and city leaders came together once again to breathe new life into the district. In 2011, the City of Independence established arts district zoning, encouraging creativity by requiring businesses to display or sell art—and it shows. As you explore today, art is everywhere.
The heart of the district is the Englewood Arts Center, where visitors can experience, purchase, and learn art through exhibits and classes. Creative energy spills into local shops as well, from bead-making classes at 3 Trails Trading Post to wine-and-paint experiences at Wine Down 109. Fuel your visit with a stop at Frannie’s Frank World’s Best Coffee Cakes, or grab a table at Englewood Café, a beloved neighborhood spot where locals gather.
The story continues with the Englewood Theater. A dedicated group known as the Friends of Englewood Theater has purchased the historic theater and the adjacent former Ben Franklin building, and fundraising efforts are underway to begin renovations and bring the space back to life.
Today, the district is once again a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plan your visit during a monthly Third Friday Art Walk to experience the district at its best, with live performances, extended shopping hours, food trucks, art demonstrations, and more.
For a full list of district businesses and upcoming events, visit www.EnglewoodArtsDistrict.net.
