Denver Rescue Mission Day Center Opens After Court Battle

The doors to the Denver Rescue Mission's Lawrence Street Community Center are finally open, more than a month after the $8 million facility was scheduled to open.

The city had to delay the opening after a judge initially sided with a neighborhood group’s argument that the building would only serve as an expansion of an existing shelter, which is against zoning code.

But the city and the Denver Rescue Mission convinced the same judge last month that the facility would serve as a true daytime community center for the homeless – with a courtyard, showers and restrooms.

Center advocates hope the new facility will help keep the homeless population off the streets during the day.