‹‹ Colorado Matters

New documentary explores the rise and fall of Denver’s Chinatown

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34min 52sec
Photo courtesy of History Colorado; William W. Cecil Collection
A woman, perhaps warming herself at the fire, rests while tending a Chinatown tobacco store.

Today Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, a cool and catchy abbreviation for “lower downtown,” is home to thriving businesses, homes, restaurants, and art galleries.  But many people don’t realize that once upon a time, the area, located near current-day Coors Field and the revitalized Union Station entertainment district, was once home to Denver’s Chinatown, much like you often hear about in San Francisco or New York City.

The rise and fall of Denver’s Chinatown is now the subject of a documentary produced by the City of Denver called “Reclaiming Denver’s Chinatown." Roxana Soto cowrote and produced the film through the City of Denver's Office of Storytelling. Joie Ha is featured in the film and currently serves as Vice Chair of CAPU, Colorado Asian Pacific United.