How Empty Is Downtown? Plus, the Most Mayoral Madness Yet
It’s Friday and we’re talking about all the local stories that caught our eyes this week. First, we talk a lot about downtown. Is it safe? What’s going on down there? Is the Cheesecake Factory still open? But the real question is: What’s going on with all that empty office space? Are we looking at a commercial real estate crisis brewing or a big juicy opportunity? Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and returning favorite Jo Ann Allen to hash out the vacancy situation, dish on the mayor’s race, and break down all the other stories that matter.
Finally, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia joins in to share her picks for the best events this weekend!
Here are the events we discussed:
For even more weekend event recs and local stories that matter, subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866.
Bree mentioned a CBS4 piece on people traveling from all over the country to come to a little restaurant in Colorado called Casa Bonita that isn’t even open yet.
Even more Mayoral Madness! And don’t miss the mayoral forum Bree is hosting on May 22 with Brough and Johnston. It’s Hot Ones-style, so they’ll be answering progressively tougher questions while eating progressively spicier wings. The event is sold out, but you can RSVP for the watch party or watch the live stream on Facebook. Should be fun!
Follow our weather guy for all your weekend weather needs: Rain or Shine, it's Andy Stein!
Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver
Or Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?
It’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and d...

Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...

Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...

AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...

After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past
After City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders ha...

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver
Denverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number o...

Big Money in the Governor's Race, Sexual Assault Bill Breaks Through, and Gym Sued for Grunting Noises
New fundraising totals for the governor’s race show Attorney General Phil Weiser’s campaign in the lead over Senator Michael Bennet’s, bu...

What Does Denver Taste Like? Debating Our Claims to Food Fame
Little Man Ice Cream just announced plans to start shipping its beloved sweet treats nationwide, inviting the country to get in on Denver...

How to Lure the DNC to Denver. Plus, Why Workers Were Furloughed from a City-Backed Downtown Project
A delegation of higher-ups from the Democratic Party is in town this week evaluating Denver’s bid to host the DNC in 2028, and Mayor Mike...

BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National
Construction on the Bus Rapid Transit project on Colfax has officially moved into Aurora, and the end is in sight! So, we are looking ahe...

