1700 Humboldt Street
Denver Book Society is bringing new life to 1700 Humboldt St. in City Park West, transforming the former Humboldt Kitchen + Bar space into an independent bookstore, café and community gathering place.
The 3,500 sq. ft. concept was founded by Denver native Kwame Spearman, former CEO of Tattered Cover, alongside partner Rich Garvin. The team purchased the building earlier this year and reimagined the long-vacant space as a modern “third place” designed for conversation, connection and culture.
Denver Book Society blends a curated book selection with a full café and wine bar offering coffee, pastries, light fare and evening drinks. The space is designed to host author talks, book clubs, private events and community programming, positioning it as more than a retail store.
Spearman said navigating the city’s permitting process was seamless, allowing the team to move efficiently from acquisition to build-out and opening.
The opening comes at a moment of renewed energy for City Park West. Directly across the street, Noodles by Nina recently opened, adding hand-pulled noodles and new foot traffic to the corridor. Just a couple blocks away, Vine Street Brewery has reopened, restoring a longtime neighborhood favorite.
Together, the additions signal a broader glow up for the area, with independent operators reinvesting in experiential retail and neighborhood-driven concepts.
Denver Book Society is not just filling a vacancy. It is anchoring a growing cultural pocket in the heart of City Park West.
