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The Evans School was closed for decades, but new owners want to bring it back to life

Our CO: Closed for decades, old school gets new life
Posted at 6:14 PM, Dec 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-12 10:03:39-05

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DENVER -- The Evans School is a building thousands have passed by, but not everyone in Denver knows the history behind it.

Sean Allen has been walking by the building to get to work for the last five years. He said he has always wondered about the story behind the old school's walls.

"I always wondered what it was used for and if it would ever be used again," he said.

Joe Vostrejs is one of the partners who purchased the Evans School last week. He told Denver7 the history in the building speaks for itself.

"I think you can sort of use your imagination to imagine these wide hallways filled with students carrying their books and their lunch bags and, you know, moving from classroom to classroom when the bell rang," Vostrejs said.

Built in 1904, the building served as a school until the 1970s. Vostrejs said it has sat empty since then.

"We're envisioning that the exterior grounds and the first floor of the building will be a collection of food and beverage and retail uses. Much like our Union Station projects where you can come in, find a place to get a cup of coffee or an ice cream or a glass of wine."

Although they are still years away from opening to the public, Vostrejs said they will be hosting several community outreach programs to get a sense of what the community wants to see inside the building.