Clyfford Still Museum Repurposed Tavern Building
The museum plans to transform the former Cap City Tavern into a new event space in the Golden Triangle.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Food and Drink
Live Poll
Do you support local museums expanding into vacant storefronts in your neighborhood?
The Clyfford Still Museum has announced plans to convert the former Cap City Tavern at 1247 Bannock St. into a new multi-use venue. This expansion follows the tavern's closure in July 2025 and aims to accommodate rising demand for museum programming.
Why it matters
By repurposing the red brick building, the museum intends to host pilot programs and provide a dedicated location for its Institute Residential Fellowship initiatives. The renovation supports the institution as it continues to manage a significant collection of modern art.
The museum manages a collection of 3,125 art pieces, representing approximately 93% of the artist's total lifetime work. The facility has operated for 15 years.
The players
Clyfford Still Museum
This institution preserves and displays the vast majority of the work produced by the American abstract expressionist painter Clyfford Still.
Studio Cole
This architecture firm specializes in design and renovation projects and is directing the conversion of the tavern into an event space.
The details
Studio Cole is leading the architectural design to transform the one-story structure into a functional venue for the nearby museum at 1250 Bannock St. The organization is currently in the process of securing necessary permits to begin renovations.
Timeline
The museum purchased the building at 1247 Bannock St. in 2018.
Cap City Tavern closed and vacated the premises in July 2025.
Renovation plans were officially announced in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Museums are increasingly repurposing nearby urban real estate to address space constraints and accommodate growing demand for specialized programming. This trend mirrors the expansion strategies of cultural institutions seeking to integrate new educational and fellowship facilities into established neighborhoods.
Local visitors and museum program participants can expect new opportunities for engagement once the facility completes its renovation. The addition of this venue will eventually increase the museum's capacity for public programs and fellowship events in the Golden Triangle area.
The takeaway
The transformation of the former tavern site highlights how cultural institutions are reclaiming existing urban architecture to support educational missions. Residents should monitor future announcements regarding public access to the expanded museum campus.
Further reading
Learn more about the local landscape at Denver Food and Drink.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
Live Poll
Do you support local museums expanding into vacant storefronts in your neighborhood?
