The space has held a saloon since at least the ’50s, and by the ’70s was a gay bar. Randy Long took over the space in 2005 and turned it into Boyztown. More than a club owner, he used profits from the club to support two gay softball teams and the Gay Men's Choir.
Though it's unclear why Boyztown closed, it's a clear loss for a stretch of Broadway that is grappling with how to keep businesses afloat this year. And in their comments on the Westword Facebook page, readers recognize that loss...not just to neighbors and the gay community, but the entire city. Says Surge:
This was a great place to to meet up with friends, catch up and just have a good time. Everyone was always so friendly and nice. This was the last of the old-school gay bars where drinks were strong and there were no holds barred. This was a Denver staple for years and will be missed. Thanks for bringing life and fun to Broadway for so many years.Adds Richard:
Between Second and First avenues on Broadway used to be denver's gayest block; now the last holdout is gone.Observes Randal
BoyzTown was the most quintessential male strip club in Denver. Women would even have their bachelorette parties there. Thousands of people have walked through those doors. They will be missed!Recalls Starr:
This was my safe haven, honestly. Welcoming to all…sorely missed already. Glad I got to go one of the last nights.Responds Jared:
Ugh... Seriously, again with the longtime closures. Not my bar or scene but still, the hits keep coming.Offers Lee:
I've lived in the Baker many times over thirty years. Sad to see the nieghborhood and that strip of Broadway change so drastically. So many great businesses like Mike's, The Compound, Crypt, etc. gone. Sounds like it happening all over Denver, though.Says Catrishia:
That’s really sad. It just seems like everything that is raw and gritty and makes Denver pretty old-school great has gone away.Responds Alan:
Because all the transplants are vanilla and have absolutely no grit. There is a reason why the towns they come from are all dried up, and are crumbling. It's not the location, it's the mentality of the people.Concludes Jay:
End of an era. I doubt we will ever see a space like that again...too bad.And a last note from Israel:
Interesting fact: this building has one of the few and last examples of Denver storefronts outfitted with Vitrolite, a brand of pigmented structural glass used on exterior and interior walls...it gave it that glossy and luxurious look. If this building goes up for sale, i hope that whoever buys it saves that detail.We'll keep you posted on the next chapter for 117 Broadway...and the Vitrolite. In the meantime, what are your memories of Boyztown? Share them in a comment, or email [email protected].
