When The Desk opened last year in the former home of the Buffalo Exchange, it took the shared workspace concept to a whole new level, billing itself as a "place to create," adding a coffeehouse and taking reservations for the prime, paid spots. But with plenty of friendly nearby coffeehouses offering seats for free, the Desk faced stiff competition.

And now the Desk has closed. See also:Denver's top ten coffeehouses for workplace creativity

Early this year, Space Creators, a Denver-based real estate development and brokerage firm, had partnered with The Desk. "It's great news," Desk owner Kristian Barowsky, who's opened the spot with his wife, Mandy Stevens, said at the time. "Their expertise in real estate is really going to help us with our expansion."

Or contraction. The Desk closed quietly -- very quietly -- last week, leaving a string of queries from regulars on Facebook.

Since that firm's portfolio of creative spaces also includes 1045, Laundry on Lawrence, Walnut Workshop and Wazee Union, watch for something interesting to emerge in the now-empty space.

The Desk was just one of the eateries to close in the metro area in October; watch for our Restaurant Roll Call later today.

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