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Who the Heck is Bonnie Brae?

By
Real Estate Agent with Rocky Mountain Homescapes, Keller Williams, Denver Colorado

Bonnie Brae 1One of the many beautiful residential areas in Denver is the Bonnie Brae neighborhood located between University Boulevard on the west, Steele Street on the east, Exposition Avenue on the north and E. Mississippi Avenue on the south.

So, who was this wonderful neighborhood named after? So began the search for the infamous Bonnie Brae. She must have been a fascinating person with neighborhoods, restaurants and charities named after her. It turns out that Bonnie Brae is actually Gaelic meaning "Pleasant Hill". Whether or not there has been an actual person named Bonnie Brae I'm not sure, but this neighborhood was planned and named in 1923 by Saco Rienk DeBoer, an influential Denver city planner, to have the feel of a Scottish village inside of Denver.Bonnie Brae 2

Houses were first built in 1923 but development stalled in the late 1920's when the developer, Associated Industries, went bankrupt in the late 1920's. The majority of construction occurred in the 1940's and 1950's. So, there is a real mix of architectural styles throughout the area. Bonnie Brae Boulevard is a wonderful street to drive to get the feel of the neighborhood and to see some truly beautiful homes. The Boulevard runs from University Boulevard and Exposition Avenue on the west and runs diagonal through the neighborhood to Steele Street and Mississippi on the east.

You'll find wonderful neighborhood restaurants and businesses along South University Boulevard. The Bonnie Brae Tavern has been the rock of the neighborhood since 1934.

Bonnie Brae Tavern

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream

Bonnie Brae Flowers

The Bonnie Brae neighborhood, with its towering trees, fabulous neighborhood businesses and convenient central Denver location, is a very popular Denver community. The area is experiencing a great deal of construction and renovation. It is truly a "pleasant hill" or at least a pleasant neighborhood to call home. Here's to Bonnie Brae.

 Visit www.CentralDenverBlog.com for more Denver neighborhood and real estate information.

Edit: At the request of family of Saco Rienk DeBoer, I have changed the link to one they suggested.

Comments (10)

Dena Stevens
Rocky Mountain Realty - Canon City, CO
Putting The Real Into Realtor Since 2004
Thanks for sharing Jennifer! This is a wonderful neighborhood, I love to just drive around and look at the houses and landscaping.
May 13, 2007 03:16 AM
Jennifer Steck
Rocky Mountain Homescapes, Keller Williams, Denver Colorado - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate
Dena, I took so many pictures yesterday and had a hard time sorting through what to use. The homes are beautiful and the large trees magnificent. I drive around a lot there too. It's very peaceful.
May 13, 2007 03:18 AM
Trish Pachak
We Stage Colorado- Colorado's Premier Staging Experts - Westminster, CO
ASP Master - Denver, Colorado
Thank you Jennifer. I have wondered who Bonnie Brae was myself. I love that area of town. I appreciate you providing the historical information. Call me anytime you would like a staging review of one of your listings. I would love to have the opportunity to meet you for coffee if you are available.
May 16, 2007 03:01 PM
Jennifer Steck
Rocky Mountain Homescapes, Keller Williams, Denver Colorado - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate

Trish- It is an amazing area of town. I'd love to get to know you. Feel free to give me a call.

May 16, 2007 03:08 PM
Dena Stevens
Rocky Mountain Realty - Canon City, CO
Putting The Real Into Realtor Since 2004
Jennifer, I had asked my mom to be one of the judges for the contest but she doesn't have the time to put in. She once sold Real Estate in Denver and lived in Colorado for 20 years. She logged on today and really liked this post, but she didn't want to comment. But you get a gold star from my mom!
May 16, 2007 03:15 PM
Jennifer Steck
Rocky Mountain Homescapes, Keller Williams, Denver Colorado - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate
Thanks Dena. I'm not sure it really qualifies since it doesn't point out the "old west", but I do love Denver history. I'm working on a couple of other posts to try to complete by the end of the week. It means a lot to me that your mom liked it. After all, Moms' opinions count!
May 16, 2007 03:20 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
Jennifer, looks like a great place to live, especially if it meets with Dena's mother's approval. 
May 20, 2007 12:45 PM
Jennifer Steck
Rocky Mountain Homescapes, Keller Williams, Denver Colorado - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate
Thank goodness for Moms. It is a great place to live.
May 20, 2007 02:10 PM
Bonnie Marie DeWolfe
Eagle Ridge Signatures Inc. - Pueblo West, CO

What a wonderful neighborhood. I will make a point of driving through it next time I head up to Denver!

May 21, 2007 05:34 AM
Jennifer Steck
Rocky Mountain Homescapes, Keller Williams, Denver Colorado - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate
Bonnie, It is definitely one of our neighborhoods not to miss if you are looking for amazing houses, both old and new. Don't forget the pizza and ice cream!
May 21, 2007 02:50 PM