Peak Sim Racing applies for Denver liquor licence and build-out permit

Overview

Updated 2 hours ago

Denver city records now list two approvals for 1236 S. Broadway: a pending beer and wine liquor licence and a commercial construction permit for a tenant finish. Both filings belong to Peak Sim Racing, the family-run sim racing center announced in August.

Peak Sim is the project of 27-year-old Eli Sevilla, who plans 12 custom simulators, beer, and race watch parties in the 3,200-square-foot space, the former Burns Family Artisan Ales taproom. Sevilla told the Denver Post the venue could open in the fall. The records show the project moving through permitting, not that it has every approval or a confirmed opening.

Why it matters

If the build-out clears, South Broadway gains a 12-simulator racing venue where fans can drink beer and race.

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Key Indicators

Racing simulators planned

Ten standard rigs and two premium ones, per the company's August announcement.

$100K

Estimated build-out cost

Cost to convert the former brewery, according to owner Eli Sevilla.

Filings at the address

A pending beer and wine liquor licence and a tenant finish construction permit.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Eli Sevilla

Owner and operator of Peak Sim Racing

Managing operations and branding; awaiting permitting

Organizations Involved

Peak Sim Racing

Family-owned business

Development stage; tenant at 1236 S. Broadway

A sim racing center planned for 1236 S. Broadway in Denver.

Timeline

May 2025 October 2026

3 events Latest: Yesterday

October 2026
Peak Sim Racing filings surface in Denver records
Latest Permit and licence

City records list a pending beer and wine liquor licence and a tenant finish construction permit for 1236 S. Broadway.
Yesterday
August 2026
Peak Sim Racing plans revealed
Announcement

Eli Sevilla announces a 12-simulator racing center at the former brewery space, targeting fall 2026.
August 29th, 2026
May 2025
Burns Family Artisan Ales closes its Broadway taproom
Closure

The brewery vacates 1236 S. Broadway after eight years in business.
May 2025

Scenarios

Peak Sim Racing opens its doors on South Broadway

Likely Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: Denver Post and What Now Denver coverage

Sevilla said the venue targets a fall 2026 opening. If the tenant finish wraps and the city clears the pending approvals, the center begins welcoming customers for paid sessions on its 12 simulators.

Denver approves Peak Sim's beer and wine licence

Likely Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: Denver open data liquor licence records

The city listed the beer and wine licence as pending. If the application passes review, the licence is issued and Peak Sim can sell alcohol alongside food during races and watch parties.

South Broadway sim center slips past its fall 2026 target

Possible Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: Company statements targeting fall 2026

Build-outs and licence reviews can run late. If the tenant finish or the liquor review drags, opening moves into 2027 and the fall target the company gave in August is missed.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

May 2025

Burns Family Artisan Ales closes at 1236 S. Broadway (2025)

The brewery shut its taproom at the address after eight years in business, vacating the 3,200-square-foot space. Its exit left the building empty for roughly a year.

Then

The property sat available until Peak Sim Racing signed a five-year lease.

Now

The space shifts from a production brewery to an entertainment venue with a beer and wine licence.

Why this matters now

The address's previous tenant also served alcohol, and Peak Sim's pending liquor licence continues that use while changing what the space is for.

2019-present

Sim racing's audience boom after 'Drive to Survive' (2019-present)

Netflix's docuseries 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' widened interest in motorsport, and pandemic lockdowns pushed more people to cheap home-racing setups. Sevilla has said the show first got him into racing.

Then

A wave of newcomers began racing on home simulators during COVID.

Now

Commercial sim racing lounges, like F1 Arcade in Denver's RiNo neighborhood, opened to serve the new audience.

Why this matters now

Peak Sim is betting the post-COVID interest in sim racing is big enough to support a dedicated 12-rig venue on South Broadway.