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Prototype applies for tavern and cabaret licence in Denver's RiNo

Prototype applies for tavern and cabaret licence in Denver's RiNo

Built World Denver, CO local

Liquor licence and buildout permits filed for 813 N Navajo St; city approvals pending

September 14th, 2026: Prototype's licence and permit records appear on Denver's open data list

Overview

Updated 55 minutes ago

A venue named Prototype is working toward opening at 813 N Navajo St in Denver's River North Arts District. The business filed a tavern and cabaret liquor licence application and a commercial tenant-finish permit for the address.

Both records are pending, not approved. They show the project has entered the city's licensing and construction review, but neither signals that Prototype has cleared every hurdle or opened its doors.

Why it matters

If the city approves Prototype's licence and buildout, RiNo gains a new tavern and cabaret; if review stalls, the corner stays dark.

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Key Indicators

2
Official records at 813 N Navajo St
One pending liquor licence application and one commercial construction permit.
Tavern and cabaret
Licence type sought
Denver's tavern and cabaret licence permits alcohol service with live entertainment.
Alteration / tenant finish
Construction permit type
Work to renovate the existing commercial interior for the venue.

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Organizations Involved

Timeline

1 event Latest: September 14th, 2026 · 1 week ago
  1. Prototype's licence and permit records appear on Denver's open data list

    Latest Licensing

    Records for a tavern and cabaret liquor licence application and a commercial tenant-finish permit at 813 N Navajo St first appear on the city's open data portal. Both are pending approvals.

Scenarios

1

Prototype opens its doors at 813 N Navajo St

Possible Resolves by Sep 14, 2027

Discussed by: Denver's Excise and Licenses records and local outlets including Westword and Denverite track venue openings

The tavern and cabaret licence clears the city's review and construction finishes the tenant buildout. Prototype starts serving alcohol with live entertainment at the RiNo address.

2

Licence approval stalls or is denied

Possible Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: Denver's Excise and Licenses records and local news coverage of liquor licence disputes

The licence application hits extended review, a zoning or safety objection, or administrative problems. Construction may proceed, but the venue cannot operate as a tavern and cabaret without the licence.

3

Prototype opens, then faces neighborhood complaints

Possible Resolves by Q2 2028

Discussed by: RiNo residents and Denver City Council members have raised noise and safety concerns about late-night venues

Prototype passes licensing and opens. Neighbors or elected officials respond to noise, crowds, or safety issues, producing complaints, citations, or new licence conditions.

Historical Context

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

1915-1920s

Denver's dancing ban and cabaret licence (1915)

Denver passed ordinances in the 1910s requiring cabaret licences for places where people danced, and city officials periodically enforced strict bans on public dancing. The 'cabaret licence' became a tool to control live entertainment in bars.

Then

Many venues restricted dancing or paid for cabaret licences to stay open.

Now

The cabaret licence category persisted in Denver's code, carrying restrictions that modern tavern and cabaret applicants still navigate.

Why this matters now

Prototype is applying for the direct descendant of this licence category, which has long shaped how Denver venues offer live entertainment.

1990-2000

LoDo's warehouse-to-nightlife conversion (1990s)

Denver's Lower Downtown shifted from a vacant warehouse and railroad district to an entertainment corridor. Coors Field opened in 1995, bringing bars, restaurants, and live music venues into former industrial buildings.

Then

LoDo became Denver's signature nightlife district, drawing crowds and raising property values.

Now

The same warehouse-conversion playbook later moved to the River North arts district, where Prototype is now filing permits.

Why this matters now

Prototype's tenant renovation of an existing Navajo Street building follows the industrial-to-venue conversion pattern that built RiNo's current identity.

Sources

(3)

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