Fly on over to the Stanley Marketplace

Aurora residents have been impatiently waiting for the opening of the Stanley Marketplace.  Many of the businesses have finally opened, although you still see a lot of workers in hard hats and project managers intently studying blueprints in the common areas.  Stanley Marketplace is located in northwest Aurora on the border of Denver’s Stapleton area. Fifty independently owned Colorado businesses have set up shop here, or are at least in the process of opening their doors.  Some are familiar to Denver residents, but new to Aurora, such as Comida, Glazed and Confused, Mondo Market, Izzio Bakery, Infinite Monkey Theorem and Sweet Action Ice Cream.

According to the Stanley Marketplace website, Bob Stanley was the first American to fly a jet airplane, and he was also the inventor of the ejection seat. (Thus, the construction tarps are decorated with parachutes and ejector seats!) The marketplace itself is situated on the site of the original main runway of Stapleton Airport, Denver’s airport before DIA was built. Bob Stanley used some of the smaller runways for evaluating his test planes.

This space is exactly what you’d expect in a repurposed airplane hangar.  It’s very industrial looking, with concrete floors, interesting overhead walkways and airplane propeller ceiling fans. Visitors can sample beer at Cheluna Brewing Company, a microbrewery and taproom that draws inspiration from Mexico. Everyone seems to stop and gaze at the exquisite chocolates and pastries at Miette et Chocolat, a French patisserie with a modern twist.  Flavor combinations such as “Chilean hazelnut and dulce de leche” or “champagne, mango and cilantro” are featured in elegant, sculptured chocolates. If you are in the mood for fluffy, homemade biscuits, check out Denver Biscuit Company.

Aurora residents are thrilled to welcome so many new shops, businesses and restaurants to Aurora! Find out more about the marketplace and all the new vendors at StanleyMarketplace.com