Lakewood, CO Before there was a town of Lakewood, wealthy Denver families came here to get away from the city. They built extravagant country homes. And one of the most extravagant of all was Belmar, the estate of Denver heiress May Bonfils. Built in 1930, the great house remained a bastion of Denver high society until it was torn down in 1970--making way for such popular attractions as Belmar Park and the new Lakewood City Commons and Civic Center.
In 1966 Villa Italia Mall opened to great fanfair and became the largest and most successful shopping mall in the mountain/plains region. For 35 years, "Villa" was viewed as the commercial and social center of Lakewood. However, the life cycle of Villa taught the citizens and civic leaders of Lakewood a valuable lesson: big shopping malls tend to become obsolete.
The City of Lakewood is undergoing a renaissance as a new cultural and commercial district as it grows around the old site of Villa Italia Mall. This district already includes the Lakewood City Hall, Civic Center, Public Library, Cultural Center, Heritage Center and Lakewood City Commons retail center. Belmar provides the critical mass and diversity of uses necessary to create a true downtown experience in Lakewood.
Belmar is Lakewood's new downtown: a place designed for every dimension of daily life. Home, office, shops, galleries, restaurants, outdoor cafes, movies, even beautiful parks and plazas... they're all coming together in this one perfect spot. There is plenty of free parking. You can walk anywhere you want to go. And, in the tradition of all great downtowns, there is something here for everyone.
Education in Lakewood is primarily served by the Jefferson County Public Schools, the educational home of more than 85,000 of Colorado's finest students. They have 148 schools and a staff dedicated to building a bright future for every student. The staff is supported by a committed school board, involved parents and a caring community that combine to provide quality education that prepares all children for a successful future.
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