$80,000 Laughing Latte to open at Lowry

Dino Espejo is investing nearly $80,000 to open a second Laughing Latte coffee house in Hangar 2 at Lowry.

Espejo, who opened the first shop in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood nearly two years ago, jumped at the chance when Larimer Associates asked him whether he’d be interested in sharing space with the Lowry Beer Garden. The 950-square-foot shop is expected to open after the first of the year.

“They approached me telling me they had a retail spot opening at Lowry,” Espejo says. “I’m stoked.”

Before he opened the LoHi location, Espejo was a stand-up comic working late nights. The LoHi Laughing Latte is a result of his dream to perform in his own coffee shop, across the street from Larimer Associates’ LoHi SteakBar at West 32nd Avenue and Tejon Street. Though he hasn't started the stand-up routine, he expects that will come next year.

Larimer Associates acquired Hangar 2 in 2010 with plans to redevelop the Lowry landmark with retail, offices and storage space.

Best known for owning and operating Denver’s Larimer Square, Larimer Associates has been beefing up its real estate portfolio, adding commercial and multifamily properties to its holdings. The company targets underserved neighborhoods wiht the intent of redeveloping buildings for restaurant and retail use.

The company has a unique strategy of partnering with its tenants, handling everything from human resources to marketing. The company has partnerships with LoHi SteakBar, Bistro Vendome, Billy’s Inn, Corridor 44, Euclid Hall, Ernie’s Bar and Pizza, Lowry Beer Garden, Madison Street, Rioja, Satchel’s on 6th and TAG.