Lauren Coleman, a former local Denverite, has planted new roots in southern Colorado with a roadside motel but continues to dream big with her first project in Lakewood.
The hotel entrepreneur is behind the real estate development company The Sursy (a southern term that means souvenir), whose focus is on creating shoppable motel concepts. Coleman, who was responsible for revamping the White Swan Motel on west Colfax, is now just as excited for her latest investment in a revitalized roadside motel in Del Norte, the Mellow Moon Lodge.
Mellow Moon Lodge in Del Norte. Photo by Jessica Hughes.
While she can’t take credit for the modern update the motel recently received (this credit belongs to the property’s previous owner, Jessica Lovelace), she fully plans to showcase her hospitality expertise by offering exciting upgrades and programming at the property.
The 15-room vintage motor lodge was re-envisioned to capture the spirit of travel and community. While small in size, it holds a big place in the community as a communal space not just aimed at putting heads in beds but rather a place for gathering and socializing.
Outdoor gathering spaces at the Mellow Moon Lodge. Photo by Jessica Hughes.
It’s also part of her bigger plans to create shoppable motels. Envisioning a shoppable boutique motel, Coleman plans to display local artists and creators in the rooms along with an on-site retail boutique marketplace. “We plan to take the rooms to the next level, layering in art and elements of Colorado by carefully considering where we source our produce, our shampoo and conditioner and even where we get our sheets,” says Coleman.
Updated modern rooms at the Mellow Moon Lodge. Photo by Big River Collective.
Aiming to bring the locals and travelers together, Coleman also plans to include events such as farm-to-table dinner parties along with friendly gatherings inside the old bike shop turned cocktail lounge and shop, named Wella + Wayne. The rowdy roadside shop and lounge captures a 70s cowboy vibe that draws in the area’s local history while incorporating today’s modern elements with a rose-colored disco ball and cow skull decor.
Wella + Wayne Mercantile. Photo by Big River Collective.
The idea for fusing retail and hospitality in the form of shoppable motels came soon after Coleman moved to Denver in 2017. “I wanted to be an outlet for creatives,” Coleman said. After being rejected by every hotel she pitched her idea to, she decided to start with outfitting and merchandising Airbnbs, always with the concept of shoppable motels as the end goal.
So as a side hustle to her full-time job at Denver7, Coleman staged Airbnbs to be shoppable, in exchange for managing the property. Merchandising the artwork and using QR codes, she created a space where guests could shop on demand during their vacation stay.
Looking to take her dream further, she connected with the 40 West Arts District in Lakewood, who at the time were proposing to save the run-down motels in the area, including the White Swan Motel.
White Swan Motel in Lakewood. Photo by Calvin Baines Photography.
“I was bullish about the property. This was exactly the type of motel I wanted to execute my shoppable motel dream,” she said. But in the midst of being under contract, the bank pulled its funding smack dab in the middle of the pandemic, requiring her to shift her focus.
Putting her dreams of a luxury shoppable boutique motel on hold, she decided to enter into a master lease with Jefferson County Human Services to offer the motel as a housing option for those experiencing homelessness.
As it stands today, even with its minor updates, Coleman says the motel cannot live on as it is, so there are major plans to redevelop the property into a boutique hotel for paying guests. Her humanitarian hospitality efforts with Jefferson County Human Services Foundation will continue through 2023 with plans to break ground in the spring of 2024 and a target grand opening date on Memorial Day in 2026.
While the motel will need a total overhaul, she fully plans to recreate elements of the original motel based on some old photos she received of it back in its heyday. To forever continue her charitable efforts, guests will be charged a “humanitarian hospitality” fee that will go to Jefferson County Human Services. In keeping with the shoppable theme, she plans to create an app that guests can download and purchase the artwork and merchandise during their stay.
Coleman dreams big and marches forward in pursuit of designing and refurbishing old roadside motels into dream destinations and shoppable locations, all in hopes of forever changing the landscape of Colorado hospitality.
Mellow Moon Lodge is located at 1160 Grand Ave, Del Norte.
303 MagazineDel NorteDenverJessica HughesLakewood ColoradoLauren ColemanMellow Moon Lodgeshoppable motelsThe SursywellaandwayneWhite Swan Motel
Jessica (she/her) is a writer and photographer based in Denver. She spends her time traveling the world and exploring her beautiful home state of Colorado. She has a passion for well-written stories, gorgeous photography, and bringing these two together. When she is not working in the city, you can find her in the mountains, hiking, backpacking, or biking. Connect with her on Instagram @small_town_stops.
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303magazine
Oct 5
Get tickets to Tiff's Treats® Denver Grand Opening on Saturday and enjoy a dozen cookies, games, giveaways and so much more!
Get tickets to Tiff's Treats® Denver Grand Opening on Saturday and enjoy a dozen cookies, games, giveaways and so much more!
303magazine
Oct 5
Recent weeks have seen a flood of show announcements, which means there will be no shortage of live music to keep everyone in the Mile High busy.
From grunge to country and classical, artists are flocking to Colorado — and this week saw yet another wave of announcements to keep the local concert calendar full throughout the end of 2022 and into the beginning of 2023.
Muse, Dominic Fike, Billy Strings and more are coming to Denver! Link to bio to read more!
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? @carleecastilloo
? @kylecoopah
#303magazine #303music #muse #dominicfike #billystrings #denvermusicscene
303magazine
Oct 4
Food truck vendors are widely known for delicious late-night snacks — ones that are 10 times more delicious than any fast food or drive-through grub.
In late July, a food truck ban was instilled by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses that applied to zones of Blake, Market and Larimer Street on Fridays and Saturdays. Although this ban has since been lifted, new rules and regulations are now in play for food vendors that cater to the LoDo area.
The ban was established after Denver Police Department officers were involved in a shooting that wounded six bystanders exiting the bars on Larimer Street in the late hours of the night. The food truck prohibition was lifted last month but now vendors must follow new limitations due to the recent rise in violence.
Link in bio to read more about how new LoDo food truck regulations affect mobile food vendors!
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? @brynnapowell
? Photo courtesy of LoDo District
#303magazine #303food #denverfoodtrucks #denverfoodvendor #LoDo
303magazine
Oct 2
'Tis the season to break out your fall sweaters, try that new pumpkin bread recipe and make sure your voter registration is up to date! Midterm elections are in full swing, and outreach groups are working to encourage high voter turnout, similar to 2020. In particular, young voters are expected to have a large influence over the outcomes of Colorado’s elections.
Despite stereotypes that cast young voters as a flaky, unreliable voter base, turnout records in Colorado tell a different story. The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University lifts up this narrative with supporting data and research. CIRCLE collects data on youth voter registration and participation in elections, and uses their data to demonstrate where young voters hold influence.
Link in bio to read more about how Colorado’s youth vote will shape midterm elections!
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? Ellie Sullum
? @nosferatune
#303magazine #denverpolitcs #midtermelections #youthpolitics #coloradoyouth
303magazine
Sep 29
On the field, he’s a mega football star that plays alongside safety Justin Simmons and pro bowl player and linebacker Bradley Chubb. Off the field, he’s a style extraordinaire who loves wearing eccentric suits and growing his massive sneaker collection.
Ever since he was a kid growing up in Macon, Georgia, Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has always had a passion for fashion. Jackson said he would beg his parents to take him to the mall to purchase the latest Jordans. He and his friends would also put together outfits for school because he wanted to be known as the best dressed.
Link in bio to read more about Broncos player Kareem Jackson and his style!
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? @laurenjlippert
? @roxieeeee_
?styled by @ashleighperri1111 from @reemboi25’s personal wardrobe and @meneztosociety
#303magazine #303magfashion #denverfashion #kareemjackson #broncos #localdesigner
303magazine
Sep 28
This week in concerts, Florence + The Machine, My Chemical Romance and Gorillaz — and that’s just Ball Arena.
After tremendous success following their viral tracks on TikTok, the King Khan and BBQ Show stops by The Bluebird Theater meanwhile, producer and DJ MK drops a beat at Mission Ballroom. At Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Tyler Childers and Cody Jinks reserve two nights at the iconic sandstone venue to round off the end of September.
For future weekly concert updates and more 303 music news, stay up to date with 303 Magazine.
Link in bio to read more about what’s happening this week in concerts!
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? @_ndrew_enegas
? @marktepsicphoto
#303magazine #303music #denverconcerts #florenceandthemachine #mychemicalromance #gorillaz
303magazine
Sep 27
46 days and counting until @denverfashionweek!
We have some incredible designers! Here are a few you can expect to see on the runway: @hoohah_us @madvandesign @kimlikesclothes @hottpinkmatter @tynehall @killionaire___mxxix @petergrayhair @nylanasser @kawesii @glamitcolorado @idiotcult @rabbitjaxclothing @officialironpulse @bukkyara @sbshades @imaginaryfriendsfinds and more!
Have you purchased your tickets? Link in bio or go to denverfashionweek.com!
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#303magazine #303fashion #denverfashionweek #dfw #denverfashiondesigner #denverfashion #localdesigner
303magazine
Sep 26
Autumn is finally arriving in Colorado. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling and hiking in the great outdoors offers a picturesque view of it all.
And while trails close to Denver can be congested, Colorado Springs is home to its own autumnal trails and parks — and you might have better luck finding an escape from the hustle and bustle of Colorado’s capital city.
All levels are welcome to a change of scenery in the Springs, whether you’re an experienced or casual hiker.
Link in bio to read more about different Colorado Springs hiking trails!
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? @carleecastilloo
? Photo courtesy of Brittany Werges
#303magazine #coloradohikes #coloradonature #gardenofthegods #oldnorthendcoloradosprings #cheyennemountain #manitouincline #redrockcanyon
303magazine
Sep 25
“Imagine a group of people all going to a house party on different energy levels and wavelengths. People arrive and want to connect with each other, that’s why we go to these parties, but we put up a number of filters between us and other humans,” Mike Handby shared in an interview with 303. “We wanted to create a test space to see what happens if we all arrive in the same headspace. What if we all remember the night clear — the people, the connections, the moments. What happens then?”
This idea is what led Mike and Amber Handby to found Sundown Colorado, an alcohol-free music festival encouraging healthier nightlife. Taking place in downtown Denver on Sept. 24, Sundown invites everyone to “party positive,” creating a new community within the Denver music scene.
Link in bio to read more about the alcohol-free music festival!
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? @lexdonaldson
? Photo courtesy of Ben Sorrells
#303magazine #303music #denvermusicfestival #alcoholfreemusic
303magazine
Sep 23
While a burger is a simple staple at your average American eateries, most burger lovers still have their own go-to spots when they’re craving a solid cheeseburger.
But as a vegetarian or vegan, it can be challenging to find a veggie substitute that nails the essence of a good burger. Whether you’re a hardcore vegan or just want a meat substitute, here’s a list of the Denver spots to visit for a meatless burger.
Link in bio to read more to learn about where to find a meatless burger!
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? Lucy Coutts
? Photo Courtesy of Next Level Burger
#303magazine #303food #nonmeatburger #denverfood #denverrestaurants
303magazine
Sep 22
It is officially fall in Denver this weekend and the city has some crisp events to embrace the change in seasons.
Kick off the weekend with a cold brew at Denver Oktoberfest and end it by witnessing your fitness at #bRUNchClub at Stanley Marketplace. Whatever you have planned, make sure to take a gander at this roundup of events happening in Denver.
Link in bio to read more about unique things to do in Denver this weekend!
What are you most excited for? Comment down below!
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? @jessicaengen33
? Photo courtesy of The ViewHouse, McGregor Square, Denver Convention Center, Secret Denver, Davy Daydream, Denver Walking Tours, Unknown Artist on Mutiny Information Cafe
#303magazine #denverthingstodo #denverweekend #denvernightlife #denverart #denverfood
303magazine
Sep 22
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats have officially announced the date and location of their Annual Holiday Show — and the folk-holiday-extravaganza is set for December 16 at Ball Arena.
Dubbed the “The 7th Annual, 10th Annual Holiday Show,” this year’s event mark the official return of the event, which went on an indefinite hiatus during the pandemic.
Accompanying the hometown heroes will be special guests Marcus Mumford (of Mumford and Sons) and Hermanos Gutiérrez — a duo of brothers Estevan and Alejandro Gutiérrez, who will be performing just after releasing a new album via their label, Easy Eye Sound.
Link in bio to read more about Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats' annual holiday show!
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? @carleecastilloo & @mariahj.hansen
? @marktepsicphoto
#303magazine #303music #nathanielrateliff #denvermusic #holidayshow
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