The 40 West ArtLine was a dream long before it became a reality. As the newly emerging arts district was gaining momentum—fostered by its cadre of champions and the local business improvement district—the City of Lakewood’s Comprehensive Planning Division leveraged an EPA grant into a community plan named the 40 West Urban Design & Mobility Plan. That plan made the first public reference to an outdoor arts experience in the built environment in and around the West Arts District. That was in 2012—and it heralded a renaissance for West Colfax.

This area has seen its share of transformation since its speculative beginnings as an 1889 subdivision established in 1889 by William and Miranda Loveland and Charles Welsh, with a rutted road that connected these early platted parcels to Denver and a vision for the commercial thoroughfare Colfax Avenue would later become. After a period of speculation and war-related growth, West Colfax evolved from its agrarian and pastoral roots to its dazzling heyday in the ’50s and ’60s—with diners, supper clubs, and motor inns—as the world traveled storied U.S. Route 40.

Route 40 once carried travelers to the Rocky Mountains, but the completion of Interstate 70 re-routed traffic patterns and triggered the beginning of an economic spiral. Much like the greater San Paradiso in Jack Kerouac’s Big Sur and On the Road (in which Colfax is mentioned numerous times), the famous avenue fell on hard times.

As the historic heart of Lakewood, West Colfax has seen both highs and lows. Now, West Colfax is re-emerging from its economic challenges. Its resurgence as a destination is a story of resiliency, community will, and a renewed commitment to reinvention. The 40 West ArtLine, along with a constellation of major projects and community initiatives, is a true sign that Lakewood’s West Colfax is back on the map.

Officially launched in June 2018, this four-mile walkable, bikeable outdoor art experience has become a beacon for the corridor. Years in the making, the ArtLine features more than 70 art installations (both new and existing), along with artistic elements and a green line painted in the asphalt that connects it all. The result is an easy-to-follow, family-friendly route that invites exploration.

Below are three sections of the ArtLine, each offering a distinct experience and a window into the heart of West Colfax.

THE SECTION: 40 West Arts District Core

Founded in 2011 and officially designated as a Colorado Certified Creative District in 2014, the 40 West Arts District has only continued to grow. With the support of the West Colfax Community Association, the Lakewood West Colfax Business Improvement District, and a network of dedicated partners, the district has worked collaboratively to support and promote West Colfax as an arts and economic destination.

Over the past two years, the Arts District has welcomed well-established galleries such as EDGE, NEXT, Pirate, and other creative spaces, while migrating more than 100 new artists into the community. 40 West Arts continues to promote and grow arts activities in the district—and has been recognized for it. In 2018, the district won Westword Magazine’s “Best Suburban Arts District,” and in 2019 received “Best Arts District” in the metro area from the same publication.

Colorado Creative Industries State Director Margaret Hunt calls the district “the little arts district that could” for its catalytic impact on helping West Colfax climb out of economic stagnation.

 The Outdoor Space: Aviation Park

Aviation Park is steeped in Lakewood history. It traces its roots to the Broadmoor Country Club, which opened in 1925 with a ballroom, restaurant, and cocktail lounge known as the Hurricane Hut. Owned and operated by Nellie Ott and Eddie Ott, the Hurricane Hut was estimated to have cost between $50,000 and $75,000.

In April 1944, the club was leased to a group of men and women with aviation backgrounds and renamed the Aviation Country Club. The venue hosted dinners, fashion shows, book reviews, and bridge parties through the early 1990s, while kids played on nearby playgrounds and adults enjoyed elegant evenings sipping mint juleps.

The Art: Aztec Maze by Katy Casper

Artist Katy Casper describes her mural at the corner of Teller and 16th Avenue as a modern interpretation of Aztec art. The ground-scale mural is inspired by Mexico and honors the local community, including residents of Mexican descent who call the ArtLine home. The piece invites the community to walk in celebration of the roots of cultural diversity.

The Stomping Ground: Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters

Owned by Andy Sprenger and his team, Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters is passionate about quality coffee from start to finish. After placing your order, you may watch the barista gently pour hot water over the coffee in 15-second intervals—an intentional process that’s worth the wait. Ethical sourcing and direct relationships with farmers ensure quality at every step, including fresh beans roasted on site and coffees served at Colorado’s “Connect with the Producer” events.

THE SECTION: Lamar Station Plaza

Formerly the JCRS Shopping Center, Lamar Station Plaza has a rich history that mirrors West Colfax itself. Once a bustling retail destination, the center was purchased in 2014 by Bethesda-based Broad Street Realty to expand its Denver market portfolio.

Located just minutes from downtown Denver and offering easy access to I-70 and the mountains, the plaza represents a clear commitment to reinvestment. RTD’s W Line runs just two blocks south, and strong public-private partnerships have transformed Lamar Station Plaza into a vibrant venue featuring local services, fitness, shopping, eateries, and galleries—all directly connected to the ArtLine.

 The Outdoor Space: Momentum Park

Momentum Park earns its name from the catalytic role it plays in revitalizing this stretch of the corridor. A product of public-private partnership between Broad Street and the City of Lakewood, the park hosts seasonal events, outdoor fitness, and cultural celebrations.

During the summer, the space comes alive with ArtLine strolls and live music. In August, it anchors Colfax ArtFest, the largest annual festival on West Colfax, complete with food trucks, craft beer, live music, and family-friendly activities.

The Art: Affirmation Station by Timothy Flood

Located in Momentum Park, the Affirmation Station is an interactive art installation featuring illuminated messages. Visitors can press a button to play one of 271 audio affirmations recorded specifically for the installation. Phrases like “You are delightful,” “You are phenomenal,” and “You’ve come pretty far” offer moments of reflection and encouragement.

Artist Timothy Flood designed the sculpture to “bring a little ray of light into someone’s day and help them feel empowered, loved, and appreciated.”

The Stomping Ground: WestFax Brewing Company

“Beer Liberated” is the tagline at WestFax Brewing Company, an active yet laid-back taproom designed for connection. Known for small-batch beers that push creative boundaries, WestFax crafts everything from traditional lagers to experimental IPAs—including flavors like orange mango and summer saison.

The brewery releases small-batch cans monthly and offers both taproom pours and take-home four-packs. With sweeping mountain views and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a quintessential West Colfax gathering place.

THE SECTION: Lamar Station Light Rail Bike Path

For those arriving from downtown, the W Line Light Rail offers a scenic 15-minute ride from Union Station to this stretch of the ArtLine. Heading east along the adjacent bike path leads to Mountain Park and one of the most iconic installations along the route—Dermal Plate Gateway by artist team PUNCH.

The Outdoor Space: Mountain Park

Mountain Park is the largest park along the ArtLine, complete with playgrounds, basketball courts, and open green spaces. Located just a few blocks from Lakewood’s oldest continuously operating business, Lakewood Summit Brick, the park connects historic infrastructure with modern public space.

The Art: Healing Visualization by Lauren Culbreth

Stretching from Harlan Street to Mountain Park along the Lamar Station Light Rail Path, Healing Visualization uses iridescent square tiles to create a glittering field of shifting color. The installation changes with light and time of day, encouraging reflection, calm, and playfulness.

Artist Lauren Culbreth describes the piece as an invitation to engage the viewer’s senses and evoke curiosity—hallmarks of the ArtLine experience.

The Stomping Ground: Sprouts City Community Farm

Established in 2014 through a partnership with the City of Lakewood, this 1.5-acre organic urban farm produces over 10,000 pounds of food annually. The farm supports food security through community stands and shared harvest programs. Kids can play on musical installations near the south gate of Mountain Park while adults explore sustainable agriculture in action.

A Corridor Reimagined

The 40 West ArtLine reflects the essence of Lakewood’s West Colfax corridor—diverse, creative, resilient, and deeply community-driven. Through art, food, public space, and shared experience, the ArtLine transforms the physical landscape and redefines how people move through, connect with, and fall in love with West Colfax.

As a free public amenity, the ArtLine encourages walking, biking, stopping, and savoring. Whether you’re striking out on a new adventure or rediscovering a familiar place, West Colfax invites you to wander—and stay awhile.