Communities survive and thrive when residents and businesses convene to support each other and engage in advocacy and friendship. The LoDo District Inc. has long been a gathering organization for businesspeople who are passionate about Denver’s premier, mixed-use, historic district. Since 1987 (one year before the historic district designation) when she arrived in Denver from Minneapolis, Laurie Helmick has been one of the most enthusiastic activists for what was then a neighborhood in transition from a notorious skid row. So it is with much sadness and even more respect that the LoDo District Inc. recognizes Laurie’s resignation from its Board of Directors.
Recruited by Dana Crawford to manage the Oxford Club Spa and Salon, Laurie soon immersed herself in the civic life of the neighborhood. Over the years she volunteered for numerous LoDo initiatives including the locating of Coors Field, advocating against the Webb administration’s increase in parking meter rates, and attempting to create a parking district (never realized) in LoDo. She participated in the opening of the renovated Denver Union Station and the initiation of RTD’s A Line. No LoDo event went unsupported by Laurie, including the LoDo Brewfest, LoDo Music Festival, LoDo Bites, LoDo Sips, and the LoDo Limelight Awards.
In 1998 Laurie left the Oxford Club to open Luxe Salon on Wazee Street, which operated in LoDo until 2024. She became a property owner in 2008 when she purchased a commercial condominium in the Titanium Building and moved the salon across the street. Laurie has spent her entire Denver business career in Lower Downtown.
In 2004, Laurie joined LoDo District’s Board of Directors and quickly became a leader in the organization. She held the position of Board Chair for over four years. When asked what the highlight of her board service was, Laurie without hesitation said, “giving awards at Limelight as Chair. I loved presenting awards to deserving volunteers.”
That statement says much about Laurie. Earning Laurie’s respect is an open door to earning her friendship: community building at its best. Several LoDo District former staff members, upon learning of Laurie’s resignation, had much to recall about their time working for her. According to Simone Howell Raarup, Laurie was one of her most important mentors. As board chair, Laurie managed 25-year-old Simone as an intern and later Membership Director. Simone recalls that “Laurie saw past my youthful inexperience. She took my ideas seriously, sheltering and boosting me. I felt seen, valued and a member of a team and community.” Holly Barrett, LoDo District Executive Director under Laurie and current Executive Director of the Downtown Omaha Business Improvement District, had this to say: “I’ve had some wonderful bosses in my career, but Laurie has been my favorite. She was knowledgeable and engaged. She helped me set and reach goals for both the organization and myself. I referred to her as my “boss-friend,” and now, over a decade later, she remains a close friend whom I treasure and respect.”
While Laurie, a Master Gardener and frequent traveler, is sure to be enjoying more time in her spectacular Washington Park garden and seeing the world, her influence in LoDo will be felt for a long time to come. According to Bar Chadwick, current LoDo District Board member and past co-chair: “Laurie herself is an institution. Her knowledge about the formation of the Lower Downtown Historic District and its growth leaves anyone who asks awestruck and better educated! She is a true believer of the neighborhood, its businesses, and its people. LoDo is a better place because of her.”
Enjoy your new life chapter, Laurie. We hope to continue seeing you in the neighborhood.
