Fitzsimons

Fitzsimons used to be Fitzsimons Army Medical Center during WWI. It stayed around for years as a place for Army personnel of various occupations, although mostly medical. In 1999 it finally closed down and the area now has what's known as the Anschutz Medical Center, one of two campuses for the University of Colorado at Denver. Just west of Anschutz is the Children's Hospital which moved from it's former location in downtown Denver. Prior to the new campus and Children's Hospital moving in, the area was a run down, seedy part of town. Crime was high and the area was rather unpleasant.

Since the addition of the new campus and hospital, the area has seen quiet a change take place. What used to look unclean and unkept has now turned into fun and trendy. New restaurants and businesses have popped up to service both the staff and students of these places as well as visitors to the area (most of the restaurants are chains, think The Noodle Company and Starbucks). The area has a much nicer feel to it, one where you can walk down the sidewalk and be relatively safe. It is still bordered by some less than stellar areas, but it has been a beacon of light in what was a dark and dreary area.

Traffic in the area is somewhat hectic during rush hour, but otherwise is fine. I-225 bordering Fitzsimons on the east is frequently congested as is East Colfax Avenue but with road construction in the area it should lighten up soon. There are still more buildings being built so there is some construction traffic and cranes in the area.

There isn't a lot of housing in the area, but some of it that is there is still looking rather run down. It may stay that way for some time until the entire area gets revitalized.