Colfax Avenue's La Vista Motel Undergoes Stunning Transformation

After years of neglect, the once-shuttered motel is now a vibrant hub for Denver travelers and locals alike.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The La Vista Motel, a 1950s-era establishment on Denver's iconic Colfax Avenue, has undergone a remarkable transformation under new ownership. Once a notorious eyesore, the motel has been meticulously renovated, blending modern amenities with retro charm. Developer Nathan Beal, who purchased the property in 2022, teamed up with design firm Xan Creative to breathe new life into the 23-room motel, including the addition of an on-site cafe and cocktail bar called El Piñon.

Why it matters

The revitalization of the La Vista Motel is a testament to the resilience of Colfax Avenue, a historic corridor that has faced its share of challenges over the years. By restoring this once-neglected property, Beal and his team are not only preserving a piece of Denver's past but also creating a new hub for travelers and locals alike, helping to drive economic activity and community engagement in the area.

The details

The La Vista Motel, which originally opened in 1956, had fallen into disrepair in recent years, with one Google reviewer describing it as the "nastiest, shadiest, dirtiest, unkempt place" they had ever seen. Beal, whose real estate company St. Bernard Properties has focused on commercial and residential projects near downtown Denver, saw the motel's potential and decided to take on his first hospitality venture. The full-gut renovation addressed a range of issues, from outdated plumbing and electrical systems to water damage and asbestos. The end result is a modernized motel that retains its midcentury charm, with the addition of the El Piñon cafe and bar.

  • La Vista Motel originally opened in 1956.
  • The motel was shut down by the city in the recent past following a murder investigation.
  • Nathan Beal purchased the property in 2022.
  • The renovated La Vista Motel and El Piñon cafe/bar reopened in December 2025.

The players

Nathan Beal

The developer who purchased the La Vista Motel in 2022 and oversaw the property's extensive renovation, marking his first foray into the hospitality industry.

Xan Creative

The restaurant design firm that collaborated with Beal to execute the full-gut renovation of the La Vista Motel, blending modern amenities with retro style.

El Piñon

The new on-site cafe and cocktail bar that is part of the revitalized La Vista Motel, helping to drive activity and community engagement at the property.

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What they’re saying

“I have a big heart for old stuff. It's important to remember our past, and keeping old buildings is a great way to tell that story. I wanted to do a restoration project within the midcentury era of design—it's nice and clean, low-scale and comfy, and you can have fun with it and be a little kitschy.”

— Nathan Beal, Developer

“I think having more active management and having El Piñon open daily will help [curb criminal activity].”

— Nathan Beal, Developer

What’s next

Beal and his team will continue to monitor the La Vista Motel's operations and reputation, working to further improve the property's standing in the community.

The takeaway

The revitalization of the La Vista Motel on Denver's Colfax Avenue demonstrates the power of preservation and adaptive reuse, transforming a once-neglected property into a vibrant hub that celebrates the city's midcentury roots while catering to the needs of modern travelers and locals alike.