Denver, Colo. | October 28, 2024 Every construction project has a unique story, filled with challenges and triumphs. For Welton Street Café, a cherished staple in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood, their story is one of resilience. Facing countless hurdles, the Dickerson family persevered to bring their soul food legacy to its new location on Welton Street.
For 38 years, Welton Street Café has served as a beacon of warmth and tradition for the community, cooking up the best Southern-style dishes in the city. As their popularity grew, so did the need for a space that could accommodate their loyal customers. Throughout their nearly four-decade journey, they relocated six times, with their last stop at 2736 Welton Street. After 22 years there, it became evident they had outgrown the space, prompting the decision to seek a new home. In October 2021, the family signed a construction contract to support its new location at 2883 Welton Street.
“This was supposed to be a one-year project, but we encountered one struggle after the next,” said Cenya Dickerson, reflecting on the series of delays. With little progress made after a year, the family turned to the community for support.
“At one point, I started calling everyone I knew in construction to confirm that what we were experiencing wasn’t right,” said Fathima Dickerson. “We were supposed to be well into construction, but when we visited the site, we’d look around, and progress wasn’t being made. We needed people who understood the terminology and process to help us. That’s when I reached out to Justin Gilmore.”
By spring 2023, desperate for progress, the Dickerson family brought in Gilmore Construction to provide consulting services and help get the project back on track. Gilmore agreed to step in, providing construction management and owner’s rep services at no cost to the family.
“With the Welton Street Café being a legacy business, we wanted to support them as much as possible,” said Justin Gilmore, Gilmore’s business development director. “They had already gone through so much, and we knew what the reopening of this space meant to Denver and the family.”
Amid construction setbacks, the Dickerson family kept the business alive through pop-ups, catering, and cooking in a shared kitchen space. “We had some hard days, but by the grace of God, we pulled through,” shared Cenya.
Once Gilmore took over, their first step was a comprehensive LiDAR scan to ensure the accuracy of the architectural drawings, especially for critical systems like mechanical and electrical. Gilmore collaborated with existing subcontractors and brought in new partners to help complete the job. They also carefully reviewed the equipment list to ensure orders and deliveries were on track. Through extensive coordination with the Denver Building Department, city officials, and the Denver Mayor’s Office, Gilmore successfully secured the necessary permits and approvals. As a result, substantial completion was achieved in September 2024, with project closeout finalized by mid-October 2024.
The new space bursts with vibrant colors. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a quaint waiting area—a rare sight for new spaces these days. Through the second entrance door, visitors are welcomed with a mural of the family matriarch, Mona Dickerson, founder of the café. The area is filled with natural light, featuring a spacious, open layout and a central bar with a skylight overhead. For takeout orders, a designated area on the northeast side of the building keeps the dining experience undisturbed. The space also includes an outdoor patio and a large, well-equipped kitchen to fuel their culinary magic.
Looking back on their journey, the family described it with words like “becoming” and “transformation.” As their opening day approaches, the beauty born from their struggles will soon come to life.
“If we could tell other people one thing before starting construction, it would be to do your research and surround yourself with people who understand the process,” advised Fathima. “When we met Gilmore, they could understand us because we’re both family businesses that care about keeping local businesses and the community together.”
The recent construction challenges were not the only setbacks Welton Street Café has faced over the years. Having weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs in Five Points, they have remained a lasting symbol of community spirit. Their latest construction struggles show that, with the right support, even the toughest projects can result in transformation. For Gilmore, it emphasizes how quality construction services can uplift and sustain a beloved community beacon.
“As a local legacy business, we understand the challenges and uncertainties small businesses face,” said Justin. “When a community business like Welton encounters challenges that Gilmore has experience navigating, stepping in to help wasn’t just about completing the work—it was about standing together as a community. In times of difficulty, it’s resilience and cooperation that carry us forward, and we’re proud to be part of a community that supports each other through every challenge.”