DENVER (KDVR) — A closed-down historic motel on East Colfax Avenue is being revived and getting ready to reopen with a new look.

La Vista Motel was originally built in 1956 as a 23-room boutique property. The motel said it was recognized as an official Denver historic landmark, but for years, it's been closed at 5500 E Colfax Avenue, sitting in the middle of the Hale, South Park and Monclair neighborhoods.

The motel said Denver developer Nathan Beal purchased the motel in 2022 and began renovations in 2024. Now, it's getting ready to reopen.

While the motel will stay a motel and will be restored in its original vintage style, there are some big changes, including a new coffee shop, cocktail bar and an event space.

“We are excited to re-introduce the La Vista Motel to the neighborhood. We wanted to restore this iconic property and bring it into the modern era with our touchless motel concept. Something between a traditional motel and AirBnB will give our guests the flexibility and competitive pricing we know they want,” said Beal.

El Piñon, named after the Spanish word "pine nut," is opening with the motel as a new coffee shop and cocktail bar. Led by Weston Scott, the founder of Denver's Ephemeral Rotating Taproom, the place will serve locally roasted coffee and original craft cocktails.

Despite the changes, the motel will still be a 23-room boutique property, and soon, it will be open to the public. The motel said that it's slated to open this fall, but there isn't an official opening date yet.