Locally owned drug store in Sunnyside sold to Denver locals
Bob Katz, an 80-year-old Denver native, is passing the Sunnyside Drug store to the next generation after working there all his life. The store, located at 4600 Lipan St., was recently sold for $650,000 to Monica and Beau Speicher along with their friend Caine Knapp.
The sale of the 4,100-square-foot shop equates to $158 per square foot. Bob Katz reminisces about the busy days at the store with lines of customers waiting to get in, especially on Friday nights.
Following the sale, the Katz brothers have three months to clear out their belongings before the new owners renovate the building and lease it out. Monica Speicher expresses a preference for tenants with a nostalgic connection to the store.
The store, which opened in 1947, holds sentimental value for many locals, including Solomon Stark, a real estate broker who initially estimated the property’s value. The listing eventually went to Alex Kishinevsky, a lifelong friend of the Katz brothers.
The store, originally located in a house across the street, was established by the Katz brothers’ father and uncle. Bob Katz fondly recalls running the soda fountain and selling penny candy. The shop operated as a general store, providing groceries on Sundays when other stores were closed.
Over the years, the store’s opening hours and offerings evolved to adapt to changing neighborhood dynamics. Unfortunately, the store had to close during the pandemic and never reopened.
Despite the closure, the memories and community spirit of Sunnyside Drug live on in the hearts of those who frequented the store over the years.
Original article source: Denver Post
