Urban Sanctuary Begins Fundraising Effort to Buy Historical Five Points Building
The Denver-based yoga and wellness center seeks to purchase building
once occupied by the sons of Abolitionist Frederick Douglass
DENVER—Urban Sanctuary, through its nonprofit arm, is launching a community fundraising effort to buy the historical building that the yoga and wellness center resides in. Come April of next year, rent and the purchase price of the building, which was once occupied by Abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ two sons, will go up. While the cost savings of owning the building would be imperative for a small business trying to make ends meet during a pandemic, Urban Sanctuary Founder and Owner Ali Duncan finds deeper meaning for this next chapter in her business.
“When I first saw the listing for the building, I was covered in goosebumps! I knew this would be the place to start my wellness movement,” says Duncan. “There was so much work that needed to be done to update the space that it only inspired me and my family to work harder because we saw the vision of what Urban Sanctuary is now.”
Located at 2745 Welton Street, the Douglass Undertaking Building is rich with history. The building was once a one-story brick residence in the early 1890s. Esteemed Denver architect Merrill H. Hoyt, a design architect for institutions like the Denver Press Club and Steele Elementary School, designed the iconic facade in 1915; for the most part, the building has since maintained its original architecture. In 1916, Lewis and Frederick Jr. Douglass, sons of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, operated the Douglass Undertaking Company until the mid 1940s. Since then an upholstery company, pool hall, bar, and school have all been a part of the Douglass Undertaking Building’s story. In 2016, Urban Sanctuary moved in, marking the building’s latest evolution and notably, Denver’s first black, woman-run wellness studio.
“Owning property in any community is the most effective way to build generational wealth. Building that wealth contributes to community investment, stability and influence—things that black communities have not been able to fully participate in,” says Duncan. “For me, owning property as a black business owner in a black neighborhood goes much deeper than the physical. It’s a cultural and ancestral connection; it is connecting with the black communities across time, and giving us all a sense of belonging and inclusion.”
The Urban Sanctuary Nonprofit is a 501(c)3 that was established earlier this summer. Funding for the nonprofit will go towards the purchase of the building on 2745 Welton St., support youth and women-focused nonprofits and provide marginalized communities with access to tools, resources and a positive culture through yoga, meditation, and movement courses. Those interested in making a financial contribution can visit their donation page.
For more information about Urban Sanctuary or its nonprofit arm, contact Chea Franz at chea@indiecreativeco.com.
About Urban Sanctuary Wellness Center
Founded in 2016, the Urban Sanctuary Wellness Center is an ever-evolving community located in the heart of Five Points in Denver that is rooted in purpose, education and love. Offering yoga classes, life coaching, Reiki and workshops, Urban Sanctuary also provides rental spaces for practitioners to offer preventative health care services. The wellness center launched Urban Sanctuary Denver Nonprofit in June of 2020, to continue its focus and support of providing a safe space for black, Indigious, people of color and the LGBTQIA community. Through its charitable arm, Urban Sanctuary seeks to continue its offerings to marginalized communities with education on preventative wellness, self empowerment and expressive freedom through yoga, meditation and movement courses in a judgement and shame-free environment that promotes inclusivity and diversity. For more information about Urban Sanctuary, visit USDenver.com.