A long-standing Denver business is facing a crisis after heavy rainfall led to significant flooding on Friday. Sudhir Kudva, the owner of The Squire Lounge on East Colfax Avenue, reports that approximately 3 feet of water breached his basement. This event caused a foundation wall to collapse and resulted in the destruction of furniture, equipment, and inventory.
Kudva, who has operated the bar for 22 years, identifies the ongoing road construction for the bus rapid transit project as a primary cause. He notes that the installation of soil cells for tree planting created openings in the stormwater system, allowing water and debris to flow directly into his building. While he has managed minor street-level flooding in the past, this recent incident is far more severe.
The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure plans to inspect the site to determine the cause of the flooding. They stated that the soil cells are capped with concrete and argue that existing drainage systems in the area are historically undersized. City officials claim they are currently working on infrastructure upgrades to handle higher volumes of water.
Kudva remains concerned about the future of his establishment, noting that such intense flooding is unsustainable for a business. He is waiting for his landlord to evaluate the structural damage to the foundation. City crews are scheduled to visit the site to check the efficiency of the stormwater pipes.