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Today's newsletter is 959 words — a 3.5-minute read.

The Broncos' owners tried to buy the historic Aztlan Theatre in La Alma-Lincoln Park this year — with an offer its longtime owner says "lowballed" him.

Why it matters: The previously unreported move shows the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group's real estate ambitions extend beyond Burnham Yard as it assembles land for a sprawling new stadium district.

• The Aztlan sits across Santa Fe Drive from the planned development — essentially its front porch — and has been a cultural anchor for Denver's Chicano community for decades.

Driving the news: Longtime Aztlan owner Timeo Correa tells Axios he offered to sell the theater for roughly $4.6 million this year.

• The Broncos' owners came back with less than half of that — about $2 million.

What he's saying: "They sort of lowballed me," Correa says.

• He didn't counter. "I just didn't answer them."
• The exchange happened roughly six months ago, and there have been no further negotiations as of last Saturday, he says.

The other side: The Broncos declined to comment.

Zoom out: The team has bought up property around the 58-acre Burnham Yard site as they plan a vast, privately financed stadium district.

• The Broncos say "various private real estate acquisitions" will contribute to a development area spanning more than 100 acres.

Between the lines: The project is fueling concerns about displacement in La Alma-Lincoln Park, even as the Broncos promise to preserve the neighborhood's cultural character, Denverite reported last month.

Flashback: Correa, who's owned the theater since 1972, first revealed the Aztlan was for sale to Axios in 2023. At the time, he wanted $5 million.

Yes, but: Denver currently values the property at about $1.43 million for tax purposes, assessor records show.

The latest: Correa says he's talking with another prospective buyer who isn't connected to the Broncos.

• Whoever buys it will "be in a better situation than I [was] because the Broncos are moving in over there," he says.

What we're watching

A Denver law firm at the center of an ethics investigation involving City Attorney Miko Brown is poised to get another $500,000 from the city.

Why it matters: Brown says the contract with Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell — her former employer — is vital to defending the city against two employee lawsuits.

• But the proposed contract increase comes as Denver's ethics board investigates how the firm was selected.

Driving the news: A City Council committee yesterday advanced the $500,000 increase, which would bring the firm's contract to $970,000.

• That would pay for work involving two separate lawsuits filed by current and former city employees.

Catch up quick: The Board of Ethics is investigating a complaint over the City Attorney's Office's decision to hire Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell.

• The complaint alleges potential conflicts of interest involving Brown, who worked at the firm from 2007 to 2017 and became city attorney last year.
• The contract increase advanced yesterday is referenced in the complaint, documents obtained by Axios Denver through a public records request show.

Caveat: The board's decision to investigate doesn't mean Brown violated the city's ethics code.

Zoom in: Brown told a council committee yesterday that no conflict exists.

• While she says a five-person panel including herself picked the firm, she cast the final vote in favor, which didn't affect the unanimous outcome.
• She adds the firm has worked for the city since 2011.

The other side: Councilmember Stacie Gilmore criticized Brown for participating in the panel vote and unsuccessfully tried to postpone the contract increase.

What's next

Fresh off their Michelin recognition, two local restaurants landed on another hot list.

Zoom in: The New York Times yesterday included Heretík and Milpero among its scouting team's 50 "favorite places in America right now." (Gift link)

State of play: Milpero just became Colorado's 10th restaurant to earn a Michelin star, while Heretík earned a recommendation in the Michelin Guide. Both restaurants opened in May.

Dig in: The Times praised Heretík for its "unfussy but deliberate and delicious" meals, including the stantout rotisserie chicken, with a special nod to chef Theo Adley's take on pan con tomate.

• Johnny Curiel's Milpero in RiNo was lauded for "no misses" on its 18-course tasting menu.

🫠 Denver joined Washington, D.C., as one of just two cities tracked by a data firm that recently recorded fewer office visits than in previous years. (CPR)

🔎 Caring for Denver, the sales tax-funded nonprofit under scrutiny for questionable spending, would be subject to open records laws like other city agencies under a new City Council proposal. (Denverite)

🚍 RTD's board hopes to name a new general manager and CEO by year's end. Current leader Debra Johnson's contract is set to expire next May. (Denver Post 🔑)

Axios Social Club brings together curious locals for good food, good conversation and a night out with people you might never meet otherwise.

How it works: Take a quick quiz, reserve your seat and we'll match you with five fellow locals at one of our favorite restaurants.

Here's the twist: You won't find out your restaurant or dinner crew until the day of the event.

• Then, all the tables meet up at a surprise afterparty.

Join us Oct. 6 at 6:30pm in Highland.

• Tickets are $15.99 per person.
• Food and drinks are purchased separately.

👉 Come hungry. We'll handle the rest.

🙏 John is thankful for the outpouring of good wishes after his car crash.

☕️ Alayna is excited for Cha's Café & Atelier to open tomorrow in Wah Gwaan Brewing's former space in her 'hood.

🇲🇽 Esteban is watching Mon Laferte's Tiny Desk concert.

Thanks to our editor, Gigi Sukin.