El Chapultepec Is Closing Permanently After 87 Years In Denver

A historic Denver jazz club and bar is closing permanently after nearly 90 years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

El Chapultepec located at 20th and Market Street in Lower Downtown was a place for jazz musicians to cut their teeth. Many jazz greats frequently stopped by on tours to play for free.

The news came after the club, also known as the Pec, updated their hours on the official Facebook page on December 4.

On Monday, December 7, the family of the late owner, Jerry Krantz, offered a short post about the closing of the club.

"Krantz family sends our love to all who this decision affects, we did not take it lightly. The Pec is a living, breathing, member of both our family and the Denver community. The decision was multifactorial and though we know it's the right thing to do. We morn [sic] with you."

El Chapultepec first opened its doors in 1933, on the day Prohibition ended, according to CBS4.

By the 1960s, the venue had shifted to focus on live jazz music.

Jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennet, Count Basie, Wynton Marsalis, Doc Severinsen, and Frank Sinatra all took the stage at The Pec.

The Kantz family says they will address the media in a press conference on Tuesday, December 8.

Photo: Getty Images