An old fortune cookie factory in Denver’s historic Baker neighborhood has received a new lease on life as a public art space. The 5,000-square-foot building, dating back to the 1940s, has been transformed into a vibrant contemporary gallery named the “Cookie Factory.” This ambitious project, nearly ten years in the making, will open to the public this Saturday with a celebratory block party.
From Cookies to Contemporary Art
What was once a derelict building has now become a dynamic hub for artistic expression. The transformation was led by Amanda J. Precourt, a Denver-based philanthropist and mental health advocate, who saw potential in the crumbling structure and envisioned it as a sanctuary for community healing through art.
“When I bought it, the roof had collapsed, there was standing water, and it was full of mold,” said Precourt. Rather than demolishing the building, she chose to preserve its architectural soul—retaining original brickwork and timber beams—while modernizing the space to meet the needs of contemporary artists.
A Personal Mission of Healing and Creativity
Precourt’s motivation for creating the Cookie Factory stems from her own life experiences. She turned to art in her youth as a tool for emotional resilience, and now seeks to share that therapeutic potential with the broader community. “Art allows us to see the world through someone else’s eyes,” she explains, underlining the gallery’s mission of emotional connection and inclusivity.
This personal passion has translated into tangible commitments. Precourt has also underwritten gallery spaces at the Denver Art Museum, supports teen art programs, and backs national exhibitions. Her goal with the Cookie Factory is to extend that impact to Denver’s neighborhoods by making art more accessible and rooted in community values.
Design and Functionality
The renovation project brought in Davis Urban Architecture and architect Aaron Gray to realize Precourt’s vision. The result is a multi-functional space that includes traditional gallery rooms, a video screening area, and even an outdoor sculpture garden.
Importantly, the gallery is non-commercial—artworks are not available for sale on-site, reinforcing its role as a venue for creative experience rather than commerce. It’s a space designed for artists to experiment and for visitors to engage deeply with the work.
A Nature-Inspired Debut Exhibition
The inaugural show, titled “Nothing Without Nature,” features works by Los Angeles-based artist Sam Falls. Falls’ art draws directly from his time in Colorado, where he used natural elements like local flora and environmental exposure to create pieces that embody the region’s unique ecosystem.
Artistic Director Jérôme Sans described the collection as “a total work of art that encapsulates the essence of Colorado.” Visitors are invited to step into an urban gallery that offers the serenity and reflection of the wilderness.
Opening Celebrations and Community Engagement
The Cookie Factory’s public debut is set for Saturday, May 24, from 1 to 6 p.m. at 421 W. 4th Avenue. The free block party will include food trucks, live music, family-friendly activities like a Hula-Hoop class and a paper airplane contest, and a magic show by 11-year-old Ari Zarret.
Going forward, the gallery will open to the public every Wednesday, with monthly events designed to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Long-term plans include adding a coffee shop and artist studios nearby to further develop the site as a cultural cornerstone.
Building a Legacy of Accessibility and Innovation
In creating the Cookie Factory, Amanda Precourt has done more than renovate a building—she’s planted the seeds for a new model of community-centered art. By bridging personal healing, public access, and artistic innovation, the gallery offers something rare: a space where art feels both profound and personal.
Whether you’re a local art lover or a visitor exploring Denver, the Cookie Factory promises an experience that’s both rooted in place and rich in inspiration.
