Upcoming 1914 House closure evokes sadness, gratitude, concern, and a story

"Shocked," "I can't believe it," and "Oh, no!" were community members' immediate reactions to last week's announcement that Old Town Niwot's beloved 1914 House restaurant will close at the end of July. The shock changed to both sadness and gratitude, and then to concern over the future of other restaurants in Niwot and Boulder County. A couple of days later, a very frequent diner at 1914 House related his personal story of his relationship with the staff and other guests.

The Niwot Community Connection (NCC) men's coffee group was holding its usual semi-monthly meeting the morning the news of the upcoming closure was reported in The Left Hand Valley Courier. Discussion leader Andy Lattanzi said that the participants were shocked and "concerned over what this may mean for other businesses in Niwot."

The evening after the announcement, Niwot residents Cliff and Ariel MacTavish were dining at 1914 House, as they do about once a month. They shook their heads in disappointment that their favorite restaurant was closing.

Their daughter Siena's first job several years ago was working the front desk and the family became acquainted with the friendly staff at that time. Cliff MacTavish, a former upscale restaurant operator himself, said that owner Nick Mastronardi had done everything right in creating both the front of house and the dining experience. Ariel MacTavish described the restaurant as "a linchpin of 2nd Avenue."

As the initial reactions began to calm, Gunbarrel resident and long-time guest Geoffrey Culver shared his story. After the loss of his wife in 2013, Culver described his life as deeply lonely. He happened to stop in at 1914 House the second or third Friday after it opened, never expecting the restaurant would turn his life around.

He found the staff and other guests at the bar to be very welcoming. Thus began his Friday evening tradition of dining and socializing there. For years he has enjoyed spending time with six to eight regulars at the bar, and is there every week unless he is out of town. He thinks he may even have a standing reservation, as his spot is always available for him. 1914 House is simply "The House" to him, and the staff thank him for "Shopping The House."

Culver described how he inspired the addition of what is now the most popular dish on the restaurant's menu. He knew that chef Justin Hirschfield had worked at a nearby Italian restaurant. Culver told Hirschfield, "You must know how to make chicken piccata," and asked if he would make it sometime when he had a few extra minutes.

Hirschfield was happy to oblige – more than once. Other diners kept noticing it, and the outgoing Culver likely gave it enthusiastic reviews. There were more "special requests," followed by the addition of the dish as an occasional "daily special." The dish proved to be so popular that it was placed on the regular menu and consistently remains the restaurant's best seller. Culver is now known as "Geoffie Piccata" by many at 1914 House.

Culver said he has made "a ton of friends," and has shared many Thanksgivings, Super Bowl parties and other gatherings with them. The 1914 House regulars have become his family. The past years have been "an unbelievable run," and he said he will be very sad when 1914 House closes. Recalling the deep grief he was experiencing before he walked into the restaurant for the first time, Culver said with emotion, "1914 House was a lifesaver."

The outpouring of emotion following the announcement it will close underscores what a cherished fixture 1914 House has become. For many the restaurant is more than a place to eat, it is a place of community, and not just a house but a home.