DENVER (KDVR) — On Saturday morning, The Center on Colfax, a resource center for members of the LGBTQ community, said it had to close its doors for the remainder of the day, after learning that The Center on Colfax’s building was vandalized, according to a release on the organization’s website.
The Center on Colfax said that somebody tried to throw a large rock through three of the windows near the main entrance of the building. The rocks being thrown triggered the alarm, and members of the organization were alerted.
FOX31 reached out to the Denver Police Department, which confirmed that it is investigating the incident.
“The incident is reported, and Denver Police is investigating it. At this time, we can not confirm the alleged suspect, as investigators are looking further into it,” said a spokesperson for the Denver Police Department in a statement to FOX31.
The incident was caught on the security cameras of the building.
“It was purposeful,” said Kim Salvaggio, CEO for The Center on Colfax, in a news release. “As a community, we know that these moments are not simply random acts of mischief. While we may never know the intent behind this vandalism, we understand it within a broader history of attacks and intimidation that our community has faced.”
Saturday programming was canceled, but the organization said that future programming will be unaffected.
“Our commitment is unwavering — this is what resilience looks like. We will not disappear,” Salvaggio said in the release.
The front windows of the building are boarded up, while the organization begins repairs. The Center on Colfax said that it intends to make additional investments in safety and security.
“We know these changes can be difficult and even triggering to see. Please know that these decisions are made with deep care and reflection. Unfortunately, we are in a time when we must prioritize security in new and more visible ways — but we will do so while continuing to center community, connection, and care,” said Salvaggio.
While the repairs to the windows are being made, the boards covering the damage display the messages, “You won’t break our soul,” and “Broken windows never break community.”
The organization said that every challenge it faces only reaffirms its dedication to inclusivity and authenticity.
“These messages are not just declarations — they are reflections of our mission: to engage, empower, enrich, and advance the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community of Colorado. That mission is more than a statement; it is a living promise — one built on generations of courage and love. Every challenge we face reminds us why we exist: to create a world where everyone can live authentically, safely, and with pride,” said Salvaggio.
The Center on Colfax has been in operation for 50 years.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
