The story of Lala’s is rooted in Capital Hill’s history. The story begins with the Boettcher Mansion, otherwise known as Governor’s Mansion. Governor’s Mansion was the idea of Walter Scott Cheesman who first arrived in Denver in 1861 in an ox pulled wagon. Walter Cheesman quickly became an enthusiastic and effective booster of his new city, helping to bring railroad service to Denver, and establishing the towns real estate industry.
Walter Cheesman eventually married Alice Foster Sanger. Two years later their daughter, Glady was born and from the moment he saw her, Walter was devoted to her. As a teenager Glady helped her father design what would eventually become to be know as Governor’s Mansion. Unfortunately, just as construction was to begin in 1907, Walter Cheesman passed. Glady and her mother proceeded with the plans, and the result was a graceful, soaring home of three stories that soon became the envy of Denver high society. Glady and her mother would live in the house and over the years Glady Cheesman would follow in her fathers footsteps becoming a very influential socialite in the Denver community. Rumor has it that among her peers her nickname was Lala.
Mrs. Cheesman died in 1923 and the house was sold to Claude K. Boettcher, a leading western businessman. Mr. Boettcher presented the deed to his wife Edna Boettcher as a Valentine’s Day present in 1924. The Boettcher’s focused much of their time touring the world acquiring furnishings and art to fill the mansion. Claude Boettcher died in 1957 and his wife Edna passed the following year. The house was left to a private family foundation, and at the wishes of Edna Boettcher was presented to the State of Colorado as a gift to be used as a governor’s residence.
The Colorado Governor’s Residence began as a landmark private home, was transformed into a display of old-world elegance and remains one of the west’s true treasure houses. The house has been described as part executive, part repository of museum quality furnishings and art, and as a meeting place for the past and the future. By fulfilling this potential, Colorado itself is reflected, as the state unfolds from the hearts and dreams of its pioneers to become a truly cosmopolitan crossroads. Lala’s Wine Bar & Pizzeria is a reflection of the house that Lala helped to build.