Thorn built a similar project at the Yale Ave. light rail station a couple of years ago, with 50 units and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail. When last discussed, the University Station effort was planned as 60 apartments (six stories) with no retail element. Parking requirements would be met with a mix of on-site parking and spaces leased for tenants from the light rail station parking garage to the east.

The south-side ground floor retail space at the University Station remains yawningly vacant, although RTD’s Senior Manager of TOD Planning Coordination, Bill Sirois, told The Profile a change may be in the offing.

“We’re about ready to come out with a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a private developer whose project would support transit uses and help create a more vibrant station,” said Sirois, reiterating that RTD “has no money to put into the space.” An early 2012 RFP garnered two applicants – the University of Denver and Denver-based Westbrook Development – but neither offer met RTD’s requirements. Responses to the latest RFP will be due in early October.

Sirois confirmed RTD is still working with Thorn on a potential reconfiguration of the awkward egress of the station, with the strong potential of a much improved Kiss-n-Ride area straddling the space between the light rail station’s western edge and Thorn’s immediately adjacent project.

As The Profile went to press, Thorn was expected to give an update on his plans at a meeting set for Thur., Aug. 30, at the Yale Ave. station development. This does not appear to be an open-to-the-public event. Mr. Thorn did not respond to phone or email contacts from The Profile.

For information, contact Councilman Chris Nevitt, 720-337-7777.

Nature abhors a vacuum, so it was only a matter of time before someone picked up the baton and opened the doors once again at 1700 E. Evans Ave., the former site of Tokyo Joe’s.

Coming to the University of Denver surrounds in the next few weeks will be the second location of Jelly’s (600 E. 13th Ave.), a popular breakfast/lunch joint that has tantalized the taste buds of its Capitol Hill devotees for some 18 months now.

The latest Jelly will be nearly twice the size of its predecessor to the north, with 102 seats inside and a dozen or so more on an outdoor patio. Owners Christina Smith and Josh Epps will replicate the bright, contemporary decor and breakfast/lunch menu (7a.m.-3p.m. daily) of the original, including many favorite breakfast comfort foods, but with a creative twist. How about some Frosted Flakes & Banana Pancakes? Or Bhakti Chai French Toast? Seared Salmon Benedict? Roasted Turkey Hash? The lunch menu does not go quite as far afield, but is equally evocative. The DU Jelly will have a liquor license, as well. For information, call 303-831-6301 or visit eatmorejelly.com.

The DU community lost a major purveyor of Middle Eastern eats when Garbanzo’s headed east to Colorado Blvd.last year. Fortunately, the gap in cuisine has been filled quite nicely by Pita Fresh, recently opened in a cozy spot at 2075 S. University Blvd., just south of Thai Basil.

Partners Rabee Alsharairi and Iounes Watban have prepared a traditional menu of Shawarma (chicken or beef) kabob, and falafel-based treats – platters, plates, wraps and salads – adding an impressive offering of nearly a dozen “pies” with similar ingredients and spices baked in puffy pita dough. Most of their menu items -- hummus, pita, and more – are made from scratch, in-house. And if you simply can’t stray from Yankee stand-bys, Pita Fresh can hook you up with a beef or chicken burger, as well as a “broasted” chicken plate to sate your patriotic rumblings.

Info: visit pitafresh1.com or call 303-955-8711.