photos > JOSH DUTCHER

For over 135 years, the soil west of the Arkansas River known as Delano has been fertilized by the commitment of its people. It started out as a cattle stop along the Chisholm Trail, populated by cowboys and prostitutes committed to carving out a space where Wild West vices could rule. Today, rabble-rousing has morphed into an avant-garde creative culture, and trendy boutiques, art studios, and yoga classes have taken the place of stables and saloons. There are new pioneers in Delano, and they’re committed to continuing the legacy of making this unique space.

A connected crew of new business owners open to harnessing the natural spirit of the land is part of what defines its modern incarnation. Cassie Lauber-Hardenbrook, of Bohemia Healing Spa & Apothecary, says, “It’s really a laid-back neighborhood! I love that everything is walking distance, and I love the huge variety of shops you can find.” Business partner Kali Day likes the originality.  “It’s the one part of town that feels organic,” she says. “It’s got personality.”

Dr. Adrian Tartler of Siva concurs. “The whole neighborhood is down-to-earth and not pretentious. All walks of life blend in well here,” he says. Dr. Tartler believes that his holistic, natural approach to health compliments the local, where walkability is rich and bicycling is in vogue.

“Tolerant, integrated, and diverse—that’s how I’d describe it,” says Kelsey Metzinger of Bungalo 26. “It’s the artsy, big-city life, contained inside a small neighborhood.”

With ambitious, downtown development plans unfolding to the east, Delano seems to have captured that do-it-yourself mentality to make progress happen.  “Others are planning it, but in Delano we’re already doing it,” Day says. Metzinger says she has had major, established developments from other parts of town try to entice her into moving her store. Her faith in the district and relationships with her neighbors keep her in place. “The businesses here are very connected. We help each other out and take care of each other,” she says.

It isn’t just commerce that drives Delano; community is also a key. Nearly 6,000 people live in the area.  Karen Cravens, president of the Delano Neighborhood Association, says it’s the first place she’s lived where she feels really connected to her neighbors. She points out that many of the residents have lived in the area since after World War II, though a new, younger breed of inhabitants is emerging. “Delano is very accessible. People are generally very respectful and accommodating,” she says. It’s also a cheaper alternative to direct downtown living. You can often buy a house in the neighborhood for under $40,000 or rent one for around $400 a month.

Commerce and community converge frequently to bring the public here. The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is an ICT staple that draws thousands and has been organized for years by long-time business owner Nancy Lawrence. The Rumble in Delano car show is another colorful event that simultaneously shows off the significance of local artistic talent and the importance of supporting local businesses. The emerging Delano Community Development Corporation is another sign of the power of committed connectedness. It could help shepherd through many proposed improvements to the area—such as expanded streetscaping, community markers, and even an urban village with mixed-use residential/retail buildings.

Vice may have ruled Delano in times of yore, but vitality seems to be its contemporary core value. Lots of change is coming, and Delano’s modern-day pioneers will guide it forward. In doing so, they will continue the tradition of lively enrichment of this land’s soil!