Jeff Hermanson is an award-winning placemaker, entrepreneur, and owner of Denver’s iconic Larimer Square.
Since acquiring Larimer Square in 1993, Jeff’s leadership and placemaking expertise has transformed the block into one of the most recognized collections of independent boutiques and chef-driven restaurants in the state, consistently ranking among Denver’s top destinations.
At the helm of the block, Jeff continues to implement his strong vision, solidifying Larimer Square’s iconic status by spearheading a dramatic revitalization of Denver’s number-one historic district. Jeff believes in embracing high density and mobility in the urban core, such as encouraging walkability and easy access to public transportation. His forward-thinking ideas including revitalizing cities to embrace technology like driverless cars, to source and grow food sustainability in urban environments, and to create new paradigms for diversity within our neighborhoods.
A strong proponent of incubating skilled, local restaurant talent, Jeff has partnered with a number of Denver’s notable chefs and restauranteurs to create some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Rioja, Euclid Hall, Bistro Vendome, Corridor 44, Bubu and TAG. Jeff was a principal partner in the award-winning restoration of Denver Union Station. His experience helped shape the Union Station Alliance’s vision for the historic train station-a national and international landmark for successful redevelopment of historic transit centers.
In 2019, Jeff was honored by the Colorado Restaurant Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Colorado FoodService Hall of Fame. In 2015, Jeff was inducted into The Denver & Colorado Travel Industry Hall of Fame for his long history of supporting historic preservation and re-energizing Denver’s retail, restaurant and entertainment scene. Jeff’s philanthropic and social responsibility efforts are principally focused on hunger awareness, food-system reform, and land conservation. He has served on the Board of Directors of We Don’t Waste and has been a board member and served as the President of the Crested Butte Land Trust.