Kwame Spearman, former Tattered Cover CEO buys building, returns to bookselling

Former Tattered Cover co-owner and CEO Kwame Spearman is embarking on a new chapter in his bookselling journey. “Hopefully, the second time around will bring a bit more luck,” Spearman remarked.

At 41 years old, Spearman is set to open a bookstore with a focus on “soul and substance” at 1700 Humboldt St. in City Park West. Alongside a partner, he acquired the 9,000-square-foot building for $2.9 million this week.

Spearman, a Denver native, had previously led an investor group that purchased Tattered Cover in December 2020. His tenure as CEO ended in April 2023 following an unsuccessful run for the Denver school board. Despite opening locations in Colorado Springs and Westminster, the chain faced financial challenges and eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023.

With plans to launch his new bookstore, Denver Book Society, by spring 2026, Spearman aims to occupy a portion of the former Humboldt Kitchen + Bar space. The property also houses White Pie pizzeria and Dos Santos, with both establishments having several years remaining on their leases.

Prior to selecting 17th and Humboldt as the bookstore’s location, Spearman had considered Continuum’s 9th + CO development. However, he ultimately decided that owning his own real estate was crucial to maintaining true independence in the bookstore business.

Spearman’s vision for Denver Book Society extends beyond a traditional bookstore, aiming to establish a community hub with a unique selection of literature and engaging events. By prioritizing personalized recommendations from a knowledgeable staff, Spearman believes his bookstore will offer a distinctive experience compared to online retailers like Amazon.

Reflecting on his past experiences with Tattered Cover, Spearman acknowledges the challenges he faced as a first-time bookstore owner. Despite the setbacks, he remains optimistic about the potential for a bookstore to positively impact the community.

The partnership behind Denver Book Society includes Rich Garvin, a philanthropist from San Francisco. Together, they hope to create a bookstore that not only sells books but also fosters a sense of community and connection among readers.

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