Rockley Music Center to Close After Serving West Colfax For 73 Years
Located on West Colfax since 1946, Rockley Music moved to this location in 1964. | Photo Courtesy of Rockley Music
Rockley Music Center is evolving their business model and closing their location on West Colfax after 73 years of serving the West Colfax Corridor. The iconic music center has served and adapted time and time again to serve the music community here in Lakewood since their opening in 1964. "There’s a lot of looking back and a couple tears shed,” said Liane Rockley, vice president of Rockley Music told 9NEWS.
Photo of the original Rockley Music store from the late 1940s. | Photo Courtesy of Rockley Music
Beginning in 1946, the store began its business selling print music, washers and dryers, record players, and orchestral instruments. In the 1960’s store founder Melvin’s son Bob and his wife Nina joined the business.
The store went on to serve with Rockley’s Print Music legacy, open teaching studios to encourage learning instruments, and expand the relocated to Colfax & Dover.
The Bechstein stage in the Rockley Family Foundation Recital Hall was the venue for a variety of musical performances and community events.
Nina Rockley (front) and Liane Rockley pose with a classic Steinway piano in the Rockley Music showroom.
Today, Rockleys is best known for their beautiful piano show room . The Bechstein stage was built to provide space for recitals, workshops and community events. The Rockley Family Foundation was also established to bring musical instruments and scholarship monies to schools in need and continue to serve Colorado’s musical needs.
The Rockleys have been pillars of Lakewood and the West Colfax community. Nina Rockley has served on countless committees and boards, including the West Colfax Community Association and the Lakewood West-Colfax BID. Nina was selected as the very first recipient of the West Colfax LEGEND Award in 2015, honoring community members who have demonstrated a lifetime of service to Lakewood's West Colfax corridor. Attendees to this day still talk about her moving and entertaining acceptance speech.
"Nina has always been a strong voice for small business owners. She played an integral role in forming the business improvement district and supporting the emergence of 40 West Arts Creative District," said Bill Marino, director of the local BID and board chair of 40 West Arts. "From the 2004 community meetings through the designation of 40 West Arts as a state-certified creative district in 2014, Nina has been an active and vocal advocate. She is a visionary in every sense of the word!"
Everyone at WCCA would like to thank the Rockleys for everything they’ve done for the West Colfax Community and wish them the very best for the future and their new warehouse location.
The Rockley Music store closing event is November 19th-23rd. Be sure to visit this legend of West Colfax before it’s gone.
While the Rockley Music legend will continue in a different way--primarily through the Rockley Family Foundation--the retail buildings on West Colfax and the adjoining property on Dover Street are currently for sale. For information contact Easter Kettering at 303-292-3700. Click here to learn more.
Sources: Rockley Music, 9NEWS, CBS 4 Denver