Denver`s Civic Center Today
Transcription
Denver`s Civic Center Today
E s t. 1 9 7 0 + Vol um e 3 6 + Number 4 + Fa l l 2 0 1 1 the National Western Stock Show Legacy The National Amphitheater photographed by Louis Charles McClure between 1909 and 1910. Photo: Denver Public Library he recent news about the possible move of the National Western Stock Show from its historic location has created a lot of dialogue and many questions. Prompting the concern of many is the Stock Show’s long legacy in Denver, its association with the 19th century stock yards and its 105 year tenure in its current location just north of 1-70 and close to the railroad tracks that once transported hundreds of thousands of animals to and from the yards. Some of the questions that have been raised include those regarding the financing of a move, its economic impact, and the implications on transportation plans. There are also some intangible philosophical questions about whether the Stock Show’s legacy can survive a move, what happens to the institution if it loses its sense of place, the impact of a move on Denver’s identity, and of course, what happens to the Stock Show site itself, and the dozens of associated buildings, if the National Western leaves? While the city, the Mayor’s Advisory Group, Denver City Council, Historic Denver’s board and others grapple with the current debate we wanted to provide you with a brief introduction to the history of the Stock Show as we believe this history can inform current conversations. While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact beginnings of the National Western legacy, it’s clear its roots lie with the Stock Yards themselves and Denver’s early and enduring role as a “cow town.” This connection is evidenced by the oldest structure on the site, the center section of the Livestock Exchange Building, completed in 1898. Facing the railroad tracks and originally surrounded by cattle pens this building is at the heart of the Stock Show site and two subsequent additions, one in 1916 and one in 1919, make it a striking property. The five-story 1916 portion, which is the most recognized and prominent, was constructed by the general contracting firm of Allison Stocker and John H. G. Fraser for one million dollars. The building housed the offices of the Denver Union Stock Show Company, the first force behind the National Western Stock Show. The building also housed the Denver Daily RecordStockman newspaper, a restaurant, a cigar store, the Stockyards National Bank, the Colorado State Farm Bureau, and the local office of the U.S. Bureau of Agricultural Economics. Today the building is privately owned and remains in good condition, with amazing intact interior details. As the Livestock Exchange Building evolved so did the Stock Show itself. The first show, known as the Western Livestock Show, opened on January 26, 1906 under a circus big top. In 1907 and 1908 the show was held under a “monster” 150 x 175 foot tent. It was not until 1909, after the completion of the National Amphitheater, that the show was held in a proper structure. The National Amphitheater and Livestock Pavilion, today known as the Arena, was built in eight months and completed in time for the show on January 18, 1909. The building was considered a massive structure for the time, measuring 250 x 350 feet and seating 6,000. The interior columns are steel, as are the long girders spanning the 90 x 250 feet open arena. The walls are made of brick with massive steel pilasters that are four feet thick. This all rests on a huge concrete pad foundation and supports a wooden arched roof. The interior was lit by large flaming arc lamps and skylights. The National Western Stock Show Timeline 1898 Oldest section of what is now the Livestock Exchange Building constructed for the Denver Union Stockyard Company. 1906 First Stock Show opened under a circus big top. 1907 A “monster” 150 x 175 foot tent was manufactured by a local awning company as the venue for the next two Western Stock Shows. 1909 The newly constructed 6,000 seat National Amphitheater (Arena) opened. 1911 Two and three story barns and a club building constructed. 1917The elegant east portion of the Livestock Exchange Building opened. continued on page 9 continued on page 9 Denver, CO Permit No. 756 Historic Denver, Inc. 1340 Pennsylvania St. Denver, CO 80203 PAID Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage Historic Denver News from the director In This Issue: Page 1 T he Historic Buildings of the National Western Stock Show Complex Page 2 From the Director Page 3 Guest Author Page 4-5 Preservation Briefs Page 6-7 Historic Denver Annual Awards Page 8 Molly Brown House Museum Page 10 Post War Pattern Book Page 11 Supporters Page 12 Calendar of Events $5/ea. The 22 pocket-sized titles of our awardwinning guidebook series will take you on a historical journey across a century and a half of Denver’s incredible architectural past. Popular neighborhood walking tours include: Washington Park, Capitol Hill and Lower Downtown. Offered only at www.historicdenver.org. A living legacy of community support To learn more about how The Private Bank can help you achieve your financial goals, contact: Gary Lutz Executive Vice President (720) 947-6720 © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. 2 Historic Denver Inc. Photo: Havey Productions The first sentence of Historic Denver’s mission reads “Our mission is to preserve Denver’s significant historic fabric, its distinctive architecture and its cultural landscapes, which are the tangible reflections of our heritage and the foundation of our quality of life.” While many of our supporters and the community at large clearly associate our work with specific historic places and with iconic architecture, it’s important that cultural landscapes are also included, although often more difficult to define, identify or manage. So what is a cultural landscape? For most of us it’s a park, a formal garden or a natural resource, but the actual definition is much more inclusive. The National Parks Service defines cultural landscape as “a geographic area, including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein, associated with a historic event, activity or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values.” More informally defined by the Cultural Landscape Foundation, “cultural landscapes provide a sense of place and identity; they map our relationship with the land over time.” Both the National Parks Service and the Cultural Landscape Foundation agree that there are four types of cultural landscapes; designed landscapes, vernacular landscapes, historic sites, and ethnographic landscapes. Many preservationists and historians also recognize another subcategory, Historic Urban Landscapes, also known as Urban Cultural Landscapes. In this issue of the Historic Denver News we’ve included articles on more than one cultural landscape. Most readily identifiable is Civic Center Park, highlighted by our guest author Tina Bishop. Clearly a designed landscape, the park was intentionally planned by early twentieth century civic leaders to not only provide elegant open space, gardens and a location for monumental statuary, but also to engender certain feelings among residents and visitors alike. For locals it was intended to provide pride of place as well as inspiration to those working in the neighboring government and civic buildings. For visitors it was meant to impress. Over time the park has of course taken on other connotations and roles, and its design has evolved, but its original significance as a landscape has not diminished but instead expanded with the passage of time, the hosting of significant historical events, and the intangible sense of place it provides as the heart of the city. A near polar opposite, the National Western Stock Show grounds are also a cultural landscape, but this time not formally designed but vernacular and urban, evolving from a combination of place, people and time. The specific physical characteristics of the Stock Show site drove its early development, including the proximity to the South Platte River, the railroad tracks and downtown Denver, but it’s been the evolution of the Stock Show itself, and its related industries, that have so dramatically left their mark on the place, both tangibly and intangibly. Patricia O’Donnell, Principal of Heritage Landscapes and frequent speaker on the topic, puts it best when she describes the way in which a cultural landscape is a vessel of spirit of place. The Stock Show is a physical location, but it’s a conveyor of western traditions, a link to our state’s rural and agricultural heritage and an icon for our city that still prides itself on its western identity. Of course a great challenge with cultural landscapes; and urban cultural landscapes in particular, is managing the need for change. Change is an on-going and defining force on any landscape, and it must be managed without losing the historical associations, traditions and legacy that contribute to that elusive and essential spirit of place we all value in our community. The second part of Historic Denver’s mission is to be “a catalyst for and advocate of ideas, programs, actions and plans which enable our community to respect and carry forward the preservation of our heritage.” Both Civic Center Park and the Stock Show have ridden the waves of change many times, and in order to fulfill both parts of our mission Historic Denver will continue to pay close attention to how change is managed for such landscapes and the unique spirit of place they provide for our city. Annie Levinsky Executive Director Historic Denver, Inc. As of October 1, 2011 the offices of Historic Denver, Inc. will be temporarily located at: Molly Brown House Museum 1340 Pennsylvania Ave. Denver, CO 80203. Please send all correspondence to our new address. Phone and email will remain the same. Historic Denver, Inc. 1340 Pennsylvania Ave. Denver, CO 80203. 303.534.5288 tel. www.historicdenver.org Officers Chair First Vice Chair Treasurer Robert E. Musgraves Sarah S. Krause Michael (Mike) Coughlin Board of Trustees Margy Anderson Katrina Benes Anne Wainstein Bond Bar Chadwick Michael P. Coughlin Mark Davidson Holly Bunch Dencker Steve Ekman Mira Finé Fabby Hillyard Sarah Holtze Dennis Humphries Karen J. Jonas Sarah S. Krause James Kroll Holly Kylberg Thomas A. Lorz Carla McConnell Christie G. Murata Robert Musgraves David Pfeifer, AIA Jonathon Pray Mark Sheldon Rosemary Stoffel Cynthia M. Stovall Margaret Toal Elizabeth “Liz” Walker HD Central Office Executive Director Annie Levinsky x20 Outreach Coordinator Sophie Bieluczyk x16 Director of Preservation Programs John Olson x11 Director of Preservation Advocacy Alice Gilbertson x14 Preservation Programs Assistant Phillip Barlow x 14 Preservation Advice and Referrals A Program of Historic Denver 303.534.5288 x 4 Molly Brown House Museum 1340 Pennsylvania St. Denver, CO 80203 303.832.4092 www.mollybrown.org Director of Operations Andrea Malcomb x15 Curator Kelly Rasmussen x12 Volunteer and Program Coordinator Emily Parrington x10 Museum Educator Darcie Martin x17 Historic Denver News Managing Editor Sophie Bieluczyk Graphic Design Printing Mailhouse 303.534.5288 x16 Edgellworks Southeast Denver Graphics Direct Mail Concepts Historic Denver News welcomes your letters, contents of which may be edited for length and clarity. Please include your name, address and telephone number in correspondence to: Editor, Historic Denver News, 1628 16th St., Suite 200, Denver CO 80202. Fall 2011 guest author Denver’s Civic Center Today photo: Scott Dressel-Martin Tina Bishop Landscape Architect at Mundus Bishop Design “What a beautiful place,” a group of downtown workers remarked in Denver’s Civic Center on a recent warm summer afternoon. The group, along with numerous tourists, kids from summer camps, walkers and bicyclists, was enjoying the recently opened Broadway Terrace where finishing touches were being made on the city’s $9.5 million dollar rehabilitation. The park’s historic structures have been restored, new walks, benches and stately lawns installed, and lighting repaired in conjunction with a state-of-the-art irrigation system. Combined with the new improvements are a myriad of new activities including a daily outdoor cafe, lunch-time music, evening movies, and bike-to-park events. Hundreds of people enjoy the park each day, eating lunch from the many food trucks, watching the sunset on a Sunday evening while waiting for a movie to begin, or just relaxing in the shade on a new park bench. In many ways, this is a dream come true for a park that has been the subject of diverse ideas on how to best revitalize it as Denver’s most iconic public gathering space. Designed by Edward Bennett in the City Beautiful aesthetic, Denver’s Civic Center (1918) has served as the region’s central green space connecting local and regional government for almost one hundred years. Controversy over some revitalization ideas (from a full redesign to adding a building), and deterioration due to deferred maintenance helped land Civic Center on Colorado Preservation, Inc.’s Endangered Places list in 2007. Even though opinions differed dramatically on how to improve the park, the community pulled together to inform Denver’s Civic Center park master plan in 2005, the design guidelines in 2009, and to ensure that funding became available as part of the Better Denver Bond Program. Guiding the rehabilitation of Denver’s Civic Center is the park master plan that sets a clear vision. It also provides a physical plan along with management and programming recommendations, including the need for a non-profit partner. This idea was embraced early by the community, resulting in the creation of the Civic Center Conservancy before the master plan was completed. Today, the Conservancy is the driving force behind the innovative programs and activities enjoyed at Civic Center. Additional guidance was needed to assist with the implementation of the master plan, resulting in design guidelines that inform all rehabilitation and improvements. Hundreds of participants representing government, business, neighborhoods, designers, and preservationists were actively involved in working sessions, public forums, open houses, and one-on-one meetings, all resulting in the community supported plans. The revitalization of Denver’s Civic Center took hold when funding was made possible by the Better Denver Bond Program in 2007. In 2010, phase one of the park rehabilitation began with the restoration of the Greek Theater, Voorhies Memorial and the Balustrade Wall. For the iconic structures, this meant reroofing, stone restoration and replacement, structural repairs including rebuilding deteriorated support beams in the Greek Theater, repair of brick paving, scoping, replacement or rerouting of 90-year old roof drains, replacement of failing plaster, painting, and new architectural lighting. For the Balustrade Wall, restoration meant removal of non-historic features— stepped walls at the central stairs and more than one third of the balusters—and rehabilitation of the structure including stone restoration and replacement, and structural repairs. Civic Center’s primary building material, the beautiful purpleveined Turkey Creek Sandstone, is no longer quarried, meaning a replacement had to be found. In its place is Wilkinson Sandstone from Washington State of a similar color, texture, and physical and chemical properties. The Voorhies Memorial restoration extended to the Seal Pond and historic terrace, where the pool was repaired including new mechanical equipment, and the deteriorated terrace replaced with new concrete paving. The first phase of construction in 2010 lasted nine months and took 130 tons of stone, 90 tons of sand, 23,000 man hours, and 16,000 snorkel lifts. In addition, 2,800 hours of design time was spent by architects, landscape architects, engineers, and bird control specialists. Phase two of the park rehabilitation began in January 2011 focusing on the repair and improvement of the Broadway Terrace, which is the east section of the park, and an original component of Edward Bennett’s 1918 composition. Broadway Terrace is a symmetrical form with two lawns surrounded by Red Oak trees and bisected by the grand central promenade connecting Civic Center to the State Capitol grounds, and separated from the remainder of the park by the Balustrade Wall. For years, deteriorated paving, lack of seating, drainage issues, poor soils, and heavy shade limited everyday use and contributed to undesirable behavior. Today, the new Broadway Terrace is an inviting urban park space with a variety of engaging areas, a raised lawn, new walks that bring people into the center of the park, and restored historic features. Non-historic features have been removed and replaced with elements compatible with the park’s historic designed landscape, and that accommodate contemporary use. A new broad walkway lines the Balustrade Wall, showcasing this restored historic feature, solving drainage issues, and offering rows of benches. The rightturn lane at Colfax Avenue has been given back to park users with the vacation of the right-of-way and removal of the automobile lane. New park spaces occur along Civic Center’s edges on 14th and Colfax avenues, adjacent to the rehabilitated east west walks. The historic brick promenade walk that connects to Lincoln Park across Broadway has been restored. Historic lawns have been re-established and lined with a rose-colored granite edge, the same material as the original granite base of the park’s historic structures. With the new infrastructure improvements that build upon Denver’s Civic Center’s amazing historic features, the park is on target to regain its rightful place as the region’s greatest public space. Assisting in this revitalization is the concerted effort of the Civic Center Conservancy to activate the park on a daily basis and to provide small special events. Lunch hour at Civic Center EATS Outdoor Café is the new place to be. Tantalizing treats are served up by a variety of truck vendors every day, but Tuesdays and Thursdays are most remarkable when more than twenty vendors attract hundreds of people. Not continued on page 10 Historic Denver Inc. 3 Historic Denver News Preservation Briefs North High School Jane Crisler, Architect Humphries Poli Architects Our challenge was to transform the historic 1911 North High School building to meet the educational needs of the students, faculty and staff, and to support the process of academic reform that is already underway at North High School. The end goal was to make North High into a 21st effective and generally better to raze older school buildings and build new facilities, rather than rehabilitating existing schools. However, recent studies suggest that in many cases it is not only fiscally sound, but even preferable to rehabilitate older school buildings from a community, sustainable and academic perspective. Based on these facts, Denver Public Schools, led by Project Manager Gary Beutler, undertook a meticulous effort to rehabilitate the interior of the 1911 building as called for in the 2006 Master Plan developed forming 21st Century school. In the words of a former PTA President, “Older and historic schools tend to be smaller, more ‘high touch’ and easier to interact with. They are from an era when neighborhoods had an identity. They anchor neighborhoods.” North High School is an iconic building in Northwest Denver whose preservation and revitalization is essential for it students and the community. Denver Inner City Parish John Olson Director of Preservation Programs century high performing model campus while preserving the historic integrity and community identity of the building. Designed by architect David W. Dryden, the original North High School building was completed in 1911 and is considered to be one of Denver’s finest examples of “Beaux Arts” architecture. This style is evidenced in the curved metal roof features, rooftop finials, broken pediments, ionic columns, brick exterior walls with rusticated brick quoins and pilasters. There is extensive use of glazed terra cotta and pressed metal ornament throughout the buildings’ facades. The adjacent industrial arts building, built in 1913, features many of the same materials and elements. The North High School campus has evolved piecemeal over the subsequent 100 years. In 1959, an addition was built off of the southeast corner of the 1911 Building to house physical education, which includes a swimming pool. Another, more contemporary two-story addition was added in 1983 to include the existing auditorium, administration offices, and additional classrooms. Since these functions were originally housed in the 1911 building, its interior has inevitably evolved over time and as a result many “character defining” elements have been lost or obscured by subsequent remodels. Nevertheless, in 1996 North High School was designated a Denver Landmark. This designation acknowledges the high historic integrity of the building’s exterior as well as the remaining historic fabric on the buildings interior. The average age of American school facilities is close to fifty years and maintenance on these buildings is often overdue. Therefore, many believe it is more cost 4 HH istoric istoric DD enver enver Inc Inc . . by Humphries Poli Architects and klipp. This was the second phase of construction following the window replacement and exterior rehabilitation undertaken by the same team in 2007. The school district passed a bond measure in 2008 that funded both the preparation of construction documents and the ultimate rehabilitation of the interior of the building, which included construction of a new central utility plant to provide all new heating and cooling systems to the building. The year and a half rehabilitation project, implemented by Adolfson & Peterson Construction, restored the pressed metal ceiling and wood floors in the classrooms, reinstituted the large central light wells at the core of the building and rehabilitated the decorative mosaic tile floors and historic murals that remained in the building. In addition to these successful preservation efforts, the school was provided with new lighting and technology systems such as wireless access as well as a new fire sprinkler system. Smaller modifications include retrofitting original wood frame blackboards to accommodate white and “Smart” board technologies as well as restoring the decorative wood chair rail throughout the building that was removed in the 1980s. The success of the rehabilitation project was celebrated at the grand “reopening” of the school on July 29 which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Building. At the ceremony, attended by Mayor Hancock, Superintendent Boasberg and many other City Council and School Board members, DPS recognized that older schools represent the history and identity of the neighborhood. DPS stated that older schools can successfully meet the standards of a high per- Historic Denver is pleased to announce the successful grant award from the State Historical Fund (SHF) for Denver Inner City Parish (DICP). Historic Denver will manage the grant on behalf of the DICP. The DICP is housed in the Gothic Revival Smith’s Chapel that was built in 1882, a typical church design for its period. The Chapel is constructed of rhyolite stone with a 1920s two-and-a half-story brick classroom addition on the east side of the building. Originally a United Brethren Church, the Chapel is one of the oldest churches on the west side of Denver and a significant architectural landmark in the Lincoln Park/La Alma neighborhood. Lincoln Park/La Alma is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods dating from the settlement of Auraria City, where the Auraria Higher Education Campus is currently located. The majority of the neighborhood’s residential blocks were developed before 1900. This area of the neighborhood was platted in the 1880s as Smith’s Addition and the Chapel was purportedly named for its association with the adjacent residential development. The Denver Inner City Parish was founded in 1960 and occupied Smith’s Chapel in 1961 as a non-denominational, non-profit agency dedicated to serving the spiritual and secular needs of low-income residents living in the west Denver community. Today the building is used as the home of the DICP’s educational programs, including La Academia, (a 7-12th grade high school), a night school for adults earning their GEDs, summer day damp and after school programs, a summer lunch and breakfast program and worship. The work accomplished with this grant will enhance the learning environment for the DICP educational pro- grams by replacing non-historic doors and windows which are now damaged, non-functional, and non-transparent with those which are more compatible with the 1920s classroom addition and will ultimately operate properly. Additionally, non-historic materials such as suspended ceilings and intrusive electrical and cable systems will be removed or relocated, restoring the historic volume of the classroom spaces and enhancing existing features such as original fireplaces and Gothic window openings. Through the past support of the SHF, the Denver Inner City Parish has been undertaking a series of preservation projects that included a Historic Structures Assessment and exterior restoration of the original Chapel building. With the guidance of Historic Denver’s Sacred Landmarks Program, and the SHF, this group has demonstrated its commitment to a full preservation program. This latest project continues that legacy and will reinvigorate the 1920s addition for many more years of educational service. Epiphany Episcopal Church John Olson Director of Preservation Programs Epiphany Episcopal Church on the northeast corner of 1st Avenue and Colorado Boulevard is a landmark in every sense of the word. If you are driving down Colorado Boulevard, just east of the Cherry Creek shopping district, you can’t miss this beacon of light on the hill. Its concrete aggregate panels and cubic form culminate in a central tower that dominates one of the highest points of the city. A locally designated structure, Epiphany Episcopal Church is currently wrapping up a much needed grant from the State Historical Fund (SHF) to repair the over 50-year-old roof. Historic Denver, Inc. has been proud to have partnered with Epiphany Church as the grant manager for this project. The Epiphany Episcopal Church was designed in 1941 by the architect Arthur S. Axtens. Axtens was a registered architect and engineer with his own private practice in Denver from January 1927 through 1957. The church building is a significant example of inventive modern architecture of the 1940s. Its art deco sleek setbacks emphasize the vertical- Fall 2011 State Historical Fund Awards Discover Denver! Grant to Historic Denver ity of its tower. However, its smooth faced concrete (added over the original brick in 1959 to match the veneer of the addition) is accented by the windows with subdued, flattened, and geometric ornament and makes it an important bridge to moderne architecture. In 1959 a $450,000 addition was added to house classrooms, a kitchen, and a chapel. The addition was designed by Walter Simon and blends well with the original Axtens design. With the 1959 addition, a sidewalk was extended from the new Chapel to Colorado Boulevard and the original concrete entry plaza was replaced with a terrazzo plaza. With the expansion of Colorado Boulevard (once a two lane dirt road in the early 20th century), stairs to the main entry were angled towards the northeast corner of the intersection. While very modern in appearance on the exterior, the sanctuary has a Byzantine feel with intricate painted panels on the ceiling depicting the life of Christ. Oral history claims that the ceiling was hand stenciled by a young German artist after the Second World War. The church is filled with liturgical art and features many symbols painted into the Nave’s coffers. In addition to Epiphany Episcopal Church, Arthur Axtens designed the Dorset House at 1001 Logan Street, with Streamline Moderne detailing; Steck School in 1929 and its addition in 1942, whose verticality is also stressed; the Evergreen High School in 1948 that is now demolished; and Porter Memorial Hall at Colorado’s Woman College in 1939, whose similarly simple design in stone and brick was deemed 9th on a list consisting of 18 of Denver’s finest examples of architecture in America’s oldest architectural journal, the Architectural Record, on December 10, 1939. Throughout the building’s history, Epiphany Episcopal Church has played a prominent role in the east Denver area. Epiphany’s charismatic minister of the 1930s, the Reverend Robert A. Russell, built the previously failing congregation back up to 700 people and raised the necessary $60,000 to build the church which now stands elevated on the hill. The church sits on the border of the Hilltop neighborhood that is famous for its International Style and postmodern residences, as well as some of the best traditional Tudors anywhere. First platted in 1886, Hilltop has preserved many of its old dwellings, but it is under tremendous pressure from developers and real estate speculation. As a significant building in a neighborhood that is undergoing drastic changes in architecture and redevelopment, Epiphany Episcopal Church is an important anchor demonstrating the importance of modern architecture pres- ervation to the community. In addition, Epiphany Episcopal Church has utilized its neighborhood anchor status to foster many needed programs for the surrounding community. Included are programs that allow for home schooled children to gather once a week and be taught by Aurora Public School teachers. The church sponsors two Alcoholic Anonymous groups and a Cub Scout Den. The Denver Ballet School teaches dance class to neighborhood children and it is a link between the church and local DPS schools. The church also provides their facilities for a Spanish as a Second Language Class for preschool children. Epiphany has a large multinational and multiracial presence in the community through its regular attendance and its mission services. The church leadership was eager to protect the interior decorative treasures and ensure their space was safe and dry in order that their many community functions could continue. The roof repair momentum was initiated after a 2008 Historic Structure Assessment called out the roof as a much needed maintenance priority. The church initiated a capital campaign in 2009 to ready themselves for the roof expenditure and/or a cash match requirement for a prospective grant. Discussions between the church and Historic Denver’s Sacred Landmarks Program were ongoing in 2009. On October 1, 2009, a SHF grant was submitted through the help of both parishioner Boyd Berryman and Fr. Stace Tafoya. The project got underway after the grant award was announced in 2010. To start the repair of the roof, the existing 50 year old tapered insulation was taken off down to the concrete decking. Then, new insulation was installed and structural backing and felt layers were added to seal the low sloped roof. The existing pink coping tiles still visible on some of the parapets were carefully flashed to reveal their historic profile without compromising the weather tightness of the perimeter. A reflective coating was the final application to reduce heat gain so the roof can last longer and the church can reduce its mechanical demands. Front Range Roofing Systems acted as the contractor and utilized Garland roofing materials to complete these much needed repairs. We are pleased the grant process has been so beneficial for this Denver community church. The repairs will go a long way in ensuring the church can serve its congregation and the many programs available for the community. Historic Denver will continue to seek out Sacred Landmarks in need and support their significant service by strengthening their historic structures. = Alice Gilbertson Director of Preservation Advocacy gather information on our built environment and how we share Denver’s story within the community. The pilot program will seek to provide tools and information that have long term value to the city, state, property owners and the overall community. Another objective of the pilot program is to provide a model for process and results that may be modified for use in other large-scale survey environments around the state or country. Throughout the process the program will strive to make the best use of technology and engage and educate the community. Finally, taking stock of the current financial status, the program will be tailored to fit the human and financial resources that are expected to be available in coming years. The pilot program will focus on three selected areas and will test four levels of information gathering, analysis, and evaluation. Three pilot areas will be chosen to test the strategies. The areas, which will be both geographically and thematically defined, are expected to include: On August 1st the State Historical Fund (SHF) announced the recipients of grants. Historic Denver, Inc. received funding for the next phase of Discover Denver!, our innovative city-wide historic resources survey initiative. The pilot program of Discover Denver! will survey primary buildings in • Multicultural areas to assist with develDenver. Only 5% of Denver’s 161,000 oping survey strategies that effectively primary buildings have ever been surengage diverse communities; veyed, in large part because of a lack of • Neighborhoods with strong support for efficient and cost-effective processes to survey activity; address the volume and density of our • Areas with a range of potential historic urban resources. Discover Denver! will resources allowing for refinement of serve many purposes, including working determination of significance; as a planning tool and providing educa• Neighborhoods involved in the Denver tional opportunities to various segments Public Library’s Creating Communities of the public – property owners, developprogram, to leverage the outreach ers, city staff, elected officials, neighboralready undertaken and the historic hood associations, realtors, students, and information already collected in the preservation groups. community; The development of the “how to” • Areas or themes with existing backstrategy to guide the cityground information, such wide effort, which was as existing historic context completed earlier this statements. summer by Winter & Company, was the first The project will be man“This promises to be step in the multi-year suraged by Alice Gilbertson, a very important and vey project. The methodHistoric Denver’s Director useful grant project ology developed in that of Preservation Advocacy that will benefit the initial phase was also parand Savannah Jameson, entire state. The test tially funded through a Senior City Planner with of new approaches SHF grant and was comthe City & County of and technologies will pleted in partnership with Denver, will be leading result in an improved the City and County of the efforts on behalf of set of survey “best Denver and with input Community Planning & practices” that will from the Survey Advisory Development. Historic benefit history survey Group. Representatives Denver, in partnership with efforts in all Colorado from across the commuthe City and County of communities.” nity comprise the Survey Denver and with involveAdvisory Group, which Jim Lindberg, ment from the State Office has been instrumental in National Trust for of Archeology and Historic shaping the overall surHistoric Preservation Preservation, will be sharvey approach and work ing information about scope for the proposed Discover Denver! through pilot program. the Historic Denver News The pilot program is and our website. Check intended to test the surin regularly to follow our vey approach, which is progress on this very excitdesigned to be cost-effective, efficient, ing project! inclusive, and a model for how surveys “The city-wide survey initiative is can be conducted across the state in the intended to tell Denver’s story in a way future. The Discover Denver! pilot will that is inclusive of all members of the comincorporate a number of innovations, munity, which will be particularly imporincluding extensive collaboration among tant to Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation professional consultants, volunteers, his(INC), which values the diversity of our torians, students, and public institutions. neighborhoods and our present and past The traditional camera and clipboard residents.” Letter of support signed by approach to conducting surveys will be twenty representatives of INC. replaced with databases compiled from “This survey will answer the quesmultiple sources of public information tions about what is important in Denver’s and with hand-held tablet PCs for use in built environment and why.” Former the field. Development of a framework Denver Mayor Guillermo (Bill) V. Vidal for Denver’s historic context and themes “This will be an ideal student volwill build upon the major chapters in unteer educational opportunity.” Dr. Denver’s story. The pilot program of Thomas J. Noel Discover Denver! will shape how we istoric enver Inc HH istoric DD enver Inc . . 5 Historic Denver News historic denver’s Annual Awards Einfeldt Pump Station :: Denver Water Historic Denver’s Annual Awards For over 40 years Historic Denver has been honoring the preservation projects that form the backbone of Denver’s identity and quality of life. The Community Preservation Awards are given annually to a handful of projects, institutions and individuals that have made an exceptional contribution to the preservation of Denver’s heritage. These projects exemplify high quality restoration, the careful consideration of the city’s historic fabric and a commitment to community. The winners of these awards are essential to Historic Denver’s mission and the organization takes great pride in recognizing those who assist us in enhancing Denver’s built environment. Denver History & Architecture Project :: Bromwell Elementary For over ten years teachers at Denver Public School Bromwell Elementary have been inspiring a new generation of preservationists with an in-depth study of Denver history and architecture. Known by a generation of students as the Denver History & Architecture project, the teachers of the third grade classrooms immerse students in local history by taking them on fieldtrips to LoDo, the Molly Brown House and the state capitol, integrating planning and architecture presentations into classroom activities and by assigning one culminating project- the recreation, in model form, of the student’s favorite historic building. These models are accompanied by the student’s own research and selections range from their own homes to local icons, such as the Equitable Building and the D & F Tower. While all Colorado students study local history in the 3rd or 4th grade, Bromwell has made an exceptional commitment to history and preservation through this innovative unit. Students don’t just learn a few facts, but gain an appreciation for the stories and the places that make our city unique, an appreciation they will carry with them as they become active citizens and community leaders. 6 HH istoric DD enver Inc . . istoric enver Inc Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower The next Community Preservation Award is given to the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The tower, completed in 1911, is a local landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inspired by the campanile of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the structure is the city’s finest example of Renaissance Revival architecture, and is also representative of the early days of Denver’s preservation movement. The tower was designed by Frederick Sterner and George Williamson. Designated a landmark in 1969 the once attached Daniels & Fisher Department store, which spanned the whole block, was demolished in 1971, but preservationists were able to save the Clock Tower, which is today the most iconic historic structure downtown and a fixture in the city’s skyline. The building is now divided into separate commercial condominiums and is governed by an owner’s association, but several past and present owners give credit for its careful stewardship to Richard Hensel, who has served as the building’s advocate for many years. Multiple phases of renovation have kept the tower standing proudly through its first century. The Einfeldt Pump House is being given a Community Preservation Award for its sensitive addition. After a design competition local architect Robert Stifler designed the original Einfeldt Pump Station in 1932. Denver Water needed the facility to help spread its services to the growing city. In the 1960s the pump station was expanded to include a small cinder block structure to house decentralized Transmission and Distribution Crews, as the flood of 1965 had taught the utility the importance of having localized, ready response after the central headquarters was incapacitated. By 2001 Denver Water realized that the 1960s addition was no longer adequate and began preparing to replace the structure, however this time they recognized that the new facility should be more closely integrated with the original 1932 structure. Denver Water hired Wong Strauch architects to design the sensitive new facility, this time matching and honoring the solid oak finish on the interior windows, the crenellation on the parapet, the use of rod-iron and the repetitious brick patterns that make the original structure so charming. Their efforts resulted in a successful and complimentary new structure that is partner to the 1932 neighborhood landmark and an asset to the community. Engine House No. 5 :: SlaterPaull Architects Constructed in 1922 as an Engine House for the City and County of Denver Fire Department, the 13,500-square-foot building at 19th and Market is listed as a contributing building in the Lower Downtown Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The long anticipated renovation of Engine House No. 5 was completed by SLATERPAULL Architects who now occupy the building. According to SLATERPAULL, their design solution blended the historic character of the Engine House with a flexible, collaborative environment through sustainable design efforts. Spectrum General Contractors worked with SLATERPAULL on the renovation, which included the rehabilitation of the windows, repairs to the exterior masonry and the reuse of the original interior locker room as meeting and staff space. “Green” upgrades include better use of natural light, the reuse of existing materials and the addition of chilled-beam technology for heating and cooling. SLATERPAULL also maintained the original tower on the structure, which was used to hang wet fire hoses to dry. Engine House No. 5 has been named as the first LEED Platinum historic building in Colorado. Platinum is the highest level of green building certification given by the U.S. Green Building Council. Holland House :: Shirley Kinneally The final Community Preservation Award is given for the stewardship of the Holland House. When Shirley Kinneally purchased the home at 2340 S. Josephine, now known as the Holland House, she knew she’d found something special. One of only four residential buildings designed to be built entirely of concrete by innovative architect Eugene Groves the home is a rare find. It also requires a rare type of owner, one willing to submit to the eccentricities of Grove’s design and willing to be a steward to a small home on a large lot that others might not see as valuable. The home was constructed in 1932/33 and employed a system of precast concrete studs and beams, concrete slab floors, and concrete stucco over wire mesh walls. Groves patented technique eliminated the need for wooden structural members. Even kitchen countertops, tables, seating and bed units were made of reinforced concrete. The Holland House was the first of Groves concrete homes, but his dream to mass produce the product never caught on. In 2010 Shirley solicited the help of Historic Denver and its Partners in the Field program to seek individual designation for the property. Formally approved by Denver’s city council on August 16, 2010, the home is now protected in perpetuity and can be appreciated and admired for decades to come. It is the only Groves House to have this level of protection. Fall 2011 to create two new historic districts in Curtis Park. Carla also shared Margaret “Molly” Brown’s flare for fashion and was known to don Victorian garb, complete with an elaborate hat, when the occasion permitted. Carla’s death in April 2011 was a loss to the preservation community and the city at large. Ann Love Award Larry D. Williams Molly Brown Award Councilwoman Carla Madison The Molly Brown Spirit Award was created to honor women who live in Margaret “Molly” Brown’s spirit today by devoting many years to civic life in all its forms, actively engaging themselves in politics, philanthropy, arts and cultural endeavors and historic preservation as Mrs. Brown did. Each year this award honors a woman who demonstrates this same level of passion about the world and who is willing to take the lead, speak her mind and make Denver a stronger community for everyone. This year the Molly Brown Spirit Award is given posthumously to City Councilwoman Carla Madison. Carla Madison had tremendous passion for life and like Molly Brown herself, she was willing to try almost anything. An avid traveler with degrees in geography and physical therapy Madison also once worked as a costumer in a theater and a hot air balloon pilot, but what set her a part most was her dedication to the Denver community. Carla was a tireless advocate for neighborhoods and quality of life. In her City Park West neighborhood she engaged actively in making improvements, whether related to zoning or school reform. She was also a tremendous supporter of the arts, helping to found the City Park Festival of the Arts and supporting many other cultural activities. In 2007 Madison was elected to the Denver City Council representing District 8. As a councilwoman she remained committed to her passions, namely the arts and neighborhoods. She was a great friend to preservation and helped to better protect the San Rafael National Register Historic District, the Humboldt Street Historic District and The Ann Love Award was established in 1997 to honor individuals who may not consider themselves traditional preservationists but have shown initiative, creativity, and commitment in preserving the history, culture and architecture of Denver. The award is named for Ann Love, wife of Colorado Governor John Love. Mrs. Love was instrumental in saving the Molly Brown House and establishing Historic Denver but never considered herself a preservationist. She had remarkable determination and garnered support for projects she felt were essential to making Colorado and Denver one of the country’s best places. This year’s Ann Love Award is given to Larry Williams. Although he is the first to claim he is not a preservationist, for more than two decades Larry Williams was a key force behind the preservation and careful stewardship of dozens of historic schools in the Denver Public School system. As an architect for DPS Williams was charged with making key decisions that impacted school renovations, additions and demolitions. His leadership was particularly appreciated during the extensive rehabilitation of Dora Moore Elementary at 8th & Corona. He advocated for the 1889 masterpiece by Colorado’s first licensed architect, Robert Roeschlaub, and oversaw several phases of work funded by DPS with grants from the Colorado State Historical Fund. In addition to this showpiece project, Williams also worked closely with community members and preservationists to understand which DPS schools were eligible for historic designation and to create a system for communication and coordination in those efforts. The agreements he crafted are still employed today despite Larry’s retirement this year. = Keystone Award Lane & Ellen Ittelson The Keystone Award is a new Historic Denver Award and was created to honor people who have made significant contributions over their lifetime to historic preservation in Denver. This year the Keystone Award is given to Lane & Ellen Ittelson. After moving to Denver in 1982 Lane & Ellen became immediate assets in the historic preservation community. After serving as the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for New Mexico, Lane took the helm of Historic Denver as President, a position he held until starting his own preservation consulting firm in 1986. In 1989 he was lured back into the public sector and became the first Director of the Colorado State Historical Fund. Since 1999 Lane has served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Historical Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting history education and historic preservation. As Executive Director of the Foundation Lane has been instrumental in acquiring dozens of easements that now protect properties across the state of Colorado. After also spending several years in the private sector Ellen became a planner for the City and County of Denver in 1992. Since joining the City Ellen’s list of accomplishments includes almost all the city’s most significant projects. She served as the city’s representative during the innovative creation of the Downtown Historic District, authored the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Plan, co-managed Blue Print Denver, developed the reuse parameters for the Elitch Gardens site and has been a key point person on the Denver Union Station project. She has also remained engaged in the non-profit preservation sector and served as a board member for Colorado Preservation Inc. as well as participating in many Historic Denver efforts. Join Historic Denver in celebrating these award winners at the Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on November 2, 2011 at the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. For tickets and further information please visit www.historicdenver.org or call 303-5345288 ext. 5. Join Us Historic Denver’s 41st Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony November 2, 2011 Brown Palace Hotel & Spa Denver 5 o’clock RSVP Tickets, corporate tables, and sponsorships available by calling 303-534-5288 ext. 16 or at www.historicdenver.org Individual Tickets $150 Corporate Table $2,500 Dedicated to providing the highest quality legal service cost effectively. October , -- PM Eight homes from the ss including two historic landmarks. Tickets $$$ in advance /$$$ day of at all Front Range King Soopers, and www.WhiiierNeighborhood.org Information on web site or call (((() ----- JOIN IN THE CAMPAIGN TO RESTORE COLORADO’S CAPITAL DOME ShareInTheCareColorado.org to learn more & make a donation VISIT Sponsored by Denver’s Old House Society or TEXT“DOME”TO 50555 TO DONATE $10 A signature initiative of Colorado Preservation, Inc. Specializing in real estate, corporate and civil transactions and litigation, including eminent domain litigation for both local and national clients. Lowe, Fell & Skogg, LLC 370 Seventeenth St., Ste. 4900 Denver, CO 80202 720.359.8200 720.359.8201 [fax] www.lfslaw.com istoric enver Inc HH istoric DD enver Inc . . 7 Historic Denver News Molly Brown House museum the iPods and iPads to show podcasts, pictures, and music in order to best engage the students. Designed for thirty participants at a time, the Molly Brown and Denver’s Growth program is an interactive program that allows students to not only learn about Margaret Brown, but also to learn about the growth of Denver during her lifetime (1867-1932). This would be the first educational program to incorporate technology at the Molly Brown House Museum. In honor of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in 2012 we have also developed a special educational program. This new off-site program will transform students into junior curators. Students will learn about the Titanic and Education Corner: Looking Ahead Darcie Martin, Museum Educator For over a decade the Molly Brown House Museum has been the primary educational arm of Historic Denver. The Molly Brown House Museum offers programs for adults and youth, including approximately 7,000 local school children each year. Our educational resources have grown over the years and we now offer 12 different programs and employ a fulltime educator. Education programs at the Museum are divided into two categories; programs that happen on-site and programs that travel to schools, libraries and after-school programs. Historic Denver is one of only a few history organizations to provide both on-site and off-site programming. Historic Denver is also the only organization offering programming on historic preservation, which has contributed significantly to the growth and popularity of our programs. On-site programs include tours of the home, an environmental theater program that brings Victorian literature to life, and teas which educate students about the manners and customs of the Victorian era. Off-site programs cover a variety of topics from mining and the industrial revolution to the science of restoration and civic activism. These programs bring artifacts and primary sources into the classroom to help students learn and follow Colorado State Standards. In 2010 the Museum’s education programs served 3,798 students in off-site programs and 2,700 through on-site programs for a total of 6,498 students. Half of the schools served by these programs include students that receive free and reduced lunches, and nearly 20% of the schools have more than 25% of the student body receiving free and reduced lunch. The majority of programs were utilized by teachers and students in third and fourth grade classrooms studying Molly Brown as part of their Colorado History Curriculum. The Museum draws heavily from the seven-county metro area, with the majority of students served in Adams, 8 Historic Denver Inc. Denver, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties. The goals of the Museum’s educational department include telling the story of Margaret Brown within its historical context, improving historical literacy among local students and engaging young people with local history and historic preservation. At the Museum, we are always striving to suit the needs of our local teachers and students. In 2009, teachers involved with Historic Denver and the Molly Brown House Museum brought to our attention a lack of Denver history resources for third and fourth grade. Historic Denver is currently addressing this oversight by developing a student Denver history book and teacher resource packet with funds provided by the Colorado State Historical Fund. This exciting project opens many opportunities for the Museum. We will be working closely with the Denver Public School District in order to make our Denver history book a success. We will be hosting a pilot project in Denver Public Schools that will aim for 1,000 students to have free access to the 40-50 page book. In addition to the textbook, the grant also supports the creation of a teacher resource packet that will include lesson plans, designed by local teachers, and field trip itineraries. We plan to collaborate with other historical agencies in Denver, such as LoDo Historic District and Four Mile Historic Park, in order to make scheduling field trips much easier for our teachers. The creation of a student history book will open new programming opportunities at the Molly Brown House Museum. In order to increase our educational impact, the Museum is requesting grant funds to expand its program offerings with the creation of a new program, “Molly Brown and Denver’s Growth.” This new program will incorporate technology such as iPods and iPads. Studies, such as one conducted by Speak Up in 2010, are showing that more and more teachers are using technology for learning. The survey cites that thirty percent of teachers are now using podcasts and videos in their classroom instruction - an increase of over fifty percent since 2008. The Museum wishes to foster the use of technology by using handle reproduction artifacts while wearing a curator’s white jacket and cotton gloves. They will learn not only the significance of the Titanic, but also the importance of preservation and artifact conservation. The education programs at the Molly Brown House Museum are funded primarily by the Museum’s event revenue but rely also on both public and private grant funding sources. The education programs also receive support from Historic Denver’s participation in the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) as a Tier III organization. If you would like to provide support to our educational programs please visit our website at www.mollybrown.org Thank you to the Denver to make a contribution today. = Garden Club, Hardy Boy Plants, O’Toole’s Garden Center, and Tagawa Gardens for their generous contribution to the Molly Brown House Museum’s garden. Thank you to the Denver Garden Club Hardy Boy Plants O’Toole’s Garden Center Tagawa Gardens or their generous contribution to F the Molly Brown House Museum’s garden. MOLLY BROWN HOUSE MUSEUM’S FRIDAYS October 14 & 21 Be spooked for the first time, or return and be spooked again by a fresh selection of wicked writings of long-dead authors. Classic stories are brought to life in the dim, flickering candlelight as Edgar Allan Poe, Edith Wharton and others haunt you with their tales of the macabre. Bring someone to hold on to! SATURDAYS October 15 & 22 Performances begin every 15 minutes from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ADMISSION $15 for members, seniors & children $18 for non-members TICKETS On-line at www.mollybrown.org By calling 303-832-4092 x10 Walk-ins welcome during the event Advanced purchase is suggested Fall 2011 The stockyards and pens on the grounds of the National Western Stock Show photographed by the Rocky Mountain Photo Company between 1920 and 1940. Smoke rises from the smokestacks of the Colorado Packing and Provision Company and the sheep market barn is beyond the rows of stock pens. Photo: Denver Public Library continued from page 1 1919The western section of the Livestock Exchange Building opened. 1942The WPA constructed a huge concrete barn on the facility and a Quonset hut was installed next to the barn. 1952 he Denver Coliseum was T dedicated on January 10 for the 46th National Western. 1962 The Denver Union Stock Yard Company built an auction arena in the yards. 1973The two-level 300 x 390 foot Hall original Arena was steam-heated and had stalls for livestock under the seats. The Arena was designed in neoclassical style with pedimented entries framed by twin towers. Flagpoles were built on top of the pilasters to fly the 12 flags of the Rocky Mountain states. The arena cost $200,000 to build and was paid for by a consolidation of Swift, Armour, and other packers that operated the Denver stock yards. For its first forty years a streetcar line brought people from central Denver to the Arena’s front door. Over the years additions and alterations have been made to the structure that somewhat obscure its original exterior appearance. In 1945 the National Western Stock Show began campaigning for a new stadium. They decided to team up with the City of Denver and build a stadium that could be used for large events, such as basketball, ice hockey and track meets, not just the stock show. In 1947 a $1.5 million bond was passed by the city voters to build a “Municipal Coliseum.” The National Western Stock Show, the Denver Union Stock Yard Company, and other livestock interests raised another $750,000 toward the construction project. Fortunately, the land was donated by the Colorado and Southern Railroad. Work began on the Coliseum on September 19, 1949 and it was dedicated on January 19, 1952. The New York and Chicago-based architectural engineering firm of Lorimer and Rose worked on the new stadium with consulting Denver architect Roland L. Linder. Linder worked with Eugene Groves from 1921 to 1929 and then Allied Architects from 1929 to 1931. Linder supervised the completion of the City and County Building in Denver as part of Allied Architects. From 1931 to 1951 Linder had his own architectural firm and designed the Loveland Community Building (1937), the Fort Collins Library (1938), the Denver Museum of Natural History Auditorium (1939), and the wings of the Museum of Natural History (1948). Linder’s clean, smooth lines can be seen in the modern design on the Coliseum. When the Coliseum was built it was a state of the art building constructed with steel reinforced concrete. Construction of the building used 100,000 sacks of cement, 1,200 tons of reinforced steel and 575,000 feet of lumber. To allow an unobstructed view from the 8,006 permanent seats, the ceiling was built with six huge arches and no pillars for support. This concrete roof weighs more than 5400 tons. In total the of Education was opened to the public. The Beef Palace, Horse Center, and National Western Club also opened. 1987 The International Center opened. 1991The Expo Hall and Stadium Hall opened. 1995The National Western Events Center, a state-of-the-art equestrian arena with a 150 x 300 foot floor opened, and the Paddock and Horse Barn completed. building measures 306 feet x 400 feet and has an 87 foot high ceiling. The structure was completed before the construction of 1-70 and was easily connected to the older Stadium Arena. After the highway and viaducts were built in the 1960s this connection became more challenging. Perhaps the most quintessentially “western” structures on the Stock Show site are not buildings at all, but the cattle pens, or stockyards, which existed even before the National Western Stock Show. The official stock yards, owned by the Denver Union Stock Yard Company, opened in 1886. These yards were located between the South Platte River and the railroad tracks and Franklin Street, bounded by 46th Avenue on the south and 52nd avenue on the north. By 1905 the stock yards covered 105 acres and handled 239,500 cattle, 115,700 hogs, 306,109 sheep, and 22,700 horses and mules a year. Today the National Western owns most of the old Denver Union Stock Yard Company’s open yards and stock pens. In fact, the National Western Stock Show is one of the few stock shows that still use its historic wooden pens. The National Western has done some restoration of the old wooden display pens and the large outlying turnout corrals. Many of the pens retain their antique wrought iron gates and hinges along with original cobblestone or brick footing, with some bricks stamped “1898.” For the first 75 years of the Stock Show nearly all the land in the area was owned by the Denver Union Stock Yard Company which helped to underwrite and host the Stock Show. When that entity dissolved in the 1970s it divested its property, giving some to the National Western Stock Show Association and selling other parcels. For this reason there are now many owners associated with the Stock Show site. For more information and on-going updates about the Stock Show visit www. historicdenver.org/programs/currentissues. As debate continues about the proposed Stock Show move Historic Denver will pay attention to the fate of these structures and the legacy of this important Denver institution. When the temperatures drop and those fifteen days in January roll around once again we encourage you to attend the Stock Show and take a closer look to see the history that is still apparent. = Sources: Noel, Thomas J. Riding High: Colorado Ranchers and 100 Years of the National Western Stock Show. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 2005. The Livestock Exchange Building photographed by Louis Charles McClure between 1908 and 1910. Photo: Denver Public Library Simms, Willard E. Ten Days Every January. Denver, CO: Record Stockman Publishing Co., 1980. A rtfully uniting extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives. Dee Ciancio provides... • Consistent & powerful processes serving sellers and buyers of vintage properties • In-depth understanding of historic styles and vintage structural, mechanical and architectural details • Award-winning historic renovation design, in-house advertising agency and pre-market preparation expertise • Specialized services for estates and vacant properties direct: 303.246.8623 | I-70 East Environmental Impact Statement: Results of an Intensive Cultural Architectural Survey, Denver and Adams Counties, Colorado, 2006. email: dee@deeciancio.com Historic Denver Inc. 9 Historic Denver News Post-War Housing and the Historic Denver Pattern & Design Idea Book Project photo: Scott Dressel-Martin continued from page 3 to be missed are evenings in the park, especially movie nights, and special events such as the Civic Center SOUNDS Independence Eve Celebration that are the park’s hallmark use. Denver’s Civic Center will continue to improve as the Civic Center Conservancy embarks on their new Centennial Campaign Plan to extend more activities to more days. Denver is slated to begin construction in January 2012 on improvements to bring the historic Carnegie Library (McNichols Building) to code enabling its permanent return to public use. = Civic Center Applying for National Historic Landmark Status Historic Denver, Inc. recently completed a State Historical Fund Grant intended to study Denver’s Civic Center and nominate it as a National Historic Landmark (NHL). If Denver’s Civic Center NHL nomination is accepted, it will be Denver’s first and the twentysecond in Colorado. What are National Historic Landmarks and why are they so important to Denver and the nation? An answer to that can be found on the National Park Service’s website: National Historic Landmarks are buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that have been determined by the Secretary of the Interior to be nationally significant in American history and culture. Many of the most renowned historic properties in the Nation are Landmarks. Mount Vernon, Pearl Harbor, the Apollo Mission Control Center, Alcatraz, and the Martin Luther King Birthplace in Atlanta, Georgia are Landmarks that illustrate important contributions to the Nation’s historical development. In contrast, National Register listed properties tend to have local or State 10 Historic Denver Inc. Project Credits OWNER Design Guidelines Mundus Bishop and CW&H Graphics Denver Parks and Recreation Department Project Team – Project managers Phase 1 Construction Mark Bernstein and Helen Kuykendall Civic Center Conservancy Lindy Eichenbaum Lent, Executive Director Chris Frampton, Chair Elaine Asarch Dennis Humphries Mundus Bishop Anderson Hallas Spectrum General Contractors Building Restoration Specialists and SlaterPaull Architects Project Team – Phase 2 Construction Project Team Park Master Plan Mundus Bishop and Anderson Hallas significance. Denver’s Civic Center is an ideal choice to be Denver’s first NHL as it is one of our city’s great symbols of the National City Beautiful movement begun in large part due to the success of the Columbian Exposition of 1893 held in Chicago. Bridget Fisher and the National Park Service donated cash amounts to begin the NHL grant project and the State Historical Fund has guided the process through their approval, management, and disbursement of grant funds. Tom and Laurie Simmons of Front Range Research Associates are the authors of the nomination. Mundus Bishop and Spectrum General Contractors with Building Restoration Specialists. Front Range Research Associates has been updating the nomination this summer in order to receive final draft comments from local National Park Service staff. Updated photographs of the most recent and exciting repairs and restoration efforts will be included with the final application. Also to be sent to the official reviewer of the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. this fall will be original U.S.G.S. maps and original historical photographs of the site. We will keep Historic Denver, Inc. supporters updated on the status of the application as it moves closer to final approval. = Denver and its surrounding first ring suburbs feature multiple neighborhoods that exemplify the building boom that followed the Second World War. While these homes are distinctive and represent an important piece of our history, many are being lost to insensitive alterations and scrape-offs in favor of homes that feature more space and modern design. In recognition of this trend, Historic Denver has included post-war neighborhoods in its Pattern & Design Idea Book project with the goal of providing inspiration for additions and modifications that respect the history of each home, while creating the kind of space that many homeowners now desire. The first Post-War Pattern Book has been completed for the neighborhoods of Alta Vista and Allendale in Arvada, and is available online at: http://www. historicdenver.org/programs/pattern-anddesign-idea-books/ Residents in our target neighborhoods graciously opened up their homes to our measuring tapes and cameras, allowing us to document the most common as-built designs, which were then turned over to the graduate student architects at the Colorado Center for Community Development. Our architect partners carefully considered each plan and came up with multiple options, including one that would allow the homeowners to modify just the interior to improve the use of space, and one that would add on to the exterior to increase square footage. The next step in the project will be to move on to the Aberdeen Village neighborhood in Littleton, which boasts a fine collection of intact mid-century homes. Currently in the planning stages, residents are encouraged to contact Historic Denver with any questions or concerns, and we would certainly encourage anyone with firsthand knowledge of this community’s development to share your story with us! = Kara Thompson worked with Historic Denver this summer as an intern, researching the history of Aberdeen Village, documenting the homes, and creating a style guide to determine the most significant character defining features of the homes. The accompanying graphic details some of the most common features found on mid-century homes, including a long, low horizontal alignment, a low-pitched roof, a prominent chimney, a mix of exterior cladding materials, and large windows. Thank You To Historic Denver’s New and Renewing Supporters April ~ June 2011 William Hoebel III & Jessica Abegg Joan Blaik Brooks & Anne Bond Pamela Bradley Karen Brody & Michael Hughes Bradley Cameron Linda Carlson Josephine Carpenter Barbara Chapman Marilynn Chapman Clara Lou Humphrey Dene Clark Nathan Clifford Peg Clover Stipek & Michael Stipek Peter Cohn William B. & L. Alice Collister Michael Coughlin Elaine D. Douglas Robert & Barbara Danos James Fell Sarah Fisher Peggy Forberg Josip R. Galetovic Dennis Gallagher Linda Gallegos Tom & Melissa Gardner Ron Garrison Irene Gay Bryon Gentry Cornelia & George Gibson Sue Giovanini Matt Goebel Dennis Hamann & Thomas Hawkey Lyle & Sondra Hansen Duke & Pam Hartman Rudi Hartmann & Kathy Newman Karen Harvey Iris A. Hawkins Polly Hays Tobie & Jolie Hazard Judith Headley Ralph Heronema Ann Heyler S&ra Hinkle Barry & Arlene Hirschfeld Tim & Kris Hoehn Stephanie Johnson Brent Jones Marion Jordan E. James Judd Rita King Kronke Sports Enterprises Christopher Lane Peggy Lehmann Burt LeMaster Merrilyn Leuthold Elaine Levengood Carolyn Longmire Jan Mayer Colleen McKinley Mark & Ardis Miller Betty Mott Ann Mullins Christie Murata Sandra Nearpass Laurie Niederhauser Barbara Norgren H. M. Oeknigk Kathleen Orozco Pamala Orr Thomas P. Owen Glen Palmer Nancy Persons Elmer & Noreene Peterson Patricia L. Pike Dan & Laura Pino Douglas Price & Hazel Stevens Marilyn Quinn Roselyn Reynolds Nancy & Gene Richards Louis & Rosemary Ripp Jerry Robinson James Rothney Sage Hospitality William Saslow Peggy & Donald Schaller Sandra Scherer Paul & Carolyn Schrader Dee Schranz George & Julia Secor Brad Segal Steve & Trish Setlik Seventh Avenue Congregational Church William Shanks & Carol Leavenworth Leonard Shulman South Broadway Christian Church Building Restoration Specialties, Inc. David & Yvonne Steers Phillip Sterritt Vincent Szafranko Tattered Cover LoDo Ruth Telea Larry & Judy Trompeter Steve Turner & Steven Kick Patricia Untiedt Carolyn & John Van Sciver John Venhoff Jane Wainwright Barbara Wasko Mary Ann Watson & Flint Whitlock Jeremy Wells William West Norma Wick Monica Woodard Nancy & David C. P. Wyman Mary Ellen Young Fall 2011 Your Support For 40 years our members and donors have made it possible for us to continue our 40-year legacy of protecting the historic places that make our city a great place to live. In the beginning of this year we announced some changes that will help us widen our support, strengthen our advocacy efforts and provide you with the benefits that are most meaningful to you. We now use a new term to describe all our members and donors alike: Supporters. The name change reflects a wonderful reality of giving - that the ways in which our Supporters further our mission are as unique as our supporters themselves. From now on, all individuals that provide us with financial support via annual support renewal, holiday appeals and ticketed event attendance will be considered Supporters of Historic Denver. As a Supporter you’ll receive all the same great benefits you’ve enjoyed as a member, including: n Our informative monthly e-newsletter and electronic Preservation Alerts n The Historic Denver News in print or electronic form n Invitations to events, tours and programs and select discount opportunities n A 10% discount in the Molly Brown House Museum Store Supporters of Historic Denver with annual gifts of $100 or more will also receive additional VIP benefits, including invitations to exclusive events and private tours – granting you access to historic places you’ve always wanted to explore. Additionally, to save both money and paper, those of you who have provided us with an e-mail address will receive your first renewal notice electronically so you can update your support quickly and easily on-line. Should you miss that e-mail, or prefer not to use e-mail, you will receive a letter in the mail during the same quarter you supported the organization in the previous year. We hope you will continue to support our efforts at the same level or perhaps a higher level when possible. We will of course continue to send you our annual year-end appeal as well. As we make this administrative transition, please do not hesitate to contact our offices with questions or concerns. We are committed to providing all our Supporters with up-todate information on preservation issues, resources and activities and hope that this new model will only increase our capacity to achieve our mission. On behalf of everyone at Historic Denver and the Molly Brown House Museum, thank you for your continued support! Become a Supporter of Historic Denver! S U P P O R T E R I N F O R M AT I O N New Supporter Historic Denver Holland & Hart is proud to continue founding partner Stephen H. Hart’s commitment to historic preservation. - Mark Davidson Partner, Board Member 303-295-8572 madavidson@hollandhart.com 555 17th Street Suite 3200 Denver, CO 80202 Business Supporter Name/Business ____________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code ___________ Phone ______________________________ Alternate Phone ______________________ Email ____________________________________________________________________ $25 Proud Sponsor of Renewal $50 $100 $250 $500 Other $____________________ Please mail this form with payment to: Historic Denver, Inc. 1340 Pennsylvania St. Denver, CO 80203 or Call 303-534-5288 ext. 16 with your credit card information. Historic Denver, Inc. is a 501 c3 and your contribution is tax-deductible. We’re going green! In our ongoing effort to be paperless, we’re doing a lot more communicating by email. Do we have your email address? In order to receive our monthly preservation and event e-newsletter and renewal notices, please send your email address to: info@historicdenver.org or by telephone at 303.534.5288 x 5. Note: Historic Denver does not trade or sell email addresses www.hollandhart.com Photo Courtesy of the Colorado Historical Society Historic Denver Inc. 11 Fall 2011 calendar of EVENTS Victorian Horrors Friday, October 14 & 21 Saturday, October 15 & 22 Performances begin every 15 minutes from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm $15 for members, seniors & children, $18 for non-members Be spooked for the first time, or return and be spooked again by a fresh selection of wicked writings of long-dead authors. Classic stories are brought to life in the dim, flickering candlelight as Edgar Allan Poe, HG Wells and others haunt you with their tales of the macabre. Bring someone to hold on to! Halloween Full Tea Saturday, October 29, 11:00 am & 1:00 pm $20 / person Halloween was a favorite Victorian holiday. Come explore our traditional decorations, enjoy special tea treats and show off your spookiest or wackiest costume. Best costumes win prizes! Pumpkin Patch Full Tea Saturday, November 12, 11:00 am & 1:00 pm $20 / person Stay warm & cozy in our Victorian retreat with a tour of Mrs. Brown’s home followed by warm tea and yummy harvest inspired treats on Mrs. Brown’s Third Floor. Thanksgiving High Tea Friday, November 25, 10:45 am & 12:45 pm, $25/person A great way to express thanks! Bring friends and family to walk off the turkey day calories on a guided tour and then enjoy tea sandwiches and desserts on Mrs. Brown’s Third Floor. Holiday High Tea Select Dates in December $25/person Step back in time to a true Victorian Christmas. Lush garlands, mistletoe and twinkling lights will greet you as you enjoy a special holiday tea with family, friends or co-workers. This event is our most popular, so be sure to purchase your tickets early, and don‚t forget to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in our award-winning Museum Store. “Twas the Night” Candlelight Christmas Tour Friday, December 16, 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm Saturday, December 17, 5:00, 6:00 & 7:00 pm, $13 for members, seniors & children, $16 for non-members Enjoy the holiday traditions of Molly’s time gone by with a special Christmas tour of the Museum along with special holiday readings, treats and perhaps even an appearance from Old St. Nick himself. Perfect for carolers, candy-cane lovers and all the family! 12 Historic Denver Inc. PRESERVATION FOR LIVING: UPDATE ON THE HISTORIC DENVER WORKSHOP SERIES Following the successful neighborhood preservation initiatives in Arvada, Historic Denver’s workshop series continues throughout this summer and fall of 2011, focusing on the communities of Littleton and Curtis Park in Denver. We are pleased to continue our offering of four workshops, designed to answer the most common questions that owners of older homes have. The workshops are: HISTORIC PRESERVATION BASICS This workshop is designed to provide a baseline of information regarding historic preservation, including what historic designation really means, how a property is nominated for designation, and the benefits and responsibilities of designation, including how to take advantage of the tax credits and grants available for historic restoration of designated properties. MASONRY & WOOD TRIM Old masonry is very different from modern masonry construction, and requires a set of skills and understanding not commonly found today. This workshop will provide information about causes of common masonry issues, and how to perform repairs that will not damage your property or cause additional problems with the masonry. In addition to the topic of masonry, this workshop also includes a segment on old wood trim, including troubleshooting problem spots, basic repairs, and what to consider when replacement is necessary. impact if spent on other upgrades first. This workshop will provide solid economic and environmental reasons for why old windows should be maintained and upgraded, and will include a hands on segment to demonstrate restoration techniques, including lead paint issues. ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR THE OLDER HOME Energy consumption is a concern for all homeowners, if not for environmental reasons then certainly for economic ones. Historic Denver has worked in conjunction with SolarCity and Strawhat Pictures to create a video that documents the energy audit process in three older homes in Curtis Park, Arvada, and Littleton to determine where the energy loss is coming from and to detail the most appropriate fixes. This workshop will feature the video, and a discussion on historic methods of energy conservation. Finally, a question and answer session with an energy auditor to address your individual concerns will wrap up the event. All four workshops will be held during several Saturday morning community events. We hope this format will be attractive to busy homeowners and create a more interactive, fun learning experience for all attendees. If you are the owner of an older home anywhere in Denver or the surrounding areas, we invite you to meet your neighbors and learn how to care for your home. These events are free and open to the public. Dates will be set throughout the summer and fall, so please email or call Phil Barlow at pbarlow@historicdenver.org or 303-534-5288 ext. 7 to be placed on a mailing list, or follow us on www.historicdenver.org as dates will be posted on the main page of our website. IN ADDITION, Historic Denver is continuing the process of making video available online for the masonry, wood trim, window, and energy efficiency workshops. The energy efficiency video is already online at: http://www.historicdenver.org/ programs/preservation-for-living/ CHECK BACK SOON TO SEE THE NEW VIDEOS! Preservation field services provided by Historic Denver, Inc were assisted by a Partners in the Field challenge grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This project was also paid for in part by a State Historical Fund grant from the Colorado Historical Society. WINDOW RESTORATION & WEATHERIZATION Windows are often seen as the first target for homeowners seeking to make their homes more energy efficient. This is not the best course of action, however, as your dollars will have a much greater Performing a blower door test as part of Energy Efficiency for the Older Home Video