Denver City Council to consider designation of 1902 house designed by architects of Union Station
Denver City Council will consider landmark designation for the building at 1741 Gaylord St., a 120-year-old house designed by the architects of Denver Union Station. A group of residents of the City Park West neighborhood has advocated for the building since last fall after learning that a real estate developer who purchased it in 2021 plans to demolish it. Last week a council committee advanced the application to the full council for April 24.
The Building
Built in 1902, 1741 Gaylord St. is a significant example of the Dutch Colonial Revival style in Denver. It was designed and built by renowned Denver architects Gove & Walsh, who designed Denver Union Station, and it is one of the last remaining examples of their residential work. The structure has changed little since its construction, retaining many of its original features and materials. The building is in good condition and is zoned for residential, office or commercial use (most recently it was the Judi’s House offices). The landmark application seeks to protect only the building itself, allowing for other development on the site.
The Designation Effort
Following the property owner’s request for a certificate of demolition eligibility, city officials posted a notice at the property per the city’s landmark ordinance. A group of community members came forward and engaged in mediation with the property owner, a real estate developer.
In our vibrant and growing city, Historic Denver is engaged every day in finding creative solutions to the places where growth and preservation meet. Historic Denver was invited to join mediation to help find a solution that would accommodate the developer’s needs and preserve the structure. Mediation proved unsuccessful, and a three Denver residents applied to designate the building as a landmark.
The city’s Landmark Preservation Commission confirmed the building met local landmark criteria on March 7. Commissioners also heard overwhelming support from neighbors and other speakers. Three neighborhood organizations have spoken out in support of the building’s preservation: City Park West, Capitol Hill United Neighbors (CHUN) and Whittier.
Next Steps
Historic Denver remains involved and continues to look for creative solutions. Denver City Council will consider landmarking the building at its April 24, 2023 public hearing. You can learn more about the building at historicdenver.org/1741-gaylord.
