Upcoming Events
1340 Penn After Hours: Transatlantic Titanic Trivia
Current Issues
Burnham Yard — A Unique, Industrial Historic Site
CURRENT ISSUES Burnham Yard Interior of Machine Shop 5. A Unique, Industrial Historic Site Situated in an industrial corridor near the South Platte River and 1-25, the Burnham Yard property recently changed hands following more than a century of ownership by major railroads. Full plans for the site and its historic buildings are not yet developed. Historic Denver hopes to see its historic buildings preserved and adaptively reused, as they comprise a highly unusual and significant industrial historic district. Why it Matters “The Burnham Yards” operated as one of the city’s most significant railyards for more than 150 years — first as the primary facility for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG), and much later for Union Pacific, which acquired the D&RG. The use of the yards predates Colorado statehood. Union Pacific closed Burnham in 2016, and in 2021 the Colorado Department of Transportation bought the land for the purpose of expanding I-25, with the [...]
Zuni Power Steam Plant
CURRENT ISSUES Zuni Steam Power Plant Back to archive Time is Running Out for the Zuni Steam Plant Update: Landmark Designation Application Submitted In March 2025, Historic Denver and community members formally submitted a landmark designation application for the Zuni Steam Plant, located at 13th and Zuni Street, to protect it from potential demolition. The move comes after Xcel Energy announced plans to place the plant on the market for just 30 days—a timeline that leaves little opportunity for a preservation-minded buyer to step forward. For over a century, the Zuni Steam Plant has stood as a defining landmark along the South Platte River, in the Sun Valley neighborhood, representing Denver's industrial growth and technological progress. Designed with cutting–edge innovations–including the pioneering use of alternating current shortly after Nikola Tesla's invention–the plant powered the city for decades. Despite strong community advocacy and efforts to secure a viable path for its reuse, Xcel Energy has now placed the Zuni Steam Plant [...]
Historic Denver Installs 3 Plaques for 50 Actions Sites
CURRENT ISSUES Historic Denver Installs 3 Plaques for 50 Actions Sites Back to archive 50 Actions for 50 Places Plaques Installed Progress continues on many of our 50 Action for 50 Places sites. After our community nominated 50 sites with special meaning to the city of Denver, which had not previously received preservation attention, we have been hard at work finding preservation actions for each site. Earlier this month we completed the action for three sites for which storytelling was the primary technique. The former home of Barney Ford, located at 1569 High Street, the former boarding house of Julia Greeley, located at 2911 Walnut, and the former corner store operated as Ben's Super Market by the Okubo Family at 2301 E. 28th all feature beautiful plaques which share these remarkable pieces of Denver history. Barney Ford House, 1569 N. High Street Barney Ford, born into slavery in 1822, freed himself and eventually became a successful African American businessman [...]
1600 & 1618 East Colfax
CURRENT ISSUES 1600 & 1618 E. Colfax Ave. Back to archive Preserving Denver’s Legacy: Why the Colfax Mansion Decision Matters On December 17, 2024, Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission approved the demolition of two historic mansions on Colfax Avenue: 1600 and 1618 East Colfax. Once part of the vibrant Wyman Historic District, these 19th-century buildings represented a vital link to the city’s past. Their decline, however, was not inevitable—it was the result of neglect, insufficient enforcement, and a lack of accountability. At Historic Denver, we opposed this decision, not just to save these two buildings but to defend the integrity of the landmark designation process itself. The protections afforded to these mansions were the strongest available under local preservation law, established by the community to safeguard Denver’s unique character. Allowing their demolition, after years of inaction by the property owner, sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the future of historic preservation citywide. In 2018, there [...]
Historic Denver Launches New Logo After Over 30 Years
CURRENT ISSUES Historic Denver Introduces New Logo After More Than 30 Years Back to archive New Logo, Renewed Commitment Historic Denver launched its first new logo in over 30 years, the fourth in the non-profit’s 54-year history. Historic Denver President & CEO John Deffenbaugh, said: “Inspired by the shape of the city itself, the logo is intended to show that Historic Denver exists to champion the stories of all of Denver's diverse communities. Our tag line states, "preservation for the people," and that includes those communities that have been historically underrepresented in Denver and in historic building preservation.” The pattern within the city outline is an abstraction of the city grid featuring the South Platte River, the Cherry Creek, and Park Avenue as Denver's first parkway. The confluence of the river and creek is celebrated to acknowledge the peoples and nations who inhabited this land for generations before the establishment of the city that has come to be known as Denver. The [...]
UPDATE: Compromise Reached to Preserve Part of El Chapultepec Building
CURRENT ISSUES UPDATE: Compromise Reached to Preserve Part of El Chapultepec Building Back to archive UPDATE: Historic Denver and Monfort Companies Reach Compromise to Preserve Portion of Former El Chapultepec Building at 1962 Market Historic Denver and Monfort Companies are pleased to announce a significant step forward in the redevelopment of the former El Chapultepec building at 1962 Market Street. Following a series of productive meetings over the past three months, a compromise has been reached that honors the historic and cultural significance of the property while introducing thoughtful modern enhancements. Historic Denver and Monfort Companies have been working closely with local architects Chris Shears (SAR+) and Richard Farley (Richard Farley Urban Design), alongside project architect Peter Koliopoulos (Circle West Architects), to ensure that the vision of all parties is respected and fully realized. This collaboration has led to a design solution that meets community needs and operational goals, promising to revitalize the area while preserving its heritage. Key [...]
Our Story, Our Work
In the 1970s, Denver’s historic structures faced demolition in alarming numbers. In true pioneer spirit, a group of citizens created Historic Denver Inc. to save one of our city’s most celebrated historic homes: the Molly Brown House Museum. This flagship example of our mission allows us to connect the past and present. With the support of our members, our work to safeguard the soul of the city continues at the Museum, through our diverse and engaging programs, technical resources, and through our advocacy for the historic places you love.
Engage and Experience
Step into Historic Denver through our programs, events and exhibits that educate, entertain and inspire community engagement. Explore a historic neighborhood on our Walking Tours. Take a guided tour or see an exhibit at our Molly Brown House Museum. Attend a Re(garding) Denver forum to discuss current preservation topics. Volunteer for our Discover Denver survey to learn about our city’s unique buildings. Support Historic Denver and the Museum at our Annual Awards Dinner. Through our extensive offerings, you’ll learn the full story of our city’s past and the challenges facing its preservation today.
Saving Places
Historic Denver works with property owners, neighborhoods and partners to create preservation solutions that sustain and strengthen our communities. Take advantage of our experience and expertise to care for your historic property or launch your community preservation project. We offer guidance in the form of technical assistance, contacts, tools and incentives. Our Action Fund catalyzes innovative community projects that enhance Denver’s authentic flavor. Follow our Current Issues page to see the latest news about our advocacy work, or peruse our easements, preservation projects, historic district designation, and demolition review information. Need help at home? We offer a Contractor Resource list exclusively for our members.
