Big Top Auto Mart Buildings, Various Locations

Big Top Auto Mart stores were built in Denver in the late 1950s to the late 1960s. Of the 16 or so original structures, only 10 remain, six in Denver. Designed by the Denver architecture firm of Kellogg & Sayre. The unique pagoda-style buildings are some of the few remaining examples of the Googie style of roadside architecture in Colorado. The original use of the buildings as small grocery stores is also significant in their relationship to the changing transportation trends in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Located on major thoroughfares of Denver, these locations show how the housing trends in Denver were moving towards the suburbs of Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Arvada, Aurora, & Littleton. These stores served as a place for those working in downtown Denver to pick up items like bread & milk on their way home, rather than planning a full shopping trip at one of the larger grocery stores. Over the years the Big Tops have been used for many different businesses, including: cell phone stores, cleaners, hair salons, ski shops. Some remain true to their original purpose: convenience stores with self-serve gas pumps. Several of the buildings are currently vacant. Due to their unique shape, not many business owners are willing to make the existing space work. In addition, the roof shape has lead to several maintenance issues.