Denver Then & Now

Denver Then & Now Welcome! We would like to invite you on a trip into the past to explore Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado.

Looking southwest on Colfax Avenue and Vine Street (1984) & (2026)Colfax Avenue, the Wickedest Street in America, had a ...
06/18/2026

Looking southwest on Colfax Avenue and Vine Street (1984) & (2026)

Colfax Avenue, the Wickedest Street in America, had a different feel 40 years ago.

The Aladdin Theatre was built in 1926. It had Moorish architecture and an onion dome. It was a staple on Colfax for 58 years, and referred to as the “Taj Mahal of East Colfax”. In 1984 it was sadly waiting for the wrecking ball, because locals couldn’t rally quick enough to save it. It was a great loss to East Colfax, as well as to Denver. The site now contains a Walgreens.

The building where The Lion's Lair is located was also built in 1926. There has been various businesses there before becoming a lounge: car dealerships, a Garment Company, Women’s Wear stores, and 2 different restaurants. It first became a bar in 1939.

In 1956 it operated as The Pl***oy Lounge, a glitzy venue with leopard-print booths, a cozy atmosphere, and they hosted jazz artists. Later, it became The Aladdin Tavern, The Playroom, and the Aladdin Lounge.

In 1972 John Lyons took over the space and named it Lyon's Lair it had dim lighting, cigarette smoke, and neon beer signs. Two years later he changed the name to Lion's Lair.

In 1995, the bar was purchased by promoter Doug Kauffman and Tony Meggitt, who transformed it into an underground music venue for local and touring acts. It is known as the "CBGBs of Denver" (Country Bluegrass and Blues), and it is one of Denver’s oldest operating independent music venues.

From 1977 until 1987, just on the other side of the Lions Lair, you could go to Beau Jo’s for some Colorado style pizza. Their Mountain Pies were famous for the massive hand-rolled braided crusts. Every table had a bottle of honey, so that you could smother the crust edges with it. They had a bathtub for a salad bar, and while you waited for your pizza to bake, you would draw on the napkins and hang them from the walls.

I grew up in Denver, and I remember watching many movies at the Aladdin and eating my fair share of pizzas at Beau Jo’s.

06/18/2026

Looking southwest on Colfax Avenue and Vine Street (1984) & (2026)

Colfax Avenue, the Wickedest Street in America, had a different feel 40 years ago.

The Aladdin Theatre was built in 1926. It had Moorish architecture and an onion dome. It was a staple on Colfax for 58 years, and referred to as the “Taj Mahal of East Colfax”. In 1984 it was sadly waiting for the wrecking ball, because locals couldn’t rally quick enough to save it. It was a great loss to East Colfax, as well as to Denver. The site now contains a Walgreens.

The building where The Lion's Lair is located was also built in 1926. There has been various businesses there before becoming a lounge: car dealerships, a Garment Company, Women’s Wear stores, and 2 different restaurants. It first became a bar in 1939.

In 1956 it operated as The Pl***oy Lounge, a glitzy venue with leopard-print booths, a cozy atmosphere, and they hosted jazz artists. Later, it became The Aladdin Tavern, The Playroom, and the Aladdin Lounge.

In 1972 John Lyons took over the space and named it Lyon's Lair it had dim lighting, cigarette smoke, and neon beer signs. Two years later he changed the name to Lion's Lair.

In 1995, the bar was purchased by promoter Doug Kauffman and Tony Meggitt, who transformed it into an underground music venue for local and touring acts. It is known as the "CBGBs of Denver" (Country Bluegrass and Blues), and it is one of Denver’s oldest operating independent music venues.

From 1977 until 1987, just on the other side of the Lions Lair, you could go to Beau Jo’s for some Colorado style pizza. Their Mountain Pies were famous for the massive hand-rolled braided crusts. Every table had a bottle of honey, so that you could smother the crust edges with it. They had a bathtub for a salad bar, and while you waited for your pizza to bake, you would draw on the napkins and hang them from the walls.

I grew up in Denver, and I remember watching many movies at the Aladdin and eating my fair share of pizzas at Beau Jo’s.

Facing southwest on 17th Avenue near Logan Street (1917) & (2026)Caution, traffic accident ahead! The “then” photo shows...
06/09/2026

Facing southwest on 17th Avenue near Logan Street (1917) & (2026)

Caution, traffic accident ahead!

The “then” photo shows car 230 on the 47 line of Denver’s streetcars colliding with a literal “truck load” of coal! Before gas became the standard source of power for homes, businesses, churches and other places, coal was the dominating commodity needed to fuel society. So just imagine the inconvenience this must have caused Bundy’s customers.

As for the building in the background, this is Central Presbyterian Church. Although the church was founded in 1860, this structure was built in 1892. Situated at 1660 Sherman Street, it is the third (and current) location of the congregation. The “Dean of Denver Architecture” Frank E. Edbrooke was commissioned to design the new structure. He chose red sandstone for the building blocks and designed the church in Richardsonian Romanesque style, which was popular in Denver at the time.

Over 100 years later, Central Presbyterian partnered with the Denver Philharmonic and completed a new stage in the church interior in 2016. The stage is named after the founder of the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, Dr. Antonia Brico, who was the conductor from 1948-1985. Since then, the church has hosted hundreds of concerts in front of a 1,000-seated audience.

06/09/2026

Facing southwest on 17th Avenue near Logan Street (1917) & (2026)

Caution, traffic accident ahead!

The “then” photo shows car 230 on the 47 line of Denver’s streetcars colliding with a literal “truck load” of coal! Before gas became the standard source of power for homes, businesses, churches and other places, coal was the dominating commodity needed to fuel society. So just imagine the inconvenience this must have caused Bundy’s customers.

As for the building in the background, this is Central Presbyterian Church. Although the church was founded in 1860, this structure was built in 1892. Situated at 1660 Sherman Street, it is the third (and current) location of the congregation. The “Dean of Denver Architecture” Frank E. Edbrooke was commissioned to design the new structure. He chose red sandstone for the building blocks and designed the church in Richardsonian Romanesque style, which was popular in Denver at the time.

Over 100 years later, Central Presbyterian partnered with the Denver Philharmonic and completed a new stage in the church interior in 2016. The stage is named after the founder of the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, Dr. Antonia Brico, who was the conductor from 1948-1985. Since then, the church has hosted hundreds of concerts in front of a 1,000-seated audience.

Looking northwest from Colfax and Washington Street (1972) & (2025) Every time I see any type of Googie architecture, I ...
06/03/2026

Looking northwest from Colfax and Washington Street (1972) & (2025)

Every time I see any type of Googie architecture, I think of how exciting it is to have these types of Space Age buildings still standing in Colorado. They helped define the style of America between the 1940s to the 1960s. Before billboards were everywhere, the building itself was the sign. If the roof looked like a spaceship, people would most likely go in. It reflected a society that genuinely believed the future would be bright, fast, and high-tech. Because the cantilevered rooflines looked like they’re about to take off, it captured the vibe of the Atomic Age and the Space Race.

Designed for the White Spot chain restaurant by the famous Los Angeles based firm Armet & Davis, this building was built in 1967 at 601 E. Colfax Avenue. The structure is considered one of the most intact examples of Googie architecture in Colorado, characterized by its dynamic roof form with exposed trusses, acute angles, large glass walls, and a combination of building materials.

While many Googie buildings were torn down in the 70s and 80s for seeming tacky, they are now prized as historic landmarks representing a very specific, hopeful moment in American design.

The building later operated as the Sun Diner before Tom Messina bought it in 1999, and rebranded it as Tom's Diner. It was a staple of the Colfax area for two decades, as a 24/7 restaurant famous for its greasy spoon comfort food.

When Messina planned to retire and sell the property for redevelopment into apartments, community members successfully petitioned to save it from demolition. The restaurant was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

It eventually evolved into Champagne Tiger, a lively lounge where Colfax gets glamorous, and drag queens reign supreme at Sunday Brunch!

06/03/2026

Looking northwest from Colfax and Washington Street (1972) & (2025)

Every time I see any type of Googie architecture, I think of how exciting it is to have these types of Space Age buildings still standing in Colorado. They helped define the style of America between the 1940s to the 1960s. Before billboards were everywhere, the building itself was the sign. If the roof looked like a spaceship, people would most likely go in. It reflected a society that genuinely believed the future would be bright, fast, and high-tech. Because the cantilevered rooflines looked like they’re about to take off, it captured the vibe of the Atomic Age and the Space Race.

Designed for the White Spot chain restaurant by the famous Los Angeles based firm Armet & Davis, this building was built in 1967 at 601 E. Colfax Avenue. The structure is considered one of the most intact examples of Googie architecture in Colorado, characterized by its dynamic roof form with exposed trusses, acute angles, large glass walls, and a combination of building materials.

While many Googie buildings were torn down in the 70s and 80s for seeming tacky, they are now prized as historic landmarks representing a very specific, hopeful moment in American design.

The building later operated as the Sun Diner before Tom Messina bought it in 1999, and rebranded it as Tom's Diner. It was a staple of the Colfax area for two decades, as a 24/7 restaurant famous for its greasy spoon comfort food.

When Messina planned to retire and sell the property for redevelopment into apartments, community members successfully petitioned to save it from demolition. The restaurant was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

It eventually evolved into Champagne Tiger, a lively lounge where Colfax gets glamorous, and drag queens reign supreme at Sunday Brunch!

Looking northwest from the corner of 16th Street and Champa Street (1945) & (2026)William Daniels came to Denver in 1864...
05/29/2026

Looking northwest from the corner of 16th Street and Champa Street (1945) & (2026)

William Daniels came to Denver in 1864 and established a dry goods business. In 1872, he partnered with William Garrett Fisher to create Daniels, Fisher & Company. The store became a success and continued operations into the 20th century.

In 1909 the company announced plans to expand the business by relocating to a new site on 16th Street.

A five-story tall building was constructed to house the business, and a 21-story tall bell tower was attached to serve as the store's focal point and main entrance.

Within the tower were employee lounges, break rooms, lunchrooms, an in-house hospital and school, the store manager's office and a top floor observation deck.

The inspiration for the design came from The Campanile (St. Mark's Bell Tower) at the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy.

Located at 1601 Arapahoe Street, the tower was designed in Italian Renaissance style by architects Frederick G. Sterner and George H. Williamson. Construction lasted from 1910 to 1911 and when all was said and done the tower stood at 325 feet tall (or 375 feet when including the American flag).

Daniels & Fisher vacated the department store and tower in 1958 after being purchased by the May Company, who decided to demolish the store in 1971. While the main building was reduced to rubble, preservation advocates successfully worked to get the tower added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, saving it from demolition.

Renovations in 1981 gave the tower residential and office spaces, and in 2006 the basement opened as the Clock Tower Cabaret event venue. Tours of the interior are still available and the Daniels and Fisher Tower looks as good today as it ever has!

◼️Notes from Tanner
This is my favorite building in all of Colorado! Its sophisticated style exudes class and beauty in such a remarkable way. It's a true work of artistic architecture.

◼️Notes from Heide
Every time I see the D&F Tower I can’t help but pause and appreciate its timeless beauty. It reflects the elegance and character of a bygone era and gives us a connection to our past.

05/29/2026

Looking northwest from the corner of 16th Street and Champa Street (1945) & (2026)

William Daniels came to Denver in 1864 and established a dry goods business. In 1872, he partnered with William Garrett Fisher to create Daniels, Fisher & Company. The store became a success and continued operations into the 20th century.

In 1909 the company announced plans to expand the business by relocating to a new site on 16th Street.

A five-story tall building was constructed to house the business, and a 21-story tall bell tower was attached to serve as the store's focal point and main entrance.

Within the tower were employee lounges, break rooms, lunchrooms, an in-house hospital and school, the store manager's office and a top floor observation deck.

The inspiration for the design came from The Campanile (St. Mark's Bell Tower) at the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy.

Located at 1601 Arapahoe Street, the tower was designed in Italian Renaissance style by architects Frederick G. Sterner and George H. Williamson. Construction lasted from 1910 to 1911 and when all was said and done the tower stood at 325 feet tall (or 375 feet when including the American flag).

Daniels & Fisher vacated the department store and tower in 1958 after being purchased by the May Company, who decided to demolish the store in 1971. While the main building was reduced to rubble, preservation advocates successfully worked to get the tower added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, saving it from demolition.

Renovations in 1981 gave the tower residential and office spaces, and in 2006 the basement opened as the Clock Tower Cabaret event venue. Tours of the interior are still available and the Daniels and Fisher Tower looks as good today as it ever has!

◼️Notes from Tanner
This is my favorite building in all of Colorado! Its sophisticated style exudes class and beauty in such a remarkable way. It's a true work of artistic architecture.

◼️Notes from Heide
Every time I see the D&F Tower I can’t help but pause and appreciate its timeless beauty. It reflects the elegance and character of a bygone era and gives us a connection to our past.

Looking north near Iliff Avenue between South Fillmore Street and South Milwaukee Street in Observatory Park (1895) & (2...
05/13/2026

Looking north near Iliff Avenue between South Fillmore Street and South Milwaukee Street in Observatory Park (1895) & (2026)

“Ingenious and powerful instruments have been devised, which reveal wonders otherwise unimagined, and the end is not yet.” Herbert A. Howe, the first professor of astronomy at the University of Denver.

Chamberlin Observatory was the vision of 3 men: Herbert A. Howe, Denver businessman Humphrey Chamberlin who pledged $50,000 to build and equip the facility, and local architect Robert S. Roeschlaub.

It was commissioned for the University of Denver in 1888. Construction on the red sandstone Richardsonian Romanesque-style building, with an imposing silvery dome of galvanized iron began in 1890. The astronomical design was done by Howe, featuring a Clark-Saegmuller refractor, a 26-foot-long telescope made from steel, cast iron, and brass, which holds a 20-inch doublet lens constructed by Alvan Clark & Sons. It first saw light in 1894.

The observatory was built in the era of steam trains and horse-drawn wagons. The red sandstone was quarried from Lyons, Colorado, and wood from Oregon timber. The dome was engineered to rotate 360°.

Owned and maintained by the University of Denver, Chamberlin Observatory has been home to the Denver Astronomical Society since 1949. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Today, the Observatory inspires the next generation of astronomers by serving as an educational facility for students and the public. They host regular public viewing nights, where visitors can see celestial objects like the moon, planets, and nebulae.

It stands as strong as ever as a testament and symbol of scientific inquiry. The beautiful view of the heavens belongs to a bygone era, but still provides the ability to extend our vision to help us better understand the universe we live in.

05/13/2026

Looking north near Iliff Avenue between South Fillmore Street and South Milwaukee Street in Observatory Park (1895) & (2026)

“Ingenious and powerful instruments have been devised, which reveal wonders otherwise unimagined, and the end is not yet.” Herbert A. Howe, the first professor of astronomy at the University of Denver.

Chamberlin Observatory was the vision of 3 men: Herbert A. Howe, Denver businessman Humphrey Chamberlin who pledged $50,000 to build and equip the facility, and local architect Robert S. Roeschlaub.

It was commissioned for the University of Denver in 1888. Construction on the red sandstone Richardsonian Romanesque-style building, with an imposing silvery dome of galvanized iron began in 1890. The astronomical design was done by Howe, featuring a Clark-Saegmuller refractor, a 26-foot-long telescope made from steel, cast iron, and brass, which holds a 20-inch doublet lens constructed by Alvan Clark & Sons. It first saw light in 1894.

The observatory was built in the era of steam trains and horse-drawn wagons. The red sandstone was quarried from Lyons, Colorado, and wood from Oregon timber. The dome was engineered to rotate 360°.

Owned and maintained by the University of Denver, Chamberlin Observatory has been home to the Denver Astronomical Society since 1949. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Today, the Observatory inspires the next generation of astronomers by serving as an educational facility for students and the public. They host regular public viewing nights, where visitors can see celestial objects like the moon, planets, and nebulae.

It stands as strong as ever as a testament and symbol of scientific inquiry. The beautiful view of the heavens belongs to a bygone era, but still provides the ability to extend our vision to help us better understand the universe we live in.

Address

Denver, CO

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Denver Then & Now posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category