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Denver Then & Now, Denver, CO (2026)

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.

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.

05/08/2026

Facing southeast on the corner of 11th Avenue and Clayton Street (1905) & (2026)

Not too much information can be found about the Denver Fire Department’s Station 15, so we’ll keep this post short and sweet!

The Vernacular Classical Revival building located at 1080 Clayton Street was designed by John J. Huddart and was opened in 1904.

As the years progressed the Congress Park neighborhood grew around the fire station. Today, the diagonal plot of land on which the department stands sharply contrasts the rest of the perfectly aligned street grid neighborhood.

The fire house served its purpose for 83 years from 1904 until 1987 and was designated as a Denver Historic Landmark in 1985.

Eventually the department outgrew the old building and moved to a new location at 1375 Harrison Street where it still operates today.

After the Denver Fire Department moved locations, the old station was renovated and repurposed into a private residence.

◾Notes from Tanner
All too often beautiful structures are torn down because they “look outdated” and are replaced with soulless cookie cutter lofts that have no character. Rather than reducing a once grand structure to a pile of rubble, renovations preserve the building's history and create a whole new chapter of life for both the building and those who now call it home.

05/08/2026

Facing southeast on the corner of 11th Avenue and Clayton Street (1905) & (2026)

Not too much information can be found about the Denver Fire Department’s Station 15, so we’ll keep this post short and sweet!

The Vernacular Classical Revival building located at 1080 Clayton Street was designed by John J. Huddart and was opened in 1904.

As the years progressed the Congress Park neighborhood grew around the fire station. Today, the diagonal plot of land on which the department stands sharply contrasts the rest of the perfectly aligned street grid neighborhood.

The fire house served its purpose for 83 years from 1904 until 1987 and was designated as a Denver Historic Landmark in 1985.

Eventually the department outgrew the old building and moved to a new location at 1375 Harrison Street where it still operates today.

After the Denver Fire Department moved locations, the old station was renovated and repurposed into a private residence.

◾Notes from Tanner
All too often beautiful structures are torn down because they “look outdated” and are replaced with soulless cookie cutter lofts that have no character. Rather than reducing a once grand structure to a pile of rubble, renovations preserve the building's history and create a whole new chapter of life for both the building and those who now call it home.

05/01/2026

Looking southwest from 38th Avenue and Tennyson Street (1938) & (2024)

The original Elitch Zoological Gardens opened in 1890. Over the 104 years the park was there, there have been 3 different Main Entrances: a rustic wood-arched entrance from 1890-1909, a white Greek-Revival stucco entrance from 1909-1958, and an Art Deco aluminum arch entrance from 1958-1994.

The Greek-Revival stucco entrance was installed in 1909, just a year after Lakeside Park opened. This was a deliberate move designed to change the park's image from a rustic zoo to a more sophisticated park. The new main entrance was thought to be more lavish than the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical structures at the competing Lakeside Park.

This entrance welcomed patrons for almost 50 years. It was torn down in 1958 due to the widening of 38th Avenue.

Even though Elitch Gardens relocated to its current downtown location in 1995, there are still some remnants located at the original site. You can still walk around the old park area and see the Historic Elitch Theatre, the old Carousel Pavilion, and some surrounding landscaping. The area was re-developed as Highlands’ Garden Village and it includes housing units, office spaces, and retail areas.

I grew up in Denver, and spent many days at the original Elitch’s. I recently visited the area, and just for a moment I was transported back in time. I also have spent many days at the new Elitch’s, and I look forward to many more fun times ahead.

“Not to see Elitch’s is not to see Denver”

Historic Elitch Theatre

05/01/2026

Looking southwest from 38th Avenue and Tennyson Street (1938) & (2024)

The original Elitch Zoological Gardens opened in 1890. Over the 104 years the park was there, there have been 3 different Main Entrances: a rustic wood-arched entrance from 1890-1909, a white Greek-Revival stucco entrance from 1909-1958, and an Art Deco aluminum arch entrance from 1958-1994.

The Greek-Revival stucco entrance was installed in 1909, just a year after Lakeside Park opened. This was a deliberate move designed to change the park's image from a rustic zoo to a more sophisticated park. The new main entrance was thought to be more lavish than the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical structures at the competing Lakeside Park.

This entrance welcomed patrons for almost 50 years. It was torn down in 1958 due to the widening of 38th Avenue.

Even though Elitch Gardens relocated to its current downtown location in 1995, there are still some remnants located at the original site. You can still walk around the old park area and see the Historic Elitch Theatre, the old Carousel Pavilion, and some surrounding landscaping. The area was re-developed as Highlands’ Garden Village and it includes housing units, office spaces, and retail areas.

I grew up in Denver, and spent many days at the original Elitch’s. I recently visited the area, and just for a moment I was transported back in time. I also have spent many days at the new Elitch’s, and I look forward to many more fun times ahead.

“Not to see Elitch’s is not to see Denver”

Historic Elitch Theatre

04/30/2026

Looking southwest on Sheridan Boulevard towards 46th Avenue (1950s) & (2024)

Lakeside was already 42 years old in 1950. At this point in time the entrance was a blend of the original grandeur of 1908, and the sleek 1935-40’s renovations of neon-heavy Art Deco style.

This entrance was originally designed for trolley and pedestrian traffic. Trolley Service ended in 1950, and service was replaced by buses.

Guests would enter through the Tower of Jewels building on Sheridan Boulevard. The main entrance led down a wide staircase to a central park area, known as the Sunken Garden. The northern section was for social activities; such as musical performances, ballroom dancing, roller skating, as well as boating, outdoor swimming and diving at the lake. The southern end was grouped for rides and attractions.

Lakeside Amusement Park at that time was known as the most affordable entertainment in Denver. The entrance fee was just a few cents; this allowed you to enter the grounds to enjoy the atmosphere. They had ticket booths designed by Richard Crowther at the entrance of each ride, which were approximately 5 cents each, and that would get you access to that specific ride. By doing this it prioritized accessibility for working class families.

In the 1970s, after almost 70 years, Lakeside Amusement Park closed its original main entrance. Since the shift of transportation changed from buses to the use of cars, the park began using its southern parking lot to accommodate guests. Everyone would now enter using the south gate, near the intersection of 44th and Sheridan.

Today, the Tower of the Jewels entrance and surrounding buildings are used for offices and storage. Parking is free and general admission is currently $5.00 for Park access. Ride coupons are available for 50 cents each, and rides require between 1-6 coupons per person. They also offer Unlimited Ride Wristbands, which include gate admission, and depending on the day the cost is $15 - $35.

"Enjoy the Ride!"

04/30/2026

Looking southwest on Sheridan Boulevard towards 46th Avenue (1950s) & (2024)

Lakeside was already 42 years old in 1950. At this point in time the entrance was a blend of the original grandeur of 1908, and the sleek 1935-40’s renovations of neon-heavy Art Deco style.

This entrance was originally designed for trolley and pedestrian traffic. Trolley Service ended in 1950, and service was replaced by buses.

Guests would enter through the Tower of Jewels building on Sheridan Boulevard. The main entrance led down a wide staircase to a central park area, known as the Sunken Garden. The northern section was for social activities; such as musical performances, ballroom dancing, roller skating, as well as boating, outdoor swimming and diving at the lake. The southern end was grouped for rides and attractions.

Lakeside Amusement Park at that time was known as the most affordable entertainment in Denver. The entrance fee was just a few cents; this allowed you to enter the grounds to enjoy the atmosphere. They had ticket booths designed by Richard Crowther at the entrance of each ride, which were approximately 5 cents each, and that would get you access to that specific ride. By doing this it prioritized accessibility for working class families.

In the 1970s, after almost 70 years, Lakeside Amusement Park closed its original main entrance. Since the shift of transportation changed from buses to the use of cars, the park began using its southern parking lot to accommodate guests. Everyone would now enter using the south gate, near the intersection of 44th and Sheridan.

Today, the Tower of the Jewels entrance and surrounding buildings are used for offices and storage. Parking is free and general admission is currently $5.00 for Park access. Ride coupons are available for 50 cents each, and rides require between 1-6 coupons per person. They also offer Unlimited Ride Wristbands, which include gate admission, and depending on the day the cost is $15 - $35.

"Enjoy the Ride!"

Denver Then & Now

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

05/13/2026

05/13/2026

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

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