Home & Community Sites Histories
This year's Tour features an eclectic mix of homes, along with community locations showcasing the neighborhood's rich diversity.
This year's Tour features an eclectic mix of homes, along with community locations showcasing the neighborhood's rich diversity.
Fairmont Elementary School
Fairmont Elementary School (now DCIS at Fairmont), located at 3rd and Elati in the Baker neighborhood, was designed by famous Denver architect, Harry James Manning, as a part of Denver's City Beautiful movement. Manning is also known for Byer's Junior High School (now DSST) and buildings on the Regis University campus. He worked with the Allied Architects Associates, who were responsible for Denver's City and County Building. The school was built in 1924 for $211,976. It is an example of Denver's Collegiate Gothic architecture with distinct arches and buttresses. The addition was built in 1972 to accommodate a growing population, and the school now serves 400 elementary students from Baker and beyond.
Fairmont Elementary School (now DCIS at Fairmont), located at 3rd and Elati in the Baker neighborhood, was designed by famous Denver architect, Harry James Manning, as a part of Denver's City Beautiful movement. Manning is also known for Byer's Junior High School (now DSST) and buildings on the Regis University campus. He worked with the Allied Architects Associates, who were responsible for Denver's City and County Building. The school was built in 1924 for $211,976. It is an example of Denver's Collegiate Gothic architecture with distinct arches and buttresses. The addition was built in 1972 to accommodate a growing population, and the school now serves 400 elementary students from Baker and beyond.
245 W 2nd Ave
Built in 1889, this classic Queen Anne Victorian was originally the home of Cornelia Scudder Miles and her husband, a physician. Cornelia earned her PhD from the University of Denver and worked as a Principal at several Denver schools. In addition, she served as the President of the Colorado Academy of Sciences. Over the years the home was broken up into 2 separate apartments, altering its original layout. A 2026 total renovation was recently completed to restore the home to its original beauty, including a basement digout and carriage house (completed in 2019, also available to visit). The custom chandeliers, door hardware, and wallpaper were designed to complement the architectural details of the home, while the backyard features a built-in grill, firepit area, and pizza oven.
Built in 1889, this classic Queen Anne Victorian was originally the home of Cornelia Scudder Miles and her husband, a physician. Cornelia earned her PhD from the University of Denver and worked as a Principal at several Denver schools. In addition, she served as the President of the Colorado Academy of Sciences. Over the years the home was broken up into 2 separate apartments, altering its original layout. A 2026 total renovation was recently completed to restore the home to its original beauty, including a basement digout and carriage house (completed in 2019, also available to visit). The custom chandeliers, door hardware, and wallpaper were designed to complement the architectural details of the home, while the backyard features a built-in grill, firepit area, and pizza oven.
134 Elati St
This sleek, modern home had its beginnings in 1896 as a commercial business (similar to many homes on this block) but also served as a boarding house before being completely abandoned and later condemned. The current owner – a longtime resident of Baker – purchased the home in 2013 and completely transformed it into the spacious, elegant mid-century inspired design you see today. All exterior windows were retained, which provided a rough blueprint to create an airy, open interior complete with custom cabinetry and polished concrete floors. The brick façade was meticulously restored with a modern but period appropriate exterior on the main floor. A third floor entertaining area plus rooftop deck were added while preserving the historic character of the block.
This sleek, modern home had its beginnings in 1896 as a commercial business (similar to many homes on this block) but also served as a boarding house before being completely abandoned and later condemned. The current owner – a longtime resident of Baker – purchased the home in 2013 and completely transformed it into the spacious, elegant mid-century inspired design you see today. All exterior windows were retained, which provided a rough blueprint to create an airy, open interior complete with custom cabinetry and polished concrete floors. The brick façade was meticulously restored with a modern but period appropriate exterior on the main floor. A third floor entertaining area plus rooftop deck were added while preserving the historic character of the block.
126 W Archer Pl
This 1890 Queen Anne Victorian underwent a major transformation in 2023 when the home was restored to convert it from a boarding house into a true family home. The owners deliberately preserved the original woodwork and windows, incl sourcing a period-accurate mantel. The exterior was meticulously restored to highlight its original scallops, fish scales, and bubble decor, with a color palette chosen to accentuate these unique features. Inside, the home maintains its tall ceilings and beautiful exposed brick, creating an ideal space for entertaining. The upper level now includes a large primary suite, a family room, and 3 bedrooms. This home is a property steeped in history that has now entered its "family era," serving as a frequent gathering place for neighborhood children and local residents alike.
This 1890 Queen Anne Victorian underwent a major transformation in 2023 when the home was restored to convert it from a boarding house into a true family home. The owners deliberately preserved the original woodwork and windows, incl sourcing a period-accurate mantel. The exterior was meticulously restored to highlight its original scallops, fish scales, and bubble decor, with a color palette chosen to accentuate these unique features. Inside, the home maintains its tall ceilings and beautiful exposed brick, creating an ideal space for entertaining. The upper level now includes a large primary suite, a family room, and 3 bedrooms. This home is a property steeped in history that has now entered its "family era," serving as a frequent gathering place for neighborhood children and local residents alike.
228 Inca St
This contemporary, sunlit townhome—one of six units—was built in 2019 by Jones Custom Builders. The first floor features an open layout anchored by an electric fireplace set within a dramatic build-out clad in graphite Air Slate. The décor is eclectic and bright, enhanced by an abundance of green plants. The artwork scattered throughout, displayed gallery-style on the main level, showcases pieces collected over the years from world travels, family and friends, estate sales, and art galleries, including some on Santa Fe. A striking metal staircase leads to the second floor, which includes two ensuite bedrooms. The third-level landing opens to a deck with sweeping views of the foothills and features a variety of Colorado sun-tolerant plants. Nestled between neighboring units, the home is remarkably energy efficient.
This contemporary, sunlit townhome—one of six units—was built in 2019 by Jones Custom Builders. The first floor features an open layout anchored by an electric fireplace set within a dramatic build-out clad in graphite Air Slate. The décor is eclectic and bright, enhanced by an abundance of green plants. The artwork scattered throughout, displayed gallery-style on the main level, showcases pieces collected over the years from world travels, family and friends, estate sales, and art galleries, including some on Santa Fe. A striking metal staircase leads to the second floor, which includes two ensuite bedrooms. The third-level landing opens to a deck with sweeping views of the foothills and features a variety of Colorado sun-tolerant plants. Nestled between neighboring units, the home is remarkably energy efficient.
525 W 4th Ave
This beautiful 1889 "second empire" home represents a unique architectural style that was popularized in France during the reign of Napoleon III. Less common in Baker, it is distinguished by the original mansard roof and overall elegant lines. An addition was added in 2008 to expand the footprint on the backside of the home before being completely renovated by its current owners in 2023. The floor plan was slightly modified to optimize the layout around the large kitchen, formal dining room, and living area. Upstairs is a fabulous master suite along with a guest bedroom and bathroom. The interior's vibrant colors, intricate wallpaper, geometric tiles, and luxury fixtures create a sense of harmony among these distinct rooms while paying homage to its historic character.
This beautiful 1889 "second empire" home represents a unique architectural style that was popularized in France during the reign of Napoleon III. Less common in Baker, it is distinguished by the original mansard roof and overall elegant lines. An addition was added in 2008 to expand the footprint on the backside of the home before being completely renovated by its current owners in 2023. The floor plan was slightly modified to optimize the layout around the large kitchen, formal dining room, and living area. Upstairs is a fabulous master suite along with a guest bedroom and bathroom. The interior's vibrant colors, intricate wallpaper, geometric tiles, and luxury fixtures create a sense of harmony among these distinct rooms while paying homage to its historic character.
5 S Fox St
In 1928 Henry Roth built this Historic Register House for $100 as he salvaged materials like lids from barrels of railroad spikes and rocks from the South Platte. A Colorado History Museum board member termed the style Hobo Craftsman. Roth built several sleeping shacks that he rented during the Depression. Mary Roth handed out sandwiches from the back door to people experiencing hard times. Donna Altieri and Michael Thornton bought the bungalows in 1979, where they have lived alongside neighbors in the smaller houses Roth built. Perennials and shrubs were planted and trees replaced. The interior is replete with collections of radios, miniature chairs, and Donna’s photography. Paintings and sculptures by Colorado artists collected over 40 years are displayed throughout the house in salon style.
In 1928 Henry Roth built this Historic Register House for $100 as he salvaged materials like lids from barrels of railroad spikes and rocks from the South Platte. A Colorado History Museum board member termed the style Hobo Craftsman. Roth built several sleeping shacks that he rented during the Depression. Mary Roth handed out sandwiches from the back door to people experiencing hard times. Donna Altieri and Michael Thornton bought the bungalows in 1979, where they have lived alongside neighbors in the smaller houses Roth built. Perennials and shrubs were planted and trees replaced. The interior is replete with collections of radios, miniature chairs, and Donna’s photography. Paintings and sculptures by Colorado artists collected over 40 years are displayed throughout the house in salon style.
DoubleButter Showroom
This mid-century mod space was built for the offices of Hezlep Construction in 1960. Donna Altieri and Michael Thornton purchased it in 2003 to locate Altieri Instrument Bags, removing office walls to make room for cutting tables and shipping. Donna founded and ran the company for 35 years, making soft cases / covers for symphonic instruments (notably the first person to attach backpack straps to music gig bags). The large windows / natural light display DoubleButter furniture, which is the showroom for the small design / manufacturing firm next door. The Denver Art Museum has DoubleButter pieces in its collection. The space is available to rent for corporate meetings, photo shoots, creative gatherings, and the back opens to an expansive garden of flowers, fruits, and vegetables with bees and chickens.
This mid-century mod space was built for the offices of Hezlep Construction in 1960. Donna Altieri and Michael Thornton purchased it in 2003 to locate Altieri Instrument Bags, removing office walls to make room for cutting tables and shipping. Donna founded and ran the company for 35 years, making soft cases / covers for symphonic instruments (notably the first person to attach backpack straps to music gig bags). The large windows / natural light display DoubleButter furniture, which is the showroom for the small design / manufacturing firm next door. The Denver Art Museum has DoubleButter pieces in its collection. The space is available to rent for corporate meetings, photo shoots, creative gatherings, and the back opens to an expansive garden of flowers, fruits, and vegetables with bees and chickens.
Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Mary
The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Mary’s is a charming church built by Cornish silver miners in 1891. It is "English Cottage" style and uses Rhyolite stone quarried locally. The sanctuary was originally intended as the parish hall, with plans to build a larger east-facing sanctuary. However, insufficient funds halted these plans. A Celtic cross tops its tower, and lovely stained glass adorns its interior. The church partners with St. Clare’s Ministries to provide a community dinner every Tues 4:45 – 6:30 pm. Guests can select clothes, shoes, toiletries, and more from the "store" while on-site. James Musselman, St. Peter and St. Mary’s Music Director, founded the Baker Community Arts Association, which hosts free quarterly concerts and receptions. The church is also a Denver Urban Gardens site.
The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Mary’s is a charming church built by Cornish silver miners in 1891. It is "English Cottage" style and uses Rhyolite stone quarried locally. The sanctuary was originally intended as the parish hall, with plans to build a larger east-facing sanctuary. However, insufficient funds halted these plans. A Celtic cross tops its tower, and lovely stained glass adorns its interior. The church partners with St. Clare’s Ministries to provide a community dinner every Tues 4:45 – 6:30 pm. Guests can select clothes, shoes, toiletries, and more from the "store" while on-site. James Musselman, St. Peter and St. Mary’s Music Director, founded the Baker Community Arts Association, which hosts free quarterly concerts and receptions. The church is also a Denver Urban Gardens site.
Fire Station #11
Built in 1936-37, Fire Station 11 replaced an older structure located at 3rd and Cherokee. The building was designed by prominent architect, Charles Francis Pillsbury in the Art Deco style. These elements are oriented vertically, which are apparent in the arrow-like ornaments that point towards the sky. Art deco light fixtures hang on each column with smaller columns above the windows. It was designated a historical landmark in 1996. During the 1970s, the station dalmatian "Chief" made his home here and even had his own doggy door - the current doors are replicas of the historic originals. In the era of steam horse drawn wagons, the dog’s kept the horses in place so they didn’t bolt and run away from the fire. Fire Station 11 is the 5th busiest in the city and houses one of two rescue trucks.
Built in 1936-37, Fire Station 11 replaced an older structure located at 3rd and Cherokee. The building was designed by prominent architect, Charles Francis Pillsbury in the Art Deco style. These elements are oriented vertically, which are apparent in the arrow-like ornaments that point towards the sky. Art deco light fixtures hang on each column with smaller columns above the windows. It was designated a historical landmark in 1996. During the 1970s, the station dalmatian "Chief" made his home here and even had his own doggy door - the current doors are replicas of the historic originals. In the era of steam horse drawn wagons, the dog’s kept the horses in place so they didn’t bolt and run away from the fire. Fire Station 11 is the 5th busiest in the city and houses one of two rescue trucks.
Sustainability Garden
This beautiful home garden exemplifies how sustainability can be integrated into small urban spaces. The owners (self-described "Captain Planet Millennials") were drawn to Baker for its diversity, walkability, and community ethos, and they desired to employ sustainability practices adapted to Colorado's unique environment. Their approach combines energy efficiency—such as electric heat‑pump systems and porch‑light timers—with water conservation practices including gray water diversion, rain water barrels, clotheslines, and xeriscaped yard. Native, pollinator‑friendly plants support urban biodiversity alongside bees and backyard chickens, while vegetables and herbs showcase productive city gardening. Don't miss the front porch goose ornament, whose outfit changes almost daily!
This beautiful home garden exemplifies how sustainability can be integrated into small urban spaces. The owners (self-described "Captain Planet Millennials") were drawn to Baker for its diversity, walkability, and community ethos, and they desired to employ sustainability practices adapted to Colorado's unique environment. Their approach combines energy efficiency—such as electric heat‑pump systems and porch‑light timers—with water conservation practices including gray water diversion, rain water barrels, clotheslines, and xeriscaped yard. Native, pollinator‑friendly plants support urban biodiversity alongside bees and backyard chickens, while vegetables and herbs showcase productive city gardening. Don't miss the front porch goose ornament, whose outfit changes almost daily!
