Home & Community Sites Histories
This year's Tour features an eclectic mix of Accessory Dwelling Units, along with four community locations showcasing the neighborhood's rich diversity.
This year's Tour features an eclectic mix of Accessory Dwelling Units, along with four 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.
210 Cherokee St
This Accessory Dwelling Unit consists of a two-car garage and a ~500 sq ft one-bedroom apartment above. Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2019. As you can see, the exterior design incorporated architectural elements from the main home (1889) to ensure harmony, as required for any new structure within the Baker Historic District. The sunny interior, in contrast, has a pure contemporary feel with an open-concept floor plan, European appliances and cabinetry throughout, and vaulted ceilings. The owners desired a modern color palette with neutral tones accented by aqua blue in the cabinetry and accessories. Lastly, this is a "smart home" allowing for app-enabled enabled functionality from your phone or smart device.
This Accessory Dwelling Unit consists of a two-car garage and a ~500 sq ft one-bedroom apartment above. Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2019. As you can see, the exterior design incorporated architectural elements from the main home (1889) to ensure harmony, as required for any new structure within the Baker Historic District. The sunny interior, in contrast, has a pure contemporary feel with an open-concept floor plan, European appliances and cabinetry throughout, and vaulted ceilings. The owners desired a modern color palette with neutral tones accented by aqua blue in the cabinetry and accessories. Lastly, this is a "smart home" allowing for app-enabled enabled functionality from your phone or smart device.
139 1/2 W Ellsworth Ave
Designed by a local architect and completed in 2020, this modern ADU features a spacious open floor plan with a large living area and bedroom (don't miss the custom tile in the entryway). The interior design reflects a contemporary spin on Art Deco - as seen in the tile backsplash and bathroom floor - and complemented with elegant cabinetry with brushed brass finishes. Skylights and neutral walls / flooring lend a warmth to the space, while smart locks and automated window shades offer modern conveniences. The most striking aspect, however, is the sleek black exterior. The unit is not painted but in fact burned Japanese wood shingles (yakisugi tiles), which serve to weatherproof the structure and provide a modern twist on a classic design.
Designed by a local architect and completed in 2020, this modern ADU features a spacious open floor plan with a large living area and bedroom (don't miss the custom tile in the entryway). The interior design reflects a contemporary spin on Art Deco - as seen in the tile backsplash and bathroom floor - and complemented with elegant cabinetry with brushed brass finishes. Skylights and neutral walls / flooring lend a warmth to the space, while smart locks and automated window shades offer modern conveniences. The most striking aspect, however, is the sleek black exterior. The unit is not painted but in fact burned Japanese wood shingles (yakisugi tiles), which serve to weatherproof the structure and provide a modern twist on a classic design.
145 W 1st Ave
The W. 1st Avenue ADU was completed by the previous owners in 2018. With over 600 square feet of space, the living quarters sit above an oversized 3-car garage - 1 single garage and 1 tandem garage (a unique feature in the Baker neighborhood). The unit contains a well appointed kitchen, bedroom, full bathroom, and an open concept floor plan combining living and dining areas (don't miss the exposed beams along the vaulted ceilings). A unique feature of this ADU is the Juliette Balcony off the main living room. The space is filled with plenty of natural light and was designed to contain several storage nooks that are out of sight, adding to the modern and clean feel. The exterior design harmonizes beautifully with the main home (built in 1890), pulling through not only the paint colors but also decorative shingles.
The W. 1st Avenue ADU was completed by the previous owners in 2018. With over 600 square feet of space, the living quarters sit above an oversized 3-car garage - 1 single garage and 1 tandem garage (a unique feature in the Baker neighborhood). The unit contains a well appointed kitchen, bedroom, full bathroom, and an open concept floor plan combining living and dining areas (don't miss the exposed beams along the vaulted ceilings). A unique feature of this ADU is the Juliette Balcony off the main living room. The space is filled with plenty of natural light and was designed to contain several storage nooks that are out of sight, adding to the modern and clean feel. The exterior design harmonizes beautifully with the main home (built in 1890), pulling through not only the paint colors but also decorative shingles.
272 1/2 Inca St
The most immediately striking aspect of this ADU is its asymmetrical design (due to zoning restrictions). While this ADU falls outside the bounds of the Historic District, the architecture harmonizes nicely with the surrounding neighborhood showcasing a uniquely contemporary exterior. Inside, the unit is split into multiple levels with a living / kitchen area on the lower floor; a bathroom, laundry, and storage on the second floor; and a master bedroom suite in the uppermost loft area. Note the decorative mix of industrial (noted by the steel staircase) with more natural elements (seen in the wood flooring, cabinetry, and sliding barn doors). The overall aesthetic aims for a “retro modern” feel, epitomized by the refurbished coffee table (once a cigar crate) and the midcentury coffee / tea appliances.
The most immediately striking aspect of this ADU is its asymmetrical design (due to zoning restrictions). While this ADU falls outside the bounds of the Historic District, the architecture harmonizes nicely with the surrounding neighborhood showcasing a uniquely contemporary exterior. Inside, the unit is split into multiple levels with a living / kitchen area on the lower floor; a bathroom, laundry, and storage on the second floor; and a master bedroom suite in the uppermost loft area. Note the decorative mix of industrial (noted by the steel staircase) with more natural elements (seen in the wood flooring, cabinetry, and sliding barn doors). The overall aesthetic aims for a “retro modern” feel, epitomized by the refurbished coffee table (once a cigar crate) and the midcentury coffee / tea appliances.
132 W 4th Ave
This ADU is in fact a historic structure originally built alongside the main home (1890), which were common among Baker’s larger homes. When the current owners purchased the property, the carriage house had been condemned. In fact, the west side dormer had completely collapsed and was leaning into the yard. It was lovingly restored in 2004 and served as an office until being converted to a rental unit in 2019. Outside, the northern windows served as small spaces through which horses could poke their heads. On the eastern facade, you can still see the pulley system utilized to lift hay to the second floor area through the “hay door.” Inside, the floor plan is open and spacious, with original features throughout (note the wooden beams across the ceiling).
This ADU is in fact a historic structure originally built alongside the main home (1890), which were common among Baker’s larger homes. When the current owners purchased the property, the carriage house had been condemned. In fact, the west side dormer had completely collapsed and was leaning into the yard. It was lovingly restored in 2004 and served as an office until being converted to a rental unit in 2019. Outside, the northern windows served as small spaces through which horses could poke their heads. On the eastern facade, you can still see the pulley system utilized to lift hay to the second floor area through the “hay door.” Inside, the floor plan is open and spacious, with original features throughout (note the wooden beams across the ceiling).
530 W 1st Ave
This original carriage house is 110+ years old and has been skillfully re-designed by the owner (and architect) into a combined garage and living space. The original walls were preserved, and any new elements (roof, masonry, floors) were thoughtfully selected to tie into the building's historic character. The unit offers a living area and single-car garage on the main floor with two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom above. Unique features include a custom spiral metal staircase, a pellet stove (the primary heat source), and terrace railing to allow for a peaceful, light filled interior. A core design principle was to maximize sustainability, as noted by the tankless water heater, renewable materials (alder, bamboo, engineered lumbar), and the preservation of existing trees during construction.
This original carriage house is 110+ years old and has been skillfully re-designed by the owner (and architect) into a combined garage and living space. The original walls were preserved, and any new elements (roof, masonry, floors) were thoughtfully selected to tie into the building's historic character. The unit offers a living area and single-car garage on the main floor with two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom above. Unique features include a custom spiral metal staircase, a pellet stove (the primary heat source), and terrace railing to allow for a peaceful, light filled interior. A core design principle was to maximize sustainability, as noted by the tankless water heater, renewable materials (alder, bamboo, engineered lumbar), and the preservation of existing trees during construction.
1st Avenue Presbyterian Church
This lovely historic church is one of the many jewels of the Baker neighborhood. Replacing a nearby structure that stood at the corner of Broadway and W 1st Ave, the foundation of the present structure was laid in 1906 and completed in 1907 at a cost of ~$18,000. The architectural firm of Fallis & Stein designed the sanctuary and also built other Denver landmarks, including the neighboring Mayan Theater. An extensive renovation completed in recent years - made possible through a generous grant from the Colorado Historical Society and matching funds from the Church - restored much of the beautiful masonry and glass. Don’t miss the recently restored hand painted windows and stained glass in the bell tower, as well as the revitalized Acoma St doors and transom areas.
This lovely historic church is one of the many jewels of the Baker neighborhood. Replacing a nearby structure that stood at the corner of Broadway and W 1st Ave, the foundation of the present structure was laid in 1906 and completed in 1907 at a cost of ~$18,000. The architectural firm of Fallis & Stein designed the sanctuary and also built other Denver landmarks, including the neighboring Mayan Theater. An extensive renovation completed in recent years - made possible through a generous grant from the Colorado Historical Society and matching funds from the Church - restored much of the beautiful masonry and glass. Don’t miss the recently restored hand painted windows and stained glass in the bell tower, as well as the revitalized Acoma St doors and transom areas.
La Familia Recreational Center
Rose Lopez - a young Hispanic mother - dreamed of a neighborhood center where her children could swim and play. With the help of city funding and design by Ramon Martinez, La Familia opened in 1979. A neighborhood resident, Lydia Leal, won $50 for submitting the winning name. The mural on the pool walls, La Familia Cosmica, was created by Jerry Jarmillo, who was a founding member of Denver’s Chicano Humanities & Arts Council. It portrays the Cosmic Family in a wave, as well as Chaac, the Mayan God of Rain and the Star God. The gym mural, by Fred Sanchez, shows several famous athletes, along with the Center’s respected first director, Nick Arguello (bottom left). La Familia engages thousands of children / adults monthly and provides a food program for children under 18 daily.
Rose Lopez - a young Hispanic mother - dreamed of a neighborhood center where her children could swim and play. With the help of city funding and design by Ramon Martinez, La Familia opened in 1979. A neighborhood resident, Lydia Leal, won $50 for submitting the winning name. The mural on the pool walls, La Familia Cosmica, was created by Jerry Jarmillo, who was a founding member of Denver’s Chicano Humanities & Arts Council. It portrays the Cosmic Family in a wave, as well as Chaac, the Mayan God of Rain and the Star God. The gym mural, by Fred Sanchez, shows several famous athletes, along with the Center’s respected first director, Nick Arguello (bottom left). La Familia engages thousands of children / adults monthly and provides a food program for children under 18 daily.
Fire Station #11
Built in 1936-37, Fire Station 11 replaced an older structure located at 3rd and Evans. The building was designed by prominent architect, Charles Francis Pillsbury, and remains the only Art Deco station in Denver. Art Deco style 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 (it’s still there!). Fun fact: 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 fifth busiest in the city and houses the only rescue truck (#1).
Built in 1936-37, Fire Station 11 replaced an older structure located at 3rd and Evans. The building was designed by prominent architect, Charles Francis Pillsbury, and remains the only Art Deco station in Denver. Art Deco style 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 (it’s still there!). Fun fact: 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 fifth busiest in the city and houses the only rescue truck (#1).
The Quayle Apartments
Spearheaded by Zocalo Community Development, the Quayle Apartments is an excellent example of public-private partnership and local collaboration with the Baker neighborhood on historic preservation and redevelopment initiatives. The historic building was originally constructed in 1907 as a hotel but closed in the 1960s. Zocalo restored the original historic structure and added on an architecturally harmonious addition to create 102 income-restricted studio and one-bedroom apartment units (291-621 sq ft). The builders also enlisted local artists to to paint interior murals to complement preserved ornamentation, such as the original tile floor mosaics. The overall project strongly reflects the developer's mission to build and strengthen vibrant, inclusive, and equitable communities.
Spearheaded by Zocalo Community Development, the Quayle Apartments is an excellent example of public-private partnership and local collaboration with the Baker neighborhood on historic preservation and redevelopment initiatives. The historic building was originally constructed in 1907 as a hotel but closed in the 1960s. Zocalo restored the original historic structure and added on an architecturally harmonious addition to create 102 income-restricted studio and one-bedroom apartment units (291-621 sq ft). The builders also enlisted local artists to to paint interior murals to complement preserved ornamentation, such as the original tile floor mosaics. The overall project strongly reflects the developer's mission to build and strengthen vibrant, inclusive, and equitable communities.