Historic Denver Honorees

Historic Denver to honor people and projects that champion adaptive reuse, inclusivity, and the preservation of Denver's cultural heritage.Photo byHistoric Denver

Among the honorees: an astronaut, a Victorian mansion reborn as a boutique hotel, a dedicated historian, a historic district centered around a university community, a lifelong preservationist, and a former motorcycle garage turned community coffeehouse.

Historic Denver's 54th Annual Gala will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at The Brown Palace Hotel. This event is Historic Denver's largest fundraiser of the year and the recipients of Historic Denver’s 2024 annual awards recognize the people and projects that have made significant contributions to preserving Denver's unique architectural and cultural heritage.

Award winners exemplify a commitment to maintaining the city's
historic fabric and telling its stories while embracing the principles of
inclusivity, sustainability, and adaptive reuse. 

2024 HISTORIC DENVER INDIVIDUAL HONOREES

 KEYSTONE AWARD - Sarah O. McCarthy 

Photo byHistoric Denver

 Sarah O. McCarthy is a luminary in the field of historic
preservation, with a career spanning decades of dedicated service. Her work with Denver Public Schools, preserving and designating historic schools
as Denver Landmarks, set a national precedent and ensured that these architectural treasures are
preserved for future generations. Sarah's influence extends beyond tangible
preservation, as she has guided countless individuals and organizations through
the complexities of preservation, leaving an indelible mark on Denver. 

 ANN LOVE AWARD - Ed Dwight

Photo byHistoric Denver

 Ed Dwight's life is a testament to
resilience, determination, and artistic brilliance. From being the first
African American in the Air Force's astronaut program to becoming one of the
most celebrated African American artists in the U.S., Dwight has made significant
contributions to preserving history and culture. His public art projects, such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in
Denver's City Park, have transformed urban environments into places of
education and reflection. 

 MARGARET "MOLLY" BROWN AWARD - Dr. Nicki Gonzales 

Photo byHistoric Denver

 Dr. Nicki Gonzales has dedicated
her life to exploring and amplifying the histories of Latino, Chicano, and
Hispanic communities in Colorado. As a professor of history and Vice Provost
for Diversity and Inclusion at Regis University, Dr. Gonzales has made
significant contributions to the understanding and preservation of marginalized
histories. Her work as Colorado State Historian and her community efforts have
ensured that the history of Colorado reflects the diversity of its people. 

 2024 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION AWARD WINNERS 

University Park Historic District  
When the Denver City Council unanimously approved the creation of the University Park Landmark District in April 2024, the achievement was the culmination of a five-year effort led by the University Park Community Preservation Committee. Their innovative approach set a new precedent for residential historic preservation in Denver: The thematic district, one of only two discontiguous districts in Denver, offers formal recognition to properties with shared historical, architectural, or cultural significance, regardless of their location within the neighborhood.  This innovative preservation strategy ensures that 19 significant structures, which have ties to the University of Denver (DU) and the Iliff School of Theology, as well as notable women, are protected from demolition and their histories preserved for future generations. 

Flora House Denver 
Flora House Denver stands as a shining example of how preservation can rejuvenate historic buildings while fostering community connections. Located in Denver's Wyman Historic District and designed by architects Lang & Pugh, this impeccably restored 1892 Victorian mansion has been reimagined by owners Jen and Leigh Alderton. The restoration preserves the mansion's intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and other Victorian details, while introducing modern amenities that enhance the experience guests expect in a unique boutique hotel. Flora House's commitment to sustainability and community is evident in its earth-friendly practices, use of local products, and support of female-owned businesses — a gem in Denver's hospitality landscape. 

 Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church 
A cornerstone of Denver's Park Hill neighborhood, Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church recognized the need to adapt while preserving its
120-year heritage. Guided by a campuswide vision, they embarked on an ambitious restoration project in collaboration with Tryba Architects to revitalize the church's facilities, ensuring they continue to serve the community while retaining their historic character. Montview’s commitment to social
justice and community engagement — rooted in its history — continues to thrive,
making them a beacon of hope and connection in Denver's diverse Park Hill
neighborhood. 

  2024 REMIX AWARD RECIPIENTS 

Prodigy Coffeehouse / Globeville Garage 

Prodigy Coffeehouse's mission goes beyond serving coffee: It provides apprenticeships to young adults from northeast Denver, creating
pathways to economic independence and contributing to a more equitable Denver. Their Globeville location is a remarkable example of adaptive reuse: The 2,000-square-foot space retains its industrial charm while serving as a coffeehouse, community meeting space, classroom, and Craft Coffee Learning Lab. MAINSPRING, along with Semple Brown Design and Sprung Construction, transformed this former motorcycle maintenance garage next to the interchange of I-70 and I-25 into a vibrant community hub, while also adding a separate residential duplex on the parcel. This project honors the past while
creating opportunities for the future, reflecting the northeast Denver
community's resilience and forward-thinking spirit. 

RiNo ArtPark 
RiNo Art Park is a striking example of how creative design
can blend the old with the new, breathing fresh life into Denver's industrial
past while addressing modern community needs. The park's design preserves the
industrial character of the area while integrating new elements like an
elevated walkway and lush greenspaces, creating a harmonious blend of natural
and built environments. Tres Birds and Wenk Associates collaborated on this
transformative project, which repurposes industrial warehouses along the South
Platte riverfront into vibrant community hubs. RiNo Art Park demonstrates how
thoughtful development can honor the past while serving the future, offering a
model for urban revitalization.  

2024 INFILL AWARD RECIPIENT 

Curtis Park Row Homes / Lumen Homes 
Located in the Curtis Park Historic District, these townhomes
are the first recipients of Historic Denver's newly established Infill Award,
presented to new buildings that skillfully blend modern design elements within
historic contexts. Working with Denver Housing Authority (DHA) as part of a
redevelopment to create a mixed-income community — and with guidance from the Denver Landmark Preservation office — Lumen Homes built the 4-unit, market-rate Curtis Park Row Homes.  This project enhances the
neighborhood's historic character while addressing current housing needs,
embodying the balance between preservation and progress. 

 Historic Denver's 54th Annual Gala will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at The Brown Palace Hotel at 321 17th Street in downtown Denver. This event is Historic Denver's largest fundraiser of the year and one of a few events granted the rare privilege of taking over the grand Atrium Lobby during the two-hour cocktail reception. For tickets, visit Historic Denver Gala
Tickets, and for sponsorship information, contact jay@historicdenver.org.