Denver in Blue

I was in Denver with a couple of hours to spare… and it suddenly occurred to me that I hadn’t walked downtown in years. There were plenty of reasons, first COVID-19, then the 16th Street Mall renovation project, not to mention parking headaches and crowds. Well, I decided it was time to change that. I grabbed my camera and headed out, wandering the streets and looking for what had changed.

 

It wasn’t exactly the best time for photography. The sun was high, the light harsh - the classic nightmare for architectural shots. But I took it as a challenge. Skyscrapers kept catching my eye, and I couldn’t resist capturing these towering, glass-covered buildings. I have to admit - they’re incredibly photogenic :)

When I got home and started post-processing the images, I noticed something interesting. The sky had been so blue that everything seemed tinted by it - buildings, reflections, everything. So… Denver in blue it is :) 

I didn’t want to focus only on modern buildings. In fact, I was more interested in the older ones, but many are now hidden, surrounded by newer developments. The Twentieth Street Gymnasium (built in 1908) was a nice exception - thankfully not overshadowed by too many high-rise giants.

Of course, there are entire blocks where nothing but tall glass and concrete towers remain ;(

The Byron White United States Courthouse, built between 1901 and 1916, still stands strong, though not without skyscrapers looming behind it.

Holy Ghost Catholic Church is not that old... It was consecrated in 1943. And today it's almost invisible, overpowered by this massive multi-story glass neighbor.

And it seems the lights in that building are never off. Saturday or not… someone is always there.

One Lincoln Park residential tower, completed in 2006, rises 32 stories and holds 186 condominium units. Well, to me, it looks like a ship, don't you agree?

One of the oldest and most beautiful churches in downtown is Trinity United Methodist Church.

Completed in 1887, this Gothic Revival style church is constructed primarily of grey rhyolite stone.

There’s still one angle where you can see it without modern towers closing in.

Another old structure stands nearly lost in a forest of skyscrapers. Surrounded by glass and reflections, it feels out of place… or maybe it’s the surroundings that are out of place. What do you think?

Two landmarks define part of the downtown skyline. The Atrium Campus, designed by I. M. Pei, became Denver’s first modern high-rise when it was completed in 1956. It’s known for its white structural grid and a large 10-story glass atrium connecting it to the neighboring tower. In the background stands the Wells Fargo Center - often called the “Cash Register Building”. Designed by Philip Johnson under a master plan by (surprise-surprise) I. M. Pei, it was completed in 1983. At 52 stories, it’s one of the most recognizable parts of the Denver skyline.

Walking these streets and looking up, you quickly realize how small we are - like ants surrounded by overwhelmingly tall buildings.

But enough modern architecture… let’s head along 16th Street and look at some older gems, buildings that, in my opinion, are even more impressive, even if they aren’t as tall. Kittredge Building (built in 1891 from native granite and rhyolite).

The building is a great example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and was one of the first downtown buildings to feature an elevator.

I often stop by a nearby bar, just to admire its décor…

This time, the hostess stepped outside and invited me in, promising even more to see. She was right, there’s plenty inside worth admiring :)

Back on the street, the Colorado Building, originally built in 1891, later underwent a major Art Deco transformation in 1937.

At that point, I decided to leave 16th Street and head toward the Colorado Convention Center, mainly to check if the famous Big Blue Bear was still there ;)

No surprise - it was. I "See What You Mean" (it's an interesting nickname, huh?) still stands, peering into the building and ignoring everything around it.

Quigg Newton Denver Municipal Auditorium that was built in 1908 and originally hosted diverse events including conventions, concerts and basketball games. Today (after massive renovation of 2003-2005) it's known as Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

The Bell Building, also known as the Mountain States Telephone Building, was completed in 1929. 

It’s a prime example of American Perpendicular Gothic architecture, and its entrance features 13 murals by Allen Tupper True depicting the history of telecommunications.

The Daniels & Fisher Tower, completed in 1910 and was designed to resemble the Campanile of Venice, Italy. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, standing 325 feet tall.

Eventually, it was time to head back toward the modern skyline. My time was up, and I made my way back to where I had parked the car.

But before leaving, I stopped by the Clayton Building, built in 1882. Originally home to the M. J. McNamara Dry Goods Company, it later became the Granite Hotel (1905–1965), named for the materials used in its construction. Today, it has been restored and houses retail shops, including an Ariat store, as well as office space.

It turned out to be a really enjoyable walk through downtown Denver. The city, washed in shades of blue, felt different - almost transformed. I probably need to do it again sometime… what do you think?

Photos taken on March 17, 2026.