Did you know…between 1870 and
1893 the population of Denver grew more quickly than
any other city in the United States, increasing from
4,800 to 107,000? At the heart of this growth was
Curtis Park, located just northeast of downtown.
The first streetcar line in the area was constructed
in 1871 and began at 7th and Larimer and followed
Champa up to 27th Avenue. Initially desolate and unpaved,
by 1879 new construction lined the streetcar route.
Many of the new residents of the Curtis Park were
immigrants of varied economic status, and diversity
thrived in the area.
As early as the 1890’s, however, many residents
of Curtis Park who could afford to do so relocated
to Capitol Hill which was considered the new, fashionable
neighborhood and became home to many prominent Denverites.
By the early 1920’s, many of the properties
in the neighborhood had been divided into multi-unit
dwellings. Economically the neighborhood became more
lower-middle class and blue collar.
During WWII, many Japanese-Americans came to Curtis
Park. Reverend Seijiro Uemura, of Japanese Methodist
Church, persuaded Colorado Governor Ralph Carr to
provide a place for those sent to internment camps
elsewhere in the US. Between 1942 and 1943, thousands
came to the neighborhood.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Curtis Park,
like many of the urban neighborhoods of Denver, was
deteriorating and many residents left for other areas.
However, by the mid-1970’s, new residents began
to be drawn to the unique homes in the area.
Architecturally, Curtis Park contains a variety of
melded together styles with the Queen Anne influence
being predominant. The Italianate style is found more
often in Curtis Park than in any other neighborhood
in Denver. Many homes were built by individuals lacking
formal architectural training which is reflected in
the eclectic blend of architectural styles seen in
many homes in the area.
A large part of the Curtis Park neighborhood was
named to the National Register of Historic Places
in 1975 which led to continued interest in renovations
and revitalization. With approximately 500 late 19th
century homes in the neighborhood, Curtis Park provides
an interesting look at Denver’s past as well
as a glance to the future.
-Jennifer
Collins |
