The 8th & 9th Blocks of Race, Vine, Gaylord and the west side of York
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Did you know…in the 1890’s, Colfax was considered Denver’s most prestigious residential street? And this street was contained in Wyman’s Addition, which was platted in 1882 and stretched from Franklin to York, 13th to 17th Avenue. Water became available to the area with the completion of Smith’s Ditch in 1867, and transportation was accessible, with working cable car lines by 1889. These two ingredients enabled the neighborhood to begin to take shape. Most construction occurred between 1888 and 1893, with prominent architect William Lang building a total of 36 houses, 14 of which have since been torn down. Frank Edbrooke, and Robert Roeschlaub also contributed to the development of the neighborhood. During this time, Colfax and the Wyman neighborhood were home to many of Denver’s most prominent citizens including members of the “Sacred 36” who were those invited to Mrs. Crawford Hill’s bridge parties because she only had 9 tables! Following the Silver Crash, and a halt in most building, the construction of apartment buildings and commercial buildings began. Many mansions were divided into multi-unit apartment buildings, and by the 1960’s, communes and half-way houses were widespread throughout the area. While the construction in the Wyman Historic District varies across three distinct styles, Victorian, Post-Victorian, and Early Modern, the neighborhood also contains many examples of other architectural designs including Moderne, Prairie Style, Period Revivals, and Bungalows. Additionally, Wyman contains one of the only examples of the rare Shingle Style in Denver at 1359 Race Street. Named a Historic District in 1993 (which also includes the 1300 block of Humboldt), Wyman’s Addition remains a thriving, diverse, and well-loved part of the heart of Denver. Get the Wyman Historic District walking guide, by Diane Wilk, at the Tattered Cover bookstore and enjoy spending the day walking around this area.
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