A three-story Beaux Arts-designed structure in downtown Denver may soon be in line for an update.
Located at 1000 Broadway, the building went up in 1926, during the heyday of that decade’s economic boom and, perhaps not surprisingly, originally served as a spacious showroom for luxury Chrysler cars.
What was the Cullen-Thompson Motor Company Building eventually became the Gart Sports Castle, housing a large department store known for its wide variety of sporting good offerings.
Vacant for the last 5 years, the structure has now been purchased by the Denver-based Hyder Construction, which has announced plans to build new retail space on the building’s ground floor, along with office space on the upper floors.
The project may also include the building of a new penthouse level.
The 45,000 square foot building is regarded as an architectural treasure, with its stained-glass windows and terracotta exterior. It was hailed in the publication Progressive Architecture upon completion.
Designed by architect Jacques Benedict, the building additionally includes transoms bearing the Chrysler Company’s winged wheel logo and roof top finials.
According to reports, it is the last building designed by the famous architect to still be standing in Denver.
The renovation and updating of what is popularly known as the Sports Castle building is expected to begin sometime in 2023.
By Garry Boulard
