Member-only story

Rediscovering Denver's Lost Department Stores Through Time

David Baldacci

·13.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Lost Department Stores Of Denver

7 min read · 1 month before

665 View Claps

60 Respond

Save

Listen

Lost Department Stores of Denver

by Mark A. Barnhouse

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10846 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	211 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In the heart of the Mile High City, where skyscrapers now dominate the skyline, there was once a vibrant retail landscape that has faded into the annals of history. Denver's department stores, once the anchors of downtown and neighborhood shopping districts, were grand palaces of commerce that showcased the latest fashions, home goods, and technological marvels.

Unfortunately, as the decades passed, many of these iconic stores fell victim to changing consumer habits, suburbanization, and the rise of national chains. Their magnificent buildings were either demolished or repurposed, leaving only a few remaining remnants to hint at their former glory.

The Golden Age of Department Stores

The golden age of department stores in Denver spanned from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. During this time, the city was home to a number of thriving department store chains, including May D&F, Daniels & Fisher, Neusteter's, Gano Downs, Joslin's, and The Denver Dry Goods Company.

These stores were more than just places to shop; they were also social hubs and community gathering places. They offered a wide range of amenities, such as restaurants, tearooms, beauty salons, and even art galleries. For many Denverites, a trip to the department store was a weekly ritual, a chance to socialize, catch up on the latest gossip, and find the perfect outfit or home furnishing.

Architectural Marvels

The department stores of Denver were not only commercial enterprises but also architectural marvels. Many of them were designed by renowned architects and featured stunning facades, elaborate interiors, and innovative construction techniques.

For example, the May D&F building, which opened in 1908, was one of the first skyscrapers in Denver. It was designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Marshall & Fox and featured a steel frame construction, a terra cotta facade, and a grand atrium. The Daniels & Fisher building, which opened in 1914, was another architectural masterpiece. Designed by the Denver firm of Fisher & Fisher, it featured a Beaux-Arts facade, a marble interior, and a rooftop garden.

Iconic Displays

In addition to their architectural beauty, Denver's department stores were also known for their iconic displays. The windows of these stores were carefully curated to showcase the latest fashions and home goods, and they were often elaborate works of art.

For example, the May D&F store was known for its Christmas windows, which featured animated displays and live performers. The Daniels & Fisher store was known for its fashion shows, which were held in the store's grand atrium. And the Neusteter's store was known for its art exhibitions, which featured works by local and national artists.

The Decline of Department Stores

The decline of department stores in Denver began in the mid-20th century. A number of factors contributed to this decline, including the rise of suburban shopping malls, the growth of national chains, and changing consumer habits.

As more and more people moved to the suburbs, they began to shop at malls, which offered a more convenient and modern shopping experience. National chains, such as Sears and JCPenney, also began to open stores in Denver, putting pressure on local department stores. And as consumer habits changed, people began to prefer shopping at specialty stores and online retailers.

Lost Department Stores of Denver

By the end of the 20th century, most of Denver's department stores had closed their doors. A few, such as May D&F and Joslin's, were acquired by national chains. Others, such as Daniels & Fisher and Neusteter's, were demolished. And still others, such as The Denver Dry Goods Company, were repurposed into other uses.

Today, only a few remnants of Denver's once-thriving department store landscape remain. The May D&F building is now a hotel, and the Joslin's building is now a mixed-use development. The Daniels & Fisher building was demolished in 1971, and the Neusteter's building was demolished in 1980. The Denver Dry Goods Company building is now home to a variety of businesses, including a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a fitness center.

Rediscovering Denver's Lost Department Stores

Although the physical structures of Denver's lost department stores are gone, their legacy lives on. These stores were an important part of the city's history and culture, and they helped to shape the retail landscape of the Mile High City.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in rediscovering Denver's lost department stores. A number of books and articles have been written about these stores, and there are even tours that focus on their history and architecture.

Rediscovering Denver's lost department stores is a way to connect with the city's past and to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of these once-iconic landmarks.

Lost Department Stores of Denver Walking Tour

If you're interested in learning more about Denver's lost department stores, I highly recommend taking a walking tour. There are a number of different walking tours available, each with its own unique focus.

One of the most popular walking tours is the "Lost Department Stores of Denver" tour, which is led by historian and author Thomas J. Noel. This tour takes you to the sites of some of Denver's most iconic former department stores, including May D&F, Daniels & Fisher, Neusteter's, and The Denver Dry Goods Company.

On the tour, you'll learn about the history of these stores, their architectural significance, and their role in the development of Denver. You'll also see some of the remnants of these stores, such as the May D&F building and the Joslin's building.

If you're interested in taking a walking tour, I recommend booking in advance. Tours can be booked online or by calling the tour company directly.

Denver's lost department stores were once the heart of the city's retail landscape. They were grand palaces of commerce that showcased the latest fashions, home goods, and technological marvels. They were also social hubs and community gathering places. Although most of these stores have closed their doors, their legacy lives on. Rediscovering Denver's lost department stores is a way to connect with the city's past and to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of these once-iconic landmarks.

Lost Department Stores of Denver

by Mark A. Barnhouse

4.7 out of 5