Architect: Unknown
Year Built: 1909 (Renovated 1988)
Construction Type: Brick
Structure
Architectural features include interesting corbeled cornices, exterior brick panels, hardwood, and interior brick walls. In 1988, the structure was renovated to accommodate retail space and housing. The lower level of the S.H. Supply Company is commercial and retail space, and currently houses art galleries. The upper level is residential space. S. H. Supply Co. building on Wazee Street in Lower Downtown Denver has been home for Robischon Gallery and The Art Framers for more than 25 years.
S. H. Supply Lofts is located on Wazee Street between 17th and 18th in lower downtown Denver (LoDo). Built around 1909, S.H. Supply Company is a century-old building that was built during Denver’s rail streetcar era. In the early 1920s, the building was used as a parking lot for the elite Oxford Hotel guests and continued as downtown parking garage into the 1950s.
The 1909 structure was a staple of Denver’s early days and is often overlooked for its historical importance. “It’s a not a fancy building, but it’s very much of its time,” writer Mary Voelz Chandler said. The bonus for visitors is that it now houses one of the city’s most important contemporary art galleries.
Purpose
S.H. Supply Building was used for mining, milling, smelting, and irrigation machinery. The building began around 1906 and served many industrial purposes over the years. An idea of the nature of the industrial conditions is provided by a description of the S.H. Supply Company, which stated that, “one man lives on the premises, heat is provided by stoves, electric lighting is present, water comes from a well but there is no hose.”
S.H. Supply Company was a large company. According to their catalog they were “The Machinery Depot Of The West” and sold a considerable and comprehensive array of turn-of-the-century supplies “for the Engineer, Machinist, Mill Man, Electrician, Plumber” (as stated on the cover).
Renovation
As one of Lodo’s historic brick buildings, the property was perfect for renovation. With only two stories and nine lofts, the S.H. Supply Co. Loft residences are very private spaces, very large units, coupled with a small building feel and in a great location. An atrium is located towards the middle of the building. Each loft has different finishes such as stainless steel appliances, slab granite counters, hard wood floors, Jack and Jill baths, kitchen islands, and more. Additionally, they have dramatic high ceilings and exposed red brick. Some are mixed use and therefore can be used as office space as well.
Neighborhood
The history of Lower Downtown (LoDo) was greatly influenced by the South Platte River and the railroads. It was heavily industrial around the turn of the century. As one of Denver’s oldest business districts, LoDo has seen Colorado’s gold rush, the industrial era, skid row, and finally urban revitalization. LoDo comprises a 25-block area that in just two decades has become the largest concentration of restored historic turn-of-the-century buildings in the nation. By the mid-twentieth century, what was once a thriving business area had become a skid row. By the late 1970s, most of the buildings were abandoned warehouses and rail yards or buildings in disrepair. Today, it has been restored and renovated to make LoDo one of the liveliest areas in the city—not to mention one of the most historic.
Today it is right in the center of some of the best entertainment and fun in the area. It is now a great place to enjoy the adventure and excitement of downtown–filled with clubs, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, bars, and other businesses. It is the hub for transportation with easy access to downtown, sport venues, and suburbs.
References
Denver Real Estate Journal; City and County of Denver Area Plans.