Park Hill United Methodist Church Historic Building Application Forms

              STATE SITE NUMBER:
OFFICE USE ONLY BELOW
Eligible for National Register yes no
date initials
Criteria A B C D
Contributes to a potential National Register district
yes No district name:
Eligible for State Register yes no
date initials
Criteria A B C D E
Areas of significance:
Period of significance
Needs data date initials
Style:
Building type:
UTM REFERENCE:
Zone Easting Northing
OFFICE USE ONLY ABOVE
LEGAL LOCATION:
P.M.: Township: Range:
1/4 0f !4of %of !4 of Section:
USGS quad name:
Year: []7.5'[]15'
Lot(s): 12
Block: 13
Addition: Mores Park Heights
Year of addition:
[ x ] original location [ ] moved
Date of move(s):
CONSTRUCTION DATE: estimate: actual: 1924
Source of information:
Noel, Thomas J . , Hansen, William J . The Park Hill
Neighborhood. (Denver, Historic Denver, Inc. 2002)
ARCHITECT: William N. Bowman
BUILDER/CONTRACTOR: unknown
Source of information:Noel, Thomas J . , Hansen, William J .
The Park Hill Neighborhood, (Denver, Historic Denver, Inc.
2002)
\
EXTERNAL MATERIALS: 1924-White Stucco
1956-Brick
\
STORIES: 2 BUILDING DIMENSIONS:
ASSOCIATED BUILDINGS:
[ ] yes [ x ] no
Building types:
i 1 '-
PRELIMINARY PROPERTY EVALUATION FORM
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
COLORADO STATE REGISTER OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES
COLORADO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
1300 Broadway Denver, CO 80203
COUNTY: Denver
CITY: Denver
HISTORIC BUILDING NAME(S):
Park Hill United Methodist Church
CURRENT BUILDING NAME:
Park Hill United Methodist Church
BUILDING ADDRESS:
5209 Montview Boulevard
Denver, C O 80207
OWNER NAME & ADDRESS:
Park Hill United Methodist Church
5209 Montview Boulevard
Denver, C O 80207
ORIGINAL OWNER: Park Hill United Methodist Church
Source of information:
HISTORIC usE(s):Church
PRESENT usE:Church
LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION:
[ ] yes [ x ] no Date of designation:
Designating authority:
PLAN SHAPE: north arrow
1
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (remember to provide photographs of the building with this form):
See continuation sheet
1
additional page(s) ^^^^^
CONSTRUCTION HISTORY (include description and dates of major additions, alterations, or demolitions):
Original construction 1924, addition 1956
additional page(s)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND (discuss important persons and events associated with this building):
See continuation sheet
1 additional page(s)
INFORMATION SOURCES (be specific):
Noel, Thomas J. Buildings of Colorado. (New York, Oxford University Press, 1997).
Noel, Thomas J., Norgren, Barbara S. Denver, The City Beautiful, Historic Denver, Inc., Denver, 1987, pp. 210-211.
Noel, Thomas J., Hansen, William J. The Park Hill Neighborhood. (Denver, Historic Denver, Inc. 2002.
additional page(s)
SIGNIFICANCE (check appropriate categories)
Architectural significance: Historical significance:
[ ] represents the work of a master [ ] associated with significant person(s)
[ ] possess high artistic value [ ] associated with significant event
[ x ] represents a type, period, [ ] associated with a pattern of events
or method of construction [ ] contributes to a historic district ___
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE (briefly justify the significance checked above):
See Continuation Sheet
1 additional page(s)
FORM COMPLETED BY
NAME: NICOLE HERNANEZ
ADDRESS: Historic Denver, Inc.
1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 400A
Denver, C O 80202
PHONE:303-534-5288 X 16 DATE:1/20/04
M A T E R I A L S R E Q U E S T
Following the review of this evaluation form, I would like to receive the following materials:
[ ] National Register of Historic Places nomination form and instructions
[ ] 31/2 in. computer disk, WordPerfect 5.1 format or [ ] hard copy version
[ ] State Register of Historic Properties nomination form and instructions
(note that properties listed in the National Register are automatically listed in the State Register)
[ ] 3Vfe in. computer disk, WordPerfect 5.1 format or [ ] hard copy version
[ ] Federal Investment Tax Credit information (OAHP1515)
[ j State Income Tax Credit for Historic Preservation information (OAHP1322b)
[ ] State Historical Fund grant information (OAHP1510)
Architectural Description Continuation Sheet (Photographs 1-19)
The church stands on the northeast corner of the intersection of Forest Street and Montview Boulevard in
Denver, Colorado. The surrounding Park Hill neighborhood primarily includes single-family residences, many of which
were built in the first 4 decades of the century. Along the south and west sides of the property, there is a concrete sidewalk
with a grassed curb strip containing large trees. Mayor, Robert W. Speer ensured that the surrounding Park Hill
neighborhood showcased Denver City Beautiful with tree lined boulevards and parkways. Residential development
surrounding Montview Boulevard and 17th Avenue presented some of Denver's finest residences. The architectural styles
of Park Hill include the Four Squares, Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revivals, Colonial Revivals including; Georgian Revival,
Dutch Colonial Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival Styles.
The 1924 church, with a L-shaped plan, was designed in the Mission Revival style with defining characteristics of a
highly pitched, cross gabled, red tile roof, widely overhanging eaves and smooth white stucco walls. The terra cotta roof of
the church blends well with the architecture of Montview Boulevard and surrounding Park Hill (photo 1). The building
has baroque shaped parapets on the open gable ends of the west facade that mimic the shapes and heavy coping tracery of
those found on some Spanish Colonial mission buildings (photo 2-3). On the Mission-like bell tower, the 2nd story window
has an enriched window surround that mimics the shape of a Spanish Colonial mission building. There is a courtyard in
the center of the L-shape that has a stucco and wrought iron wall enclosing it, creating a plaza. The windows consist of
wood frames and have either arched or rectangular openings. The windows have varying divided lights framed by shutters
and the doors have arched openings. The tower entrance is decorated with carved stonework (photo 1). The open gable
end on the south facade has a quatrefoil window typical of the Mission Revival Style (photo 4). The interior of the church
is used for classroom and meeting space.
The church's rectangular extension added in 1956 was designed with sensitivity to the original Mission Revival
style (photos 5-13). The arched recesses and windows are surrounded by semi-circular patterned brickwork( photos 10-11).
The smooth tan brick wall of the south facade is trimmed with delicate arch designs along the open gable. The 1956
extension also has a red tile roof that creates a similar feel to the original structure (photo 6). The extension's bell tower is
approximately the same height as the 1924 tower. An open observation deck under an octagonal cupola crowns the
square, balustraded tower. Semi-circular intricate carvings cap the two eastern facade entrances, as well as the bell tower
entrance (photo 9 and 13). Alternating red brick and cut stone frame the eastern facade entrance carvings. This building
houses the active sanctuary. Protective Lexan coverings protect the sanctuary's semi-circular stained glass windows set in
wood casements (photo 11 and 12). The facade of the northern portion of the building is simple and architecturally
minimal. The square parking lot is set against the west side of the original 1924 structure and north side of the church
extension. There is an arched stucco entrance in the southwest corner of the north facade (photo 14). The two buildings
meet in the center to create an interior courtyard framed by both the 1924 stucco walls and the 1956 beige brick walls.
The courtyard has landscaped garden beds, a center fountain, and decorative tile panels and ornamentation (photos 15-
17). The interior of the 1956 sanctuary is characterized by the highly pitched gable roof with exposed beams and multiple
arches over the alter area (photos 18-19).
Historical Background Continuation Sheet (Photographs 1-19)
The land the church sits on has played a very important role in the fabric of early Denver. In 1885, Eugene A . Von
Winkler, a soldier who emigrated from Germany, bought property east of Colorado Boulevard and City Park and in 1887
platted a Park Hill subdivision. Starting in 1891, a streetcar line ran up to the area from downtown, but development of
the area did not really begin until eastern realtors bought the Von Winkler property in 1899 for $60,000 to create a
"community of fine residences." In April 1900, the Park Hill Syndicate offered seven homes for sale along Montview
Boulevard. In 1902, the land east of City Park was still essentially bare prairie. By 1912, Park Hill emerged as one of
Denver's most fashionable districts with a population of approximately 2,500 people. Designed by the Denver architect
William N. Bowman in 1924 in the Spanish Mission Revival style, unique to Bowman's Denver design repertoire (Bowman
is known to have designed only one other building in this style, located in Alamosa, Colorado). The use of the Spanish
Mission Style, reflects the diverse architecture of the Park Hill neighborhood. Many of the houses in Park Hill are mission
style with tile roofs but are integrated with Craftsmen Bungalows and Tudor styles all typical of the 1920s when much of
the housing was built. Such diversity of architecture is fitting for a very diverse neighborhood. Park Hill is noted as one of
Denver best examples of successful racial integration. Park Hill United Methodist reflects the demographics of its
neighborhood. The congregation contains a broad mixture of Caucasian, African-American, Asian and Hispanic and
members. The ministry staff has included persons who reflect these same racial backgrounds.
With over 2500 members in 1956, the congregation completed a larger sanctuary addition to the building of beige brick
with mission revival accents of intricately carved rounded arches and a tower that mimics the round dome of the original
mission tower. Walter H. Simon served as architect for this project.
Many community groups have traditionally shared the church building with the congregation, and the preservation of this
community landmark is critical to the life of this vital community resource. Currently the church serves as a meeting place
for the following groups: Park Hill Art Club, Park Hill School of the Arts, Harmony (a Colorado Chorale of the gay and
lesbian community), Cub Scouts, Bonfils Blood-mobile, New Foundations Prison Ministry, Colorado Hawks (basketball
program for male and female teenagers), Habitat for Humanity, The Children's Center (a pre-school, before- and after-school
program and daycare facility which has been in existence for more than 20 years), and Jack and Jill (an organization
for young African-Americans known for its community service projects and preparation for beautillions).
William N. Bowman was raised in Carthage, Jefferson County, New York. Bowman was forced to quit school at the age of
11 after his father was injured in an accident at the sawmill where he worked. Bowman supported his family by working in
a woolen mill. He went to a teacher's home three nights a week to study mathematics and drawing in order to qualify him
to work in an architect's office in Jackson, Michigan. Col. Elijah E. Myers, a prominent Detroit architect who designed the
Colorado State Capitol suggested Bowman become a carpenter's apprentice to learn the basics of building. After his
successful apprenticeship he worked for Mortimer L. Smith & Son in Detroit and Thurtle &. Fleming in Indianapolis and
then became a member of the firm Rush, Bowman &. Rush, a building company. Bowman and his wife settled in Denver
in 1910 where they built a very large home in Barnum. In 1910 he opened his Denver architectural office. He also
designed the Mountain States Telephone Building, Denver 1929; the El Jebel Shrine and Clubhouse in Denver, 1925; the
Neoclassical State Office Building, at the Northeast corner of East Colfax and Sherman, Denver, 1921; the Colburn
Cosmopolitan hotel; the Norman Apartments; the Park Hill Methodist Church; The Motor Club of Colorado Clubhouse;
the Denver Theater; and Byers and Cole Junior High Schools. Outside of Denver he designed the Fort Collins High
School in 1924; University of Northern Colorado's Gunter Hall of Health in 1928; Jackson County Courthouse, Walden
in 1913; Moffat County Courthouse, Craig in 1917; Montrose County Courthouse, Montrose in 1922; Casa Del Sol
apartments, Alamosa in 1929; President's House, Adams State College, Alamosa in 1929; Weld County Courthouse,
Greeley, 1915; and the Colorado Building, Pueblo. Bowman was one of the 39 architects who banded together to design
the Denver City and County Building. In 1927, Governor Alva Adams appointed him to the State Board of Examiners for
a four-year term. Bowman was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Masonic Lodge, the Knights Templar,
Colorado Consistory No. 1, the Motor Club of Colorado and El Jebel Shrine. He served as president of the Colorado
Chapter of A.I.A. from 1917-1919. As seen through his career, Bowman was very capable in all the Revival styles. Park
Hill United Methodist demonstrates his skill with the Spanish Mission Revival of which this is one of the few examples.
Bowman died at his home in the Norman Apartments August 28, 1944 and was buried in Fairmount Cemetery.
Significance Statement
The building is significant in the area of architecture. The Park Hill United Methodist Church represents the work of
master architect William Bowman. The church is a well-preserved example of an early 20th century urban neighborhood
church executed in a Mission Revival style. The building retains much of its original integrity as it stands in its original
location and retains almost all of its original design and it expresses a historic sense of the time when the church was built.
The addition to the building mimics the key elements of the mission revival architecture, yet remaining distinct in its own
design.
Photograph Log
The following information pertains to photographs numbers 149
Name of Property: Park Hill United Methodist Church
Location: 5209 Montview Boulevard, Denver, Colorado, 80207
Photographer: Nicole Hernandez
Date of Photographs: Exterior, December 2, 2003
Location of Negatives: Historic Denver, Inc.
1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 400A
Denver, CO 80202
Photo No. Description of View and Direction of Camera
1 Southwest view of 1924 building. Camera facing north
2 West facade of 1924 building. Camera facing northeast
3 North facade if 1924 building. Camera facing southeast
4 South facade of 1924 building. Camera facing north
5 1924 building with south facade of 1956 building. Camera facing northeast
6 1924 building with south facade of 1956 building. Camera facing northeast
7 West facade of tower of 1956 building. Camera facing west
8 South facade of 1924 and 1956 buildings where they meet. Camera facing north
9 Tower south entrance of 1956 building. Camera facing north
10 East facade, southern portion of 1956 building. Camera facing west
11 East facade, northern portion of 1956 building. Camera facing northwest
12 Window detail of east facade of 1956 building. Camera facing west
13 Entrance detail of east facade, northern portion of 1956 building. Camera facing west
14 Parking lot, northern facade of 1956 building and west facade of 1924 building. Camera facing
15 Interior courtyard. Camera facing south
16 Interior courtyard. Camera facing south
17 Interior courtyard. Camera facing northwest
18 Interior sanctuary, 1956 building. Camera facing south
19 Interior sanctuary, 1956 building. Camera facing east
Park Hill United Methodist
Church 12-2-2003 #2
Park Hill United Methodist
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Park Hill United Methodist
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Park Hill United Methodist
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Park Hill United Methodist
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Park Hill United Methodist
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Park Hill United Methodist
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