A snapshot of history
The Daniels & Fisher Tower, located on 16th Street and Arapahoe in downtown Denver, Colorado, is an iconic landmark that has played a significant role in the city’s history and development. Built in 1911, and standing 375 feet tall, the tower was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The top two floors of the tower, above the observation deck, houses a 2½ ton bell. The clock at the top, on all four sides was built by the Seth Thomas Clock Company and have been completely restored. At the time the tower served as a symbol of Denver’s growth and prosperity.
The building was designed by the architectural firm of Frederick Sterner and Harry Edbrooke, who created a structure that combined elements of the Gothic and Renaissance styles and was based on the bell tower at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
At the time of its construction, the tower was part of a larger department store complex that included a six-story building and 400,000 square feet (nine acres) of space. The store was a popular shopping destination, and it was well known for its high-quality merchandise and innovative marketing strategies, such as window displays and mail-order catalogs.
Over the years, the department store became a beloved institution in Denver, serving generations of shoppers and becoming an important part of the city’s social and cultural life. The store’s signature clock tower became a well-known landmark.
However, as the retail industry changed and consumer habits shifted, the store began to struggle. In the 1950s, the store was sold to the May Company, and the building was gradually converted to office space. The department store closed for good in 1958, ending a chapter in Denver’s history.
In 1971 the store was demolished but the tower was saved due to Denver’s preservationist society. The society had declared the tower a historic landmark and on December 3, 1969 listed in on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the most notable features of the Daniels & Fisher building was the clock tower. Not the tallest building in Denver anymore, but still stands tall within the city and serves as a popular meeting spot and photo opportunity. The tower is lit up at night, creating a beautiful and dramatic effect that can be seen from miles away. During the evening the nonprofit Denver Theatre District projects a monthly rotation of curated art on the south side of the tower. The free show runs from dusk until midnight, Tuesday – Sunday nights.
Today, the Daniels & Fisher Tower remains a beloved landmark in the city, serving as a reminder of Denver’s rich history and entrepreneurial spirit.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
