The oldest building in Denver’s Union Station neighborhood was a lonely relic for a long time, but that only added to its intrigue. “Everyone who is an architect in Denver had seen this building sitting in what used to be a wasteland of parking lots and storage areas and fenced utility areas,” says Kevin Stephenson, principal and founding partner of Denver’s Boss Architecture. “There’s this very interesting, perfect little historic red brick building that’s been sitting on that corner forever, abandoned for many, many years.”
Known as Hose House No. 1, the 1881 landmark on the corner of 20th Street and Chestnut Place is the oldest fire station still standing in Denver. Over the years, an entirely new streetscape grew up to surround the increasingly derelict structure, yet still it remained untouched. That is, until Focus Property Group began developing the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station, and recognized the historic building’s potential.