REI Denver Flagship Store (Denver, Colorado)

USA / Colorado / Berkley / Denver, Colorado / Platte Street, 1416
 store / shop, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, industrial building, outdoor clothing and equipment shop
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1416 Platte Street
Denver, CO 80202-1120
(303) 756-3100
www.rei.com/stores/18

Historic former tramway powerhouse (now home to an REI flagship store) listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Built: 1901-1904
Alterations: northwest additions (1911 & 1924)
Architectural style: American Round-Arch
Areas of significance: Engineering; Transportation
Area: 1.5 acres
Also known as: Denver Tramway Powerhouse (historic name); Forney Historic Transportation Museum (former)
Date added to NRHP: 9/8/2001
Other designations: listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties

This prominent red brick building located at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River is associated with the expansion and operation of Denver’s electric streetcar system. The construction of the powerhouse during 1901-04 coincided with the transformation of Denver’s early streetcar network to an all electric system. Following the completion of an addition in 1911, the powerhouse operated as the primary source of electricity for Denver’s streetcars until the end of the Denver Tramway Company’s streetcar service in 1950. The brick pilaster construction and extensive sash infill of the original portion typifies early 20th century industrial architecture, while the 1911 addition reflects continued advances in structural design. Its high interior spaces with steel roof trusses, the accommodation of traveling cranes in long narrow production bays, and the use of built-up steel framing all represent advances in industrial design and materials. Today, the building houses the flagship store for REI Denver. There is a stream in front where kids may wade and a Starbucks inside. Extra underground parking is available. Before REI's purchase of the building, it was home to the Forney Historic Transportation Museum.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   39°45'18"N   105°0'34"W

Comments

  • This also used to be the power generation plant for the Denver trolley system.
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This article was last modified 6 years ago