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Denver City Railway Building: A Historic Transportation Hub

Explore Denver's transportation history at the Denver City Railway Building, a landmark in LoDo that showcases the city's innovative past and vibrant present.

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The Denver City Railway Building, located in Denver's LoDo district, is a historical landmark that once served as the headquarters and wheelhouse for the city's cable car system. Built in the late 19th century, it played a vital role in Denver's growth and development, and today stands as a reminder of the city's innovative transportation history.

A brief summary to Denver City Railway Building - Lodo Walking Tour

  • 1801 Lawrence St, Denver, Central, Colorado, 80202, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the LoDo area to explore boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
  • Capture photographs of the building during the golden hours for a warm glow on its facade.
  • Visit nearby landmarks such as Union Station, Larimer Square, and Coors Field.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're starting from Denver Union Station, head east on Wynkoop Street. Walk for about four blocks until you reach Lawrence Street, then turn right. Continue walking for about two blocks; the Denver City Railway Building will be on your left at 1801 Lawrence St.

  • Public Transport

    From Union Station, take the RTD light rail towards the 'Convention Center' station. Get off at the '16th St. Mall' stop. From there, walk three blocks north on Lawrence St to reach the Denver City Railway Building at 1801 Lawrence St. A three-hour pass costs $2.75.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 1801 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80202. Parking is available in nearby garages and lots, such as the 1838 Lawrence St. Lot and the 17th Street Plaza Garage. Hourly rates range from $5 to $12. Be aware that parking in the LoDo area can be limited, especially during peak hours and events.

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Discover more about Denver City Railway Building - Lodo Walking Tour

Located at 1801 Lawrence Street in Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo) district, the Denver City Railway Building stands as a testament to the city's transportation history. Constructed in 1889, the building served as the headquarters and wheelhouse for the Denver City Cable Railway Company, which operated one of the most extensive cable car networks in the United States. Originally built as stables for the Denver City Railway Company in 1883, the building marks the birthplace of Denver's public transportation system. The Denver Horse Railroad Company, founded in 1876, was acquired in 1871 by L.C. Ellsworth of Chicago, who expanded the railway's tracks throughout the city. In 1888, the company invested in cable cars and changed its name to Denver City Cable Railway. The two-story brick building, designed in the round-arched style, housed a wheelhouse, power plant, car barn, and corporate offices. The cable car system, using an underground cable to pull cars, facilitated the physical expansion of Denver, enabling people to commute longer distances and creating Denver's first streetcar suburbs. The Welton Street line was the longest cable car line in the United States at the time. However, the advent of electric streetcars led to the Denver City Cable Railway's bankruptcy in the late 1890s. In 1972, Jim Judd and a partner bought the building, saving it from demolition. In 1973, the Old Spaghetti Factory opened in the building, becoming known for its railroad theme. Today, the Denver City Railway Building houses a restaurant and office space, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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