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SAVING DENVER’S SPORTS CASTLE by Julie Hutchinson Owners of the iconic Sports Castle building at 1000 Broadway said it’s unlikely the iconic, circa-1925 structure will face the wrecking ball. “We have not currently contemplated any scenario that doesn’t include repurposing the building,” said Mark Sidell, president of Gart Properties, a Denver-based company that bought the property in 1971 and has deep local roots in retailing, real estate and philanthropy. The future of the ornate, circa-1925 building was thrown into question when its current tenant, Sports Authority, filed for bankruptcy in March and said the Sports Castle location along with about 140 of its 450 stores nationwide would close. The imminent closing has sparked concern among neighborhood organizations and architectural historians over the future of the property, which sits at the center of a neighborhood exploding with new construction in the midst of a booming real estate market. Annie Levinsky, executive director of Historic Denver, confirmed that she met in March with Sidell and Tom Gart, president of Gart Companies, and discussed the implications and tax consequences of landmark designation. “We had a great first meeting,” Lewinsky said. “We of course think it’s a great building eligible for landmark designation and would love to see that happen.” At press time Gart officials remained mum about whether they will apply for designation. But Sidell said the Gart Family, which bought the property in 1971, considers the Sports Castle “a legacy asset.” Gart Properties is exploring options for redevelopment that could include retail, residential and office combinations. “In the grand scheme of things the solution will almost certainly include a mix of different types of uses,”
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ARCHITECTURE ON DISPLAY AS PART OF DOORS OPEN DENVER
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The future of the ornate, circa-1925 building was thrown into question when its current tenant, Sports Authority, filed for bankruptcy in March. PHOTO BY JEFF HERSCH Sidell commented. Gart Sporting Goods opened its first store on Larimer Street in 1928. When the family opened the Sports Castle in 1971, it featured rooftop tennis courts, indoor putting greens and artificial ski slopes. By the time the family sold the business in 1992, Gart Sporting Goods counted more than 150 stores in the Rocky Mountain region. But the building had a much different life before it
By Jacob Karp Denver’s architecture and design will be on display April 23 & 24 as part of the 12th annual Doors Open Denver, which will showcase an array of high profile, historic and artistic structures throughout the city. Headquartered at the newly renovated Union Station, this year’s annual two day event is once again sponsored by the Denver Architectural Foundation and will provide opportunities for residents and visitors to explore 70 of Denver’s unique spaces through self and expert-guided tours. This year’s celebration will feature 12 new buildings as part of the 70 sites that are free to explore through the self-guided portion of the event. New sites include the recently restored Airedale Building, the community-focused music education
was the Sports Castle. Ann McNeill, a Denver-based real estate agent, considers the building “my grandfather’s castle.” Her grandfather, Ward Thompson, opened one of Denver’s first car dealerships in 1912 selling Chryslers and Maxwell automobiles. In the booming early 1920s, with the encouragement continued on page 14
center Youth on Record, and the exemplary ART Hotel. Reappearing on the list are iconic Denver structures including the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Equitable Building and the Sugar Building. Denver’s newest luxury hotel, the ART, was built in 2015 by Davis Partnership Architects and is located at 1201 Broadway. Offering a contemporary design, high-tech amenities and two art galleries, the ART pays homage to its iconic nextdoor neighbors in the Museum District. A must-see grand entrance features Leo Villareal’s 22,000-light art installation alongside the Portico Gallery, which showcases pieces gathered by longtime Denver Art Mucontinued on page 14
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