MAN OF THE CENTURY: JOHN MADDEN

Marjorie Park

Palazzo Verdi made a statement with its intricate labyrinth lobby, colossal and colorful chandelier and entrance to Mangia Bevi Cafe. Many high-profile events were held in the lobby leading to the Madden Museum of Art on the east side

“Reflecting back on my business career, John has undoubtably been the most influential individual in my life. The combination of his business acumen, artistic vision, construction knowledge and charismatic personality make him unique and set him apart from the increasingly buttoned downed world of commercial development. Besides all that he is just plain fun to be around.”

-Scott Schley

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International – inactive at the moment.

John Madden is proud of his family, friends and associates – some being loyal employees for over three decades. Eugene Judge, introduced to John by his son Scott, had many roles including security, before retiring in 2017. He still drops by the penthouse occasionally with a hot Italian entrée for John.

As if building wasn’t enough, Madden teamed up with food maestro Larry DiPasquale (founder of Epicurean Catering) to open Mangia Bevi, a warm, friendly Italian café on the west side of Palazzo Verdi’s lobby. The inviting restaurant is not only

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MAN OF THE CENTURY: JOHN MADDEN

At a Central City Opera Theatre of Dreams Gala held at Palazzo Verdi – John, Nanelle Wehmann, his daughter Cynthia and her late husband Roger Leitner.

“It was so spectacular, I didn’t think I was even in Denver!” said Madden

Continued from page 20 convenient for the business sector, but a destination for social dining and community gatherings. DiPasquale said:

“John Madden has been a mentor to me. I enjoyed our long conversations about his

MAN OF THE CENTURY: JOHN MADDEN

out-of-the-box thinking that he shared his expertise on –development and real estate, in colorful ways! I feel honored and fortunate to have partnered with him on projects that created wonderful hospitality stories.”

With a twinkle in his eye,

John recalls his “kick” was being involved hands-on in the projects – especially the creative part such as the architecture. “The more challenging, the more exciting,” he said. “I miss that activity.”

To what does he attribute his many decades of success?

Happy Birthday John!

On behalf of Kiewit Building Group, we wish you a happy 94th birthday. Your unique combination of art and architecture has made our community a better place to live and work in!

Thank you!

“Luck!” he exclaimed. He’s actually had some failures, he admitted. “Failure gives rise to aspiring for success.”

“In addition to generous time given by John Madden, special thanks to John’s assistant Kathi Macey and Scott Schley (CFO and Estate

Trustee) for assisting with this project. Congratulations John W. Madden, Jr. on your lifetime of achievements and legacy! Thank you for being my first Colorado mentor and fostering my appreciation for the industry.” - Scottie