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he stately red brick home at 685 Emerson Street is undeniably impressive – in its history, elegance, sublime architectural details and, interestingly, in the ambiance it imparts that decades of warm family life have unfolded here.
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John and Dana Crawford bought the home, in the 7th Avenue Historic District, in 1967. “I was active in historic preservation at the national level and I’d been in some of the most fabulous homes in America,” Dana Crawford remembered. “I walked into 685 Emerson and told my realtor, ‘This is it.’ I didn’t realize there was anything like it in Denver. I thought then, and I still do, that it is one of the best homes I’ve ever seen for entertaining, both inside and out.”
Entrance and grand stairway at 695 Emerson Street.
“We moved in when I was 11 years old,” said current owner Jack Crawford of the genteel home that has been in his family for nearly 50 years. Growing up there with his three brothers, Crawford remembered the spacious rooms and intriguing nooks gave the boys plenty of room for “mischief.” “It was always a warm, friendly place. I remember opening the door for guests many times and seeing their surprise at how inviting it was, despite the size,” Crawford said. “The home itself really offers the best in old elegance and updated style. And some truly unique people have lived here,” said Maggie Armstrong, who is co-listing the home with Trish Bragg, for Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty.
Warm and white kitchen with granite countertops.
Jack Crawford said both his parents had an appreciation for history, especially the visual details and charm they found in rambling homes and old buildings. Dana Crawford was even then on her way to becoming one of Denver’s most influential historic preservationists. It was her vision that transformed many of the city’s dilapidated blocks into Larimer Square and the vibrant Lower Downtown, affectionately known as LoDo. It was an effort that launched a non-stop refacing of downtown and surrounding areas that is very much alive today. Quite fittingly, The Crawford Hotel, which
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opened in Denver’s redeveloped Union Station, is named in Dana Crawford’s honor.
John and Dana Crawford brought their own panache to the home, renovating the red brick exterior, removing a fire escape and filling the home’s sunny conservatory with thriving plants and live cockatoos. In 1991, Jack Crawford and his wife, Madeline Collison, bought the property and raised their four children there, along with “half of East High School,” Crawford said.
Family room with cozy fireplace.
The home had earned considerable provenance even prior to the Crawfords. Banker Harry James bought four lots at 685 Emerson in 1900 and hired famed Denver architect, George Louis Bettcher, to design the three-story mansion. After James’ death, it was purchased by Dr. John Tilden, a prominent physician in the treatment of tuberculosis. When Tilden died at age 90, 685 Emerson became a rooming house for 25 years.
Today this gracious, seven-bedroom home features all the elegance of the past and beautiful, tasteful modern renovations, such as a white, light-filled cook’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and room for a big family-style farm table.
Dining room with vintage plaster ceiling.
Other timeless elements include rich mahogany paneling, marble stairs, leaded glass windows and pocket doors. The dining room – which Jack Crawford remembers as a hub of family and business gatherings – is one of the finest in town. The mold Bright living room with vaulted ceilings.
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used to make the striking vintage plaster ceiling has never been re-used. The renovated master suite is light and lovely. The third floor includes two bedrooms, a sitting area, bathroom and kitchenette, perfect for children, a nanny or guests.
Carriage House perfect for guests, office space or rental income.
The outdoor space is equally inviting, with a south-facing stone patio and lovingly landscaped grounds. Behind the home is a renovated carriage house, perfect for guests, an office or as a separate apartment for rental income. This roomy yet cozy space features exposed brick and a large front window that was purchased from a museum in downtown Denver. The iron ceiling hooks used to raise carriages for repair and cleaning are still visible. In all, 685 Emerson Street, offered at $2.25 million, provides a unique opportunity to enjoy life, as its previous owners have, in one of the city’s loveliest historic neighborhoods. Its gracious history is connected to contemporary life by easy access to schools, popular restaurants, boutique shopping, downtown and Cherry Creek.
Source: www.coloradorealestatediary.com/2014/07/16/stately-home-richhistory-warm-memories
other notables Stately residence has been owned by the same family for almost 50 years. Seven bedrooms, including master suite, and seven baths. Carriage house works as an artist studio, home office or is rentable. Two recent renovations included new heating system, master bath and kitchen. Beautiful yard with stone patio and landscaped grounds. Short bike or car ride to downtown and Cherry Creek. Square footage: 6,732 + 2,446 basement square feet Lot size: 12,500 square feet List price: $2,250,000
For a private showing, please contact Trish Bragg or Maggie Armstrong 303.241.9244 or trishandmaggie@fullerproperties.com