Park Hill Library Opens its Doors to Denver

By, Tara Bannon Williamson
Senior Librarian, Park Hill Branch Library

The theme of the Doors Open Denver 2013 is “City Beautiful: Then & Now.” Three Park Hill locations have been selected to participate this year including City Park, Montclair Civic Building (formerly Molkerie) and the Park Hill Branch of the Denver Public Library.
Designed by Burnham Hoyt and built in 1920, the Park Hill Branch, located at 4705 Montview Boulevard, is a Spanish Renaissance style building featuring cream-colored stucco warmly accented by a red tile. Adding to the noteworthy detail, acanthus pilasters accent the lead glass windows. Inside, the high ceiling is graced with heavy oak beams while a charming bay window with seating is framed by leaded, diamond pane windows.

The Park Hill Branch is the fifth oldest Carnegie Library in Denver that is still in use today as a library. The building was remodeled and enlarged in 1964 by Smith and Thorson. In 1989, the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission named Park Hill Branch Library a historic landmark.

Another remodel in 1994 by David Owen Tryba Architects restored the original historic details of the building, including the Robert Garrison sculpture, a clay medallion above the fireplace commemorating Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” The 1994 renovation also added a patio, elevator and air conditioning! Another renovation in 2008 added a new carpet, new paint and a new checkout area. Built with an original capacity of 8,000 books, the library now houses almost 50,000 books, DVDs and CDs with 13 computers available for public use.

Park Hill Branch Library is available for a self-guided tour on Saturday, April 13, 2013 during open hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff members also will be available to answer questions about the building.

For more information on Doors Open Denver, visit doorsopendenver.org.