Looking Northeast onto the east  bound Speer Viaduct at Auraria Parkway     1988

The above image illustrates the long and powerful infrastructure of Denver's vast viaduct system as it enters downtown from the West. The Auraria campus is immediately southwest of this view; Auraria Parkway is at the bottom left and Lower Downtown — mostly out of view — is to the left of the image.

Bottle Diggers preserving the past, Southwest of Speer Viaduct     1988

Bottle Diggers love our history as well. I would see them on occasion over the course of my documentation work; they were my "brothers"...

Looking Northeast at basement foundation of Tremont House Hotel     1988

The Speer Viaduct looms large over the Tremont House during the days of horse and buggy.

From Speer Viaduct, looking Southwest at Tremont House and Tivoli     1988

Things have changed...the Tremont House is now paved over by Speer Boulevard.  Beyond is the burgeoning campus of Metropolitan State, inlcuding Metro State, UCD  and Community College. Our education system is our future, but the campus contains many architectural gifts of our past.  Together we move forward as companions.

Looking West from under the East bound Speer Viaduct near Wazee Street     1988

The concrete span of the Speer Viaduct stretches above us, we are cast in its shadow.

Once again, huge change... the crane on the left is slowly demolishing the warehouse beneath it. Speer Boulevard provided transportation both East and West  and now occupies the area underneath the old viaduct and the area to the left. The Firehouse on the right still remains, the Acme Lofts, East End Lofts and Volker Lofts are beyond to the Northwest.

Looking Northwest at bottom of Speer Viaduct ramp entering downtown     1987

This image shows the east bound traffic flowing into downtown.  The west bound traffic of Speer Viaduct would start exactly at the area beyond the parked white truck, near the center of this image. That location was literally at the doorsteps of what is now the Acme lofts.  Crazy, man; times have changed. Speer Viaduct actually made a "Y" at that location around the Acme and Volker buildings; the downtown sides of the Speer Viaduct were separate and had completely different beginning and ending locations. I loved the viaducts, absolutely adored them.  Time moves forward; transportation was brought to ground level, enabling the area to move forward in a healthy and positive design.

Leslie

Leslie, you're a Superstar     1986

Beautiful lips, spiky hair, a beautiful eyelash and flirty wink.

An artist's image on the north wall of the Rockmount Ranch Wear building.

This scene has been covered by the wonderful new Milleniuum building that is located on the southeast corner of 17th Street and Wazee Street.

Miss you Leslie, maybe see you around on another wall someday...?

Evans School

Protest banner against proposed location of Convention Center     1987

This scene is the majestic front entrance and columns of the Evans School built in 1904 and located on the 1100 block of Acoma Street. They do not build schools like this anymore, it is an awesome building of stately design of strength and beauty — simply a classic treasure of Denver that has survived the wrecking ball.

The banner displayed says "Vote - No - Convention - Center".  When the decision was made in 1987 for possible relocation/expansion of the Colorado Convention Center, several prominent sites were identified. These included the current location, another location where the Pepsi Center is now located, and the area known as the Golden Triangle that occupies the Evans School.

Great decisions were ultimately reached for the development of each respective location. The location in the image was not chosen for the Convention Center.  People wonder why Denver has done well and has a bright future.  For 30 years, behind the scenes, wise decisions were made that have come to fruition.

The Evans School has been restored and awaits a new life and new direction.

Combine the Art Museum, Central Library, History Colorado, Justice Center,
Clyfford Still Museum,  and Judicial Center with the vanguard of the Evans School — we have something very special.

The lights will soon be on again in the Evans School building.  People will once again walk through these arched doors with the towering columns above.  The charm of the past and present will resonate throughout the entire area. The Evans School will once again play a vital role of re-use for our community.  Welcome back.

Harley Benetti

Harley Benetti, outside Laffites Restaurant and Lounge     1985

I used to see Harley from time to time walking around downtown like a proud Peacock. The man had character, a cool cat...

One day I was walking up from Lower Downtown on 14th Street and crossed the street at Larimer Street. There stood Harley, smoking his pipe - leaning against the wall at Laffites Restaurant and Lounge.

Harley liked to dress in black and white, the art work murals behind him were black and white.  Harley was black, I was white, we were on.

We sauntered down the wall a little for the best composition, calm and proud.  He looked at me; nice brother.

I gave Harley this print a month later, it was the last time I saw Harley Benetti.

Walk on, proud Peacock.

- Kim Allen