One of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods, Curtis Park was developed in the 1860s and 1870s as a popular residential suburb. In fact, Curtis Park residents are quick to proudly point out that this is the oldest residential neighborhood in the city. Take a quick trip to Curtis Park right now and you’ll understand why it’s still one of the center city’s most accessible neighborhoods.
A diverse community, Curtis Park is a mixture of all kinds of housing, a variety of social and economic levels, and residents. Since its founding, Curtis Park has had featured a variety of people and cultures. Historically, the area has always been a mixed-income neighborhood where you’ll find turn of the century mansions, as well as smaller homes built by waves of immigrants who came to Denver to join the workforce during the city's early years.
While in the early days residents took the streetcar to jobs downtown or strolled the 15-minute walk to Denver’s center, lucky neighbors today can take a quick ride on light rail to get to downtown businesses and office buildings.
Curtis Park's housing mix is as charming and varied as its residents. Single story duplexes stand next door to recently renovated grand Victorian mansions, while flat-roofed row homes reside beside classic, two-story Denver Square brick houses. Queen Anne-style homes with second floor porches are also numerous in the area.
The neighborhood features many gems including Sacred Heart – the oldest functioning church in the city. Sacred Heart is a place of worship that was established in 1879 for Italian and Irish immigrants. Run by the Jesuits, this church is in the traditional cruciform shape. The interior has a Gothic feel with intricate windows of stained glass.
Also in Curtis Park you’ll find the Denver Enterprise Center, an innovative small-business incubator that utilizes the local labor force from the surrounding neighborhood. Its mission is to assist small and start-up businesses by fostering entrepreneurship, creating local jobs, developing work skills, and promoting community businesses and their products and services.
Rich in history and diversity, Curtis Park is definitely one of the most up-and-coming areas in Denver.
