Denver committee forwards landmark nomination for 3535 E. 26th Ave to full council

The Community Planning and Housing Committee on May 5 voted to forward an owner-supported landmark designation for 3535 East 26th Ave in the Skyland neighborhood to the full Denver City Council.

Kara Hahn, Landmark Planning and Regulatory Supervisor for the City of Denver, told the committee the property was constructed in 1958 and that the Landmark Preservation Commission found it meets four of the ordinance’s 10 criteria and retains strong historic integrity. "The Landmark Preservation Commission found that it met four out of the 10 criteria," Hahn said, citing the house’s association with locally significant people, its high-style ranch architecture and an intact historic setting.

Hahn said the nomination was brought forward by the property owner, Dr. Renee Cousins King, and that the commission’s report emphasized the house’s association with Nora and Frank Harris. Hahn described Nora Harris as having served on the Denver chapter of the NAACP and Frank Harris as "Denver’s first recognized Black landscape designer," noting his work on projects including the National Jewish Hospital and other prominent local sites. Hahn also discussed later owners Dorothy and Charles, characterizing them as active civic supporters whose family members provided testimony for the nomination.

The staff presentation emphasized architectural features — low-pitched roof, wide overhanging eaves, large picture windows and an open interior plan — and identified architect William J. Borman as an early example of his high-style custom residential work in the neighborhood. Hahn placed the house in the context of mid-20th-century patterns of segregation and later racial integration in the area, saying the property’s history "reflects the evolution" of the neighborhood amid past redlining practices.

Committee members spoke in support. "This is really straightforward and cut and dry and I think just really fantastic," Councilmember Amanda Sawyer (District 5) said, adding she was "super excited" to see the owner-supported nomination move forward. Councilmember Diana Romero Campbell (District 4) also expressed appreciation for the history the nomination recognizes.

Councilmember Shantel Lewis (District 3) moved to forward the nomination to the full council; the motion was seconded by Torres and supported by other members in attendance. The committee did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the item will return for full council review.

The committee had no further business and adjourned.