University Park

Denver’s second territorial governor, John Evans, arrived in Denver in 1862. Having already established Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, Evans quickly went about establishing a seat of higher learning in Denver. Early attempts to establish the Colorado Seminary at 14th and Arapahoe failed and Evans bought the buildings and continued his efforts by opening the University of Denver in 1880. By 1885, soaring downtown property values pushed the school to seek more sedate and expansive quarters.

South Denver founder and developer Rufus Clark donated 80 acres and the University of Denver moved south. Another big contributor to the move was Humphrey Chamberlin, contributing $5,000. for a telescope. The Chamberlin Observatory bears his name, located in Observatory Park. The other big mover and shaker in DU’s early history was Methodist Bishop Warren. The Bishop married the widow of cattle baron John Iliff, Elizabeth Iliff in 1883. The bishop new wife promptly pledged $100,000 to fund a theological seminary at the University provided that the University move away from the center of Denver. By 1886 University Park was platted, with convenient transportation provided by John Evans Colorado and Southern Railroad, running south along what is now Buchtel Boulevard. One of the area’s first homes was built by Bishop and Mrs. Warren, later moving to the Queen Anne castle on Cook Street now occupied by the Randall-Moore School.

Most of the older houses in University Park have a direct relationship with the University of Denver, especially those around Observatory Park. By the time a neighborhood revival got under way by the mid 1970’s, the area was somewhat rundown after years of student rentals.

Today, the area is home to charming holdovers from the late 1800.s as well as brand new homes built on “scrape off” lots. Victorian and Queen Anne styles mix with pre-WWII bungalow as new, large homes with 3 car garages dot the neighborhood. University Park, with its great access and proximity to the University, is yet another example of a great Denver neighborhood.

Driving Time from Unversity Park to Major Destinations

Downtown: 20 minutes
Denver International Airport (DIA): 50 minutes
Boulder: 60 minutes
Denver Tech Center: 15 minutes
Meridian: 25 minutes
Broomfield/Interlocken: 45 minutes