Save The Historic Farmhouse in Wash Park East

UPDATE: Thank you to our amazing community members who generously donated to our Landmark application to save this home. We submitted a Landmark application with the City, and will continue our efforts to preserve this unique home. Since we raised more funds than required for submitting the application, we will use the extra funds to further these efforts or donate them to a local preservation organization. We're also continuing to work with the owners on creative solutions. We hope a win-win can be found.

We are a group of neighbors raising funds to contribute to a Landmark Designation application for the historic farmhouse at 800 S Franklin St, Denver, CO, 80209. The home was built in 1884 and pre-dates Washington Park, and it is one of the oldest homes still standing in rapidly changing Wash Park East. If the City of Denver does not receive either a Landmark application or an extension request to continue discussions around preserving the home by August 19th, a demolition permit will be issued the following day. The application fee is $875.

This home is sadly one of the rare and few remaining examples of original architecture in Wash Park East. The property was first claimed in 1871 under the Homestead Act and is directly connected to several early German immigrant families and Denver pioneers whose commercial and civic work helped shape Denver in the late nineteenth century. The farmhouse on the property would later be occupied by Judge William H. Burnett, a widely respected jurist who served as presiding judge of the Denver County Court from 1955 to 1972 and was then appointed to the District Court by Governor John Love.

The home is a well-preserved example of the Free Classic subtype of the Queen Anne style with its bay windows, prominent wraparound porch, and steeply pitched roof. It stands out in Wash Park East, a neighborhood filled with early 20th century bungalows, Tudors, and cottages, as well as many newer 21st century homes. It also occupies one of the most prominent residential locations in Denver, directly across the street from one of the city's most beloved parks.

If our Landmark application is accepted by Denver City Council, we can ensure this unique 19th century home will be preserved for generations to come.