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If you’ve spent any time architecture-peeping on the streets surrounding the Cherry Creek North shopping district, you’ve likely noticed the imposing Italianate Victorian brick structure at the northeast corner of East Fourth Avenue and St. Paul Street. Its symmetrical front façade, tall sash windows crowned by brick arches, and decorative wood corbels beneath the eaves command attention—and beg the question, What is this place?
When it was constructed back in 1891, the building, designed by architect Franklin E. Kidder, was the town hall for the town of Harman. Just four years later, Harman was annexed into the City of Denver, and the building subsequently served as the mayor’s office, the police magistrate’s office, a courtroom and jail, and fire department headquarters. In 1934, it was sold to the Lawrence N. Greenleaf Masonic Building Association for $1,000 and became the Lawrence N. Greenleaf Masonic Temple.
By the time a developer purchased the property in 2005, its crumbling brick walls had been stuccoed over. In a 2007 article, the Denver Post reported that as part of the structure’s conversion to a single-family home, the brick and windows had been restored, and the building had been lifted to accommodate a new foundation—which would allow for, among other things, a sprawling underground garage.
When the renovation and a modern addition to the building’s east and north sides were completed in 2010, the residence offered 7,152 square feet above grade and 6,504 square feet below grade. “The architectural plans for this home were originally created by Semple Brown Design and brought to life by the current seller, who mixed contemporary elements with traditional details to honor the 1800s while keeping up with today’s architectural trends, including large spaces and an easy flow throughout the house,” says listing agent Kenzie Robertson, broker associate for LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. “Lift-and-slide doors open up entire walls to all four outdoor living spaces, creating an indoor/outdoor feel throughout the home.”
The residence’s 13,000-plus square feet are filled with an array of luxurious finishes and amenities that we all get to see now that the home is on the market again—this time for $15 million, making it the priciest listing in Denver as we go to press. Here, a look at what Harman Hall will offer its next owner: