The four-bedroom, eight-bathroom residence known as Harman Hall is currently on the market for $15 million. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
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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.
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A modern addition, completed in 2010, expanded the building’s size to more than 13,000 square feet on four elevator-served levels. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
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:
The restored front façade opens onto a grand foyer, where original arched windows are juxtaposed with a modern, floating staircase. The floors throughout the home are warmed by a radiant-heating system. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyReclaimed oak floor planks used throughout the residence were set in specific patterns that were popular when the home was first constructed. A cozy library nods to the home’s history with its patterned oak flooring, rustic beams, and textured ceiling finish. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyHerringbone-patterned oak floors define the family room, which is adjacent to the main kitchen. The home’s sleek new windows and sliding doors are custom, from Loewen. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyA large event space within the modern addition includes this impressive bar, plus commercial men’s and women’s bathrooms, and a catering kitchen with separate staff access from the garage. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyLift-and-slide glass doors connect the interior event space to the expansive north patio, which features two large fire pits, fountains, and flowers by Bloom by Anuschka. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyAdjacent to the family room, the east patio includes a Chicago Brick pizza oven, grill, fire pit, and large dining area. The property is also “the only house in Cherry Creek with private and expansive outdoor spaces with a pool and spa,” says listing agent Kenzie Robertson. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyThe 2,000-square-foot primary suite includes a sitting area, three-sided fireplace, and an east-facing patio with daybed and lounge area. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyA freestanding tub lit by a sculptural chandelier provides a focal point in the dramatic primary bathroom. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyThe third floor includes a three-quarter bath and flexible open space that can function as a gym, media room, office, or bedroom. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyA private third-floor roof terrace includes an outdoor kitchen, large fireplace with built-in seating, bistro lighting, dining area, and views of Cherry Creek North. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyThere’s ample bottle storage and space for intimate tastings in the subterranean wine cellar. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyFor more extensive tastings and dinners, the basement offers a dramatic wine tasting room with additional bottle storage on display behind glass panels. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyIn addition to a movie theater, wine tasting room and cellar, two expansive guest suites, catering kitchen, and powder bath, the basement includes an unexpected surprise: a speakeasy with wet bar and movie screen with projector. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International RealtyThe property’s private driveway—a rarity in Cherry Creek—is gated, alley-accessed, and heated, and leads to a three-car attached garage on the main level; this includes a car lift that lowers into a basement garage with space for 10 additional cars. Photo courtesy of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty