210 S Milwaukee Street

A home at 210 S. Milwaukee Street in Denver's Cherry Creek district was sold in November 2022 for $1,150,000. The buyer had plans to redevelop the property into what we assume would be a modern mansion, a style characteristic of this affluent section of Cherry Creek. However, these plans were halted by the Denver Landmark Preservation committee, citing the structure's potential to be designated a historic landmark.

Constructed in 1960, the contemporary ranch-style residence was built by the Carey Construction Company for Cyrus L. Colburn Jr., a well-known Denver businessman. The Carey Construction Company, renowned for modern home constructions across the Denver Metropolitan Area, was a regular participant in the Denver Home Builder’s Association’s "Parade of Homes" throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

However, 210 S. Milwaukee Street isn’t an ordinary Carey pattern home. Its larger footprint and full garage suggest it was custom designed for Colburn, possibly by an architect working closely with the construction company. Yet, the name of the architect remains unconfirmed.

Cyrus L. Colburn Jr., who lived at the property with his wife Mary Frances Colburn (Kemme), held the position of manager at Clary Corporation and later became the President of the Denver Sales Executives Association. Additionally, Colburn initiated Colburn & Company, which operated from this very property. He was also an active contributor to public boards and commissions, including his local sanitary district.

In 1966, the Colburns sold the house to Mary F. Ewing. Three years later, the property was acquired by William J. and Marion B. Ford, whose family owned the house until 2022. Their son, Robert S. Ford, is a notable figure as the United States Ambassador who served in Algeria from 2006 to 2008, and Syria from 2011 to 2014.

According to the Designation Eligibility Assessment, the home meets three out of ten preservation criteria: 1) association with influential persons, 2) embodiment of architectural style, and 3) representation of a master builder’s significant work.

In particular, its association with influential individuals like Cyrus L. Colburn and Robert S. Ford, its distinct contemporary ranch-style architecture, and its link to the master builder, Carey Construction Company, makes this property a potential candidate for preservation.

With this designation looming, the original redevelopment plans to transform the property into a large modern mansion will need to be revisited, and the historic value of this Denver residence may take precedence over modern construction trends.