A Toast to Preservation
September 25, 2025
About the event: Celebrate the life, legacy, and former residence of renowned Denver urban preservationist Dana Crawford. Doors open to the Harry C. James Residence — the historic house Dana cherished and where she raised her family — for an intimate evening of cocktails, live jazz music, conversation, and camaraderie. Mingle with Denver’s leaders in architecture, preservation, urban development, and planning amid the mahogany-and-marble interiors of this exquisite Italian Renaissance mansion. Hear anecdotes about life in the house from Crawford family and friends and learn about the hallmark details of this grand property of great architectural importance.
About the house: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Harry C. James Residence was built in 1900 during the beginning of Denver’s City Beautiful movement and is exceptional for its representation of the late 19th and 20th century Revival/Italian Renaissance residential style architecture. The first owner was Harry C. James, an early Colorado banker and smelter magnate, who commissioned the home’s construction but later sold it to Dr. John H. Tilden in 1933. The home cycled through other prominent Denver owners, before being purchased by Dana and her husband, John W.R. Crawford III, where they moved in 1967 and raised their four sons. The house has stayed in the Crawford family ever since.
Agenda: 6pm Doors open
7pm Welcome remarks
8pm Evening concludes
Student Tickets: Student tickets must be purchased using an active student/school email address.
Accessibility: The house is three floors accessible by two staircases and no elevator. The front door is accessed by 6 stairs with handrail. Street parking is available although we recommend the use of ride sharing services.
Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 14 days prior to the event.
Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.
Photo credit MediaMax Agency