Insider Tours: Denver Athletic Club
Friday September 27, 2024
This is a free event, but due to limited capacity of the venue, a ticket is required. Denver Architecture Foundation members get early access to all ticketed Doors Open Denver events. Not a member? Join today.
- Architect: Ernest P Varian and Fredrick J. Sterner
- Style: Romanesque Revival
- Year Built: 1890, with an addition added two years later
- Renovation: 1973 (athletic wing), done by Rodney S. Davis
About the tour: Join Denver Athletic Club’s Director of Membership for an insiders look at the club. Established in 1884 and located in the heart of the city, the Club is a space to work, play, exercise, network and socialize, all under one room. The tour will traverse all 6 floors and the basement of the building, highlighting the architectural features throughout the building.
About the building: The Denver Athletic Club was founded at the end of the 1880s, when new Colorado residents yearned for an athletic club, many of the newcomers previously had athletic clubs in their homes, so it was crucial that the environment they created was stylish and spacious, with room for several spaces dedicated to physical fitness. In 1890, the initial club members completed a five-story clubhouse in the Romanesque Revival style, with each floor having dedicated space for members to partake in various activities. Two years later, the club was growing fast and was able to add an addition that almost doubled the building in size. Since the nineteenth century, the organization has continued to grow, eventually expanding to include social and outdoor spaces.
In 1951, after a fire killed four people and destroyed the interior, there was a complete interior remodel. This combined with additional expansions have transformed the DAC into the space it is known for today. Today, the space contains “a large fitness center, six racquetball courts, seven squash courts, a full-size basketball/volleyball court, five group exercise studios, an eight-lane bowling alley, an eight-lane Olympic pool, and an indoor golf simulator.” As for non-fitness amenities, the space has meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, a sundeck, childcare, restaurants and bars, a full service spa, and wellness center. In 2021, the building opened a large coworking space for members and their guests. Ultimately, the DAC has evolved into a multi-faceted space that allows its members various benefits and amenities.
About the tour guide: Jason McKendrick, Director of Membership at The Denver Athletic Club, is a business professional with over 20 years management experience in the customer service, recreation management, facility management and hospitality industries. He encourages leaders with a strong working knowledge of business operations and a proven ability to develop successful business plans and increase revenues.
Accessibility: This tour will require navigating through the building via stairs.
Photo courtesy of Denver Athletic Club Instagram