Recap: 2024 North High School Tours

About the tour: Attendees toured North High School, the majestic, historical centerpiece of Northwest Denver. Explore North, the oldest high school building in Denver, with two alumni. The tour visited North High’s historic original main classroom building and newer additions, including spectacular downtown views. Guides discussed rich historical facts and lore about the neighborhood and school. The North Side High School Alumni Association’s headquarters, the Alumni Center, was also featured on the tour.

About the building: Located at Speer and Federal Boulevards, North High School is one of Denver’s best examples of the Beaux-Arts style. The original 1911 main classroom building was designed by David W. Dryden, Denver Public Schools Supervising Architect. The original main entrance contains murals by renowned artist Frank “Pancho” Gates. A beautiful frieze originally located in the auditorium was incorporated in the new library design, part of a $35 million renovation and restoration project completed in 2011.

About the tour guides: Rebecca Caldwell is a proud 1986 graduate of North High. She serves as Marketing and Communications Specialist at North High. Rebecca is also a current board member of the North Side High School Alumni Association.

Joe DeRose is a former teacher at North, Horace Mann Jr. High, and Bryant Webster Elementary. Joe also attended all three schools and graduated from North in 1966. Joe is the Past President of both the North Side High School Alumni Association and the North Side High School Scholarship Foundation. Joe was the founder and proprietor of Muddy’s Coffee House in Denver.