Larimer Square Historic District

Larimer Square Historic District

A stop on the Denver audio-guided tour, Larimer Square is the historic heart of the city, the very first street of Denver and probably the most photogenic. It was here, on this stretch of street, that everything began.

The cradle of Denver

In 1858, Denver was only a makeshift camp on the riverbank, where tents, saloons and wooden cabins lined up. Larimer Street was the first artery laid out, the original heart of the city in the time of the Colorado gold rush. Named in tribute to the pioneer general William Larimer, it brings together the oldest commercial buildings in Denver.

What to see

Like many historic centres, the street nearly disappeared: abandoned in the 1950s, there was talk of razing it all. A visionary businesswoman, Dana Crawford, saved it by buying and restoring several buildings, turning the street into a pedestrian zone. It was the very first historic renovation project in Colorado. Admire its old facades and its lively atmosphere.

Practical information

Larimer Square is in the LoDo district, in the heart of downtown Denver. Freely accessible, the street can be walked at any time and comes alive with shops and restaurants.

Why is Larimer Square important ?

It is the first street of Denver, the cradle of the city in the time of the gold rush.

Who saved Larimer Square ?

The businesswoman Dana Crawford, who restored its buildings in the first historic renovation project in Colorado.