Founded in 1858 as a gold mining town, Denver is replete with interesting buildings. Down by the Capitol, the influence of the City Beautiful movement is apparent, reflected in the stunning Civic Center plaza. Nearby residential areas exhibit the great wealth of earlier eras, in the form of grand stone Victorians. Downtown, an eclectic mix of styles and periods coexist, running from Art Deco and Italianate to ultramodern. Although the city is evolving at a rapid pace, reuse projects have been embraced, and long neglected buildings like Union Station have been given new life. Though small in space compared to some cities, it is full of character and intriguing architecture.