Equitable Building- Denver, CO

The Equitable Building in Denver is one of the most elegant office buildings I have ever seen. Built in 1892, it captures the essence of the Gilded Age era, emanating grandiosity and permanence.

Designed by the Boston architectural firm Andrews, Jaques & Rantoul, the Equitable was intended to portray a sense of security and stability, in a region often consider risky back East.

Constructed as the Denver office of the New York based Equitable Life Assurance Company, the nine story Italian Renaissance exuded confidence. The exterior was constructed from massive blocks of Pike’s Peak granite, decorated with terra cotta, egg and dart molding, and acanthus leaves. The fifth floor featured a Palladian window and balcony, complete with cherubs.

Inside, the Equitable Building is breathtaking. An absolute stunning display of workmanship, that would never be attempted today. Architectural Oz.

The vaulted ceilings are covered in fabulous mosaics; the walls marble clad. There are multiple Tiffany windows, including a six panel masterpiece over the sweeping stairs, that depicts Minerva, the Greek goddess of protection, comforting a bereft widow and orphan.

In addition to being beautiful, the building was a technological marvel, with electricity, eight hydraulic elevators, gas fireplaces, and water closets in most offices.

Considered the most prestigious business address in town, the building even housed the Governor’s executive offices, before the Capitol was built, and contained the region’s largest law library.

Although the building was sold many times over the last century, and even went into foreclosure during The Great Depression, it emerged relative unscathed, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It has undergone several restorations over the years, and remains as impressive as it was when it was built.