Page 18 - Denver, CO Sunken Gardens

SUNKEN GARDENS

Stairs to pavilion (1D)
The stairs leading from Elati Street to the base of the
pavilion were part of the original design of the northern
section of the park, as seen in the bottom image on page
1. Throughout the many changes the park has undergone
over the past 110 years, these stairs have remained a
key point of entry into the park.
Significance
These two staircases are highly significant.
Condition
The stairs are in fair condition. Some repairs are needed,
but they are frequently used and part of a key gateway
into the park.
The northern staircase in the series of two leading from Elati Treatment
Street to the base of the pavilion is a key component of this
gateway into the park. These stairs are frequently used. While The two historic staircases should be preserved. They
they show some wear and need some repairs, they are in good should be examined for any necessary repairs to ensure
condition and should be preserved. (Winter & Company, 2020) the safety of the visitors.
Remnants of Historic Structures
In addition to the structures that remain intact, remnants
of other structures survive. These remnants continue to
play an important role in the views through the park, and
the experience of the visitor, and contribute to the histor-
ic significance of the park. The letter and number combi-
nation after each structure refers to the map on page 16.

Pavilion (2A)
The pavilion that once sat on the western edge of the
northern portion of the park was the largest structure and
most iconic in the series of buildings that once dotted the
Sunken Gardens landscape. It is believed that once West
High School was constructed in 1926, the pavilion was
demolished in order to increase the connectivity between
the park and the high school.

While the concrete pavilion is no longer a structure in the park, While the pavilion was removed, the structure’s base
the remnants of its base are still a key point of entry into the still remains and is a key point of entry into the park.
park, and a significant feature. (Winter & Company, 2020) For the visitors that park along Elati Street, descending
the two staircases to enter Sunken Gardens along what
once was the reflecting pool is a common point of entry.
The pavilion base itself is in fair condition, although the
concrete pillar bases, edging and staircases are all that
remain. The remnants are still a key part of the park, as
many visitors also sit along the stairs or the wall of the
structure.
Significance
The base of the pavilion, the remaining component of the
concrete pavilion, is a significant feature of the park.
Condition
Although the base of the structure remains and is in fair
condition, the pavilion itself is missing.
Treatment
The base of the structure should continue to be pre-
served. Consider ways in which the base could be adap-
tively reused or could be interpreted through new way-
finding materials. Ensure the safety of park visitors in
A view from Elati Street shows the base of the pavilion structure determining a future use of the pavilion.
in context with the park. The pavilion foundation offers opportu-
nities for adaptive reuse or reinterpretation that could accommo-
date a variety of active and passive uses. (Winter & Company,
2020)

CITY & COUNTY OF D ENVER | P ARKS & RECREATION
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