Page 2 - Denver, CO Sunken Gardens

SUNKEN GARDENS

to the park were in keeping with the “City Beautiful”
movement and included a pavilion structure, stairs at the
pavilion, a reflecting pool, a series of concrete and gravel
pathways, set of stairs along the park’s east boundary,
formal flower gardens and grassy areas, the concept for
a restroom/overlook/stair structure in the embankment
along Ninth Avenue, and a drinking fountain. A wooden
pavilion structure was built in 1909 but destroyed during
a windstorm in 1911. The original structure was re-
placed with a concrete pavilion in 1911 designed by Jules
Jacques Benoit Benedict.

1916 – 1918: Rustic Period of Influence
Between 1916-1918 the southern end of the park was
A view from 9th Street looking north shows the concrete pavilion acquired and the framework for the second portion of the
and reflecting pool. Views also show the capitol building, church park was developed. Landscape architect Saco R. DeBoer
steeples and other prominent buildings dotting the skyline some-
time between 1911 and 1920 (McClure, “Sunken Garden, Speer designed the southern portion of the park. In contrast to
Blvd. Denver.” Western History Collection: MCC-1939. Denver the formal layout of the northern portion of the park, the
Public Library.) southern portion was designed to create the feeling of a
woodland glen, incorporating more natural features. It
included a rock garden and waterfall; a small serpentine
swale connecting the northern tip of the southern portion
to the rock garden, filled with water diverted from Cherry
Creek; meandering paths; a footbridge; and a stone and
wood rustic sun shelter.

1921 – 1939: Completing the Visions
This period is one in which the vision for each of the park
sections was completed. Historic site plans from 1926
include a majority of the contributing architectural ele-
ments to the park. However, this period is one of addi-
tional features. In the northern section of the park, the
overlook/restroom was added. The southern section of
the park saw the addition of a garage/toolhouse between
1921 and 1924. This original building was replaced in the
early 1930s with the current maintenance building, which
functioned as a garage and toolhouse, and is still used
for maintenance operations today. The rustic sun shelter
was also constructed in the southern portion of the park
A view looking south through the park shows the formal gar- during this time period. While many new structures were
dens, the concrete pavilion and West High School. (Ross, “North, added to the park during this time period, this also marks
South, East, West - Denver’s Iconic Public High Schools.” West- the period in which the concrete pavilion was removed.
ern Historic Resources. Denver Public Library.) Its removal is dated after 1926 and the construction of
West High School, but before 1933.
In addition to the structures in the park, it is also import-
ant to note that in 1926, West High School was construct-
ed just west of the northern portion of the park. The
construction in January 1926 significantly altered the park
and its relationship to the surrounding neighborhoods.
While the park continued to function independent of the
high school, Sunken Gardens became a forecourt to the
school. The school also changed the views to and through
the park, and views west of the park were then dominat-
ed fully by West High School.

During this timeframe, the park was fully landscaped
with formal flower gardens, shrub beds and tree plant-
ings. A rock garden was added to the southern portion
of the park, complimenting the existing serpentine swale
This postcard illustrates Sunken Gardens Park soon after West that meanders through the southern portion. The overall
High School was constructed and the concrete pavilion removed. pedestrian pathway and circulation system through both
Postcard ca. 1930 (“Sunken Gardens.” Route40.net) portions of the park had been considered and designed,
although its implementation continued into the 1930s.

CITY & COUNTY OF D ENVER | P ARKS & RECREATION
2