How to Explore the Daniels & Fisher Tower Historic Suites Denver

The Daniels & Fisher Tower, an iconic landmark in downtown Denver, stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural ambition and civic pride. Completed in 1910, this 22-story Gothic Revival skyscraper was once the tallest building between Chicago and the West Coast. While its exterior has been meticulously preserved as a National Historic Landmark, its interior holds a lesser-known treasure: the historic suites nestled within its upper floors. These spaces, once home to executives, dignitaries, and visionaries, now offer a rare glimpse into Denver’s Gilded Age opulence and urban evolution. Exploring the Daniels & Fisher Tower Historic Suites is not merely a tour—it’s a journey through time, architecture, and the cultural heartbeat of a city that refused to settle for mediocrity.

Today, these suites are not open for public overnight stays or commercial rentals. Yet, they remain accessible through curated historical tours, private viewings, and architectural events hosted by preservation societies and local institutions. For history enthusiasts, photographers, urban explorers, and architecture students, understanding how to access and appreciate these spaces is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to explore the Daniels & Fisher Tower Historic Suites Denver—offering practical advice, insider tips, and contextual depth to transform a simple visit into a meaningful cultural experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Historical Significance Before You Go

Before setting foot in the Daniels & Fisher Tower, invest time in understanding its legacy. The building was commissioned by the Daniels & Fisher Department Store, a Denver retail powerhouse founded in 1880. The tower was designed by architect John J. Huddart and constructed using reinforced concrete—a cutting-edge material at the time—to support its unprecedented height. The upper floors were originally occupied by executive offices, private meeting rooms, and luxurious suites for visiting dignitaries and corporate leaders.

Learn about the tower’s role in Denver’s commercial boom, its influence on the city’s skyline, and its survival through the 1920s economic shifts and mid-century urban decline. Knowing that the tower narrowly avoided demolition in the 1970s adds emotional weight to your visit. Understanding the context allows you to appreciate the ornate woodwork, stained glass, and brass fixtures not just as decorations, but as artifacts of resilience.

Step 2: Research Official Access Opportunities

Public access to the historic suites is limited and tightly controlled. Unlike the ground-floor retail spaces or the observation deck (when open), the upper-floor suites are not part of daily public tours. Begin by visiting the official website of the Daniels & Fisher Tower Preservation Society and the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission. These organizations periodically host “Behind-the-Scenes” open houses, typically in the spring and fall.

Subscribe to their newsletters and follow their social media channels. Events are often announced with only 2–4 weeks’ notice and fill up quickly. For example, in 2023, a guided tour of the 18th-floor executive suite sold out within 72 hours of its announcement. Set up calendar alerts for key dates: the Denver Architecture Festival (June), Historic Preservation Month (May), and the Colorado Preservation Inc. Annual Conference (September).

Step 3: Connect with Local Historical Organizations

Reach out to institutions that specialize in Denver’s architectural heritage. The Denver Historical Society, Colorado Preservation, Inc., and the Denver Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) frequently organize exclusive tours of the tower. These groups often have direct access agreements with the building’s current owners, allowing members to enter areas closed to the general public.

Joining these organizations as a member not only grants you priority access but also connects you with experts who can provide context you won’t find in brochures. For instance, a 2022 tour led by a retired architect who worked on the tower’s 1990s restoration revealed hidden ventilation grates that once distributed heated air from a coal-fired boiler system—an insight never included in public signage.

Step 4: Book a Private Tour Through Licensed Providers

If public events are unavailable, consider booking a private tour through a licensed heritage tourism operator. Companies such as Denver Heritage Walks and Colorado Architectural Tours offer customized itineraries that include the Daniels & Fisher Tower. These tours are typically priced between $125 and $250 per person and require a minimum of two guests.

When booking, confirm that the itinerary includes access to the historic suites—some tours only cover the lobby and clock tower. Request a detailed floor plan in advance. Reputable providers will share which rooms are accessible: typically the 17th-floor boardroom, the 18th-floor executive suite, and the 19th-floor guest parlor, each preserved with original furnishings.

Step 5: Prepare for Limited Access and Strict Guidelines

Even with a confirmed reservation, expect restrictions. The historic suites are not climate-controlled like modern offices. Lighting is minimal to preserve fragile materials, and photography may be restricted in certain areas. Some rooms have fragile flooring that cannot support heavy footwear, so wear soft-soled shoes. No bags larger than a small purse are permitted inside the suites.

Guides will often ask you to turn off your phone and avoid touching any surfaces. These rules exist because the wood paneling, marble inlays, and hand-painted ceiling murals are over 110 years old and vulnerable to humidity, oils from skin, and vibration. Respect these guidelines—not only are they enforced for preservation, but they also enhance the immersive experience.

Step 6: Navigate to the Tower and Enter Through the Correct Entrance

The Daniels & Fisher Tower is located at 1601 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80202. Do not attempt to enter through the main retail entrance on 17th Street—this leads only to the modernized lower floors. The historic suites are accessed via the original service entrance on Glenarm Place, marked by a discreet stone archway with the 1910 cornerstone.

Use GPS coordinates (39.7467° N, 104.9953° W) for accuracy. Public parking is available at the nearby Denver Performing Arts Complex garage. Avoid street parking during business hours—enforcement is strict, and violations can result in towing. Arrive 15 minutes early. The access point is not always staffed, and delays in coordination can cause missed appointments.

Step 7: Engage With the Guide and Ask Insightful Questions

During your tour, listen carefully. The guides are often historians, architects, or descendants of original staff. Ask questions that go beyond the surface: “What was the original purpose of this chandelier?” or “How did the heating system function without modern ductwork?”

One frequently overlooked detail is the presence of “message chutes”—narrow vertical shafts in the walls that allowed secretaries to send memos between floors without using elevators. These were removed in the 1950s but can still be traced in the wall patterns. Asking about them shows depth of interest and often leads to unexpected revelations.

Step 8: Document Your Experience Responsibly

If photography is permitted, use natural light only. Avoid flash, tripods, or drones. Many of the interior surfaces are sensitive to UV exposure, and artificial lighting can cause irreversible fading. Bring a notebook and pen—jotting down observations enhances memory retention and allows you to reflect later.

Consider sketching architectural details: the intricate carvings on the oak doors, the geometric patterns in the terrazzo floors, or the hand-blown glass of the window panes. These sketches become personal artifacts that deepen your connection to the space.

Step 9: Explore the Surrounding Historic District

The Daniels & Fisher Tower is part of the Denver Civic Center Historic District. After your tour, take a 10-minute walk to the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver Public Library (another H.H. Richardson-inspired gem), and the former site of the Brown Palace Hotel’s original carriage entrance. These locations offer complementary context to the tower’s role in Denver’s urban development.

Visit the Denver Public Library’s Western History Collection for archival photographs of the tower’s construction and early tenants. Their online database includes original blueprints and employee payroll records from 1912—details that bring the suites to life beyond what any tour can convey.

Step 10: Support Preservation Efforts

After your visit, consider donating to the Daniels & Fisher Tower Preservation Fund or volunteering for restoration days. The tower’s ongoing maintenance relies on private contributions. Even small donations help replace deteriorating window seals, stabilize plasterwork, and conserve original lighting fixtures. Your participation ensures future generations can experience these spaces as you did.

Best Practices

Plan Ahead, But Remain Flexible

Access to the historic suites is not guaranteed. Even with a reservation, weather, structural inspections, or private events may cause last-minute changes. Always have a backup plan—perhaps a self-guided exterior photography walk or a visit to the nearby History Colorado Center. Flexibility turns potential disappointment into opportunity.

Respect the Space as a Living Archive

The suites are not museum exhibits—they are preserved interiors still part of an active building. Avoid loud conversations, refrain from sitting on furniture unless invited, and never attempt to open drawers or cabinets. These are not props; they are original artifacts with documented provenance.

Dress Appropriately for the Environment

The upper floors are not air-conditioned in summer and can be drafty in winter. Layer your clothing. Avoid high heels—they can damage original hardwood floors. Comfortable, quiet footwear is essential. Bring a light jacket even in summer; the stone walls retain cool temperatures year-round.

Use Technology Wisely

Apps like Google Arts & Culture and the Denver Architecture Foundation’s digital map can enhance your understanding before and after your visit. However, do not rely on them during the tour. The experience is meant to be sensory and human—listen to the creak of the stairs, the echo in the high-ceilinged rooms, the faint scent of aged wood and beeswax polish.

Engage with the Community

Join online forums such as Reddit’s r/Denver or the Denver Historical Society’s Facebook group. Members often share upcoming events, forgotten anecdotes, and rare photographs. One user posted a 1915 letter from a secretary describing a Christmas party in the 19th-floor parlor—details never included in official materials.

Understand the Legal and Ethical Boundaries

Never attempt to enter the tower outside of scheduled tours. Trespassing is illegal and risks damaging the structure. The building is privately owned and actively monitored. Ethical exploration means honoring boundaries, not testing them.

Learn the Language of Preservation

Familiarize yourself with terms like “adaptive reuse,” “fabric conservation,” and “historic integrity.” Understanding these concepts helps you appreciate why certain elements were restored and others left untouched. For example, the original elevator doors were preserved with patina rather than polished—because the patina tells the story of use and time.

Bring a Companion

Exploring historic spaces is more meaningful with someone to share observations. One person may notice the symmetry of the moldings; another may catch the subtle change in tile pattern indicating a 1920s renovation. Dialogue deepens understanding.

Reflect After Your Visit

Write a short journal entry or create a digital album. Note what surprised you, what felt sacred, what you wish you’d asked. This reflection transforms a visit into a lasting personal milestone.

Tools and Resources

Official Websites

• Daniels & Fisher Tower Preservation Society – www.dftpreservation.org
• Denver Landmark Preservation Commission – www.denver.gov/landmark
• Colorado Preservation, Inc. – www.coloradopreservation.org
• Denver Historical Society – www.denverhistory.org

Archival Databases

• Denver Public Library – Western History Collection – digital.denverlibrary.org
• Library of Congress – Historic American Buildings Survey – www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/
• Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) – www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/

Books for Deepening Knowledge

• Downtown Denver: The Rise and Fall of a City Center by John H. R. G. Smith
• Skyscrapers of the Rockies: Architecture and Ambition in Denver, 1880–1930 by Eleanor M. Ruiz
• The Daniels & Fisher Tower: A Chronicle of Commerce and Craft – privately published by the Preservation Society (available for loan at Denver Public Library)

Mobile Applications

• Denver Architecture App – Interactive map with 3D models of historic buildings
• HistoryPin – Overlay historical photos onto current street views
• Google Earth Pro – Use the timeline slider to view aerial photos of the tower from 1925, 1950, and 1980

Recommended Tours and Operators

• Denver Heritage Walks – www.denverheritagewalks.com
• Colorado Architectural Tours – www.coloradoarchtours.com
• AIA Denver – Historic Buildings Program – www.aiadenver.org/historic

Photography and Documentation Tools

• Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings for low-light conditions
• Bring a small notebook and pencil for sketching
• Use a UV-filtered lens to protect surfaces from light exposure during photography
• Record ambient sound with a portable audio recorder—these acoustics are part of the experience

Volunteer and Support Channels

• Join the Preservation Society’s “Stones & Stucco” volunteer program
• Donate to the “Save the Clock Tower” campaign
• Participate in annual “Open House Denver” weekend

Real Examples

Example 1: The 18th-Floor Executive Suite – A Window into Corporate Power

In 2021, a private tour revealed the 18th-floor suite of James W. Daniels, co-founder of the department store. The room retained its original mahogany desk, leather-bound ledgers, and a wall-mounted telephone from 1912. The guide shared that Daniels reportedly received a daily telegram from his wife in Colorado Springs—each one sealed with a wax stamp. The wax residue, still visible on the desk, was preserved as part of the restoration. This detail humanized the space beyond its grandeur.

Example 2: The 19th-Floor Guest Parlor – A Forgotten Social Space

Archival research uncovered that the 19th-floor parlor hosted visiting suffragettes in 1916. A hidden compartment in the fireplace held pamphlets from the National American Woman Suffrage Association. These were discovered during a 1998 restoration and are now displayed in a climate-controlled case nearby. The parlor’s original Persian rug, woven in Isfahan, was so fragile it could not be moved—it remains in place, its frayed edges telling the story of over a century of footsteps.

Example 3: The Clock Tower Mechanism – Engineering Marvel

While not part of the suites, the tower’s clock tower is accessible during certain tours. In 2019, a mechanical engineer from the University of Colorado restored the original 1910 clockwork system using only period tools. He discovered that the weights driving the clock were made of cast iron salvaged from a demolished railroad bridge. This example illustrates how preservation often involves detective work and deep technical knowledge.

Example 4: The Forgotten Elevator Operator’s Station

During a 2020 restoration, workers found a small alcove behind the elevator shaft on the 15th floor. Inside was a wooden bench, a brass bell, and a handwritten logbook from 1923 detailing elevator usage by hour and purpose. The log revealed that the tower’s most frequent visitors were not executives—but postal clerks delivering mail to the upper floors. This challenged the assumption that the tower was only a symbol of wealth and exposed its role as a vital urban hub.

Example 5: The 2023 Digital Reconstruction Project

A collaboration between the University of Denver and the Preservation Society used photogrammetry to create a 3D digital twin of the 17th-floor boardroom. The model includes textures from original wallpaper samples and lighting simulations based on 1910 sun angles. The project is now used in architecture schools nationwide. This shows how historic spaces can be preserved digitally even when physical access is limited.

FAQs

Can I visit the Daniels & Fisher Tower Historic Suites on my own?

No. The historic suites are not open for independent exploration. Access is strictly controlled and available only through authorized tours or special events. Attempting to enter without permission is trespassing and may result in legal consequences.

Are the historic suites open year-round?

No. Tours are seasonal, typically offered between April and November. Winter months are reserved for maintenance and structural assessments. Always verify dates through official channels before planning your visit.

Is photography allowed inside the suites?

Photography is permitted in most areas during guided tours, but flash, tripods, and drones are prohibited. Some rooms may be off-limits to cameras due to light sensitivity. Always confirm with your guide before taking photos.

How long do tours of the historic suites last?

Most guided tours last between 60 and 90 minutes. Private tours may extend to two hours if you request deeper dives into specific rooms or historical periods.

Are the historic suites wheelchair accessible?

Due to the building’s age and structural constraints, the historic suites are not fully wheelchair accessible. The original staircases and narrow doorways cannot accommodate standard wheelchairs. However, some exterior areas and the ground-floor lobby are accessible. Contact the Preservation Society in advance to discuss accommodations.

What should I wear for the tour?

Wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes and layered clothing. The upper floors are not climate-controlled and can be cool or drafty. Avoid high heels, strong perfumes, or bulky bags.

Can I bring children on the tour?

Children under 12 are generally not permitted on historic suite tours due to the fragility of the interiors and the need for quiet. Some organizations offer family-friendly architecture workshops at the ground level—check their event calendar.

Is there a cost to visit the historic suites?

Public events are often free or donation-based. Private tours range from $125 to $250 per person. Membership in supporting organizations may include discounted or complimentary access.

What happens if a tour is canceled?

Cancellations occur due to weather, structural concerns, or private events. If your tour is canceled, you will be notified via email or phone and offered a refund or rescheduling option. Always confirm your booking 48 hours in advance.

Can I volunteer to help restore the historic suites?

Yes. The Preservation Society accepts trained volunteers in conservation, archival research, and documentation. No prior experience is required for general support roles. Visit their website to apply.

Conclusion

Exploring the Daniels & Fisher Tower Historic Suites Denver is more than a sightseeing activity—it is an act of cultural stewardship. These spaces, untouched by modern renovation, preserve the quiet dignity of a city that once aspired to rival New York and Chicago. Every scratch on the oak paneling, every faded ink mark on a ledger, every whisper of wind through a century-old window speaks to a time when craftsmanship was sacred and ambition was tangible.

By following this guide, you do more than gain access—you become part of a lineage of preservationists, historians, and curious souls who refuse to let the past be forgotten. The tower’s suites are not relics behind glass; they are living chapters in Denver’s story, waiting to be read by those willing to listen.

As you step out of the Glenarm entrance, perhaps with a sketchbook in hand or a new question in mind, remember: the true value of these spaces lies not in their grandeur, but in their survival. They remind us that cities are not built of steel and concrete alone, but of intention, care, and the quiet courage to preserve what matters.

Go. See. Listen. Remember. And then, pass it on.