The adaptive reuse of Denver’s 1881 Hose House No. 1 was completed as part of the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn development, requiring careful structural rehabilitation of the historic unreinforced masonry building. After decades of vacancy, the structure exhibited significant deterioration, including compromised brick walls and a failing roof system.
Our scope included structural assessment, stabilization, and selective reinforcement to preserve the building’s historic exterior while enabling modern use. Interior modifications included removal of a non-original mezzanine to create an open floor plan, requiring reconfiguration of load paths and the addition of new structural support systems.
The replacement of the deteriorated roof introduced a new framing system designed to accommodate a 26-foot square skylight, significantly altering loading conditions while maintaining overall stability. Close coordination with the adjacent new hotel structure was also required to address proximity, differential movement, and construction sequencing.
The project successfully balances historic preservation with modern structural performance, revitalizing a landmark building within Denver’s evolving urban context.
