Haven’t you wondered about that brown skyscraper? The one with the stepped design. That is 1801 California Street Building. It stands tall in Denver.
1801 California Street Building has a fascinating history. It is more than just an office building. It is a landmark. The building showcases late-modernist high-rise architecture.
Completed in 1983, 1801 California Street Building reaches 709 feet. That is 216 meters high. It used to be the tallest building in Denver. Republic Plaza surpassed it the next year.
However, 1801 California Street Building still holds a special record. If you include the antenna mast, it is the tallest. It reaches 738 feet. That is taller than Republic Plaza.
Once, 1801 California Street Building had the brightest high-rise signs. These even surpassed Shanghai and Hong Kong. Qwest logos shone brightly here. They were visible from 70 miles away. Residents complained. The company replaced the signs with darker blue ones.
The 1801 California Street Building has been known by a few names. For a while it was United Bank Center. Then it became US West Tower. Later it was Qwest Tower. For a time it was known as CenturyLink Tower. Now, it is back to 1801 California Street Building.
Inside 1801 California Street Building, you will find more than just offices. There is Ink Coffee. There is also 1801 Eatery. Guard and Grace steakhouse operates here too.
1801 California Street Building has 53 floors. But only 51 are occupied. The building offers a lot of space. Specifically, it has 1,315,428 square feet.
The 1801 California Street Building is in a great location. Its Walk Score is 98. That means it is a walker’s paradise. The Transit Score is 85. It has excellent transit options. The Bike Score is 97. So bikers love it here.
1801 California Street Building has undergone renovations. Weitz completed a major restoration in 2014. The building even appeared in the TV series Dynasty. It was the setting for Colbyco.
Every year, firefighters honor the fallen. 343 Denver firefighters climb 110 flights of stairs. They do this in memory of 9/11.
Today, AFL-CIO owns a majority stake. Brookfield Office Properties sold them 51%. This happened in 2018. The deal valued the tower at $560 million.
So, next time you pass 1801 California Street Building. Remember its history. It is a Denver landmark. It is a symbol of the city’s growth. It is a place of remembrance.