“Colorado’s Bell System Palace” they called it. A fitting name for the Mountain States Telephone Building. This majestic structure stands before you a testament to a bygone era.
The Mountain States Telephone Building isn’t just a building it’s a piece of Denver history. Completed in 1929 it served as the headquarters of the Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Company later Mountain Bell. This impressive 15-story edifice stands as a landmark of Denver’s architectural heritage.
Designed by William N Bowman the building showcases a unique architectural style. They called it “Modern American Perpendicular Gothic”. It’s a blend of Gothic Revival elements and modern design sensibilities. Notice the buff-colored terra cotta and the pink granite base. These materials are Colorado sourced. The building was constructed during a time of immense technological advancement. It was built to provide Denver with its first dial telephone service. Think about that for a moment. The convenience of dial telephones we take for granted today was a revolutionary feat back then.
But the Mountain States Telephone Building holds even more secrets. Thirteen murals by Allen Tupper True adorn its entrance lobbies. They depict the history of telecommunications. These works of art offer a glimpse into the evolution of communication. It’s more than just brick and mortar it’s a story. The story of Denver’s burgeoning relationship with the increasingly important telecommunications technology.
This building was completed just before the 1929 Wall Street Crash. It represents a moment of incredible optimism. A bold statement of industrial and technological power. It was a costly endeavor approximately $4 million. No company ever again would construct such a monument to industry and technology.
The Mountain States Telephone Building stands today as a reminder of Denver’s past. It’s a symbol of innovation. It’s a stunning example of architecture. Explore its beauty its stories. Discover the echoes of the past within its walls. Let the history resonate within you. It is a place well worth exploring.