Airedale Building

Why did they change the name of Kopper’s Hotel and Saloon? Right here before us stands the Airedale Building a Denver landmark. It’s a testament to Denver’s history. Originally built in 1889 by Bavarian immigrant Albert Kopper it was known as Kopper’s Hotel and Saloon. The building served as a bustling hub of activity a place where weary travelers found rest and locals gathered for a drink. It was a three-story structure a Queen Anne architectural marvel. This style was unusual for Denver’s warehouse district at that time. The building’s facade is symmetrical and highly ornate. Notice the stippled sandstone blocks and the original cast-iron storefronts. They’ve largely remained unmodified. The central doorway leading to the original hotel stairway is still there. Now it leads to Hostel Fish. Interesting fact the building’s name changed at the end of World War I. Anti-German sentiment was high. To avoid negative associations they renamed it the Airedale. The change is reflected in the paneling under the pediment which displays “Airedale” and “1919”. The Airedale Building has seen many transformations. It housed a beer bottling plant and even an adult bookstore. Today it’s a blend of old and new. It now houses Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox a restaurant bar and music venue. The upper floors still operate as a hostel. The Airedale Building stands as a silent witness to Denver’s evolution. Its walls have witnessed countless stories. It’s a place where the past and the present coexist. The Airedale a Denver landmark a structure that speaks volumes about the city’s enduring spirit.