Why is Boettcher West so important to the University of Denver? Boettcher West at 2050 East Iliff Avenue, is part of the Boettcher legacy in Colorado. The Boettcher name is practically a household name here.
Charles Boettcher was one of Colorado’s most famous citizens. He was born in Germany in 1852. In 1869, Charles joined his older brother in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His brother worked at a hardware store and got Charles a job there. Charles quickly learned the tinner’s trade and made a name for himself.
By 1870, Herman bought the hardware business and renamed it H. Boettcher and Company. The deal included a store in Greeley, Colorado, which Charles took over. The business was successful with the motto “Quick Sales and Small Profits.” The brothers expanded to Fort Collins. In 1872, Charles was ready for a change of pace.
Charles met Fannie Augusta Cowan in 1873. She was visiting her uncle from Kansas. They married by April 1874. That summer, the couple moved to Boulder to open another hardware store. Charles partnered with William P. McKinney, Herman’s father-in-law. Charles and his store prospered as Boulder’s population grew.
In 1877, Charles traveled to the east coast to shop for his store. In 1878, he built an elaborate two-story building. It was located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Pearl. The keystone at the entrance still bears the inscription “C. Boettcher A.D. 1878.” The store was touted as one of the handsomest and largest hardware stores in Colorado.
Charles Boettcher excelled at selling hardware. He saw the profits from the silver boom in Leadville. He turned the Boulder store over to an assistant and went to Leadville. By March 1879, Herman ran the Boulder business. Charles tried to cash in on the mining craze. He paid only $6,000 for two lots on Leadville’s business district. He erected a building and added a second story for an apartment.
Charles began to rise within Leadville’s circles. In 1882, he vacationed with his family and visited Herman in California. The family filed a homestead claim in North Park, Colorado. It eventually became the 180 square mile Bighorn Ranch.
By 1884, Charles purchased a wholesale hardware business in Denver. He renamed it the Boettcher Hardware Company. He relocated to 402 Lawrence Street. His inventory included everything from nuts and bolts to housewares.
The Boettchers spent more time in Denver. Capitol Hill became the place to be. By 1892, landmarks like The Brown Palace Hotel were in place. Fannie and Charles started building their residence at 1201 Grant Street. It was well placed along “Millionaire’s Row.”
By 1900, Charles was nearly 50. He turned to Germany for new business ideas. He returned with visions of starting sugar beet and cement industries. The Great Western Sugar Company and the Portland Cement Company were launched in Colorado.
Business brought Charles Boettcher to Lookout Mountain. He donated cement for the construction of the Lariat Trail. In 1915, he was named president of the Denver & Salt Lake Railroad. He and Fannie separated. He moved into The Brown Palace Hotel, which he later purchased.
In 1917, Charles built an elegant mansion on Lookout Mountain. He often drove the Lariat Trail to Golden and Denver. In early June 1919, he lost control of his car. It was impaled on a boulder. He proceeded to the office seemingly unperturbed.
Charles Boettcher died at age 96 in 1948. The Boettcher Foundation was established for charitable activities. Boettcher West is a lasting reminder of his contributions to Colorado. It stands as a testament to his vision and entrepreneurial spirit.