The Sanctuary Downtown

Gazing upon The Sanctuary Downtown, one might mistake it for an Italian palazzo. But this grand structure, nestled in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood, holds a history richer than its Renaissance Revival architecture suggests. The Sanctuary Downtown, originally the Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, opened its doors in 1920. Its design, a collaborative effort by Denver natives Burnham F. and Merrill H. Hoyt, showcases the brothers’ mastery of the Italian Renaissance Revival style. The arched windows, tiled hipped roof, and decorative brackets speak to the elegance and simplicity of the Christian Science faith it initially housed. The church became a “Gateway to the Highlands,” a landmark welcoming visitors and residents alike. Interestingly, the Highlands neighborhood itself boasts a unique history. Founded in 1875, it prided itself on clean air, clean water, and, importantly, clean morals, setting it apart from the then-rough-and-tumble Denver. In 1998, the building embarked on a new chapter, becoming the Zen Center of Denver. The main room was transformed to accommodate meditation, a testament to the building’s adaptability. The original chairs, silent witnesses to countless sermons and meditations, remain a tangible link to its diverse past. Finally, in 2015, The Sanctuary Downtown, a non-denominational Christian church, acquired the building. This marked only the third owner in the building’s nearly 100-year existence. Today, The Sanctuary Downtown continues to serve the community, hosting Sunday services, community events, and educational classes, breathing life into this historical gem.