Colorado National Bank

The Colorado National Bank Building, located at 17^th & Champa Streets, was constructed in 1915 and designed by renowned Denver architects William and Arthur Fisher. The neoclassical columns and sturdy appearance inspired the building to be known as “the bank that looks like a bank.” Further adding to the building’s iconic stature are the 16 murals that surrounded the grand lobby. These murals, titled “Indian Memories,” were painted by renowned Colorado artist Allen Tupper True in 1925.

Founded in 1866, the building was the third home of Colorado National Bank for more than 83 years, at which time Colorado National Bank was purchased by US Bank. US Bank continued to use the building until 2007 when it closed the branch. With the building vacant it soon became a target of graffiti and nuisance, even though it is only a half block from the popular 16^th Street Mall.

In 2011, local developer and hospitality firm Stonebridge Companies began renovations on the building to turn it into a 230-room boutique hotel. In order to accommodate the number of guestrooms, Stonebridge added two stories to the existing six-story structure. A restaurant and lounge are located on the ground floor, with guestrooms on floors two through eight. Below grade is the fitness center and meeting spaces and back-of-house areas for hotel staff. Three bank vaults, complete with the original 60,000-pound vault doors, have been converted into very unique boardroom-style meeting spaces. Renovation included the restoration of all 16 Allen Tupper True murals.

By combining DURA’s participation with Stonebridge Companies redevelopment vision, the Colorado National Bank building has returned to being a prominent and lively structure within the Downtown Denver Historic District. The Colorado National Bank Building, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, began operations as the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel in May of 2014.