The Design and Construction Team
Architect Carl F Groos, Jr.
Associate Architect O’Neil Ford
Special Design Associate Mardi Buell Groos
Structural Engineer I B Falk Jorgensen
Electrical Engineer Swanson Rink
Mechanical Engineers Stone & Birkle
Landscape Architect Chris G Moritz
Interior Consultants Castle - West
General Contractor Platt Rogers Construction
Cherry Creek Tower is a 15 story condominium, built as an apartment in 1961-1962. It was converted to condominiums in 1993.
The Mechanics
In addition to being on the cutting edge from a design perspective the building was revolutionary in some facets of the construction. The building is of aluminum window wall construction with the basic structure of reinforced concrete. Cherry Creek Tower was designed so that when the building sways it all sways the same amount. This was very new technology. The structural engineers were IB Falk Jorgensen Consulting Engineers, Inc. Jorgensen explained the technology, "The structure anticipates the interaction between the floors and columns, which are frames, and the stair and elevator wells which are sheer walls. All buildings sway under wind pressure, but when Cherry Creek Tower moves, it will be equal in all parts without overloading any single part of the structure." The builders, Platt RodgersConstruction, also used a special high tension reinforcing steel, which was newly available in Denver.
The Interiors
The interiors were up to the minute drop dead gorgeous. The plans called for state of the art furniture. The exterior lobby had 2 facing gray leather benches sitting on chrome legs. The interior lobby was done in pale grays and purples, which played beautifully with the purple and gray terrazzo on the walls. The lobby was oversized terrazzo tile of a gray so pale it was almost white. The area rug was a bold statement of blue and purple.
Chrome, armless chairs, probably from the Florence Knoll collection, were arranged around a marble coffee table. The lighting was provided by two long brushed aluminum rectangular fixtures that were suspended from chrome pendants, one on each side of the lobby. Walking up to the lower lobby from the out of doors you had an uninterrupted view through the back wall, which was glass, to a lovely fountain and beautiful landscaping. The interior lobby was spectacular in every way; it conveyed the message you were at one of Denver's best addresses.
Cherry Creek Towers was sumptuous by Denver standards. The marketing brochures detail the complete Westinghouse electric kitchens, the high-speed elevators, and the "individual terraces in the sky" for each apartment.
The conveniences of central air conditioning and heating, underground parking, basement storage and a master TV antenna were considered luxurious in the early 60s. Screened in terraces were a departure from the standard apartment fare which offered open balcony area. The framing of the terrace screens mirrors the framing of the glass curtain walls and reinforces the building's grid. Originally, tenants could install de-mountable glass panels which would turn the patio into a sunroom during the winter months.
The 1963 Architectural Record article has exterior and interior photos of the building.
The Amenities
15 story condominium building with stunning views
Originally built as 1 & 2 bedroom units, combinations have resulted in some 3 bedroom units
Professionally Managed Building
Guest suite available for rental
Well appointed exercise room
Deeded underground parking
Deeded storage units
Basement laundry facilities, multiple washers and dryers
Lovely out door pool area
Landscaped back deck with grills, tables and chairs
No smoking allowed in the building
Trash chutes on every floor
EV Charging Stations
24 Hour security cameras
Secure keyless entry
Secure package room
Community Garden