Historical Structure Information

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Historical Structure Information

Wellshire Event Center (Wellshire Country Club)

3333 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222

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Property Address: 3333 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222 Current Property Owner: City and County of Denver

Property Owner at Time of Construction: Glenwood Land Company, later the Wellshire Park Corporation

Structure Architect: G. Meredith Musick Project Developer: George Olinger Golf Course Architect: Donald Ross

Legal Property Description: PT SE1/4 SEC 36-4-68 EXC PT PLATTED AS WELLSHIRE HTS

& EXC PT PLATTED AS CHERRY HILLS HTS & EXC PT IN W1/2SE1/4 SD SEC LYING N & W OF WELLSHIRE GOLF

I. Property History

The original Tudor style clubhouse at the Wellshire golf course was completed in 1927, one year after the golf course opened for play in 1926 (Figures 1 & 2).¹ The course resides in the southeast corner of the Wellshire neighborhood, which is bordered by Yale Ave. to the north, University Blvd. to the west, Hampden Ave. to the south, and Colorado Blvd. to the east. The course was originally a part of the Wellshire Park Subdivision, which was platted by the Wellshire Park Corporation in 1925.⁴ The subdivision was laid out by McCrary, Colley & Carthart, a prominent Denver landscape architect firm.⁴ George Olinger envisioned Wellshire Park like Bonnie Brae which he established earlier about 2 miles north, Olinger obtained a bank loan in 1925 to complete the first

subdivision house at 2900 S. University.⁴ His intention was to stimulate other buyers to develop houses in the area.⁴ This house and the Golf Course were the only properties completed in the subdivision. The rest of the subdivision was not developed until after the conclusion of WWII during the post-war boom in Denver. The golf course itself was designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross and is dubbed as being the only public Donald Ross course west of the Mississippi.² The clubhouse structure resides on the northeast section of the famous golf course, and the original cost of construction was

$300,000.³ The property of the golf course resides on the site of the former Skeel family farm, a name that the reservoir on the golf course still bears to this day. The property was sold from original property owner Ark Skeel to the Glenwood Land Company for the golf course construction.³ The original Skeel farmhouse was used as the clubhouse for a year before the well-known Tudor structure was completed. When this structure was

completed in the mid-twenties under the supervision of George Olinger, the property did not reside in the city or county of Denver, but in Arapahoe County. Like the historic Wellshire Park House at 2900 S. University, the property rested on Kansas Pacific Railroad grant lands that served many farmers and ranchers in this area south of the City of Denver.⁴ George Olinger’s goal was for the new Wellshire Country Club to be the center piece of the newly planned Wellshire Park subdivision, but due to financial problems of the Wellshire Park Corporation. only one house was ever developed in the neighborhood, that being the Wellshire Park House. When financial troubles struck the

1 The Denver Post, October 16, 1927.

2 Paul Dunn, Great Donald Ross Courses Everyone Can Play.

3 Gregg Blew, “75 Mile-High Tradition.”

4 Jim & Barbara Steely, “Wellshire Park House Summary.”

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Wellshire Park Corporation, the company auctioned off the remaining neighborhood land, and the City and County of Denver agreed to purchase the golf course and associated structures for $60,000 in 1936.⁵ City and County of Denver annexation records show that the golf course property was annexed into the City and County of Denver on the 15 of August 1950.⁶ After purchase by the city in 1936, the golf course was run through several lease agreements, and in 1958 parts of the structure underwent a

$100,000 renovation to upgrade the aging structure. In 1962 a three-alarm fire broke out in the clubhouse, over 100 firefighters and twelve pieces of fire apparatus responded to the blaze that was fueled by the nearly thirty mile per hour winds present that night (Figure 6).⁷ The fire was said to be caused by a central broiler in the clubhouse, the broiler produces sparks that sent packing in the chimney ablaze and eventually spread to wooden beams around the chimney and ignited the shingle roof. Laxity in fire code compliance was blamed for this fire, as the Denver fire chief said adequate fire stops and other preventative measures were not in place at the time (Figure 8).⁸ The blaze gutted the roof and interior and essentially just left the brick shell of the building. The fire was said to have caused nearly $350,000 in damage and it was unclear whether the structure could be rebuilt or if it would be torn down (Figure 7).⁷

The structure remained and was eventually rebuilt. In the early 1970s, the building was leased to Araserv under the management of Leo Goto for the opening of a new gourmet restaurant. Goto was known for other restaurants at the Cherry Hills, Green Gables, and the Boulder County country clubs (Figure 10).⁹ The company undertook a project to remodel the interior once more that was completed by the late 70s and opened as the Wellshire Inn Restaurant. This restaurant became known as one of Denver’s finest, providing a unique dining experience in the elegant Tudor dining room with a view of the large golf course and a panorama of the front range (Figure 11). People from in and around Denver, as well as people from around the state, often had a story of dining at the Wellshire Inn and the unique and memorable experience that it was. After Goto left the venture, Wellshire, LLC headed by Howard Torgrove, got the contract to run the space in 2003, and as part of the deal, it was promised that the $1.2 million in improvements would be completed.¹⁰ These improvements were never completed, and in 2008 the Wellshire closed all together as a restaurant. The Denver Parks and Rec department put the bid out in December of 2008 but again rewarded the concession rights to Wellshire LLC, even though they failed to complete the project promised in the 2003 agreement.

Since 2008, Wellshire LLC has focused on making the structure an event space popular for weddings and other events.¹⁰ The clubhouse is still home to the golf course pro shop, as well as the Golfers Pub. Over the years few improvements have been made. However, an addition of a glass-sided event space has been added to the southeast portion of the original structure, as well as an additional brick banquet space on the southwest side of the original clubhouse (Figures 29, 32, 36). The original Tudor brick structure can still be

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found in the heart of the Wellshire neighborhood near Hampden and Colorado (Figures 26 and 27). Original architecture styles of exposed wooden beams, elegant masonry and carpentry, and time-period furniture can all still be found alongside the modern amenities inside the Wellshire (Figures 30-38). Onlookers can still see the elegant brick work and timber work of the building; a grand door and pieces of stained-glass windows greet guests who visit the Wellshire today. The structure has stood the test of time and still stands as a symbol of the origins of the neighborhood, as well as of the urban sprawl of Denver to the south and southeast.

II. Architectural History

The original Wellshire Country Club was built as a grand Tudor Style structure. The Tudor style of building came to the Americas in the late nineteenth century. These strictures are defined by asymmetry, as well as by the fact that they are built of solid stone with intricate stone and brick work.¹¹ Tudor architecture is extremely expensive to build and is very hard to replicate and repair. The Wellshire is the definition of Tudor, with steeply pitched gable roof, elaborate brick chimneys, and window groupings, as well as decorative half-timbering within the masonry (Figures 14-20). The large, embellished entryway that still stands to this day similarly showcases the original Tudor design of the building. The banquet room addition on the southwest side of the original structure attempts to maintain the style by using groupings of windows, as well as strong masonry construction (Figure 36). The Tudor style clubhouse was originally designed by famed Denver architect George Meredith Musick of Musick & Musick, Architect Associates.

The Tudor building style was unique for G.M. Musick, as he was traditionally known for moving away from historical revival style toward modernism in Denver (Figure 14, 20).¹² Musick was licensed as an architect in 1921 and opened his own firm in 1923 in

partnership with his brother J.M. Musick.¹² Musick is known for many prominent

structures including many completed for the city. Some prominent structures that Musick designed include (Figure 40)¹²:

 Nicholson Building at Denver General Hospital

 1946 Stapleton Airport Terminal Building

 Bryant-Webster Elementary

 U.S. Customs House Expansion

 First Baptist Church at 14^th & Grant

 Denver’s Republic Building at 16^th & Tremont (Demolished)

 Colorado State Capitol Annex

 Lowry Army Air Force Base

 Alliance Airfield Alliance, NE

 Scottsbluff Bomber Base Scottsbluff, NE

 University of Denver Classroom Building (1445 Cleveland, now part of the Webb Building)

 Climax Molybdenum Mine Structures Leadville, CO

11 Wentworth, Bruce. “Tudor.”

12 History Colorado, “Architects of Colorado”

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Several of these Musick structures are found on the National Register of Historic Places,

including Bryant-Webster Elementary, the U.S. Customs House, First Baptist Church, CO State Capitol Annex, and the University of Denver Classroom building.¹² The structures designed by Musick no doubt made him a well-known Denver architect, who designed exceptional structures that emphasized the history and significance of the city, and the Wellshire Country Club is no exception. The Wellshire is a unique structure designed by Musick that enhances the upscale grandeur and history of south and southeast Denver.

The developer of the Wellshire project was none other than well-known Denverite, George Olinger.¹³ Olinger formed the Wellshire Park corporation, a division of Associated Industries.

Olinger platted the Wellshire neighborhood and was responsible for the construction of the first house in Wellshire at 2900 S. University. Eventually, the Wellshire park corporation went into bankruptcy and the neighborhood lands were sold off and the course was sold to the City and Country of Denver (Figure 12).¹⁴ Olinger worked on several other neighborhoods in the area.

George Olinger was known for several business ventures around Denver; most famously he was the President of Olinger Mortuaries for many years, becoming the founder and first President of the National Selected Morticians.¹⁵ Olinger was responsible for the construction of the great Olinger Mansion at 29^th and Wadsworth. The Olinger Mortuary business is still well-known throughout the Denver area and original Olinger structures can still be found, including the multi-level brick structure that bears a large Olinger Mortuaries sign at. 2030 W. 16^th St. Olinger was partly responsible for the push to the south and west to expand Denver beyond it previous limits. The Wellshire neighborhood and the Tudor Structure represent the Olinger way of building and the significance the family held and still holds in Denver.

III. Golf Course Architecture

The Wellshire Clubhouse sits on the property of the famed Wellshire Golf Course (Figure 13).

The course was designed and built by the famous golf course designer Donald Ross. The course opened August 28^th, 1926. The opening was marked by a nine-hole tournament on the

course.¹⁶ It was one of the finest Ross designed courses in the West. The original course not only featured golf, but also provided opportunities for fishing and several water sports on Skeel Reservoir.¹⁷ Once purchased by the city, it was known as one of the best municipally owned courses in the country. The Wellshire course exhibited the traditional features of a Ross course, including playability, challenging shots, and tricky greens.¹⁸ These features are still found on the course today, preserving the original Ross design. The course grew in popularity over the years, and in 1946 hosted the USGA Amateur Public Links Championship. The tournament consisted of 192 players from across North America.¹⁶ Thirteen years later, the course would host this same event again. The course saw many famous golfers including Ben Hogan, Tommy Jacobs, Arnold Palmer, and Howie Johnson. In 1959, when the USGA Public Links Championship returned, the champion was twenty-three-year-old Bill Wright, who was the first black man to win a major

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national title.¹⁶ In the early 90s the Donald Ross course underwent some major upgrades, including a new irrigation system and numerous course upgrades. Today, the course still gives players the original challenge of play that Donald Ross intended. The course still sits on the grounds of the Skeel Family Farm, preserving the rich history of early settlers, and now serves as a preservation of golf history around the country (Figure 39).

IV. Significance Today

The Wellshire Events Center is a historical staple of the Wellshire neighborhood. The structure represents one of the numerous unique architecture styles found in Southeast Denver

neighborhoods. The structure involved many famous individuals in the Denver area and nationally. G.M. Musick and George Olinger were well known individuals in the Denver area, and both had something to do with the construction of this unique building. The building sits on the land of a historic family farm, tying its roots to the early settlements of the area, and resides on a course designed by the nationally acclaimed Donald Ross. The structure is a symbol of Denver’s early push south, and the magnificent grandeur and history of not only the Wellshire neighborhood, but of South and Southeast Denver.

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V. Photo Appendix

Figure 1: The Wellshire Inn viewed from the N.E. in 1936. (Source: Denver Public Library)

Figure 2: The Wellshire Inn viewed from the S.E. in 1936. (Source: Denver Public Library)

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Figure 3: August 28, 1926, Rocky Mountain News: Featuring Opening Of Wellshire. (Source: Rocky Mountain News)

Figure 4: October 16, 1927, Denver Post Featuring the Newly Opened Clubhouse. (Source: Denver Post)

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Figure 6: May 9, 1962, Rocky Mountain News front page story about Wellshire fire.

(Source: Rocky Mountain News)

Figure 5: May 9, 1962, Rocky Mountain News article detailing damage caused by fire.

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Figure 7: May 10, 1962, Issue of the Rocky Mountain News detailing the causes of the fire. (Source: Rocky Mountain News)

Figure 8: May 10, 1981, Rocky Mountain News article detailing stakes the taxpayers have in the property.

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Figure 9: May 10, 1981, Rocky Mountain News article detailing stakes the taxpayers have in the property.

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Figure 11: July 27, 1977, Rocky Mountain Journal feature article detailing the history and plan to renovate the Tudor dining room. (Source: Rocky Mountain Journal)

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Figure 12: Early Plat Map of the Wellshire Country Club and surrounding areas. (Source: Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy)

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Figure 13: Topographic map of proposed Wellshire site drawn by G.M. Musick, dated December 4, 1926.

(Source: Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy)

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Figure 15: Original G.M. Musick Drawings of the Wellshire Country Clubhouse Attic, n.d.

Figure 14: Close-up of topo map showing the G.M. Musick Architect stamp, dated December 4, 1926. (Source: Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy)

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Figure 16: Original G.M. Musick drawing of the Wellshire Country Clubhouse basement, n.d.

(Source: Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy)

Figure 17: Original G.M. Musick drawing of the Wellshire Country Clubhouse main floor, n.d.

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Figure 18: Original G.M. Musick drawings of Wellshire Country Clubhouse building elevations, n.d.

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Figure 20: Closeup of info section stamped an all G.M. Musick plans, n.d.

Figure 21: Denver Parks & Rec. department drawing of the Wellshire Inn, n.d.

(Source: Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy)

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Figure 22: Nielsen & Wallner Architects remodel drawing of the Wellshire Inn basement, dated November 01, 1977. (Source: Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy)

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Figure 24: Nielsen & Wallner Architects remodel drawing of the Wellshire Inn banquet room and attic, dated November 01, 1977. (Source: Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy)

Figure 25: Nielsen & Wallner Architects remodel drawing of Wellshire in building elevations, dated November 01, 1977. (Source: Denver Public Library Western History and Genealogy)

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Figure 26: Current View of elegant Tudor structure from the S.E., dated October 13, 2021. (Source: Personal Photograph)

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Figure 28: Current view of Wellshire additions, dated November 5, 2021.

(Source: Personal Photograph)

Figure 29: Current view of Wellshire glass ballroom, dated November 5, 2021.

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Figure 30: Current view of a grand Wellshire dining room exhibiting the time-period woodwork and stained glass, dated October 13, 2021. (Source: Personal Photograph)

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Figure 32: Glass walled ballroom addition to the Wellshire used for wedding and other events, October 13, 2021.

Figure 33: One of the many foyers in the Wellshire exhibiting time-period lighting, masonry, and elegant carpentry, dated October 13, 2021. (Source: Personal Photograph)

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Figure 34: Original elegant masonry fireplace found in original portion of Wellshire building, dated October 13, 2021.

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Figure 36: One of the newer Wellshire event spaces, dated October 13, 2021. (Source: Personal Photograph)

Figure 37: Elegant upstairs banquet hall, dated October 13, 2021.

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Figure 38: Upstairs bridal suite exhibiting the original style of the Wellshire, dated October 13, 2021. (Source: Personal Photograph)

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Figure 40: Other Locations with Structures designed by G.M. Musick, Lowry Field (Source: Wings Over the Rockies), Colorado State Capitol Annex (Source: Masonry Denver), and Alliance Airfield, NE (Source: Airports Worldwide).

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VI. Historical Accuracy Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this report, no guarantees are made about any historical claims made within. The data

contained within this report is the resultant compilation of a multitude of research gathered from several of sources, some of which may contain hearsay, conjecture, or embellishment which cannot be verified as absolute fact. Every effort has been made to cross-reference each data point with multiple sources, and any inaccuracies are purely unintentional.

VII. Additional Information

Bibliography

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https://www.airports-worldwide.com/usa/nebraska/alliance_muni_nebraska.php.

Bailey, Karen A, and Louis Kilzer. “Taxpayers Have Huge Stake in Wellshire Inn.” Rocky Mountain News. May 10, 1981.

Blew, Gregg A. “75 Mile-High Tradition.” Golf Course Management. Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, November 2001.

http://chhha.com/PDF/WellshireHistory.pdf.

Club House from N.E. Photograph. Denver, CO, 1936. Denver Public Library.

Club House from S.E. Photograph. Denver, CO, 1936. Denver Public Library.

Cooper, Gene, and William Logan. “Wellshire Club Hit by Three Alarm Fire.” Rocky Mountain News. 1962.

Denver County, Colorado, Real Property Records, Parcel 0536400001000, Office of the

Assessor. https://www.denvergov.org/apps/realpropertyapplication/realproperty.asp.

Accessed November 24, 2021

“Denver Maps.” Available from http://www.denvergov.org/maps; accessed November 24, 2021 Denver Parks and Recreation Department. “Denver Parks and Recreation Department Records

(WH1316), Series 5 Drawing and Maps -Denver City Parks 1890-2001, Wellshire Golf Course 1926-1983.” Denver, CO: Denver Public Library, Western History and Genealogy Collection, n.d.

Dunn, Paul, and B. J. Dunn. Great Donald Ross Golf Courses Everyone Can Play: Resort, Public, and Semi-Private. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press, 2017.

Fisher, Steven. A Brief History of South Denver & University Park. Charleston, SC: History Press, 2012.

Gagnon, William. “Laxity in Fire Code, Checks Blamed in Wellshire Fire.” Rocky Mountain News.

May 10, 1962.

History Colorado. Architects of Colorado=Biographical Sketch: G. Meredith Musick. History Colorado. Accessed November 24, 2021.

https://www.historycolorado.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2017/Architects_

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Jim, Steely, and Steely Barbara. Ts. 2900 S. University Blvd.-Wellshire Park House Summary Information for Landmark Designation. Denver, CO, 2018.

Katchen, Sharon. “Wellshire Inn: Elegant Tudor Dining Room.” Rocky Mountain Journal. July 27, 1977, sec. 2.

“Lowry Air Force Base History: Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.” Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum |, November 5, 2018.

https://wingsmuseum.org/about/history/.

Mandell, Richard. “The Pioneer: Donald Ross.” Golf, Latest News, Courses, Technology | GolfCourseArchitecture.net, October 1, 2007.

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/the-pioneer-donald-ross.

“State Capitol Annex.” The Masonry of Denver, October 12, 2014.

https://www.masonryofdenver.com/2014/08/state-capitol-annex/.

Miniello, H. Kristi. “Denver Landmark Preservation Commission Application for Landmark Designation: 6400 E Montview Blvd.” October 2020.

Wellshire Additions South. November 5, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Bridal Suite. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

“Wellshire Country Club Members to Open New Enterprise With Play on Golf Course.” Rocky Mountain News. August 28, 1926.

“Wellshire Country Club Occupies New Home.” The Denver Post. October 16, 1927, Sunday Morning edition, sec. 1.

Wellshire Dining Room. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Entrance. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Event Space. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Fireplace. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Foyer. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire from S.E. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Glass Ballroom. November 5, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Glass Ballroom. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

“Wellshire Golf Course.” 39º39’20”N 104º56’30”W. Google Earth. October 3, 2019. Accessed November 24, 2021

“Wellshire Inn Reopens under New Management.” Rocky Mountain News. June 20, 1971.

Wellshire Steep Gable. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Upstairs Banquet Room. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wellshire Woodwork. October 13, 2021. Photograph.

Wentworth, Bruce. “Tudor.” askthearchitect, March 3, 2016.

http://www.askthearchitect.org/architectural-styles/tudor-style-homes.

Report Submitted on: Thursday December 2, 2021