Denver City Cable Railway Building, Denver

The Denver City Cable Railway Building, located on Eighteenth Street in Denver, is a significant historic structure with a rich history that reflects the evolution of public transportation in the city. The building was originally constructed in 1889 to serve as the headquarters and wheelhouse for the Denver City Cable Railway Company, which operated one of the most extensive cable car networks in the United States.

The building's history is intertwined with the development of Denver's public transportation system, which began with horse-drawn trolleys in 1883. These trolleys were soon replaced by the more advanced cable car system, marking a significant step forward in the city's infrastructure. However, the rapid advancement of transit technology led to the obsolescence of cable cars, and by the late 1890s, electric streetcars had taken over, leading to the bankruptcy of the Denver City Cable Railway.

Over the years, the building served various purposes, including a warehouse, garage, and headquarters for the Hendrie and Bolthoff Manufacturing Company, a mining machinery producer. Its facade was altered in 1892 by Baerreson Brothers Architects to reflect its evolving industrial role. In the early 1970s, the building faced demolition but was saved by Jim Judd and a partner, who purchased it in 1972. It then became home to the Old Spaghetti Factory in 1973, marking its transformation into a mixed-use space that blends historic preservation with modern amenities.

Today, the Denver City Cable Railway Building stands as a testament to Denver's rich history of transportation and industry. It now houses Urban Putt, a miniature golf-themed restaurant, continuing its legacy as a vibrant part of the city's cultural and commercial life. The building's inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 underscores its importance as a historic landmark in Denver.