While Denver may not be bursting with as many immense skyscrapers compared to bigger American cities like New York City and Chicago, it does boast a fair share of sizable high rises.
Constructed over the past 50 years, the “Mile High City” has been updating its skyline with new, modern-designed buildings. Home to residences, hotel rooms, and offices, the tallest structures in Colorado’s capital city provides its visitors with some of the best views in the area. We’ll take a looker at the highest buildings in Downtown Denver.
Here are 10 of the tallest buildings in Denver, in order of height:
Republic Plaza
Denver’s tallest building, Republic Plaza, is 717 feet in height and is comprised of 56 stories. In terms of footage, this behemoth weighs in at 1,848,663 sq ft, with the majority of the space used for offices and conference rooms.
Republic Plaza has held the title of Colorado’s tallest building since its construction in 1984. It is also considered to be the tallest building in the Mountain States region of the US, which includes Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
1801 California
With 53 floors totaling 709 feet, the massive structure, located at 1801 California Street, is a close second to the tallest building in Denver, and by some accounts, it actually holds the title. This is because, when the building’s antenna structure is included in the measurement, it totals 738 feet and significantly eclipses Republic Plaza.
The former headquarters for Qwest Communications, the Qwest sign that adorned this tall structure was replaced with the Century Link logo when it acquired the building in 2011.
Constructed in the late modernist high-rise style of architecture, the building was once internationally famous for hosting some of the highest-lit signage in the world, which could be viewed as far as 70 miles away. The structure is primarily used as office space.
Wells Fargo Center – “Cash Register Building”
Technically called the Wells Fargo Center, Coloradans recognize this iconic structure as the “Cash Register Building” for its uncanny resemblance to antique cash register machines.
The curvature of this building’s upper floors makes it one of the most recognizable structures in the United States, and an invaluable asset that has come to define the look of urban Colorado.
At 698 feet, Wells Fargo Center is the third-tallest building in Denver and was built in 1983. However, it’s constructed on higher ground than the two taller buildings that proceed it, which gives it a higher relative rooftop compared to any other structure in Denver.
The building is so large that it has its own zip code, which is 80274.
Primarily used for office space, as the name implies, this building is home to all things Wells Fargo, including a small museum showcasing memorabilia from the bank’s history. But as Wells Fargo’s legal troubles continue to mount, it’s fair to ask what the future holds for Denver’s most iconic building.
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences
Completed in 2010 as part of a recent wave of construction that’s transformed the Denver skyline in recent years, this 641-foot structure houses arguably the poshest hotel rooms and apartments in the city.
The 45-floor structure boasts 766,487 sq ft of usable space and was constructed at an estimated cost of $350 million. The lower half of the building houses the Four Seasons Hotel, while the upper half is designated for residences.
Check prices, availability or book the Four Seasons Hotel Denver
1144 Fifteenth
Located on the same block as the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences skyscraper, this 617-foot building was completed in 2018, making it the newest addition to the top ten list of Denver’s tallest buildings.
With 40 floors devoted to offices, tenants of this building are treated to a large 5,500-square-foot gym and some of the best views of the Front Range that Denver has to offer.
As a symbol of Denver’s newfound prosperity and popularity, the modern look and feel of the structure is a dramatic departure from the buildings constructed in the 1980s, which many critics call bland and uninspiring.
1999 Broadway
The unique composition of this 46-story building was born out of the necessity to keep the Holy Ghost Church intact, which sits at the base of the building.
From the perspective of standing in front of the church, it looks as though the tall building hovering above is cradling the historic church, which was consecrated in 1943. At 548 feet high, the structure is located at 1999 Broadway in Denver’s sixth tallest building.
707 17th
Completed in 1981, this building has taken on numerous names over the years, including the MCI Building and Arco Tower. Now known as the Jacobs Building, this 522-foot structure held the title of the tallest building in Denver for two years until it was surpassed by the structure erected at 1801 California St.
The building, which boasts a sleek international “black box” style of architecture, is a mixed-use structure used for hotel rooms and offices.
555 17th
Standing at just over 500 feet, the skyscraper at 555 17th Street has been called both the Anaconda Tower and Qwest Tower over the years. After its debut in 1978, it held the title of the tallest building in Denver for three years.
Formerly the world headquarters for Qwest Communications, this building is now home to offices held by a variety of companies, including Examiner.com, Long View Systems, and the Anschutz Corporation.
Hyatt Regency Denver
Constructed over the span of two years between 2003 and 2005, the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center measures just under 500 feet and has 38 floors.
Costing over $350 million to construct, this large structure boasts a postmodern architectural style and is part of a wave of new buildings that are updating the look of Denver’s skyline. Visitors sip on cocktails while taking in views of the Front Range mountains from the hotel’s Peaks Lounge, which is located on the 27th floor.
Check prices, availability or book Hyatt Regency Denver at CO Convention Center
Spire
Opened in 2009, the Spire is Colorado’s tallest residential building and stands at 478 feet. The structure hosts nearly 500 residences and costs $175 million to build. The building features shops on its lower level and multiple pools, a gym, and a spa located within the structure.
They are the largest buildings in Mile High City. If you’re curious about the state’s second-largest city, check out these tallest buildings in Colorado Springs.
The Tallest Buildings in Colorado Springs
