Stonebridge Companies has bought the former Colorado National Bank building at 17th and Champa in downtown Denver and will convert it into a hotel, adding several floors to the existing six-story structure.

The very good news is that the President and CEO Navin Dimond plans to preserve Allen True’s sixteen Indian Memories murals that grace the lobby. These murals are considered to be some of True’s finest works and will add beauty and historic gravitas to the hotel lobby. According to Denver Post reporter Margaret Jackson, Dimond also plans to install a bar in the mezzanine area so that patrons will have an eye-level view of the murals.

In the December 15 Post article, Dimond said it will probably take two years before a hotel opens in the building. Stonebridge is working with architect Jim Johnson on plans for the neoclassical building, which had three floors added to it in 1963.

The building is considered a contributing structure in a historic district, said Annie Levinsky, executive director of Historic Denver, to the Post. “We’re particularly excited about any proposed use that preserves the lobby space and the Allen Tupper True murals,” she said. “A hotel will provide a way for the public to continue to enjoy them.”

To read the entire Denver Post article and view the photo slide show, go to:

http://www.denverpost.com/economy/ci_13997087

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