Lakewood

Founding and Early Mentions

The history of Lakewood dates back to 1889. It was then that Charles Welch and W.A.H. Loveland platted the area west of Denver, envisioning it as a picturesque summer resort and an upscale residential district for wealthy city dwellers. Unlike many of Colorado's mining towns, Lakewood was designed from the beginning as a comfortable place for living and leisure.

Key Factors of Development

The settlement's growth was driven by a successful combination of factors that transformed it from a collection of scattered farms into a thriving community:

• Transportation Revolution: The construction of a tram line connecting Lakewood with Denver and Golden played a decisive role. The electric tram, known as "The Loop," allowed residents to easily commute to work in the metropolis while enjoying a suburban lifestyle.
• Geographic Location: Its position at the base of the Rocky Mountains provided clean air and magnificent views, which attracted new settlers.
• Political Structure: A unique feature of Lakewood was its lack of city status for most of its history. Until 1969, it remained an unincorporated territory, relying on Jefferson County services, even though it had effectively become a large population center.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early 20th century, the regional economy was based on agriculture. Orchards, ranches, and greenhouses flourished here; the area was famous for raising turkeys and growing berries. Additionally, thanks to the dry climate and clean air, Lakewood became an important center for health tourism, housing several sanitariums for the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Cultural life formed around the idea of "neighborhood": the absence of a unified city administration fostered the creation of strong local communities, schools, and volunteer fire departments, which laid the groundwork for the city's modern character.

Early Years and Formation

• 1889: Charles Welch and W.A.H. Loveland approve the first development plan for the territory, laying the foundations for the future settlement.
• 1891: Launch of the electric tram line, providing a reliable transport link between Lakewood, Denver, and Golden.
• 1904: Opening of the JCRS (Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society) Sanitarium, which became a significant medical institution of national importance.
• 1908: Founding of the prestigious Lakewood Country Club, attracting wealthy residents to the area.

Industrialization and Gaining City Status

• 1941: Construction of the Denver Ordnance Plant, which dramatically accelerated the economic and demographic development of the area.
• 1946: Conversion of the plant site into the Denver Federal Center—the largest concentration of federal agencies outside of Washington, D.C.
• 1966: Opening of the Villa Italia shopping center, which for many years served as the primary shopping and leisure destination for local residents.
• 1969: Lakewood officially receives city status (City of Lakewood) after residents vote for independent self-governance.

Modern Era and Renewal

• 2000: Commissioning of the Lakewood Cultural Center, which became the main venue for theatrical productions and exhibitions.
• 2001: Demolition begins on the outdated Villa Italia mall to make way for a large-scale urban reconstruction project.
• 2004: Grand opening of the Belmar district—a modern retail and residential quarter that became the city's new "downtown."
• 2011: St. Anthony Hospital, a major medical center, moves to its new campus within Lakewood.
• 2013: Launch of the W Line light rail, integrating the city into the Denver metro area's rapid transit system.

Cultural and Touristic Milestones

Alongside its administrative and economic growth, Lakewood has cultivated its own unique cultural environment and recreational areas. These developments transformed the city from a simple suburb into an interesting destination for travelers seeking entertainment and outdoor relaxation.

• Creation of Bear Creek Lake Park (1970s)
  Following the construction of the dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the resulting reservoir and surrounding lands became the city's premier natural oasis. The opening of this park provided residents and tourists with a massive area for camping, fishing, and hiking, cementing Lakewood's status as a city oriented toward an active lifestyle.
• Opening of the Legendary Casa Bonita Restaurant (1974)
  The debut of this entertainment complex became a cultural phenomenon not just for the city, but for the entire state. With its 30-foot waterfall, cliff divers, and caves, Casa Bonita evolved into one of Colorado’s most recognizable landmarks, drawing tourists with its kitschy yet unforgettable atmosphere.
• Founding of the Heritage Lakewood Open-Air Museum (1976)
  During the U.S. Bicentennial, the city began actively preserving its heritage by creating a museum complex in Belmar Park. Historic 20th-century buildings, including an old schoolhouse and a farmhouse, were moved here, creating a unique space where visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past century.
• Certification of the 40 West Arts District (2011)
  A major step in the city's cultural renaissance was the transformation of the historic corridor along West Colfax Avenue into a creative cluster. The official recognition of this area as an arts district stimulated the appearance of dozens of galleries, street murals, and art installations, as well as the launch of "The ArtLine"—a pedestrian and bike route connecting parks and art installations.

Urban Development and Architectural Identity

The architecture of Lakewood does not follow classical European canons; you won't find medieval Gothic or ornate Baroque here. The city's appearance is a living encyclopedia of 20th-century American urban planning, reflecting the journey from farmland and summer cottages to a modern metropolis built on the concept of "New Urbanism."

The Early Period: Agrarian Style and Craftsman

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lakewood was developed as an agricultural suburb of Denver. Buildings from this era are characterized by functionality and simplicity.

• Style: Vernacular architecture, American bungalows, and the Craftsman (Arts and Crafts) style.
• Key Features: Use of local stone and wood, low-pitched roofs, and wide porches.
• Where to see it: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. This historic park houses preserved buildings from the 1920s and 30s, including farmhouses and a vintage diner, providing a glimpse into the area's rural past.

Mid-20th Century: The Car Era and Googie

The post-war years left the most visible mark on the city's architecture. The passage of US Route 40 (West Colfax Avenue) through the city turned this street into a showcase of "car culture."

• Style: Mid-century modern and its flamboyant variety—Googie.
• Key Features: Neon signs, futuristic shapes, canted roofs, and an abundance of glass and steel designed to catch the eye of drivers at high speeds.
• Iconic Sites:
  • Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner: A classic diner listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring its original neon cowboy sign.
  • Casa Bonita: A unique example of 1970s entertainment architecture, blending Spanish Colonial elements with the kitschy aesthetic of theme parks.
• Residential Development: The mass construction of single-story Ranch-style homes, which dominate the city's residential neighborhoods.

Modern Day: Redevelopment and New Urbanism

In the 21st century, Lakewood shifted from outward sprawl to creating a dense urban center where one didn't historically exist.

• Style: New Urbanism and Postmodernism.
• Key Features: Mixed-use development (residential + commercial), walkability, and the imitation of traditional city blocks (grid system).
• Flagship Project: The Belmar district. Built on the site of the demolished Villa Italia shopping center, it has become Lakewood's new downtown. Here, modern buildings with brick facades, wide sidewalks, and public squares create a classic city atmosphere, correcting the car-centric planning mistakes of the last century.

Historical Figures and Founders

• W.A.H. Loveland — Industrialist and Visionary.
  A 19th-century railroad tycoon and entrepreneur who played a key role in the early development of the region. Along with Charles Welch, he developed the first plat for the Lakewood territory in 1889, laying the foundation for the future city.
• Charles Welch — Developer and Co-founder.
  Loveland's partner who saw the potential in the lands west of Denver to create an upscale suburb. His efforts in planning streets and lots defined the early structure of the settlement.
• May Bonfils Stanton — Philanthropist and Heiress.
  The daughter of The Denver Post publisher, known for her charity work and lavish lifestyle. In the 1930s, she built the famous "Belmar" estate in Lakewood—a replica of Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon in France. Today, the site of her estate houses the modern downtown, a park, and a library, all bearing the name Belmar.

Culture and Arts Figures

• Gregg Henry — Actor and Musician.
  A Lakewood native who achieved success in Hollywood. He is known as a character actor with memorable roles in films like "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Payback," and the TV series "Scandal."
• Chris Broderick — Virtuoso Musician.
  A world-renowned guitarist born in Lakewood. He gained widespread fame as a member of the legendary thrash metal band Megadeth (2008–2014) and as the founder of the band Act of Defiance.
• Kim Christiansen — TV Journalist.
  A graduate of Lakewood High School who became one of Colorado’s most recognizable television faces. An anchor for 9News and a multi-Emmy Award winner, she is actively involved in the local community.

Athletes

• Steve "Dr. Death" Williams — Professional Wrestler.
  A Lakewood-born athlete who had a successful international career in wrestling (particularly in Japan and the U.S.) during the 1980s and 90s. Before wrestling, he was also a standout American football player at the University of Oklahoma.