Wash Park Church Demolition Opens Neighborhood and Homes for Growth

As Preservation Efforts Gain Momentum in Wash Park, Homeowners Are Encouraged to Shape Their Own Legacy Through Thoughtful Homebuilding

The story unfolding at 400 S. Williams Street in Denver’s historic Washington Park neighborhood is more than just a preservation effort — it’s a reflection of a broader conversation happening across the city. Residents are becoming increasingly invested in the future of their neighborhoods, the architectural character of their streets, and the legacy they leave behind.

At Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we believe these moments offer a unique opportunity — not just to preserve the past, but to reimagine the future.

A City in Flux: The Wash Park Church Controversy

Earlier this year, the sale of the Washington Park United Church of Christ building to Mile High Building & Development sparked a spirited response from neighbors. The proposed demolition of the 12,000-square-foot structure, a cultural and architectural landmark dating back to the early 1900s, prompted preservationists to act swiftly.

Sarah Goldblatt, a local architect and resident, summed up the community’s sentiment: “There’s a general consensus among many neighbors that much of Wash Park’s historic fabric and scale is being lost at a rapid rate with no end in sight.”

The developer’s intent to demolish the church triggered a formal response — residents petitioned for landmark designation and, as of July, city officials have granted a pause in demolition to allow time for collaborative solutions. These include subdividing the lot and potentially converting the structure into a single-family or multifamily home that honors its historic significance.

This situation is emblematic of a larger reality across many of Denver’s classic neighborhoods: change is inevitable — but how we respond to it matters.

A New Chapter: Your Opportunity to Build With Purpose

Rather than being discouraged by redevelopment and change, SDB encourages homeowners to see the shifting landscape as an opportunity to invest in their communities in meaningful and inspiring ways.

From custom homes to home additions and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), thoughtful building allows families to stay rooted in neighborhoods they love — while contributing to their evolution with intention and care.

Here’s how:

1. Preserve Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Denver’s most beloved neighborhoods — Wash Park, Highlands, Berkeley, and beyond — were built with distinctive architectural charm. When you work with a design-build team like SDB, we ensure your project fits the scale and spirit of your street while incorporating modern conveniences, energy-efficient design, and personalized living spaces.

Whether it’s restoring a craftsman facade or blending contemporary interiors with classic exteriors, we specialize in helping homeowners honor their neighborhood’s heritage while enhancing their quality of life.

2. Expand Without Disrupting the Community Fabric

SDB offers solutions like pop-top additions, renovations, or ADUs — perfect for growing families or multigenerational living. These solutions allow you to maximize your lot and living space without tearing down the home or disrupting the architectural rhythm of the block.

Many Wash Park and Platt Park residents are opting for these creative upgrades rather than leaving the neighborhoods they cherish.

3. Reimagine Existing Structures

The same preservation-minded thinking that’s driving interest in converting the Wash Park church into a residence can apply to your own property. Garages, carriage houses, and underutilized spaces can become beautiful, livable units or income-generating rentals with the right design-build partner.

4. Be Part of the Future of Your Neighborhood

Homeowners today have more influence than ever on the look and feel of their neighborhoods. While developers often operate at scale, SDB works with homeowners — not over them. Our projects are designed to complement and enhance the neighborhood, not overpower it.

By choosing to build thoughtfully, you become a steward of your street’s future.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Watch Your Neighborhood Change — Shape It

The Wash Park church debate is a reminder that while buildings may come and go, the values of a community — care, connection, and character — can endure when people take an active role in shaping their surroundings.

At Sustainable Design Build, we help Denver homeowners bring those values to life through inspired architecture and smart, sustainable construction. Whether you’re imagining a second-story addition, converting a detached garage into an ADU, or building a brand-new custom home on an existing lot — now is the time to act.

Neighborhoods are changing. Be part of that change — in a way that feels authentic, elegant, and enduring.