Nov 14, 1979
National Register of Historic Places -Schlessinger House
Statement of Significant: The Schlessinger House is significant for its association with William Lang, an important architect in late nineteenth century Colorado; Timothy S. Schlessinger, a well-known businessman in the state; and for its architectural features which manifest the stylistic elements of the work of William Lang. Timothy S. Schlessinger was long active in business in Colorado. Though born in Austria in 1839, he emigrated to the United States at the age of thirteen and came to Colorado in 1862. In the mid-1860s he opened grocery stores in Central City and Black Hawk, the heart of the mining region at that time, but later he opened a wholesale house in Denver, which he operated until 1879 when he entered the lumber business. Eventually, he entered the real estate industry, but at the same time he developed extensive mining interests in Lake, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties. Apparently, however, Schlessinger overextended himself by his investments in mining companies in Leadville and in 1901 he filed a petition in bankruptcy in Denver. He died in 1906. Schlessinger's last residence, this house at 1544 Race Street, is a delightful example of the work of William Lang, an architect who has been called "the most popular and prolific designer of domestic architecture in nineteenth century Denver." Lang began his work in the mile-high city in the late 1880s, quickly established an excellent reputation, and eventually designed a large number of residences, a number of which like the Bailey House are now listed in the National Register. It was in 1890 that George W. Titcomb, a lawyer and a real estate developer, had Lang design five houses on Race Street, of which this one is the more interesting of the two remaining. Once built in 1890, the structure at 1544 Race Street was either vacant or rented until Schlessinger bought it in 1897. He lived there until his death and his wife until her death in 1924. A few years after that, the structure was converted into apartments, the state it is in today. Lang, of course, had suffered a grievous financial setback owing to the silver crash in 1893, and the depression that followed, and he had died under mysterious circumstances about 1895. Since then, many of his best works have been razed, but this is one that remains, a solid piece which manifests many of the elements of his style.
National Register of Historic Places -Schlessinger House
Statement of Significant: The Schlessinger House is significant for its association with William Lang, an important architect in late nineteenth century Colorado; Timothy S. Schlessinger, a well-known businessman in the state; and for its architectural features which manifest the stylistic elements of the work of William Lang. Timothy S. Schlessinger was long active in business in Colorado. Though born in Austria in 1839, he emigrated to the United States at the age of thirteen and came to Colorado in 1862. In the mid-1860s he opened grocery stores in Central City and Black Hawk, the heart of the mining region at that time, but later he opened a wholesale house in Denver, which he operated until 1879 when he entered the lumber business. Eventually, he entered the real estate industry, but at the same time he developed extensive mining interests in Lake, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties. Apparently, however, Schlessinger overextended himself by his investments in mining companies in Leadville and in 1901 he filed a petition in bankruptcy in Denver. He died in 1906. Schlessinger's last residence, this house at 1544 Race Street, is a delightful example of the work of William Lang, an architect who has been called "the most popular and prolific designer of domestic architecture in nineteenth century Denver." Lang began his work in the mile-high city in the late 1880s, quickly established an excellent reputation, and eventually designed a large number of residences, a number of which like the Bailey House are now listed in the National Register. It was in 1890 that George W. Titcomb, a lawyer and a real estate developer, had Lang design five houses on Race Street, of which this one is the more interesting of the two remaining. Once built in 1890, the structure at 1544 Race Street was either vacant or rented until Schlessinger bought it in 1897. He lived there until his death and his wife until her death in 1924. A few years after that, the structure was converted into apartments, the state it is in today. Lang, of course, had suffered a grievous financial setback owing to the silver crash in 1893, and the depression that followed, and he had died under mysterious circumstances about 1895. Since then, many of his best works have been razed, but this is one that remains, a solid piece which manifests many of the elements of his style.
Nov 14, 1979
Posted Date
Aug 01, 2023
Historical Record Date
Nov 14, 1979
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
