3500 East Dartmouth Avenue
3 beds/3baths | 3,980 square feet | walkout lower level | .320 acre
$960,000
** SOLD **
The Architect
Richard Crowther is a recognized master of modern architecture in Colorado, making enormous contributions to the look of mid-century Denver. He is perhaps most well known locally for designing the Art Deco ticket booths and neon at Lakeside Amusement Park or the now lost Cooper Cinerama theater. He also gave lectures on solar energy at the Smithsonian and universities nationwide along with writing some of the most important books on the subject, including the internationally respected Sun, Earth: Alternative Energy Design for Architecture in 1983.
His design for the Rosenbaum house, while more restrained than other homes he did in the late 50’s, is still quite progressive for its time. The Rosenbaums, a prominent and civically engaged Denver family, liked to entertain. So the main living areas, library, all purpose room, and dining room, flow together as one large space with access to a covered patio that functions as an outdoor room. When necessary, a translucent folding divider transforms the library, with its south and west facing walls of glass, into a wonderful separate office where attorney Charles Rosenbaum met his clients.
Crowther is also remembered for designing the interiors of many high end stores downtown and in North Cherry Creek. So it’s no surprise to be greeted by exquisite masonry and mahogany walls in the entry vestibule leading to custom walnut built-ins in the shared spaces and other thoughtful storage and lighting placement throughout the house.
Flagstone & Mahogany 
Walnut 
Rend-O-Lite Panel & Vintage fixture
Though designed relatively early in his career, Crowther’s pioneering architectural ecology is evident in the Rosenbaum House. Sited on a sloping lot with walls of glass to take full advantage of not only the then views to the south and west, but passive solar heat throughout the day. Conversely, the north side of the house has no windows and is lined with storage and passageways that act as an insulating buffer between the cold side of the house and the living areas. The average winter utility bill of $200 suggests this design is quite successful while also providing the added bonus of blocking occasional street noise.
A full set of building plans and renderings are available to the homeowner at the Denver Public Library. The sellers also have the architecture model which is on view in the home.
The Builder
Crowther’s vision was expertly realized by high quality custom builder, Newton Koser. He was the first choice for many architects at the time and the reason becomes evident the moment you step into this home.
The original construction specifications are also on view…
The standard of work and materials throughout shall be of first class quality and workmanship in every respect, no workmanship which for any reason otherwise shall be accepted.”
the occupants
Charles Rosenbaum came to Colorado with his family as a young child with the hope that the climate would cure his father of tuberculosis. Sadly his father succumbed to the illness and Charles found himself selling the Rocky Mountain News to help support his family.
This work ethic along with encouragement from Emily Griffith spurred him to pursue his education and while attending East High School he won a scholarship to the University of Denver. Charles finished his undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as passing the bar, by the time he was 20. He had to wait until he turned 21 to be able to practice law.
In addition to building a successful law practice, he taught Americanism at the Emily Griffith Opportunity school and even wrote a text book on the subject. In 1957, he was named to represent the United States in the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration. Three years later, Charles was appointed as an alternate delegate to the United Nations.
