Mayfair, Denver: Fire Recovery in Postwar Brick Cottages

Mayfair at a glance

Housing: Largely 1940s and 1950s brick cottages and ranches
Typical layout: One story over a basement, often finished later
Heat: Mostly forced-air furnaces
Local government: City and County of Denver

Postwar construction and later remodels

Mayfair is a small neighborhood south of East Colfax Avenue, adjoining Park Hill. Much of its housing was built in the years after World War II, when brick cottages and small ranches went up quickly across Denver's postwar housing boom. Many have been expanded, remodeled or had basements finished over the following decades.

That history creates layers of material from different eras. A 1950s house might have original plaster on gypsum lath upstairs, 1970s paneling and ceiling tiles in the basement, and a 2010s kitchen. Each layer can respond differently to smoke and may raise its own testing questions.

Forced-air heating is the norm, so smoke spread through ductwork is a common issue. Simpler rooflines and single-story layouts make tarping and roof repairs more straightforward than on steep Tudors to the north.

Areas to pay attention to after a fire

Ductwork and furnace, inspected and cleaned before heat is restored.
Basement finishes such as paneling, drop ceilings and carpet that hold odor.
Nine-inch floor tiles and mastic, sampled before removal.
Attics with older insulation, checked for smoke and vermiculite.
Original hardwood under later carpet, which may be salvageable.
Electrical panels and any additions wired at different times.

A practical order for a basement fire in a Mayfair-style home

Get everyone out and call 911.Make sure basement occupants are accounted for.
Shut down the furnace.Leave it off until inspected so smoke is not pushed through the house.
Document and test.Photograph everything and sample era materials before demolition.
Remove smoke-laden finishes.Paneling, ceiling tiles and carpet are often removed rather than cleaned.
Clean ducts and main floor.Clean the duct system and upstairs rooms before restarting heat.
Rebuild with current requirements.Ask about egress, alarms and electrical requirements for rebuilt basement rooms.

Map of Mayfair. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Is there hardwood under the carpet in Mayfair homes?

Many postwar brick homes were built with oak strip floors that later owners covered with carpet. After a fire, pulling smoky carpet may reveal floors that can be cleaned and refinished.

General information for Park Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.