South Park Hill Fire Recovery: Tudors, Bungalows and Parkways

Fire-gutted two-story interior with charred walls. Example of the work involved; the photo does not show a specific property or a job for this site.

What the houses are like

South Park Hill is the part of the neighborhood most people picture when they hear the name: broad, tree-lined streets and parkways, with houses built largely in the first decades of the twentieth century. Brick Tudor Revival houses, Craftsman bungalows, Denver Squares and period cottages sit side by side, many with original woodwork, leaded glass and plaster walls.

That age and detail drive most of the differences in fire recovery here. Plaster and lath, old-growth trim, original hardwood, steep rooflines and older wiring all appear frequently. Houses have been updated unevenly over a century, so one house may have a fully modern kitchen and original knob-and-tube wiring in the attic.

Some parts of Park Hill have been considered for or received historic designation over the years, and individual properties may be landmarked. Whether your particular address is designated is something to confirm with the city rather than assume.

South Park Hill at a glance for fire recovery

Government: City and County of Denver handles permits and inspections
Typical houses: Tudors, bungalows, Denver Squares, cottages, mostly pre-war
Common materials: Brick, plaster and lath, fir and oak trim, strip oak floors
Lots: Many with detached garages on alleys
Utility: Xcel Energy for gas and electric service

Points to raise early after a fire here

Ask whether the house is individually landmarked or within a designated district before exterior work.
Request testing for asbestos and lead before demolition in a house of this age.
Inventory original trim, doors, glass and built-ins before mitigation starts.
Have an electrician check for older wiring in walls and attics.
Check knee walls and attics for smoke if the house has a finished upper half story.
Get a chimney inspection if the fire involved a fireplace or the chimney was near the fire.
Ask the adjuster how matching is handled for plaster, trim and floors.

Questions for a contractor working in South Park Hill

Have you worked on houses of this age and style nearby?
How do you approach plaster, shellacked trim and original floors?
Do you have access to plasterers and millwork shops who can match older profiles?
How will you handle work on a steep or complex roof?
Are you familiar with Denver landmark review if it applies?

Map of South Park Hill. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Do the big street trees affect fire recovery?

Sometimes. Mature trees close to a house can be scorched by an exterior fire and may need an arborist's look, and large branches over a roof can make tarping and roof work harder. Trees in the parkway strip between sidewalk and street are generally managed by the city, so ask Denver's forestry office before cutting them.

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