View From The Tattered Cover 1998
Walk out the door of Tattered Cover Books on Wynkoop St. and take a left, stroll about 50 feet and this is the view of twenty three years ago. You’ll be mid-block at 1500 Wynkoop Street; behind you is 16th Street and ahead is 15th Street, the 15th Street Viaduct, and “Manny’s Bridge”, spanning Cherry Creek in the distant center.
This image is subtle. I find it very interesting with the lines of the buildings and the road drawing me into the scene, capped off by the “tattered” steel awning overhead.
Looking southwest on Wynkoop Street, you’ll see the huge Post Office Terminal and large warehouses on the right, the Rocky Mountain Saddlery building at 15th Street on the left, and the 15th Street Viaduct slicing through them.
This block’s traffic was dominated by the Post Office, as a terminal and post office that was open 24/7 except Sunday; that was very cool. Let’s take a walk around. Just before the 15th Street Viaduct, the Rocky Mountain Saddlery was still cranking out fine saddles; the building and people were classic.
The towering viaduct – some traffic at certain times – was quiet. Under the viaduct was15th Street, to the left was the Wazee Super Club, and to the right was My Brothers Bar. The viaduct was comforting to me in some way, strong yet beautiful.
Walking down the street, I look at “Manny’s Bridge” as a little marvel of engineering. Trains of enormity had crossed this bridge with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. When I walk over the bridge, I feel the past every time; it is one of my favorite areas.
The large warehouses on the west side of 1400 Wynkoop Street were in use by the Karmen Apparel Company. South of the warehouses was a large parking lot for post office employees only. Both of the large warehouses are wonderful buildings and compose part of a unique block.
Heading under the viaduct at the 15th Street Viaduct and Post Office, look out for mail trucks. No customers on this end of the terminal, but the tractors and trailers were in constant loading and unloading mode. This block of 1500 Wynkoop Street had no sidewalk on either side and was busy with Post Office trucks; I would stay close to the side.
Now, twenty three years later, this photo shows an area of success that is impressive. The Post Office for me had outgrown it’s location and era (nothing personal). Now the area has been tremendously improved.
I must admit, I miss the viaducts, but…
So now we have many new additions of excellent buildings to compliment the block and the community is more vibrant and visionary.
I would say – that leaves most of us happy and encouraged.