CURTIS PARK ADU

In 2025, ADU4U completed a renovation in Denver's oldest neighborhood, Curtis Park. Within a beautiful historic 1886 carriage house’s walls, a remarkable transformation took place, breathing new life into the old structure and creating a modern ADU that seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary design. At the heart of the renovation is the construction of an all-new steel structure inside the old carriage house. Helical piers, steel posts and beams provide structural support, allowing for the preservation of the historic exterior while creating a modern and functional living space within.

The building was not originally built to be habitable, and current building code requires a frost protected foundation. In order to meet this requirement, ADU4U worked with structural engineers to design the steel frame on the interior of the existing brick. Piers were drilled down to a depth of 25-30 feet until they reached the torque requirements called out by the structural engineer. These piers serve as essential support pillars capable of bearing the substantial weight of the internal structure. Steel beams were lowered through the roof by crane and were bolted into place on the piers. This provided the structural integrity needed to support the internal framing. Following the foundation work, all of the other building code requirements for new construction were installed, and once the frame was erected and brick openings modified, the rest of the project unfolded like a new ADU build.

During deconstruction (not demo) of some of the carriage house’s original components, care was taken to maintain the integrity of the historic material to be repurposed back into the project. Some of these materials that had been a part of the building for 138 years were returned to their home at the finish stage of the build. Take note of the powder room door repurposed from the original hayloft door with all the original patina, and the kitchen peninsula built from the old growth hayloft floor joists and original steel beam as the legs. Other architectural salvage pieces were used in the custom finish, including old newel posts and stained glass windows. On the front exterior, a modern take on a historic cornice crown molding was fabricated and installed along the roof line.

The new structure was designed to maximize the available space, featuring a second floor bedroom, laundry and bathroom with steam shower, and a lower level that houses the kitchen, living room, and powder room. Large windows, a roof access skylight, and almost eleven foot ceilings flood the interior with natural light, creating a sense of spaciousness and openness. The open floor plan of the lower level encourages seamless interaction between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, making it an ideal space for entertaining and relaxation. The ADU has an ERV to maintain indoor air quality while boasting a 1.37 ACH 50 blower door air tightness score. This, along with superior insulation, makes this building extremely efficient to heat and cool.