Early Twentieth-Century Commercial

Black and white photo of early 20th century commercial building

An example of the early twentieth-century commercial special use types on E Avenue in Limon.

Early Twentieth-Century Commercial structures are generally one to five stories, with flat or slightly pitched roofs.  Often constructed of blond or light colored brick, these buildings have very little ornamentation other than some decorative brickwork along the cornice or parapet.  In some of the smaller towns, 20th century commercial structures retain some elements of 19th century commercial structures.

The clear glass transoms of the nineteenth century has largely been replaced by translucent prismatic glass.  Some storefront entrances of this period are flush with the façade.  Others, particularly in retail establishments, feature deep, nearly façade-wide recesses that allow shoppers to examine window displays out of the sidewalk traffic.

Black and white photo early 20th century commercial building.

Burlington examples of the early twentieth-century commercial special use types on 14th Street.

Common elements:

  • recessed or flush entrance
  • translucent window transom
  • door transom
  • corbelled cornice
  • decorative brickwork
  • parapet

<< Colorado's Historic Architecture & Engineering Guide

Black and white photo of 20th century commercial building, Denver.

A Denver example on Welton Street of the early twentieth-century commercial special use types.