Charles Wheeler platted the area in which the house sits as the Wheeler Subdivision of Witter’s North Denver Addition, promoted the North Denver area, sold property, and constructed a seven-story office building. As a further expression of his confidence in the new city and the Highlands community, Wheeler constructed his own house in the addition in 1875 and occupied it until 1893. Wheeler made his reputation and his wealth as a respected and influential executive of several Denver-based railroads.