“The time from 1890 to the Silver Crisis in 1893 was a period of intense growth within Colorado and specifically in the Denver area. There was competition between incorporating districts and developers around Denver, expansion of the street railway system, and the growing Denver businesses. The City of Denver also began expanding its borders to increase tax revenue and eventually annexed the town of "South Denver". This area of South Lincoln is a reflection of growth and change. The period most significant for the houses on this block are from 1889 through 1895. These dates correlate with this early growth of Denver, founding of the streets, the establishment of rail corridors, and incorporation of the town of South Denver into the City of Denver.  All of the houses on this block were built shortly after the Broadway streetcar line began running from 18th Street South to Alameda in 1889. This expansion of the trolley system allowed new residents to easily travel from their homes here to downtown Denver and other commercial districts.

The homes on the east side represent a collection of high style Queen Anne houses that were built within the same few years as the homes on the West side. All of the 15 homes, within the historic district, are of Queen Anne architecture, including two cottage Queen Anne style houses, seven Queen Anne’s with turrets, and six high style Queen Anne residences. On the west side, the houses are likely the largest collection of William Lang Queen Anne style homes in a row, which still retain integrity.” William Lang was a prolific architect throughout Denver during this time period and we are lucky to have these examples of his homes.

The home that we are standing in front of was once the home of City Manager of Health and Charity and former Denver mayor Dr. William H. Sharpley who helped Denver fight the influenza pandemic of 1918.”(4)

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