My former Denver Post colleague Mike McPhee has immortalized Dana Crawford, one of Denver’s true visionaries, in his just-released book “Dana Crawford – 50 Years Saving the Soul of a City”. Crawford is deservedly credited with saving Larimer Square, a once crumbling block in Denver’s seedy lower downtown – long before former Denver Post columnist Dick Kreck dubbed the area LoDo.

Larimer Square, one block of high-end boutiques and restaurants, will be forever beholding to Crawford’s vision, perseverance and forward-thinking that turned it into one of the most sought-after addresses in the city. Here’s an excerpt from McPhee’s writing:

“In 1965, Dana Crawford, a stylish Ivy Leaguer and Junior Leaguer, convinced a group of wealthy investors to buy a block of wobbly buildings on Jack Kerouac’s Skid Row, which she renovated into Larimer Square. Fifty years later, it is still one of Denver’s most popular destinations. Dana’s passion for preservation, for giving new economic life to historic buildings, has become a catalyst throughout the city. With vision, brilliance and a ferocious determination, she has revitalized the grimy, ​​neglected soul of lower downtown Denver. But it’s been difficult. Saving the 1890 Oxford Hotel dragged her into bankruptcy twice (Chapter 22 she joked). She found an old flour mill, a mattress factory, even a hobo camp to redevelop. Big money had stalled around Union Station for 40 years, until Dana’s leadership lifted the jewel onto Denver’s crown. Her partners reverentially named the elegant Crawford Hotel after her, the second building in the city to bear her name. Dubbed “The Dragon Lady”by newspapers in the 60s and 70s, this colorful character has attracted endless visitors, including Lady Bird Johnson. Invitations to her salon-style dinner parties are just as coveted as are details about the skinny-dipping hilarity at her surprise 46th birthday party. Unrivaled in courage, style and grace, Dana Crawford has resurrected the soul of the Mile High City.”

To buy the book, go to www.mikemcpheebooks.com/books.html.

Books

Mike McPhee Books