Denver duplex by Molly Brown architect hits market

Two separate homes inside the Spangler House on Stuart Street in Sloan’s Lake are now on the market. The property, which dates back to 1890, was designed by William Lang, the architect known for creating the Molly Brown House. Daxon McInnis of Obsidian Real Estate Advisors lists the three-bedroom unit at 1444 Stuart Street for $825,000. The adjacent four-bedroom unit at 1442 Stuart Street is listed for slightly more than $1,000,000.

The building features Romanesque Revival stonework that characterizes Lang’s output in Denver. McInnis notes that the homes carry a historic designation and possess a notable lineage. Although Lang is famous for larger projects like Castle Marne and the Molly Brown House museum, these townhouses represent his work in what he called moderate cost housing. The Colorado History Museum describes Lang’s style as eclectic, applying his recognizable aesthetic to everything from imposing mansions to smaller residential units.

Lang was born in Ohio in 1846 and served in the Civil War before moving to Denver around 1885. During his career in the city from 1885 to 1893, he designed more than 250 buildings. His work includes St. Mark’s Parish, which later became the Church Nightclub, and Castle Marne, a historic hotel near City Park. The museum states that his recognizable style was used on large mansions as well as townhouses and moderate cost housing.

The Stuart Street homes were part of the West Colfax subdivision. Lang and business partner Marshall Pugh designed multiple homes in this six-block area in 1891 for developer Ralph Voorhees. Five of the six homes originally built on Stuart Street have survived. McInnis describes these properties as one of the best study groups of Lang’s work in the city. Voorhees also lived in a home on Stuart Street designed by Lang and played a role in local civic history, including introducing the bill for Flag Day in Colorado and helping found Colorado Woman’s College.

The structure is named the Spangler House after its original owner, Jane Spangler. She lived in the home as a widow after her husband, Michael Spangler, died. Michael Spangler served as Arapahoe County Sheriff from 1880 to 1884. During his tenure, he appointed Henry O. Wagoner as the first Black lawman in Colorado history. Jane Spangler moved to the Stuart Street residence to stay near her sister, who was married to Voorhees. The building received historic landmark designations in 1976 and again in 1880, though the source text specifies 1976 and 1980.

In 2021, developer Matthew Ryan of the California-based firm re-viv purchased the entire property for just over $1.45 million. The building underwent a restoration that preserved its original character. This work included maintaining stained glass windows and emblems etched into archways. After the renovation, the single structure was divided into two distinct homes for sale. The rusticated stone and large arches remain key visual elements of the facade.