Larimer Street between 14th and 15th Streets
Historic Larimer Square is a popular location for students, staff and faculty boasting popular restaurants, stores and cafes and is a must-see destination.
Larimer Square is the birthplace of Denver. In 1858, people flocked to the area as news of the discovery of gold reached east. On Nov. 22, 1858, William Larimer Jr. of Kansas arrived at a hill overlooking the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River and staked his claim, choosing the name “Denver City” to honor the governor of the Kansas Territory, James W. Denver. The city block of what is now Larimer Square is named after Larimer. It housed Denver’s first bank, bookstore, photographer and dry goods store. In 1963, award-winning preservationist Dana Crawford formed Larimer Square Associates, which, under her leadership, successfully prevented the demolition of the block. In 1971, Larimer Square became Denver’s first historic district.