Where Grace Abounds was founded in 1986 as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. From 1992 to the present, WGA services and ministry opportunities continue to expand. Having outgrown our existing office with the addition of two staff members, WGA leased space on the second floor of an office building in northeast Denver for four years, then were invited to share space with Mile High Ministries for the next four years.

The search for a permanent home for WGA began in early 1998. Because of the nature of the work we do, what was needed was space that would provide comfortable offices for our staff and offer an environment that would surround our constituency with a sense of comfort and safety as they worked through painful and distressing situations in their lives. Most buildings in the Capitol Hill area that fit this criteria were priced far out of our reach.

But, finally, in 1998, a board member inquired about the Gargoyle House, we had inspections made of the foundation and basic structure, and based on our structural engineer’s report, made an offer, which was accepted. The Gargoyle House was now officially the WGA headquarters. This Zang town home has been the perfect place for us, with its massive, solid presence, the rich woodwork in some of the offices. It is not unusual for people to comment on how peaceful they feel upon entering the building, and our staff has a sense that this is a central “home” for us and our constituency.

History of the Gargoyle House

The Gargoyle House’s architectural style is Richardsonian Romanesque. It was designed and built in 1889 by architects, Lang and Pugh; William Lang was the most prominent Denver architect of his time, designing buildings specifically for the needs and means of the owner. The Molly Brown House is one of the most well known of Lang’s buildings. Lang’s distinctive signature is all over the stone face of the Gargoyle House, with its front face of Castle Rock rhyolite, carved stone masonry that is not used anymore for this style of work.

As WGA staff members meet in the conference room, we often see passers-by stopping and looking the Gargoyle House up and down with appreciation. They point out the stonework, gargoyle, curved window and balcony to each other and usually talk a minute or so before moving on. In talking with our neighbors, we find that they share our desire that the work that Lang did in our neighborhood will be preserved.

Thomas Noel, in Denver Landmarks & Historic Districts, says: “The Gargoyle House was built of Castle Rock rhyolite. It features a combination of curved and straight lines, and carving in the hard rhyolite. Its rough-faced rhyolite façade climbs to a steep front gable and a slender corner oriel window with a steep conical roof. The parapeted front gable is topped by a carved stone griffin that add a Gothic shiver to the asymmetrical, dramatically vertical façade.”

According to the Historic Denver Guidebook, Geology Tour of Denver’s Capitol Hill Stone Buildings, by Jack A. Murphy: “Adolph Zang lived in this fifteen room mansion, from 1889 to 1904. He was a pioneer businessman involved in Denver real estate (he built the Oxford Hotel), mining and banking, as well as local politics. He presided over Colorado’s largest pre-Prohibition brewery.

As one of the best remaining examples of William Lang’s architectural design, it is critical to preserve the historical and unique architectural value of the Gargoyle House, not only for the existing owners and the constituency it serves, but also for the people of Denver, and the State of Colorado.

Phase 1

The Gargoyle House has a complex roof structure that is a primary feature of the exterior facade. Previous owners had the roof repaired in bits and pieces, never actually replacing, or even repairing the roof and gutter system properly. This neglect has led to improper water drainage from the roof and water infiltration into the building. This is causing further deterioration of the outside brick walls and the interior ceilings and walls. When WGA purchased the building in 1998, we were aware that the roofing system could need immediate attention. It was written into the purchase contract that the prior owner would replace the roof — this was done in the same way as previous repairs, haphazard, no attention to gutters and downspouts, and patching, not replacing, the flat portion’s roofing material.

Phase 2

In addition, general tuck pointing repairs are badly needed throughout the brick facades. Severe brick and mortar deterioration has occurred on the north, south, and east walls. Several missing bricks and other openings, particularly along the roof line, are leaving the building vulnerable to squirrels and mice, which have done some damage to the interior ceilings and walls. If the brick is not addressed soon it seems that it will cause irreversible damage to the building.

Phase 3

Also critical, due to water infiltration, various window frames and trim require replacement or repair and painting. A couple of the windows are missing glazing, covered only by the storm windows. Wood is rotting on the rear balcony structure and outside stairs, and have become an attraction for injury. Transients, concert attendees, and area youth pull our warning tape aside and use the stairs and third floor deck after hours and on weekends when the building is unoccupied, presenting a hazard and potential liability. The roof leaks at several points, particularly around the roof line and from the flat portion of the roof over the back of the house.

Goals

WGA acquired this building in 1998 knowing that it would require restoration and rehabilitation work. With the help of funding from the State Historical Fund, we can stabilize a currently urgent situation. We will then be able to focus on the interior work we want to do.

It is the goal of WGA to preserve and rehabilitate the building in such a way that maintains and respects its historic character.

Toward that end, WGA began work on Phase 1 in January of 2006. With a generous grant from the State Historical Fund, a low-interest loan, and the financial support of many of the ministry’s donors, the funds were provided for this project. In addition to the roof repairs described in Phase 1 (above), a new exterior stair was replaced along with several other odds and ends that were in need of immediate attention. The construction ended in June of 2006. Stop by and see our new roof and try out our new stairs!

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