Two landmark battles are brewing in northeast Denver

Two historic houses in Denver slated for demolition could face a challenge preventing their destruction.

Details: Reinhart Living Trust, owner of 5013 E Montview Blvd., and Gregory J. Tucker II LLC, owner of 3601 E 26th Ave, recently applied for a demolition permit. The homes are in northeast Denver.

Driving the news: This week, the city received and began reviewing a landmark application for the house on Montview.

• Officials received an intent to file a similar application for the house on 26th Avenue, but had not received one as of Thursday.

Why it matters: It's yet another test of the city's landmark designation law, which allows the public to save a property from demolition — even when its owner wants to knock it down.

Details: If a property is determined to be a potential city landmark, the law allows three members of the public to apply for historic designation to save it from destruction.

• Both homes are more than 70 years old, and are eligible for landmark status due to their unique architectural styles, previous owners, and their prominent location, city documents show.
• Notably, 3601 E 26th Ave. is the former home of Dr. Clayton L. Hawkins, who was one of the few Black doctors in Denver when he first opened his medical practice in 1924, and lived in the home from 1956 to 1977.

Flashback: Denver City Council, which has the final say on landmark status, saved a City Park West mansion in April despite the owner's intent to destroy it and build an apartment complex.

• It marked just the second time the council voted against the property owner.
• It also led to a lawsuit from the owner that was paused in November to allow for a potential resolution.

What they're saying: John Deffenbaugh, president and CEO of Historic Denver, tells us the preservation organization is working with Reinhart to find a solution to preserve the house.

• The owners want to add a new, two-story house with a full basement, Denverite reported.