The red brick and horizontal lines of the Ross-Broadway Branch at 33 E. Bayaud Ave. have defined this corner for over 70 years, but the structure inside is finally getting the update it needs. Denver City Council recently voted to approve a $5.3 million construction contract to revitalize the facility, ensuring the 1950s landmark can serve the Speer and Baker neighborhoods for another half-century.
Interlock Construction Corp. was selected to execute the renovation, a project funded by the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond Program. The agreement grants the contractor a two-year timeline from the notice to proceed, aiming to modernize systems and spaces without compromising the building's unique architectural identity.
Designed by Victor Hornbein and dedicated in November 1951, the library is a rare surviving example of Usonian design in the city, a style championed by Frank Lloyd Wright that emphasizes horizontal lines and integration with the landscape. Built with funds from the Frederick R. Ross Library Trust, the branch has long served as a community anchor. This renovation marks the first major investment in the physical plant since its construction, balancing preservation with the demands of a modern public library.
As Denver continues to densify the areas surrounding downtown, the upgrade signals a commitment to maintaining historic civic assets rather than replacing them. The project joins a wave of improvements across the city's library system, focusing on accessibility and energy efficiency while honoring the original vision of its architect.
Residents can review the full details of the approved contract and project specifications on the Denver City Council portal. While the contract is already adopted, community members with questions about the timeline or scope are encouraged to reach out to their district representatives or the Denver Public Library system directly.