A few weeks ago we shared our newest listing in the Four Seasons Private Residences; Suite 4050. The residence is magnificent in every respect: the herringbone marble flooring, elegant mink drapery, sumptuous master suite and guest rooms and the seemingly endless vistas that capture one’s gaze from every square inch of living space. As special as the tangible hard finishes are, the impactful message it offers is a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for Denver.
Prior to the introduction of the Four Seasons there was a void in the luxury hospitality market. Aside from Denver’s historic hotels like the Brown Palace and Oxford Hotel, guests in Denver had few choices for luxury accommodations, especially if they desired contemporary sophistication. The decision to introduce the Four Seasons brand was a coming-of-age tale that signaled Denver’s maturation and solidified its place amongst the world’s top locales.
When the Four Seasons opened its first hotel in 1961, founder Isadore Sharp created the foundation for what was to be the most prestigious hotel brand in the world. As his reputation expanded amongst the world’s most discerning consumers, so too did his business operations. Today, the Four Seasons operates approximately 100 hotels worldwide. A highly regarded, globally renowned brand like the Four Seasons has the capacity to generate inquiry and intrigue and their decision to commence operations in Denver grabbed the attention of citizens around the globe. If Denver is good enough for the Four Seasons, perhaps it’s worth exploring as a vacation destination.
In addition to the 239 guest suites, the developers elected to build 101 private residences atop the hotel which soars 641 feet above the Mile High City. The exclusive enclave of luxury flats were the first full-service residential condos offered in the modern era of Denver. Suite 4050 was purchased as an empty shell by internationally acclaimed architect, Curtis Fentress, and his wife Agatha Kessler. Mr. Fentress is known locally as the creative virtuoso behind some of Denver’s most iconic landmarks including the Convention Center, Sports Authority Field and the revered Welcome Terminal at Denver International Airport.
Curtis and Agatha’s decision to purchase an empty shell from the developer was one of one-hundred-and-one affirmations that demand for luxury, full-service living in the heart of downtown was real. Over the subsequent twelve months, Curtis and his wife ventured to create a residence whose international flare is more reminiscent of European design than conventional Colorado décor. A progressive statement for Denver’s transformation from a quaint cow-town to a global city.
Examining the Four Seasons project retrospectively, the burden of risk shouldered by the developers was immense. Their decision to introduce the Four Seasons amidst a global recession went against the better judgement of most; however, it was their mental fortitude and their ability to envision Denver’s future that yielded one of the city’s most important real estate projects to date. Homeowners, like Curtis Fentress and Agatha Kessler, who invested in the building were instrumental in the success of the Four Seasons. Their purchase also bolstered the city’s vitality and helped create national allure for our dynamic city.
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