1906 - El Jebel Temple - Denver, CO
Posted by: 
Outspoken1
N 39° 44.688 W 104° 59.080
13S E 501313 N 4399433
El Jebel Temple built in 1906 is now an events center
Waymark Code: WM90VQ
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 06/10/2010
Views: 3
This Moorish building was saved from demolition when Denverites realized their heritage was being removed by the wrecking ball. The cornerstone was laid on June 9, 1906 by Henry A. Collins.
"This magnificent structure was formerly known as the “El Jebel Temple”, a fitting name for the headquarters of the Colorado Shriners, the Thirty Third Degree Masons who belong to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine.
The Colorado Shriners employed the four Baerresen brothers to design and build the El Jebel Temple. Harold, Viggio, Albert and Willemoes Baerresen were all born in Copenhagen, Denmark and acquired their construction, architecture, carpentry and design skills while working at their father’s shipbuilding yard. Harold and Viggio were the first brothers to arrive in Denver and formed the firm Baerresen Brothers Architects in 1886. Soon after, Albert and Willemoes arrived and formed a construction company.
Between 1901 and 1928 the Baerresen Brothers designed many residential and commercial properties in and around Denver. Although many of the properties have been demolished, the 1889 Romeo Block at 30th and Zuni is the oldest surviving sample of their work. Other surviving properties include Mrs. Adolph Coors home in Golden, the Tivoli Brewery Tower addition and the South Denver Masonic Temple. The El Jebel Temple was completed in 1907 and is considered their masterpiece.
Information Sources:
Colorado History, Colorado Architects Biographical Sketch
Denver Public Library Baerresen Brothers Architectural Records: EAD Project" From (
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