Denver's Frank S. Snell: Architect of Community

Lucía Torres · 2026-05-24

During the late 19th to early 20th century, Denver's rapid growth era attracted many talented architects, including Frank S. Snell. Now known as forward thinking for the time period, Snell planned larger homes with front porches and small front and back yards for easy upkeep. Front porches also allowed for public gathering spaces. ### The Snell Subdivision: A Neighborhood Built for Connection As a real estate developer, he created the Frank S. Snell Subdivision located between East Colfax Avenue and East 14th Avenue. It's now known as the East Park Place Historic District. Containing 30 homes on less than one city block, Snell preferred Denver Square brick homes with Neo-Classical elements for his subdivision. With access to City Park and public transportation, the subdivision is still highly active and managed under the Denver Landmark Preservation guidelines to maintain its historic integrity. These homes weren't just houses—they were designed for real life. Imagine sitting on your front porch on a warm Colorado evening, waving to neighbors as they stroll by. That was Snell's vision. He understood that great architecture isn't just about how a building looks, but how it makes you feel. And for the families who settled there, those front porches became the heart of the community.  ### The Perrenoud Apartment Building: A Legacy of Family and Craft The Perrenoud Apartment Building at 836 E 17th Avenue in Denver was designed by Snell and is still beautifully maintained in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It now operates as a condo association and is a great example of Snell's work. Named after John Perrenoud, a Swiss-born immigrant who made his way to the U.S. via New York, eventually landing in Denver. He was drawn to the promise of a city still being invented, just four years old at the time of his arrival, with its story largely unwritten. A pioneer, Perrenoud lived a long life here, watching the city grow and prosper. In 1901, a year after their father's death, his three daughters used their inheritance to commission the construction of the Perrenoud Apartments. R. Louise Perrenoud Fisher, Zelie Perrenoud Ruter, and Adele Perrenoud moved into units 1A, 2B, and 2A, respectively in 1902. Zelie's husband, Charles Ruter, was the one who was primarily responsible for decisions and met with Snell regularly. He managed the building until he died in 1910. In 1922, R. Louise and Adele sold the building. In 1949, the building became a co-op, and in 1986, it became condominiums. The building is representative of the turn-of-the-century with the use of brick and stone on the exterior, while the interior is rich and decorative. ### Original Features That Still Wow Today Original features remaining include four pieces of stained glass at the exterior entrance light, the window above the entrance, the fireplace glass front, and the atrium ceiling. Additional original features include the Italian marble entry steps, a mosaic tile floor, and the lobby furniture. The birdcage elevator is the only one of its kind operational in Denver and is also original to the building. Take a moment to picture that elevator. It's not just a way to get from floor to floor. It's a piece of history that still works, still carries people, still connects them to a time when craftsmanship meant something. That attention to detail is what sets Snell's work apart. - Stained glass at the exterior entrance - Italian marble entry steps - Mosaic tile floor in the lobby - Original birdcage elevator (the only one in Denver) While Snell may not be as recognizable as some other architects of his era, his impact on Denver's architectural landscape is undeniable. He didn't just build structures. He built communities where people could truly live.