Late 1800s - 1902
Pre-City & Early Settlement
1885 - Much of the land that would become Mayfair was promoted by Baron Walter von Richthofen as a “Beautiful Suburban Town of Denver”. He saw it as a healthy, attractive community away from urban nuisances.
Late 1880s – Early 1900s – Although more commonly associated with our neighboring Montclair, this era laid the groundwork for Denver’s eastside expansion. The Baron continued on his mission to grow this area into an upscale utopian western community.
1902 -The area now known as Mayfair became part of the City and County of Denver.
1900s - 1940s
Post-World War I to Pre-World War II
In these decades, the neighborhood transitioned from rural/suburban fringe territory into land ready for residential construction, specifically larger estates. Denver Development trends during this period indicate growth, especially near streetcar lines that connected eastside neighborhoods to downtown.
Streetcar networks along East 6th, 8th, and Colfax drove residential and commercial activity at this time.
1940s - 1960s
Post-World War II & Identity Formation
1940s–1950s – The defining era for modern Mayfair began with the post-World War II housing boom. Returning veterans used VA loans to buy homes, spurring rapid construction of ranch-style houses, bungalows, and Tudors — the architectural styles that still define many of the homes in the neighborhood today.
During this time, Mayfair coalesced as a distinct identity — a walkable, family-oriented neighborhood east of downtown with wide streets and large lots, close to parks and schools.
1950s–1960s – Commercial nodes took form, especially around the Mayfair Town Center at 14th & Krameria and local businesses along Colfax Avenue. These served residents’ daily needs and helped knit the community together.
1970s - 2000s
Community Growth & Neighborhood Organization
Through the latter 20th century, Mayfair remained a stable and evolving residential community. Its housing stock — once predominantly modest post-war homes — became a mix of original mid-century dwellings alongside better-maintained Tudors and bungalows. On March 15th 1977, Mayfair Neighbors Inc. held our first organizational meeting!
Neighborhood pride grew, and groups like Mayfair Neighbors, Inc. emerged (the organization you’re contributing to today), focusing on community events, communications like The Mayfair Mirror, and advocacy on local development issues by the 1990s and 2000s.
2010s - Present
Modern Era & Redevelopment
2010s–2020s – Three major trends have shaped recent history:
Urban Redevelopment
The long-vacated University of Colorado Hospital/VA site at 9th & Colorado Boulevard became a focal point for redevelopment. In the early 2010s, residents resisted big-box commercialization, leading to more community-integrated mixed-use plans with retail, housing, and public space.
Neighborhood Involvement
Groups like Mayfair Neighbors, Inc. and the Colfax-Mayfair Business Improvement District have worked with the City of Denver since around 2014 to stimulate economic vitality, community events, and public space improvements.
Continuing Evolution
Mayfair remains desirable for its community character, historic architectural mix, proximity to parks like Mayfair Park and Lindsley Park, and easy access to downtown and Cherry Creek. New development continues to balance growth with historic preservation and livability.