The history of Windsor Gardens can be traced back to the late 19th century.

Denver businessmen William H. Bush and Willard S. Morse acquired 320 acres of land on the site in 1885, and three years later doubled that acreage. Tax records show there were horses and cattle on the land at that time, but it is not known what the land was initially used for.

In 1890, Bush, Morse and Frank C. Young incorporated the Windsor Land and Investment Company, and sold the property to that corporation. That same year, Windsor Dairy was established, and we assume it supplied milk to the Windsor Hotel.

Windsor Dairy

By the turn of the century, Windsor Dairy was the largest dairy business in the city, with a creamery located downtown at 18th and Blake, supplying milk to many Denver hotels, businesses and homes. In 1925, Windsor Dairy was purchased by Meadow Gold, though it retained its name and dominance in the Denver market. The dairy thrived for many decades until it was finally sold to the Windsor Land Trust, headed by partners Werner Livingston and Howard Farkas.

A new vision for the land

Plans for Windsor Gardens were first announced in the fall of 1961. The project was based on the community of Sun City near Phoenix, the first major condominium community in the country. The initial cost estimate was $40 million for 2,500 apartments on 138.5 acres of land.

The idea of purchasing an apartment was almost unheard of in the 1960s, so early news articles had to explain that each apartment would be owned by the occupant, and that the purchaser would be able to build equity while escaping the drudgery of lawn care, shoveling, snow removal and other chores. The slogan in those early days was: “Windsor Gardens – A playground for the young at heart.”

Windsor Gardens in the 1960s

Windsor Gardens was formally dedicated on October 27, 1962. Former Colorado Governor and US Senator, Edwin C. Johnson, was the featured speaker for the ceremony. More than 200 people attended the dedication, including Oscar-nominated actor Franchot Tone. The first apartments were sold for $10,950-$16,500. The very first residents of Windsor Gardens were Lt. Col. Richard F. Hurd and his wife, Evelyn, who arrived in early December, 1962.

Windsor Gardens’ first Activities Director was Marion Percy Brandt, who moved to Denver from Lafayette, IN, for the job. In a newspaper article, Mrs. Brandt noted that “This isn’t just a place for retired people who want to vegetate,” and added that resident interest would be the driving force behind classes and activity offerings.

Controversy

The Eternal Youth statue that stands at the entrance of Windsor Gardens was dedicated on June 15, 1963. Created by Denver artist Alford M. Terry, it was quite controversial at the time – in fact, a petition was circulated among Windsor Gardens residents calling the statue “vulgar and suggestive.” Originally, the sculpture was concealed inside the tower except for three times a day, when it would appear and rotate to the sounds of “Some Enchanted Evening.”

The Townhomes at Windsor Gardens

The townhomes at Windsor Gardens opened in September of 1966 and originally sold for $25,950-$27,950. The inspiration for the townhomes’ interior courtyards came from ancient Roman ruins.

By 1967 Windsor Gardens had grown to a community of 1,600 people, with 33 buildings. The development was declared a huge success and has continued to grow.