The Weckbaugh House, designed by architect Jules Jacques B. Benedict, was constructed between 1930 and 1933, and is considered one of the most notable Norman Chateau-style homes in the Denver, Colorado, area. Mr. Benedict is regarded as one of Colorado’s most distinguished architects, having erected a number of well-known landmarks and buildings, many of which have since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Weckbaugh house was thought to be one of his
finest residences, built for Eugene Weckbaugh, a prominent Denver businessman, his wife, Ella, and his two daughters. The home became a center of Denver society, mostly due to the couple’s often-outrageous daughter, Eleanor Weckbaugh, who was notorious for her elaborate parties. During one such party Eleanor rode her horse up the grand entrance, through
the house, and out the back to the landscaped grounds, much to the delight of her guests.
The 25-room mansion boasts ten bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and a glamorous Art Deco-style basement ballroom. Although constructed during the Great Depression, many craftsmen were able to seek work here during this time, leading to the exceptional quality and skill apparent in the architectural detailing. The house earned its Colorado Historic Register
status in 1984. The two-and-one-half-story mansion has a steep roof, second-story balconies, several chimneys, a five-sided tower bay, and gabled and round dormers. Travertine marble was used liberally for the elaborately carved exterior trim. The roof supports all the sculptural stone quality below and serves as a dominant visual feature.
After a severe hailstorm, there was notable damage to the intricate roof, thought to resemble Ludowici Yale Memorial shingle tile, so the conversation began. With the help of Precision Construction and Roofing, a new copper liner was installed, and the entire roof was replaced. The colors blended perfectly, and this historic home has been restored to pristine condition, able to withstand many more storms and epochs.
