Disappearing Legacy

Formalism thus indicates a break with the functional tenets of the international style and the Miesian style, and in this way anticipates the anti-functionalism of the later postmodern style.

Western Federal would turn out to be Ervin's last major building. He died in 1969 after a lengthy illness. His firm was succeeded by Piel, Slater, Small and Spenst, a partnership formed by four architects who had worked in his office.

The Western Federal Savings Tower before some of its original features were removed.

Shangri-La, a classic example of moderne-style architecture, was designed by Raymond Harry Ervin.

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Previous Westword articles "Unconventional," October 28, 1999 The expansion of the Colorado Convention Center promises to do more harm than good. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," November 12, 1998 Denver Pavilions perfects the art of the deal using public money. "Middle-Age Modern," July 30, 1998 Denver's 1950s architectural legacy stands on shaky ground. "Post Mortem," March 5, 1998 The old Denver Post building is history. "Leave a Message at the Bleep," October 30, 1997 A frazzled homeowner shoots off his mouth to city officials--and gets charged with harassment. "Roots," November 28, 1996 Can two Denver architectural jewels survive Cherry Creek's development frenzy? "Death of a Salesroom," August 8, 1996 Examining Denver's history of construction destruction.

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• Raymond Harry Ervin
• William Elsworth Fisher
• Harry Huffman
• Visual Arts
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It's unclear whether Western Federal Savings will survive its conversion to the Legacy Tower under the knife wielded by Oz Architecture. If not, be prepared for another Denver monument to be thoughtlessly remodeled into a monstrosity with plenty of fashionable gimmicks used to destroy the building's authentic historic integrity and original character.

What a shame. Ervin's Western Federal Savings is just too good for that.