frederick ross
Frederick Ross founded Frederick Ross & Co. in 1888 – a real estate company that touched almost every corner of Colorado. The company, now called Newmark, has built Denver’s skyline for 134 years.
At 22 years old, Mr. Ross moved to Colorado to help alleviate symptoms of his tuberculosis. At the time, Denver was a simple “cow-town.” Because of Mr. Ross’ foresight and gumption to begin a real estate company, Denver began to come to life. Under his leadership and partnership with other business leaders at the time, Mr. Ross worked to secure water rights for the city and oversaw the planning of the Moffat Tunnel, which provided a way for water to travel through the Continental Divide. He worked alongside elected officials to transform what was once a slum into what we now know as Civic Center Park. He improved the Denver Public Library and was instrumental in helping build the library’s first permanent facility at Colfax and Bannock in 1910.
Mr. Ross’ career wasn’t solely focused on commercial feats. He envisioned housing beyond the central business district. He helped develop the Country Club Place subdivision near the Denver Country Club, as well as the Park Hill subdivision, both of which now include homes that are valued in the millions of dollars today. Mr. Ross’ impact extends decades – Frederick Ross & Co is one of the only real estate companies to span from the 20th to the 21st century. After his passing in 1938, leaders in Mr. Ross’ successful real estate company continued to build Denver and its metro area, fundamentally changing the city and real estate industry forever.
Mr. Ross’ contribution to the Denver community went beyond many of the architectural accomplishments his company helped construct. He served as President of the Denver Board of Water Commissioners, charter member of Denver’s Planning Commission, and a member of the Denver Parks Committee appointed by the Mayor, which oversaw the acquisition of Red Rocks, Evergreen, Summit, and Echo Lake parks. In 1915, he worked hand-in-hand with the Joint Committee of the Real Estate Exchange and Chamber of Commerce who persuaded Congress to create one of Colorado’s most iconic parks – Rocky Mountain National Park. He believed in charitable contributions to his community and developed modest residential areas so the land could be sold to everyday Colorado residents. When he passed, his will outlined the formation of the Ross Library Trust, securing funds for the building of branch libraries across the state.
Due to the contributions of such a visionary, Denver is the community we see today. Mr. Ross’ significant investment in the city will continue to impact generations to come.
At 22 years old, Mr. Ross moved to Colorado to help alleviate symptoms of his tuberculosis. At the time, Denver was a simple “cow-town.” Because of Mr. Ross’ foresight and gumption to begin a real estate company, Denver began to come to life. Under his leadership and partnership with other business leaders at the time, Mr. Ross worked to secure water rights for the city and oversaw the planning of the Moffat Tunnel, which provided a way for water to travel through the Continental Divide. He worked alongside elected officials to transform what was once a slum into what we now know as Civic Center Park. He improved the Denver Public Library and was instrumental in helping build the library’s first permanent facility at Colfax and Bannock in 1910.
Mr. Ross’ career wasn’t solely focused on commercial feats. He envisioned housing beyond the central business district. He helped develop the Country Club Place subdivision near the Denver Country Club, as well as the Park Hill subdivision, both of which now include homes that are valued in the millions of dollars today. Mr. Ross’ impact extends decades – Frederick Ross & Co is one of the only real estate companies to span from the 20th to the 21st century. After his passing in 1938, leaders in Mr. Ross’ successful real estate company continued to build Denver and its metro area, fundamentally changing the city and real estate industry forever.
Mr. Ross’ contribution to the Denver community went beyond many of the architectural accomplishments his company helped construct. He served as President of the Denver Board of Water Commissioners, charter member of Denver’s Planning Commission, and a member of the Denver Parks Committee appointed by the Mayor, which oversaw the acquisition of Red Rocks, Evergreen, Summit, and Echo Lake parks. In 1915, he worked hand-in-hand with the Joint Committee of the Real Estate Exchange and Chamber of Commerce who persuaded Congress to create one of Colorado’s most iconic parks – Rocky Mountain National Park. He believed in charitable contributions to his community and developed modest residential areas so the land could be sold to everyday Colorado residents. When he passed, his will outlined the formation of the Ross Library Trust, securing funds for the building of branch libraries across the state.
Due to the contributions of such a visionary, Denver is the community we see today. Mr. Ross’ significant investment in the city will continue to impact generations to come.
