Franklin and Joy Burns
Franklin L. and Joy S. Burns signified the meaning of economic vitality and quality of life through their many contributions to the community. Mr. Burns was known for his leadership in developing affordable housing through his company, The D.C. Burns Realty & Trust Company. Mrs. Burns was recognized for her involvement in founding The Women’s Bank of Colorado, known today as Colorado Business Bank, the development of the Burnsley Hotel, a Capitol Hill landmark, and her involvement with the University of Denver.
In 1938, Franklin Burns, a Denver native, joined The D.C. Burns Realty & Trust Company, founded by his uncle, Daniel Cochran Burns. The company paved the way for the home-building industry by providing affordable housing to lower-income families.
In 1958, Burns met Joy Steelman Colwick at a golf tournament held at the Cherry Hills Country Club. By 1960, the two were married. Joy Burns supported her husband and his company by traveling over the years.
For many reasons, Mrs. Burns was a successful businesswoman and a trailblazer. In addition to helping found The Women’s Bank in 1976, now known as Colorado Business Bank, she was also known for renovating the Hampshire House, which her husband’s company bought in 1969. By 1983, Mrs. Burns began redeveloping the hotel into what is known today as the Burnsley Hotel. The Burnsley Hotel has remained a Capitol Hill landmark.
Mrs. Burns was also known for her charitable involvement in the community. She started volunteering at the University of Denver when a friend asked her to help raise money for the student library. To show their gratitude, the University of Denver named the Joy Burns Ice Arena in her honor. Mrs. Burns was also the founder of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado and was involved with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Carousel Ball.
In 1938, Franklin Burns, a Denver native, joined The D.C. Burns Realty & Trust Company, founded by his uncle, Daniel Cochran Burns. The company paved the way for the home-building industry by providing affordable housing to lower-income families.
In 1958, Burns met Joy Steelman Colwick at a golf tournament held at the Cherry Hills Country Club. By 1960, the two were married. Joy Burns supported her husband and his company by traveling over the years.
For many reasons, Mrs. Burns was a successful businesswoman and a trailblazer. In addition to helping found The Women’s Bank in 1976, now known as Colorado Business Bank, she was also known for renovating the Hampshire House, which her husband’s company bought in 1969. By 1983, Mrs. Burns began redeveloping the hotel into what is known today as the Burnsley Hotel. The Burnsley Hotel has remained a Capitol Hill landmark.
Mrs. Burns was also known for her charitable involvement in the community. She started volunteering at the University of Denver when a friend asked her to help raise money for the student library. To show their gratitude, the University of Denver named the Joy Burns Ice Arena in her honor. Mrs. Burns was also the founder of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado and was involved with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Carousel Ball.