By now you have surely noticed that the “mascot” or “logo” for Reilly Pozner is the gargoyle. And you may be wondering “why a gargoyle?” By learning about the meaning and history behind gargoyles, the history of The Kittredge Building, and the ideals and vision behind the formation of RP in March of 2000, you will hopefully gain a better understanding of how each of these elements came together.
“Gargoyle” is the name given to the elaborately carved ornamental water spouts that project out from the face of a building designed to discharge rain water from the rooftop to the ground below at a distance from the building. Originating in Early English and Decorated English architecture, gargoyles (named for the gurgling sounds they make) became widely popularized in the Gothic architecture of modern-day Paris. Most scholars agree that the function of gargoyles extends beyond drainage and superficial décor. Many believe they were set into public buildings and cathedrals to protect the buildings and the congregation by warding off evil spirits and malcontents.
Completed in 1891, the Kittredge Building was, and still is, one of downtown Denver’s most distinguished turn-of-the century edifices. At the time it opened, the Kittredge Building was the tallest and first modern retail/office “skyscraper” in the burgeoning Queen City of the Plains. The building was hailed as a “fine example of technical advancement and business acumen” for its “great taste and refinement.” Constructed from steel beams, iron columns and a granite and rhyolite stone exterior, the building boasted such newfangled accoutrements as electricity, steam heat, fireproofing and elevators. The building also had a rooftop beer garden and amusement park with seating for over 300 people! Even with all of its cutting-edge technology, the building was heavily adorned with elaborate vestiges of the past – gargoyles.
Today, the Kittredge Building is still at the very heart of downtown Denver and the vibrant 16th Street Mall. Charles Marble Kittredge’s seven-story marvel is now flanked by gigantic office towers and the exciting Denver Pavilions retail center, and yet the building that bears his name remains one of Denver’s most recognizable landmarks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it seems a fitting home for RP.
In forming the firm, the people of Reilly Pozner envisioned a totally new kind of law practice. Today, through team-oriented task assignments and problem solving, we strive to provide to our clients excellent legal representation done in effective and innovative ways. In other words, we are “at home” with the idea of practicing law in totally new ways, but doing it in place that harkens back to the wisdom and experience of the ages. Welcome to RP.
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www.rplaw.com )
