Stoiber-Reed-Humphreys Mansion

Constructed in 1907, the Stoiber-Reed-Humphreys Mansion is the largest home in the Humboldt District. The mansion is an example of the Second Renaissance Revival architecture spread over 14,500 square feet, including a 2000-square-foot living room, eight bedrooms, nine baths, and a basement swimming pool and theater. This home was the butt of a neighborhood lawsuit initiated by its first owner Lena Stoiber. The conflict with neighbor Egbert W. Reed resulted in a twelve foot wall being erected around the property.

This home is known for its impressive design features and its first tenant, Lena Stoiber, and her conflict with a neighbor, Egbert W. Reed. This property is the largest in the Humboldt Historic District. Edward Stoiber and Lena Stoiber were a powerhouse couple who moved to Denver from Colorado Springs. Edward Stoiber made his fortune in silver mining and Lena Stoiber earned a reputation for her temper with stories abounding from an alleged lawsuit with the postmaster for an undelivered letter to many other conflicts with area residents. The couple soon found themselves on the outside of Denver society but their wealth allowed them to build the largest mansion in Denver.

Before the mansion was complete, Edward Stoiber died and Lena Stoiber had the mansion completed based on sketches by Edward Stoiber with the assistance of architects Marean & Norton in 1907. These architects are best known for building the governor's mansion and also designing the Cheesman Memorial Pavillion. This home is considered the 20th century Second Renaissance Revival style and is the largest residence in the Humboldt district and includes 40 rooms.

In 1909 Lena Stoiber married Hugh Rood. Shortly after, Lena had a heated exchange with her neighbor, Egbert W Reed. As a result, she built a 12-foot wall between the houses which led to a lawsuit because the wall extended onto the neighbor's property. During a trip to Europe, Hugh Rod set sail back to the States, but unfortunately for him, he was aboard the Titanic. Upon news of his death, Lena sold the mansion to Verner Z Reed, a developer of the Salt Creek oil fields in Wyoming. In 1920 the home was purchased by Albert E. Humphreys, owner of the Humphreys Gold Company.

The House is part of the Humboldt Historic District which is also known as Humboldt Island and includes two dozen historic homes with a two-block area along Humboldt Street from 12th Ave to 10th Ave. These homes are nestled right along the edge of the park. There has been no new construction in the district since 1920 and this home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

1. Humboldt Island, Kentwood Real Estate. Accessed July 3rd 2020. https://lifestyledenver.com/neighborhoods/humboldt-island/.
2. Stoiber-Reed-Humphreys Mansion, Enacademic. Accessed July 3rd 2020. https://enacademic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/2278290.
3. Barnhouse, Mark A. A History Lover's Guide to Denver. Arcadia Publishing, 2020.
4. Waters, Jeff. "Denvers Magnificent Mansions: Tales of Love, Tragedy, and Power." Denver's (Denver) March 1st 1978. , 36-67.