The Denver Athletic Club History

The Club is one of the oldest and largest private city clubs in the United States.

The Denver Athletic Club, founded in 1884, is a historical landmark located in the heart of the city. The DAC’s Members, who number over 2,000 today, engage in athletics, conduct business, gather socially, and grow culturally at The Club.

The first home of The DAC was converted from the First Baptist Church on 18th near Curtis. It featured a gymnasium and a clubhouse with a large, handsome Denver Athletic Club sign on the front

In the fall of 1890, The DAC moved out of the small secondhand church into its new five-story building at the present location on the corner of 14th and Glenarm. An addition was completed in 1892 and the 70-foot structure was one of the tallest buildings in Denver for several years, visible from every corner of the city center. 

Further additions in the 1920s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s transformed The DAC into the leading city club in the Rocky Mountain West. For over a century it has been a leader in both fitness and networking and has served at the forefront of Denver’s social scene.
 
For the past 137 years The DAC has done more than provide its Members with a healthful diversion; it has championed the fitness and happiness of all Coloradans and helped make the highest state the healthiest state.

“The first substantial institution of an athletic nature was The Denver Athletic Club. Until within the last couple of years this was the only Club even in name, and is, in fact, to-day the only athletic club of Importance in the entire Rocky Mountain district.” – Harper’s Weekly, January 1, 1898