St. Cajetan’s has been a cherished part of the Auraria neighborhood for nearly a century, and now it has a fresh new look to honor its history. The church was recently repainted in vibrant yellow and blue — the updated color scheme pays tribute to the church’s original 1926 facade.
Originally built to serve Denver’s Hispanic community and provide a gathering place for the Auraria neighborhood, today the building provides a venue for campus and community events. The repainting and stucco restoration are the final phase of a multiyear rehabilitation project funded by the Colorado Historical Fund and the Auraria Campus. The project has also included rehabilitation of the windows and stained glass, construction of a new Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramp and repair of the tile roof.
With its fresh new look, St. Cajetan’s continues to serve as a reminder of the campus’ rich cultural heritage as the church approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026.
St. Cajetan’s timeline at a glance
- 1924: The congregation breaks ground.
- 1925: The basement is completed, and funds are raised for the remaining construction.
- 1926: Construction is completed and consecrated.
- 1940: The St. Cajetan complex expands to include a school, convent, health clinic and credit union.
- 1955-65: The building receives a coat of pink paint.
- 1970: The building is designated as a Denver landmark.
- 1973: St. Cajetan’s is incorporated into the Auraria Campus.
- 1977: The building undergoes renovations to be used as an arts and cultural center.
- 1991: A synthetic stucco coating known as elastomeric is applied.
- 2014: Exterior storm windows are added.
- 2017: Window, door and ADA-ramp rehabilitation project is started.
- 2025: St. Cajetan’s Rehabilitation Project to be completed in March.
For more information, visit the Denver Architecture Foundation and the Auraria Campus Instagram account.