Prominent Denver developer John Madden Jr. dies at 94
1. Denver developer John Madden Jr. dies
2. Prominent Denver developer John Madden passes away at 94.
Longtime Developer John Madden Jr. Passes Away at 94
John Madden Jr., a prominent developer known for his artistic approach to architecture and landscaping, has sadly passed away at the age of 94. Madden, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, made a name for himself in the commercial real estate industry and left a lasting impact on the Denver Tech Center.
A Life Devoted to Art and Landscaping
Before venturing into real estate, Madden worked in his family’s insurance business. Alongside his family, he built an extensive art collection and created indoor and outdoor museums to showcase art, sculptures, and landscapes in the Denver area. In the span of over 60 years, Madden’s company, the John Madden Co., developed more than 10 million square feet of office and mixed-use space.
Madden’s daughter, Cynthia Madden Leitner, fondly remembers her father’s fulfilling life. She stated, “He had a grand life.”
Remembering John Madden Jr.’s Legacy
Madden passed away at his home in Greenwood Village, succumbing to natural causes. He left an indelible mark on the Colorado landscape, particularly in the southeast-Denver area. After working on projects in Omaha, Iowa, and California, Madden relocated his company to Denver in the 1970s.
His son, J. Madden, described him as an “entrepreneurial free spirit” who saw immense potential in Denver. Madden explored various locations in downtown Denver and Greenwood Village, ultimately settling on the latter. At the time, Greenwood Village was a small outpost with limited infrastructure, making land affordable and the perfect canvas for Madden’s vision.
One of Madden’s notable contributions was shaping the growth of the Denver Technological Center alongside its founder, George Wallace. Starting with just 40 acres in south Denver and Greenwood Village, the business park has now expanded to approximately 900 acres and is home to over 1,000 companies.
Blending Art and Architecture
Madden’s architectural projects were renowned for their incorporation of art. One such project was the Palazzo Verdi Office Tower, featuring stunning stone interior finishes and housing the Madden Museum of Art. The building’s atrium showcased an intricately hand-carved replica of the labyrinth from the Chartres Cathedral in France.
Other notable projects included Harlequin Plaza and Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre. Madden firmly believed that art should be an integral part of any project, often incorporating landscape and hardscape elements into his designs.
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, designed by Madden and his wife, Marjorie Putt Madden, served as an earth sculpture that could accommodate performances. The Madden family also collaborated with the Museum of Outdoor Arts and Anschutz Entertainment Group to create and manage this 18,000-seat venue.
Family, Travel, and Philanthropy
John Madden Jr. held his family close and involved them in his endeavors. His wife and children actively participated in selecting art and materials for their projects. The couple frequently traveled to Italy, sourcing materials and finding inspiration for their buildings. J. Madden shared that they plan to scatter some of their father’s ashes in Italy as a romantic gesture.
Recognizing the importance of education, Madden generously supported programs such as Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain and the Boy Scouts of America. In 2016, the Madden family donated 133 works of art from their private collection, valued at $10 million, to the University of Denver’s Madden Museum of Art.
Remembering John Madden Jr.
John Madden Jr. is survived by his three children, Madden Leitner, Scott Madden, and J. Madden, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife, Marjorie, passed away in 2014.
Madden’s legacy will live on through his remarkable contributions to the Denver Tech Center and his unwavering commitment to art and education.
.
– Prominent Denver developer John Madden Jr. dies at 94
– Prominent Denver developer John Madden Jr. passes away at 94.
