[6] The design by Fentress Architects added modern safety features, like enclosed stair towers, that blended in with the original architecture.

[8][9] Serving as the beginning of the Capitol Hill district, the historic building sits slightly higher than the rest of downtown Denver.

Additionally, the official elevation of Denver is measured outside the west entrance to the building, where the fifteenth step is engraved with the words "One Mile Above Sea Level".

A second mile high marker was set in the 18th step in 1969 when Colorado State University students resurveyed the elevation.

In 2003, a more accurate measurement was made with modern means, and the 13th step was identified as being one mile (1.6 km) high, where a 3rd marker was installed.