Lilly Langtree’s was a popular restaurant, but is probably best remembered for the manner of its demise.
The restaurant opened in 1973 at 1202 Washington Avenue. They served breakfast and lunch only and often had a line of people waiting for a table. The restaurant was named for a famous Victorian actress and socialite, and the decor was Old West-inspired.
In 1979, the neighboring pharmacy eliminated its soda fountain area and Lilly Langtree’s expanded into the newly-created space. A May 23, 1979 Golden Transcript article described how much of the work during the remodeling had been done by the restaurant’s staff, with the cook putting up the dry wall and the waitresses doing the painting.
Three diners hurt as archway collapses
Three people were injured Saturday when an archway collapsed in Lilly Langtree’s Restaurant in Golden. “Some sand fell on the table, and I looked up and saw all these bricks come down,” said Golden resident Larry Heckendorn, who was knocked unconscious. Heckendorn’s wife, Karen, was cut and bruised by the falling rubble. A third woman, Grace Orr of Denver, also received minor injuries.”
Golden Transcript – July 26, 1983
That was the last day of business for Lilly Langtree’s. The situation deteriorated as the City closed the property and cut off gas and electricity. The food stored in the kitchen began to spoil and the neighboring jeweler complained of the smell, but the owner wasn’t allowed in until the property was declared safe. The insurance company didn’t want to pay until blame had been established, which was complicated because the second floor of the building had been undergoing remodeling.
There was an ongoing battle with the City, with the building inspector insisting that the owner construct a covered walkway to protect the public from the danger of falling bricks, while City Council wanted the barrier removed because it was unsightly and took up parking spaces.
The people who had been injured sued the restaurant owner, and the owner sued the structural engineers and architects who had worked on the building
Both suits say Randolph Akin, owner of Lilly Langtree’s at 1202 Washington, has suffered loss of income and is being harassed by creditors because of the closure. Also, Akin has developed emotional, family and drinking problems as a result of stress caused by the closure.
Golden Transcript – April 10, 1984
I don’t know how the law suits were resolved, but in the end, Heinie and Barbara Foss (of Foss Drug) bought the building, brought it up to code, and converted the first floor into a clothing store. The building is still owned by the Foss family. The first floor is now occupied by Goozell Yogurt.
Many thanks to Esther Kettering for sponsoring Golden History Moments for the month of August.
