Theodore von Rosenberg was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1845. He began working as a civil engineer in 1871, later combining engineering with architectural work. Von Rosenberg settled in Glenwood Springs in 1886 and worked for the Colorado Midland Railroad from 1886 to 1889. Walter Devereux enlisted his expertise to design the Stone Bath House, now known as Hotel 1888. Von Rosenberg also designed the historic Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot, the 1891 State Bridge spanning the Grand River (now the Colorado River) and the hydroelectric plant that is now the Glenwood Art Center.

He also contributed to the design of the Hotel Colorado. The Silver Club, built according to his plans in 1893, was originally occupied by the Lee Hardware Co. Today, the historic building at 715 Grand Ave. houses EuroItalian Underground, C.K. Stone and the Fourth Dimension. Von Rosenberg also designed his home at 914 Blake Ave., which still stands today. He was commissioned by the state of Colorado to design numerous bridges throughout Garfield County, some of which remain standing.

The nonprofit Glenwood Springs Historical Society, founded 1964, preserves and shares the town’s unique history at the Frontier History Museum and provides additional public programs. Information about the museum events, and membership are at GlenwoodHistory.org.