From a former brewer to Colorado’s first African American female news anchor, Reynelda Muse, many have called the Schulz-Neef house a home through the years. In fact, many in the area still refer to the home as the “Reynelda Muse house” even though she hasn’t lived there in over three decades. For current owner, Gary Kleiner, the house "has a soul."
Kleiner gave I Am Denver a tour of his home, which he has shared with his wife Linda since 2006. In 2007, they received approval for the home to be landmarked.
“You feel like you’re a part of a continuum of history,” Kleiner said when reflecting on what it’s like living in this Denver landmark home that’s 140 years old.
I Am Denver also spoke to former owner Reynelda Muse by phone and she said she has fond memories of her family’s time living in Whittier from 1974 to 1988.
Reynelda: “This is close to how the house looked when we purchased. Red brick, yellow trim. Tin roof.”
The Muses purchase agreement from 1974.
Drawing by Risa Tobin showing the home when it was owned by Reynelda and her husband Daniel.
Reynelda: “The house after we painted it. We painted the brick and changed trim to taupe. Colors chosen with consultation of a design professional to maintain the Victorian character.”
Reynelda: “This was the living room in the latter years of our residency. We chose a contemporary approach to adapt to the living style of a young family.”
Reynelda Muse at home from a December 1985 issue of the Denver Post’s Empire Magazine.