William H. McNichols Jr.
Mayor of Denver, Colorado from 1968 to 1983
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The basics
Quick Facts
| Intro | Mayor of Denver, Colorado from 1968 to 1983 | |
| Places | United States of America | |
| was | Politician | |
| Work field | Politics | |
| Gender |
| |
| Birth | 11 April 1910, Denver | |
| Death | 29 May 1997Colorado (aged 87 years) | |
| Politics: | Democratic Party |
The details
Biography
William Henry McNichols Jr. (April 11, 1910 – May 29, 1997) served as the Mayor of Denver, Colorado from 1968 to 1983.
Biography
Born in Denver, McNichols was the son of Cassie and William H. McNichols Sr. His father served as Denver's City Auditor from 1931 until 1955. His younger brother, Stephen, served as Governor of Colorado from 1957 to 1963. After he graduated from Denver's East High School, he attended the University of Colorado-Boulder and then the University of Alabama, though he did not receive a degree from either institution. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Army in Europe, and received three battle stars and the Purple Heart.
Political career
Appointed by Mayor Tom Currigan in 1963 as deputy mayor and manager of public works, Bill McNichols became mayor in December 1968 following Currigan's resignation to fill an executive position with Continental Airlines. Campaigning in the city elections of 1971, 1975, and 1979, McNichols won a return to city hall. Running for reelection in May 1983, he finished third in votes behind Federico Peña and Dale Tooley.
During his fourteen years in office, several construction projects changed the landscape of the city, including:
- 16th Street Mall
- McNichols Sports Arena
- Denver Center for the Performing Arts
- Auraria Campus
- The North Building addition to the Denver Art Museum
- Expansions of Mile High Stadium
- Twenty new pools and recreational centers
In 1985, McNichols received the Citizen of the West Award, given by the National Western Stock Show to those who personify the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer.
McNichols died at his home on May 29, 1997. He is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
In 1999, the city's old Carnegie library building in Civic Center Park was renamed the McNichols Civic Center Building in the former mayor's honor. Previously used as offices for the city administration, the Greek-revival style structure underwent restoration from 2011 to 2012 and now serves as a cultural center for public exhibitions and community events.