N.C.A.R. designed by I.M. Pei. Built throughout the mid-1960s, it was completed in 1966.

The design was partly influenced by the spectacular Mesa Verde cliff dwellings in southwest Colorado.

(Enjoy the view from this unusual cut in a stairwell.)

Woody Allen chose N.C.A.R. as one of 5 outstanding examples of Colorado modern architecture to represent the future in his 1973 film, Sleeper. I will feature the other 4 locations in future MMM posts.

Aggregrate for the cement was partially derived from the soil on the site, giving the structure a color that is natural to the location.

Yesterday, I attended a lecture and book-signing for the new guide to historic modern homes in the Denver area, The Mid-Century Modern House in Denver, by Michael Paglia and Diane Wray Tomasso. This must-have guidebook is easily found in the Colorado section of Tattered Cover, alongside other Colorado architecture guidebooks by these authors and others.

The book signing took place at the Hoyt House in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood. This was the former home of architect Burnham Hoyt, built in 1947, just three years after he completed one of his greatest projects, Red Rocks Amphitheatre!

Hoyt House

This historic example of Denver International Style is currently listed for sale by
Mile Hi Modern! I am hoping it goes to someone worthy. His International Style Denver Public Library design was barely preserved in the ’90s (it has been incorporated into the Michael Graves building).

I had not intended to use any of the photos shown on this page due to the dismal lighting on the day I shot these, but I thought I should go ahead and make this temporary page to mark the release of this book and the availability of the wonderful Hoyt House. I will be retaking many of these photos in the next few weeks in the bright Colorado sunshine!

The Hoyt House reminds me of Hoyt’s earlier design in Cherry Creek, the
Sullivan House:

And here are some examples of the many outstanding historical homes nearby the
Hoyt House. (Again, the lighting on these is substandard, so this page will only be temporary).

And be sure to visit Shannon Stanbro’s site 5280mod.com. She is Denver’s only exclusive buyer’s agent focusing on historic modern architecture!

I’ve been a little busy to post pictures or drawings, so here are some links to enjoy through the weekend:

» First off, the future of photography: Some truly fantastic
High Dynamic Range photos

» Next stop, the beauty of Lost America

» Hong Kong from a hilltop

» Compare that last shot to this panoramic view of London

» Then see what is planned for Dubai’s artificial Island City

» Is it time to update Gustave Eiffel’s Tower? Well at least, temporarily!

» 10 of the world’s most Beautiful Bridges

» A Staircase like no other

» Umm, there is no other way to put this:
Extremely impressive shiny balls. Sorry about that!

» 30 of the most creative Bookshelf Designs

» Mod eco-friendly “Green” Cardboard Furniture. Just don’t get them wet.

» Speaking of paper, you have to see the Papercut Art of Peter Callesen

» Eccentric architecture. Again with the shirtless russian mob guy, sorry!

» Crazy Apartment Addition. Not so sure I could get comfortable in this room.

» Another “stunning” Solar Building

» And finally, tell me, what is this?

Joslin’s, 1955 design by James Hunter. Now called the Colorado Building.

One of few historical examples of International Style architecture in the Boulder area, the building’s status has always been controversial and is probably not helped by unnecessary signs and awnings applied to the exterior.

My wife, mod real estate specialist Shannon Stanbro pointed out that this building is featured on the interesting site dedicated to modern Boulder architecture by Jim Broaddus.

Boulder Courthouse, 1932 design by Glen Huntington. Huntington also designed the Lion’s Club Fountain, which has been meticulously restored.

This Art Deco design was built after the previous Boulder courthouse
burned down the year before. It is an example of Art Deco without
much actual applied decoration.

The stepped design of the exterior walls is echoed in the
window design of the front entranceway.

Glen Huntington did many designs for Boulder and Denver,
including these two Denver Prarie-style homes.

Horace Mann Junior High is an exquisitely detailed Denver example of Art Deco

Designed by Denver master architect Temple Buell in 1931

The design is reminiscent of Buell’s design for the Paramount Theatre the year before

Temple Hoyne Buell is known for many great Denver projects, including the original Cherry Creek Mall started in the late 1940s!

Almost hidden on a hilltop, is this beautiful example of Denver Moderne, the
Shangri-La Mansion.

Designed by Raymond Ervin in 1937, this mansion was inspired by a structure in the Frank Capra film of the same year, Lost Horizon.

Lost Horizon is itself almost a lost film as full prints no longer exist. The current restoration of the film is forced to use photo stills as stand-ins for missing scenes.

The breathtaking Menkick House by one of the regions most outstanding modern architects, Charles Haertling, 1970

Sadly, he passed away in 1984, but he left a legacy of unique modernist works in a remarkable variety of styles

To find interesting historical modern Boulder properties, see the Boulder website of real estate agent Shannon Stanbro. She is the only exclusive buyer’s agent focusing on modern architecture in the front range Colorado area.

sketch to arrive soon for this building

If you live in Lakewood, CO, you may not know it, but you undoubtably drive by this beautiful mod office building all the time!