Modern Living

They say style goes in cycles, but for fans of mid-century modern design, clean lines and make-a-statement colors will always be fashionable. “People don’t necessarily associate Historic Denver with mid-century modern,” says Historic Denver’s Heather Quiroga, “but in fact, mid-century modern is historic, and more and more mid-century developments are being recognized as historic landmarks. We’re trying to build some awareness around the fact that that fabulous ’50s house you grew up in is something to be valued and looked at and preserved. It’s also just a great, fun period in American architecture.”

And you can see its legacy all over town. “A lot of people don’t know that a lot of Denver neighborhoods are just teeming with examples of mid-century modern design,” Quiroga adds, “and the Hilltop Neighborhood is one.”

Hence this weekend’s Mid-Century Modern Hilltop House Tour, which features seven structures built between 1938 and 1960: six houses and a church. “One of the most wonderful things about this tour is that you can actually go into each place,” notes Quiroga. “Some of them are really authentically furnished with mid-century modern furniture and artwork.” And parked in the driveway of each house will be a vintage Cadillac or LaSalle manufactured sometime between the ’30s and the ’60s, hand-picked to complement the structure.

The walking tour goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 6 and noon to 4 p.m. June 7; you can purchase tickets ($12 for Historic Denver members, $15 for the general public) at Carson Elementary School, 5420 East First Avenue, or get them in advance by calling 720-891-4956 or visiting www.historicdenver.org.
Sat., June 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., June 7, 12-4 p.m., 2009