Open Wide

The ninth installment of Doors Open Denver is all about choosing your own adventure. The DOD guide to the inner workings of more than sixty of the city’s buildings and landmarks allows you to explore revamped structures like the McNichols building (this year’s headquarters), historic sites like the Washington Park...

By Bree Davies

April 11, 2013

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The ninth installment of Doors Open Denver is all about choosing your own adventure. The DOD guide to the inner workings of more than sixty of the city’s buildings and landmarks allows you to explore revamped structures like the McNichols building (this year’s headquarters), historic sites like the Washington Park Dos Chappell Bath House, and newer Denver structures like the SugarCube Building, from the inside out.

If solo touring isn’t your style, some of Denver’s best historians, architects and enthusiasts will offer guided tours of many of the locations. Since the theme of this year’s DOD is “City Beautiful: Then & Now,” some of the tours will celebrate Mayor Robert Speer’s greenery-focused movement at the turn of the twentieth century; a bike tour will highlight Denver’s parks and parkways system. “We broadened the theme to include contemporary buildings as well, because the ‘city beautiful’ idea is that by building great design and planning our city well, we can make it a better place to live,” says Annie Levinsky, executive director of Historic Denver Inc.

Doors Open Denver runs today and tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at most locations. The tours are free, but some require reservations; for more information, a complete list of participating buildings and their hours, or to download a guide app, visit doorsopendenver.org.
Sat., April 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., April 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 2013

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies