Boulder, Colorado Mid-Century Modern Map
Curious about where the mid-century modern homes and structures are in Boulder? You’re in luck, as Historic Boulder has compiled a list of addresses and relevant properties that you can drive by on a self guided tour while you are in town. Welcome to the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) Architecture Tour in Boulder, Colorado, presented by Historic Boulder Inc. Explore the rich history and unique designs of these buildings that emerged between 1945 and 1975, showcasing the post-war optimism and modern design ideals of the time.
For over 50 years, Historic Boulder Inc. has advocated for the appreciation and preservation of properties contributing to Boulder's heritage. This tour series focuses on the Mid-Century Modern architecture (1945-1975), celebrating its values and contributions to Boulder's progressive spirit. The self-guided tour covers Central Boulder, with additional tours in progress. We hope these tours inform, highlight, and educate you about Mid-Century Modern architecture and Boulder's historic preservation program.
How to Take the Tours:
Ensure the PocketSights app has permission to access your location.
View buildings from public ways (sidewalks and roads); do not enter private property.
Be discrete when viewing and photographing to avoid disturbance.
Visit each neighborhood to understand the evolution of Mid-Century Modern design in different locations and time periods.
Spread the word about Historic Boulder's MCM tours to family and friends.
Key Principles of Mid-Century Modern Architecture and Its Importance to Boulder:
The Mid-Century Modern (MCM) design movement emerged post-WWII, reflecting post-war optimism and modern design ideals. Key principles include:
Design Response: A response to post-war optimism, economic expansion, and population growth.
Modern Approach: An outgrowth of the general Modern design approach from the early 20th century.
European Influence: Combining European advancements with American ideals, especially those of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Mobility Culture: Influenced by the burgeoning mobility culture of the automobile.
Boulder's Early Adoption: Boulder, with its progressive spirit, embraced MCM design, resulting in a higher concentration than any other community in Colorado.
Demolished or Threatened MCM Buildings:
First National Bank at Broadway & Canyon
Casey Middle School gymnasium
13th, 30th and Baseline Street Fire Stations
Circular Bank at Canyon & 17th St
Williams Village Dining Hall
Fruehauf’s greenhouse
Harvest House Manor
Harvest House Hotel (currently Millenium Hotel)
Mecha Building
Baseline Junior High School
Numerous houses.
What You'll See on the Tour:
Easton Office Building
Address: 1636 16th Street
Architect: Roger J. Easton
Style: Formalism
Structure of Merit: Yes
Built: 1964
Description: Designed as Roger Easton's architecture office, this Formalism-style building stands as a Structure of Merit since its construction in 1964.
Demolished: National State Bank of Boulder
Address: 1650 Canyon Boulevard
Architect: Everett-Zeigel Architects
Style: Expressionism
Built: 1973
Description: This bank, built in 1973 in Expressionism style, was demolished in 2018, reflecting the changing landscape of Boulder.
Easton Apartments
Address: 1700 17th Street
Architect: Roger J. Easton
Style: Miesian
Built: 1972
Description: Innovative design with two elevated apartment buildings linked at the top, showcasing Miesian style.
Boulder High School
Address: 1604 Arapahoe Avenue
Architect: Glen Huntington
Style: Art Deco - Streamline Moderne
Built: 1937
Description: One of Boulder's first Modern buildings, constructed in 1937 in Art Deco - Streamline Moderne style.
Eye Clinic
Address: 2111 Arapahoe Avenue
Architect: Heinzman & Kindig
Style: Rustic Modern
Built: 1964
Description: Split between a lower base and an upper floor, exhibiting Rustic Modern style.
Harvest House Manor
Address: 1444 Folsom Street
Architect: Ralph D. Peterson & Associates
Style: International Style
Built: 1958
Description: Part of a large development, Harvest Manor Apartments showcase International Style.
Harvest House Motor Hotel
Address: 1345 28th Street
Architect: Ralph D. Peterson Associates
Style: International Style
Built: 1958-9
Description: A building with additions and modifications over time, contributing to the Harvest House Manor development.
Van Schaak Building
Address: 1717 Folsom Street
Architect: Harry McMichael
Style: Miesian
Built: 1970
Description: A one-story office building with Miesian design elements, featuring a repetitive array of large windows.
IBM Sales Division Office
Address: 1909 26th Street
Architect: Roger J. Easton
Style: Miesian
Built: 1970
Description: Known as the Kellcourt Building, initially serving as IBM offices and retail space.
Mecha Building
Address: 2546 Spruce Street
Architect: Unknown
Style: Googie
Built: 1971
Description: A Googie-style building under review for demolition, representing an era of increased automobile use.
1934 Pine St
Address: Unknown architect
Style: Late Modern
Built: 1965
Description: An addition to an older house, converting it into apartments in the Late Modern style.
Addition to St. John's Church
Address: 1419 Pine Street
Architect: Hobart D. Wagener
Style: Expressionist
Built: 1965
Description: A small chapel by Hobart Wagener, adding an Expressionist touch to St. John's Church.
Addition to First United Methodist Church
Address: 1421 Spruce Street
Architect: Hobart D. Wagener
Style: Formalism
Built: 1960
Description: An addition along Spruce Street doubling the capacity of the United Methodist Church.
Additions to Boulder County Courthouse
Address: 1325 Pearl Street
Architect: Hobart D. Wagener
Style: Formalism
Built: 1962
Description: Additions to the iconic Art Deco Boulder County Courthouse, designed by Glen Huntington.
Colorado Building
Address: 1919 14th Street
Architect: James M. Hunter and Associates
Style: Miesian
Built: 1955
Landmark: Historic Landmark
Description: Downtown Boulder’s only ‘skyscraper’ at nine stories, showcasing Miesian style.
The Rink
Address: 1722 14th Street
Architect: Charles Haertling
Style: Formalism
Built: 1975
Description: A converted office building from an old roller-skating rink, featuring a curved-roof motif.
The Atrium Building
Address: 1300 Canyon Boulevard
Architect: Hobart D. Wagener
Style: Rustic Modern
Built: 1969
Landmark: Historic Landmark
Description: Built as a bank for Midland Savings and Loan, now a historic landmark in Rustic Modern style.
Huntington Central Park Bandshell and Central Park
Address: 1212 Canyon Boulevard
Architect: Glen Huntington
Style: Art Deco
Built: 1938
Landmark: Historic Landmark
Description: An iconic early Modernist design, gifting the city by the Boulder Lions Club.
City of Boulder Municipal Building & Addition
Address: 1777 Broadway
Architect (First Phase): James M. Hunter & Assoc.
Architect (Second Phase): Hobart D. Wagener
Style: International Style
Landmark: Historic Landmark
Built (First Phase): 1951
Built (Second Phase): 1962
Description: A landmark showcasing the evolution of International Style in two phases.
Boulder Public Library
Address: 1101 Arapahoe Avenue
Architect (First Phase): James M. Hunter
Architect (Second Phase): Roger J. Easton
Style: International Style
Built (First Phase): 1961
Built (Second Phase): 1974
Description: Built in three phases, focusing on the first two in this tour, highlighting International Style.
Demolished: First National Bank
Address: 1800 Broadway Street
Architect: Hobart D. Wagener
Style: Rationalist
Opened: 1958
Description: Despite being demolished in the late 1990s, this significant MCM building is included in the tour.
Home Savings and Loan
Address: 1913 Broadway Street
Architect: Unknown
Style: Googie
Built: 1963
Description: A drive-thru bank with dynamic Googie architecture, showcasing the 1960s mobility culture.
Masonic Lodge of Boulder
Address: 2205 Broadway Street
Architect: James M. Hunter and Associates
Style: International Style
Built: 1948
Landmark: Historic Landmark
Description: A striking replacement for the original Masonic Temple, destroyed in 1945.
Tye Dental Headquarters
Address: 1150 Maxwell Avenue
Architect: L. Gale Abels
Style: Formalism
Built: 1967
District: Mapleton Hill Historic District
Description: Originally a dental office, featuring three unique towers of windows and an L-shaped wall.
Boulder Valley Eye Clinic
Address: 2401 Broadway Street
Architect: Charles A. Haertling
Style: Expressionism
Built: 1967
Merit: Structure of Merit
Description: An iconic and creative work of Modern era architecture, now recognized as a Structure of Merit.
Mountain Savings and Loan Association
Address: 2300 Broadway Street
Architect: Hobart D. Wagener
Style: Rustic Modern
Built: 1964
Description: Reflective of Hobart Wagener's work in Portland, Oregon, and showcasing Rustic Modern style.
Sacred Heart Catholic School Auditorium
Address: 1315 Mapleton Avenue
Architect: Langhart-McGuire-Barngrover
Style: Expressionism
Auditorium Built: 1959
Classrooms Built: 1967
Description: Part of a school built over years, focusing on the Expressionist-style auditorium and classrooms.
Demolished: Casey Middle School Auditorium
Address: 1301 High Street
Architect: Hobart D. Wagener
Style: Expressionism
Built: 1950?
Description: Despite demolition, included for historical significance and its contribution to Casey Middle School.
2450 Broadway
Address: 2450 Broadway Street
Architect: Unknown
Style: International Style
Built: 1950
Description: A modest office building representing the International Style.
2475 Broadway
Address: 2475 Broadway Street
Architect: Hobart Wagener
Style: Expressionism
Built: 1969
Description: An eye-catching office building featuring large windows, flat roof, and vertical bands of paneling.
825, 827 Dewey Ave
Address: 825, 827 Dewey Avenue
Architect: Elwood Grabow
Style: Rustic Modern
Built: 1966
Description: A one-of-a-kind Modernist ski chalet with three stacked apartments, showcasing Rustic Modern style.
Bassler House
Address: 545 Mapleton Avenue
Architect: Unknown
Style: Usonian
Built: 1961
District: Mapleton Historic District
Description: Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design resembling Joseph Eichler's work, featuring a single-story layout.
Trafton Bean House
Address: 2221 4th Street
Architect: Hobart Wagener
Style: Usonian
Built: 1955
District: Mapleton Historic District
Addition Built: 1977
Description: Originally a simple design, with an addition in Late Modern style added later.
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Address: 345 Mapleton Avenue
Architect: James M. Hunter
Style: Rustic Modern
Built: 1949
Description: An innovative church design from 1949, featuring a two-story wall of gridded wood panels.
Menkick House
Address: 165 Green Rock Drive
Architect: Charles A. Haertling
Style: Miesian
Built: 1969-70
Description: Referencing Mies Van Der Rohe, the house showcases a cubist abstraction of red rock walls.
Other Notable Boulder Mid-Century Modern Homes You Can Drive By:
The Joe Ben Wheat House - Charles Haertling - 1515 Baseline Road
The Bowman House - Tician Papachristou - 109 Sentinel Rock Rd.
Hobart Wagener - 430 Christmas Tree Drive
The Labrot House - Hobart Wagener - 819 6th Street
Hobart Wagener - 336 16th Street
The Sampson-Wood House - Tician Papachristou
The Lanterman House - Tician Papachristou
The Rex House - Tician Papachristou
The Abbey House - Tician Papachristou
Want even more? Check out the addresses listed on the Modern in Boulder Tour below:
