Thursday, April 23, 2015

More Talent in Downtown Denver

A few weeks ago, I wrote about some murals in downtown Denver around Larimer and Lawrence streets
I was really intrigued by these murals.
I love the composition, design and colors.
Pretty cool.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Interesting Old Buildings in Denver with Great Craftmanship

I am fascinated by the number of beautiful old buildings in Denver and the craftsmanship that went into constructing them!  Look at the intricate brick work on the Horace Mann Middle School designed by Temple Buell in 1931.   The explosion of the blond and dark brick parapets is beautiful.  Very Art Deco.  The school is located at 4130 Navajo Street.
The Fairmont School built in 1924 in north-west Denver has some great details such as bay windows, ceramic trim and Gothic arches.
From the library photo archives, I found this interior shot.  This fireplace in the school is fascinating.  The surround has silhouettes of nursery rhyme figures:  Little Bo Peep, Jack and Jill, Mother Goose and barn yard animals.
Built in 1901, the Park Hill Elementary School at 5050 East 19th Avenue features a stucco facade
with tiles of the Mediterranean revival design.
Elaborate brickwork was the featured design element on the Bryant Webster School.  Built in 1930, the architects designed the layout of the bricks to represent the American Indian's bead work and basketry.  
The bricks have an opalescent glaze to them and when the sunlight hits them at a certain angle, they glisten.  The school is at 3635 Quivas Street in the Highlands area.
Then we have the majestic Highlands Masonic Temple at 3550 Federal boulevard.  Built in 1926 in the Neoclassical Revival style.  I love the impressive entrance with the massive Ionic columns along with the grill work.
It's amazing what you will see if you just go a different route and do some exploring in the neighborhoods around Denver.