04/22/2009
Washington Park Profile: Peak behind the Curtains at Wash Park Home Tour
Peek Behind The Curtains At Washington Park And University Park Home Tours
by Michael Sklar
Chalet Development is featured in the Washington Park Home Tours.
With spring truly in the air, May is a great time to pull yourself up off of the couch and head out to see what your neighbors have been up to in recent months. A good way to have a peek behind the curtains is by signing up for home tours featuring residences in the Washington Park East and University Park neighborhoods. Not only will you snag some great ideas for improvements you might consider for your own hacienda, but you’ll be lending a hand to students at two of south Denver’s well respected elementary schools.
Barely a week later, the East Washington Park neighborhood takes the spotlight, when the 11th annual Wash Park Home Tour is held on Sat., May 9, 10a.m.-4p.m. This year’s tour, in keeping with tradition, will benefit a multitude of programs at Steele Elementary School, 320 S. Marion Pkwy. The original school was built in 1912 during Denver’s “City Beautiful” movement; a late 1920s’ renovation edged the architecture in a decidedly Art Deco direction. The Wash Park Home Tour also presents a selection of properties recalling the rich history of the area, along with those that fuse the old and the new. All are sure to whet your appetite for change on the home front.
The newly-built 4-bedroom beauty at 201 S. Lafayette St. was finished just a few months ago. A completely modern, open floor plan, including a basement level with high ceilings, provides ample space and comfort for 2009 living, while the exterior design and construction might lead you to believe the home was built in years gone by. The mortar is stained a bit darker and left rough to add texture. Sandstone quarried near Lyons, Colorado caps the posts around the house. Copper gutters and corbels are made to appear load-bearing.
For a look at a still-classic Washington Park bungalow, stop by 285 S. Williams St. At just over 1500 square feet on the main floor, this home has the best of both worlds – an intimate, cozy feel, but enough space to feel generous rather than cramped. In addition, it has a very open and fully finished basement that the family really uses. The original details of this 1920s’ beauty have been maintained so thoughtfully, you’ll easily envision life in simpler times.
Nicely situated on a corner lot at 605 S. Gilpin St., this new home’s stucco walls and beautiful red roof tiles lend an elegant Mediterranean feel. At 3,400 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, it is both expansive and intimate. Step inside, and the attention to detail and beautiful craftsmanship are what jump out at you. The use of local sources and artisans was very important to the owner, in the creation of his modern homespun home. He knows the people who made his stairs. He knows where the wood came from. A friend welded his wrought iron fences.
This year, tour organizers have thrown in a bonus sixth home “just because it’s so darn cute.” Nicknamed the “Doll House,” visitors to 432 S. Gilpin St. will be able to peek inside one of the smallest homes in Wash Park. After sneaking a peek – purchase refreshments, a snack and handmade cards made by Steele students before continuing your tour of the other homes.
Topping off the day’s fun, check out the Plant Sale, BBQ, art show and live performances at Steele School, 10a.m.-3p.m. on tour day. Tickets for the Wash Park Home Tour cost $15 in advance, and can be purchased at the school, First Bank of Cherry Creek (1st Ave. at St. Paul St.) from any Steele student or online at www.washparkhometour.org. Ticket prices jump to $20 on tour day. For information, call 303-744-1717
