Mid-Century and Modern Events in and Around Denver | Atom Stevens, Modern Home Specialist | Realty ONE Group Premier

Atom Stevens

License#: FA.100085586

Mid-Century and Modern Events in and Around Denver

Education is a huge part of my role as your local mid-century modern and good design specialist - both taking opportunies to educate myself, and by taking the time and energy to share what I have learned with you. I attend and organize events throughout each year, both through my participation in our Colorado chapter of Docomomo US (for which I am currently serving as the board vice president), as well as on my own, and I invite you to come along and learn with me!

Here is a list of upcoming events that I am participating in, or that are worth knowing about:

Worn Architecture: Exploring Sculptural Jewelry of the Mid-century
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 7PM
Location: TBA
$28.52

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This illustrated talk and salon-style exploration examines the bold, sculptural jewelry that emerged during the mid-century modern era.

What happens when the ideas that transformed architecture, furniture, and industrial design find their way onto the body?

This illustrated talk and salon-style exploration examines the bold, sculptural jewelry that emerged during the mid-century modern era. Through the work of influential makers such as Margaret De Patta, Art Smith, and other studio jewelers, we'll explore how abstraction, movement, negative space, and material experimentation reshaped jewelry into wearable expressions of modernist design.

Together, we'll look beyond adornment to discover how jewelry reflected the same cultural and artistic forces that shaped the postwar modern world. Through images, design analysis, and selected objects, attendees will explore how artists translated the language of sculpture into pieces meant to be worn, lived with, and experienced.

Hosted in an architecturally significant mid-century modern home, this intimate event blends design history, collecting, and object study, inviting guests to explore modernism from structure to scale, from building to body.

Perfect for architecture enthusiasts, jewelry lovers, collectors, designers, and the design-curious alike.

Presented by Dana Sednek, founder of RetroStarr Vintage, a vintage fine jewelry brand celebrating the bold, the glamorous, and the storied.

Fantastico! Casa Bonita: America’s Most Beloved Restaurant
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 6PM
Ballmer Peak Distillery, Lakewood
$44.52

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The Architecture of Escapism explores how a pink palace in a Denver shopping center became one of Colorado’s most unforgettable architectural and cultural landmarks, transforming dining into immersive entertainment. This presentation looks beyond the kitsch to examine Casa Bonita as a serious example of experiential design, roadside fantasy, themed architecture, and the preservation of popular places that helped shape American memory.

Social hour and specialty tiki cocktails start at 6pm with our feature talk starting at 7pm sharp and presented by Denver local and tiki-aficionado Mike Skinner.

Modern Architecture Walking Tour of Central Boulder
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Saturday, August 15, 2026 @ 9:30AM
The Museum of Boulder, Boulder
$28.52

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Join Docomomo Colorado and Historic Boulder Inc. (HBI) for a walking tour of Modern Design Era buildings in Boulder.

Boulder has a remarkable amount of high quality, ‘Modern Era’ architecture. For over 50 years, HBI has advocated for the appreciation and preservation of properties that contribute to the heritage, culture, and spirit of Boulder. An area of interest and importance is the contribution of Modern architecture that took place in the period from 1935 to 1975. HBI has surveyed the city and environs to identify notable examples of this design approach that are easily visible to the public. This walking tour focuses on the central Boulder neighborhood, highlighting 20 modern era examples of architecture. The tour will be led by Leonard Segel, a former Executive Director of HBI.

Wear good shoes, bring plenty of water, and bring your curiosity!

Modernism Design Panel
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Saturday, August 15, 2026 @ 4PM
modmood, Wheat Ridge
$28.52

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Join us for a 4x4 style panel discussion where four distinct voices in the mid-century modern space will speak on four engaging topics honoring 20th-century design. This panel brings together practical home renovation advice, fascinating industrial history, and an insider's look at a full-scale residential restoration.

“Retrovating” Your Mid-Mod Home | Kimber Dempsey

Join us for a quick overview of "retrovating" your mid-century home. We'll discuss common renovations that enhance rather than erase a home's architectural integrity, original features that are worth preserving, and thoughtful ways to add back mid-century flair. From materials and finishes to lighting, colors, and hardware, you'll leave with practical ideas for honoring your home's history while making it work for today's lifestyle.

Damsels in Design: Women in the Automotive Industry, 1940 to 1960 | Tish Gance

Women have been shaping the automobile since before most of us think the story even starts. Bertha Benz proved the car itself was viable. Margaret Wilcox gave us the car heater. Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper. Florence Lawrence created early turn signals and brake lights. And in the 1950s, a group of talented women designers at General Motors, dubbed the "Damsels of Design," transformed automotive interiors and challenged what a car could be.

Restoring his home in Sunset Lanes on YouTube | Josh Robinson

Sunset Lanes; A deep dive into the restoration process of a Mid-20th century modernist home. Join us for an overview and deep dive into the restoration of Josh Robinson's personal home. Featured in the popular youtube series; Josh Robinson, Sunset Lanes. This talk will delve into what goes into a multi-year whole house restoration, the trials and tribulations of this sort of project, and how to manage and budget a restoration of your own.

Denver’s Parade of Homes | Atom Stevens

Since 1953, Denver’s Home Builder Association has presented the “Parade of Homes,” celebrating the latest and greatest in home design. Atom will chat about the early days of this annual event, which represented a dramatic modernization of how homes were conceived, built, and sold in Denver and beyond.

Arapahoe Acres Walking Tour
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Sunday, August 16, 2026 @ 10AM
Arapahoe Acres, Englewood
$28.52

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Join Docomomo US/Colorado for a walking tour of the iconic Arapahoe Acres Neighborhood!

The morning will feature a walking tour, led by historian Atom Stevens and architect Josh Robinson, who will get you acquainted with the neighborhood and the unique story of these historic homes and neighborhood.

The neighborhood was developed between 1949-1957 as part of a national program meant to improve the design of neighborhoods and houses nationwide. The community was planned and designed by Edward Hawkins and Eugene Sternberg.

Wear good shoes, bring plenty of water, and bring your curiosity! Presented by architect Josh Robinson and real estate broker Atom Stevens, Docomomo US/CO Board President and Vice President, respectively.

Littleton Home Tour: Pray/Parsons House
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Sunday, August 16, 2026 @ 2PM
Location TBA
$28.52

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A home tour of one of Littleton’s unique Usonian style homes designed by Bruce Sutherland.

Step inside a home on its way to becoming a Littleton Landmark and experience one of the city's architectural treasures.

Enjoy a tour of the Pray/Parsons House while learning about its history, the legacy of architect Bruce Sutherland, and how Littleton came to be home to an exceptional collection of mid-century modern architecture. The program will include a brief presentation on the home's significance, Sutherland's work, and the preservation efforts that have helped protect this remarkable property.

Take in stunning mountain views, explore an exceptionally well-preserved mid-century modern home, and enjoy light refreshments as you celebrate Littleton's architectural heritage. Presented by REALTOR® and Docomomo US/CO Board Member Kimber Dempsey.

A Cocktail Soirée with Mountain Views at The Satellite
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Saturday, August 21, 2026 @ 5PM
Satellite Hotel, Colorado Springs
$71.21

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Join us for an exclusive cocktail soirée at The Satellite Hotel at one of the privately owned upper floor condos!

When it was opened in 1969, The Satellite, which overlooks the Valley Hi Golf Course with breathtaking mountain views beyond, was touted as the largest residential highrise in Colorado Springs - and it was also incomplete, with only two of its three wings constructed! The Satellite represented a highly innovative example of modern architecture, with mixed-use planning that included condos, a hotel (which was then and still is today owned and operated by the HOA), office tenants, and entertainment/restaurant spaces. And now it has been recognized as a historic landmark!

Our exclusive cocktail soirée will take place at a beautifully designed corner unit on an upper floor of The Satellite Hotel. Come and enjoy the sunset with a classic cocktail in your hand and take in the panoramic mountain views as well as the fabulous vintage furniture and decor collection of our hosts.

Attendees can bypass the drive home by checking into the Satellite Hotel for a cozy overnight stay at a reasonable price! Get 40% off your stay when you call to make your reservation with the discount code DOCOMOMO.

$5 of every ticket will be donated to The Satellite’s continuing preservation and interior renovation efforts. This event is for adults 21+.

✦ The Drinks ✦

Cocktails will be provided by LUPEC - the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails! Who else could mix you a vintage vibing drink better than them!

✦ Dresscode ✦

Whatever you feel comfortable in! Great photo opportunity for social media and an even better reason to clean up with your best 1960s cocktail fit.

A Mid-Mod Pool Party at the Satellite Hotel
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 11AM
Satellite Hotel, Colorado Springs
$28.52

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Join us for a mid-mod style pool party with a touch of Tiki at the legendary Satellite Hotel in southern Colorado Springs!

When it was opened in 1969, The Satellite, which overlooks the Valley Hi Golf Course with breathtaking mountain views beyond, was touted as the largest residential highrise in Colorado Springs - and it was also incomplete, with only two of its three wings constructed! The Satellite represented a highly innovative example of modern architecture, with mixed-use planning that included condos, a hotel (which was then and still is today owned and operated by the HOA), office tenants, and entertainment/restaurant spaces. And now it has been recognized as a historic landmark!

The party will be at the pool that belongs to the Satellite hotel. With its geometric shape, diamond shaped pavers and garden beds, the area of the Satellite pool is perfect for modernist architecture enthusiasts. With authentic tunes and records spun by DJ DeShawn McCall, you’ll be dreaming yourself into another time and we are hoping for spectacular pool outfits to match it!

Attendees can bypass the drive home by checking into the Satellite Hotel for a cozy overnight stay at a reasonable price! Get 40% off your stay when you call to make your reservation with the discount code DOCOMOMO.

$5 of every ticket will be donated to The Satellite’s continuing preservation and interior renovation efforts.

✦ About the DJ ✦

DeShawn McCall is a well known DJ in the tiki and rockabilly scene. He will bring authentic music of the past decades in his record box and make sure we got the right tunes for a step back in time.

✦ Food & Drinks ✦

Food and drinks will be available for purchase and hosted by the Orbit Bar at the Satellite as well as Soul Food Kitchen which is located at the Satellite as well.

✦ Dresscode ✦

Think vintage pool party - with or without jumping in! - and come in your best vintage (inspired) pool outfit. From cabana suits and kaftans to swimsuits and swim shorts - everything is allowed! This event is open to guests under 21 as well as residents of the Satellite Hotel including children - so keep it PG!

Valley Hi Country Club Talk & Home Tours
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Sunday, August 23, 2026 @ 11AM
Caddie’s, Colorado Springs
$33.85

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Lunch presentation and exclusive tour of a Mid-Century Modern golf club community in the southeast of Colorado Springs.

In 1955, developer Roy Pring announced the construction of Valley Hi Country Club on former Pring ranch lands then east of Colorado Springs. Contemporary accounts described more than a golf course; they outlined a comprehensive vision for recreation, residential living, and community development centered on a modern country club environment.

Unlike many postwar subdivisions, Valley Hi was conceived as an integrated community in which the golf course, clubhouse, residential homesites, and recreational amenities were planned together from the outset. Property owners were able to receive ownership shares in the club, creating a direct relationship between homeownership and community participation.

Today, Valley Hi remains a remarkable example of mid-century planning where architecture, landscape, recreation, and social life were intentionally combined.

Join us over lunch ($5 voucher is included in your ticket!) at “Caddies” at the Valley Hi Clubhouse and learn more about the significance of the building, the architect Jan Ruhtenberg, and the importance for the Valley Hi neighborhood. Kathy Murray and Jeanette Caproon are longtime residents of the Valley Hi neighborhood and have been advocating for its preservation for many years.

then . . .

Explore 4 exclusive custom built mid-century modern homes and 1 authentic vintage camper in the Valley Hi neighborhood in a self guided walking tour. Starting at the Clubhouse, designed by renowned architect Jan Ruhtenberg, you will be able to enjoy the walkable neighborhood along Valley Hi Ave with displays of classic cars and golf course views!

Hilltop Modern! A Neighborhood Walking Tour
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Saturday, August 29, 2026 @ 10AM
Location TBA
$28.52

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Join us for a walking tour of one of Denver’s truly “Modern” neighborhoods with a variety of fabulous homes.

Originally platted in 1886, Hilltop rapidly grew during the post-war decades.  Free of restrictive covenants found in nearby neighborhoods, Hilltop at mid-century proved a haven for Denver’s Jewish community. Adventurous residents responded by commissioning homes and civic buildings in groundbreaking Modernist designs that reflect the tenets of styles ranging from the International Style to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian vision.  We will see buildings by noteworthy architects such as: Charles Haertling, Victor Hornbein, Joseph and Louise Marlow, Percival Goodman, Richard Crowther, Donald Roark, Musick and Lee, Robert Caudle, Rene Chouzenoux, Gordon White, and others.  The tour will take us by “Shangri-La”; designed in 1937 by Raymond Ervin in a Deco/Moderne style, (it is rumored to have been modeled on the lamasery in the movie “Lost Horizon”), and “Cableland”; built by cable television mogul Bill Daniels in 1988 in the Postmodern style, it is now the official residence of the Mayor of Denver and a Denver Historic Landmark.

Presented by Tom Hart, AIA, Docomomo US/CO Board Treasurer and Principal Architect of Hart Studio LLC.

Mundane Modernism: Revealing Cheesman Park’s Highrise Architecture
Part of Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

Sunday, August 30, 2026 @ 10AM
1177 N Race Street, Denver
$28.52

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A Walking Tour That will Reveal the Invisible Concrete Jungle of Cheesman Park’s Modernist Residential Highrises.

Cheeseman Park is lined with high-rise, multi-family buildings that use key design principles of the modern movement. The tour will discuss the significance of Cheeseman Park’s surrounding residential highrise buildings focusing on the architectural concepts and ideas found in these buildings.

Wear good shoes, bring plenty of water, and bring your curiosity! Presented by architect Josh Robinson and real estate broker Atom Stevens, Docomomo US/CO Board President and Vice President, respectively.

Past Events

One of the ways that I connect to and give back to my community is to present at various events throughout the year. Each year, I am booked by several organizations to present what I know about mid-century and modern history and design in the Denver area through talks, slideshows, walking tours, home tours, and more. Contact me to see about booking me for your organization or community. Here is a list of past events I have presented at:

2025 Events

  • May 3 Sponsored the Southwest Denver Artist Open Studios, Presented by Pikeview Arts and hosted a Harvey Park History table during the event.
  • May 21 Led a walking tour of Harvey Park’s Cliff May Homes for Historic Denver
  • July 17 Led a walking tour of Harvey Park’s Cliff May Homes for Historic Denver
  • August 2 Co-Presented a walking tour of the historic Arapahoe Acres neighborhood in Englewood, CO with architect Josh Robinson for Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series
  • August 8 Co-Presented a walking and home tour of the Sunset Lanes neighborhood in Westminster, CO with architect Josh Robinson for Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series

2024 Events

  • February 27 Presented “Mile High Mid-Century Modern Homes” for the Historic Englewood Lecture Series
  • May 23 Led a walking tour of Harvey Park’s Cliff May Homes for Historic Denver
  • June 11 Presented “Helping People Become Their Home’s Historian” to the Aurora Historic Preservation Commission
  • July 10 Co-Presented a walking tour with designer Brie Samyn of Lakeside Amusement Park’s ticket booths and other features by Denver architect Richard Crowther for the Colorado chapter of Docomomo US
  • July 11 Led a walking tour of Harvey Park’s Cliff May Homes for Historic Denver
  • July 13 Exhibited at the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight Vintage Showcase
  • August 3 Co-Presented a walking tour of the historic Arapahoe Acres neighborhood in Englewood, CO with architect Josh Robinson for Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series
  • August 9 Co-Presented a walking tour of the Sunset Lanes neighborhood in Westminster, CO with architect Josh Robinson for Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series
  • August 11 Co-Presented a walking tour of the Apple Blossom Lane neighborhood in Westminster, CO with architect Josh Robinson for Docomomo US/Colorado’s Modernism Series
  • September 15 Sponsored the Arapahoe Acres 75th Anniversary Home & Garden Tour, including donating the design and printing of the event program
  • October 26 Hosted a Harvey Park History Table at the Southwest Denver Artist Open Studios, Presented by Pikeview Arts.


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