Boulder, CO March 2024

UNPLUG AND PLAY. AVAILABLE NOW.

UNPLUG AND PLAY. AVAILABLE NOW.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge doesn’t force you to choose between power and responsible driving. Just take your seat, select a gear and enjoy the comfort of one-pedal drive and the impressive strength of all-electric propulsion with zero tailpipe emissions.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge doesn’t force you to choose between power and responsible driving. Just take your seat, select a gear and enjoy the comfort of one-pedal drive and the impressive strength of all-electric propulsion with zero tailpipe emissions.

Clearly beautiful. Inside and out.

INTRINSIC

FLATIRON CROSSING MALL

PEARL WEST – 1048 PEARL STREET

embrace the art of comfort

An “endearingly funny and deeply affecting” Pulitzer-finalist play about one woman —

May 3 -19

The Dairy Arts Center | Boulder

B U I L D E R S W I T H A D E S I G N

A D D I C T I O N

Architect: Studio B

Photo: James Florio

home within

by Joe McGuire & Matthew Tenzin

Holistic Interior Design

A h e a l t h i e r , m o r e s u s t a i n a b l e & i n t e n t i o n a l a p p r o a c h t o h o m e i n t e r i o r s

G u i d e d v i s i o n i n g , e n e r g y c l e a r i n g & b a l a n c i n g

F u l l s e r v i c e i n t e r i o r d e s i g n & c o n s u l t i n g s e r v i c e s

H o l i s t i c d e s i g n w o r k s h o p s & w e l l n e s s c l a s s e s

i n o u r N o r t h B o u l d e r w e l l n e s s s t u d i o

homewithin.com

Home & Design Issue

Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That, of course, includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

ANDY MANZ, PUBLISHER @BOULDERLIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

Kailey Beuerlein | kailey.beuerlein@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Millie D'Souza | millie.dsouza@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kailey Beuerlein, Tony Firestine, Jessica Mordacq, Willow King, Grace Adele Boyle, Linden Butrym, Lisa Van Horne,

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amanda Proudfit, David Marlow, Kimberly Gavin, Gibeon Photography, Desirea Stott-Rodgers, Ricci Harke, Judi Lesta, HBK Photography, Olive & West, Steven Gnam for Patagonia

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

city scene

1-7: SmithKlein Gallery joined in the partnership with the Cultural Caravan bringing music by Ramakhandra and Lykke non-alcoholic beverages to an evening of art, music and community. Photography by Alex Rubenstein

BEFORE AFTER

1955

4

Flatiron

5

5

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In determining how to achieve your 2024 real estate goals, look no further than Patrick’s keen attention to detail, vigorous work ethic and custom marketing. Call Patrick today for a free consultation.

business monthly

Crank It Forward Gala | May 17

Now in its seventh season, Cyclists 4 Community (C4C) produces Crank It Forward on May 17 at the Boulder JCC.  C4C creates safer, more connected communities in Boulder County by championing key projects, such as separated bike paths. From safety and access for cyclists to motorists’ rights, Crank It Forward literally paves the way to a safer future for all riders and non-riders.   Visit C4Community.org/Events/ for more info.

Boulder Theater Presents Regional Premiere of Tony Nominated Play

The Boulder Ensemble Theater Company closes its 2023-24 season with the most produced play in America: Heidi Schreck’s  What the Constitution Means to Me. “We are so proud to be the first Colorado theater to mount this Tony and Pulitzer Prize finalist,” says Mark Ragan, managing director of BETC. The play will open at the Dairy Arts Center on May 3 and close on May 19.  Tickets can be purchased at BETC.org .

Frasca Food and Wine’s 20th Anniversary!

Frasca Food and Wine’s 20th Anniversary year kicked off with a night celebrating “Friuli & Friends”—a nod to the northeastern Italian region that inspires the restaurant to this day, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Guest chefs included Marc Vetri of Philadelphia & Las Vegas’ Vetri Cucina and Alessandro Gavagna of Trattoria al Cacciatore in Friuli. More dinners in this celebratory series are to come, including the next dinner with Chef Gregory Gourdet from Kann in Portland, OR.

Photography by Casey Wilson Photography

Wonderfeast Is Heading To Paris And Naples

Join Boulder-based art historian and European native, Giulia Bernardini, and a small group of inquisitive travelers. Soak up the rich art, history, culture and cuisine of either Paris (April 28 - May 6) or Naples (May 10-18)—or both! Stay in boutique hotels, visit iconic sites, enjoy memorable meals and languorous aperitifs and visit locals in their homes… all this and more awaits you. Visit Wonderfeast.com and claim your spot now by emailing giulia@wonderfeast.com.

CHILD THERAPY

Have you ever considered that some of your child's more challenging behaviors may actually be an early presentation of anxiety? Trained child therapists utilize play, art, and CBT to help your child learn healthier coping skills for today's more complex world.

Why Laser Hair Removal at Vasu?

We are experts in Laser Hair Removal and understand ALL ethnic backgrounds. We own the best lasers and keep them maintained and up to date while cleaning with the best sanitation products. We have been serving Colorado for over 12 years!

Why would you try anywhere else?

ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HBK PHOTOGRAPHY

EVOKE CREATES A RELAXING AND HARMONIOUS OUTDOOR OASIS

Transforming

Tranquility

In the heart of Boulder, a hidden gem lay dormant, waiting to be revived by creative minds and skilled hands.

The Serene Sanctuary project, a Japanese-inspired residence, underwent a breathtaking transformation that seamlessly blended traditional design principles with modern aesthetics. This endeavor showcases Evoke’s commitment to creating elevated spaces tailored to their clients’ homes and lifestyles.

Evoke’s principal designer and owner, Ashley Ingraham, describes the fusion of creativity, problem-solving and a deep connection to nature that led to her discovery of landscape design. Ashley’s early exposure to art history and a year spent as a gardener in Minneapolis ignited her passion. After obtaining a degree in landscape design, Ashley honed her skills in reputable Boulder landscaping design firms, ultimately moving to Evoke Landscaping in 2015.

The Serene Sanctuary project exemplifies Evoke’s dedication to understanding their clients’ visions. The initial design phase involves intensive collaboration, where Evoke’s team listens attentively to the client’s desires, surveys the site and creates cohesive, innovative concepts. This client-centric approach sets the stage for a design process that balances functionality and aesthetics.

“We’re really passionate about creating elevated spaces that are tailored to our clients’ homes and their lifestyles,” says Ashley. “We just really enjoy what we do, and I think that’s what sets us apart. We’re super collaborative and enthusiastic about good design.”

With Evoke’s approach, functionality is the foundation, ensuring that spaces are not only visually appealing but also serve their intended purposes seamlessly. Linear pathways adorned with vibrant ground covers exemplify the delicate balance between functionality and aesthetics. The team strives to create spaces that are not merely utilitarian but also evoke emotions, turning each garden into a sensory experience. Evoke also takes pride in incorporating eco-friendly practices into their projects. From selecting climate-resilient plantings to utilizing permeable materials like gravel and decking, every decision reflects a commitment to sustainability. The emphasis on timeless, durable design aligns with the goal of creating gardens that stand the test of time, minimizing the need for constant redesigns and resource utilization.

The Serene Sanctuary project emerged as a testimonial of Evoke’s creativity and commitment. The success of this particular project is a result of collaborative efforts with various artists and professionals, as well as the homeowners, John and Lisa Canova. “Honestly, best clients ever,” says Ashley. “That’s why we ended up with this incredible entry experience. I was thinking they would not go for the reflective pool, but they were all about it. They really believed in our vision and didn’t want to sacrifice the overall intent of the design. The space feels truly magical because of that.” One of the project’s highlights is the integration of a reflective pool, creating a dramatic approach to the front door. The pool, alongside floating

stone steps and decks framed with oxidized steel planters, transforms the space into a haven of calm. The harmonious blend of materials elevates the residence, giving it a modern touch while staying true to its roots.

Nicolas Fiore from Flower Architecture played a pivotal role in modernizing the house. Nicolas incorporated horizontal screens that complemented the overall vision and spearheaded a reorientation of the house’s entry by turning it into a middle-level experience that felt like ascending rather than descending. Other local artisans, such as Morningstar Homes and Earthwood Design, added their touch to the project, contributing to its seamless execution. The overgrown, outdated space was reimagined to reflect Japanese design principles, with a focus on tranquility and simplicity. Custom 10-foot pivoting gates from Earthwood Design define the threshold, creating a sense of ingress and intrigue. Japanese maple trees and oxidized steel complement the Asianinspired architecture, contributing to the zen atmosphere.

As Evoke celebrates its continued success in the industry, the journey continues to unfold. With an unwavering commitment to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Evoke looks ahead to crafting more outdoor spaces that transcend expectations. The Serene Sanctuary project stands as a testament to their ability to transform ordinary landscapes into extraordinary sanctuaries, leaving an indelible mark on Boulder’s architectural landscape. “We’re just really excited about working with other like-minded creatives, whether it’s architects, builders or clients,” says Ashley. “The whole process of seeing things come to life is really fun.” Evoke’s passion for creating harmonious, timeless outdoor spaces will continue to leave a lasting impression on both clients and the industry at large.

“We’re just really excited about working with other like-minded creatives, whether it’s architects, builders or clients.”

Project Credits: Evoke Landscape Design, Flower Architecture, Morningstar Homes, Earthwood Designs

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ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID MARLOW, KIMBERLY GAVIN, AND GIBEON PHOTOGRAPHY

Home Is Where Your Wellness Is

This Luxury Interior Design Firm Focuses on Holistic Connections to Your Surroundings

Gibeon Photography

For interior designers Joe McGuire and Matthew Tenzin, a home is much more than four walls and a roof. It’s a place that connects you to the land you live on—a significant space at the confluence of your perfect light, sound, air, water and natural influence. Joe and Matthew specialize in high-end residential interiors in Boulder, Denver and Aspen with their firm, Joe McGuire Design. In 2017, they launched Home Within ( HomeWithin.com), an extension of their firm that focuses on a holistic design approach: guided visioning and intention setting, energy clearing and balancing and healthy, sustainable practices. Earlier this year, the duo opened a new wellness space adjacent to their Boulder office. Design workshops, meditation and breathwork programs, and guided journeying classes are offered to help their team, clients and the public transform their homes into places where they feel empowered and filled with purpose. Here, discover more about Joe, Matthew and their perspective on wellness in design.

YOUR UNIQUE BACKGROUNDS.

Joe: I grew up in Santa Fe, in an environment full of creative people and natural beauty. Pursuing art history led to a stint at Christie’s in New York. Seeing the art and furniture collections in homes around the country opened my mind to the possibility of a career in interior design. My hippie side led me on backpacking trips and travels through Asia. With this combination, I came to view interior design as a healing art that can impact how people feel, how they see themselves and how they feel connected in the world.

Matthew: In 2008, I moved home to Colorado after five years as a Buddhist monk, living in retreat in Big Sur and studying with the Dalai Lama in India. As

Photo by Kimberly Gavin Joe McGuire and Matthew Tenzin

Photo by Kimberly Gavin

“We feel fortunate to live close to nature while enjoying the cultural offerings of Boulder, Denver and Aspen. The Colorado lifestyle is hard to beat.”

a kid, I wanted to be an interior designer. When I met Joe, this wish became a reality. Our travels and our backgrounds in creative and healing arts come together in our work.

HOW COLORADO CAPTURES YOUR CREATIVITY.

J: We love the seasons, the mountains and wide-open spaces. We feel fortunate to live close to nature while enjoying the cultural offerings of Boulder, Denver and Aspen. The Colorado lifestyle is hard to beat.

SOURCING YOUR MATERIALS.

M: We’ve developed relationships with artisans in Colorado and around the world. We love sifting through the array of

options to find pieces that have what we call “life force”— something anyone can feel if they tune into it. This comes from the intentional way things are made.

WHERE YOU TRAVEL FOR INSPIRATION.

J: We love meeting with makers in New York, L.A., Milan and Paris. Milan is a vibrant and creative hub. Whenever we’re there, we notice styles, color palettes and technical innovations that take a few years before becoming widespread in the States.

ONE PLACE WITH INTERIORS THAT BLOW YOUR MIND.

M: The Proper, a hotel chain with locations in L.A. and Santa Monica. The interiors are by American designer Kelly

“With this combination, I came to view interior design as a healing art that can impact how people feel, how they see themselves and how they feel connected in the world.”

A CLIENT PROJECT YOU WISH WAS YOUR OWN.

J: A home we’re currently working on for a wonderful couple in Boulder. It’s on Knollwood Drive, nestled against the side of the mountain, overlooking the city. The scale of the space, the quality of light and the project’s warm aesthetic that mixes modern and traditional elements appeal to both of us.

A PERSONAL DÉCOR ITEM THAT’S SPECIAL TO YOU.

Wearstler, who always pushes the envelope. Her work here is particularly earthy—California coastal with a visionary twist. The mix of vintage and custom furniture and art feels relaxed, fun and stylish.

WHAT YOU’D NEVER USE IN A CLIENT’S HOME.

J: Something toxic or really bad for the planet, such as high VOC paints. Or something aesthetically off, like LED lighting with the wrong color temperature.

M: My collection of crystals, singing bowls, rattles and drums. I love having them around to remind me of harmony and connection with all things.

J: Finnish 1940s lounge chairs in beautiful elm wood, upholstered in a cozy, off-white shearling. They are petite, but people of all sizes love sitting in them.

WHAT YOU WANT YOUR CLIENTS TO FEEL IN THEIR HOMES.

M: Grounded and peaceful. We want them to feel energetically supported in sharing their gifts—their unique medicine—with the world.

Gibeon Photography

Photo by Kimberly Gavin

Photo by Kimberly Gavin

Photo by Kimberly Gavin

Photo by David Marlow

Gibeon Photography

HOME HAPPENS here

Brightland Homes

McStain Neighborhoods

SLC Homes

Welcome to Westerly, a new hometown with wide-open spaces and sunlit gathering places. Where timeless architecture, tree-lined lanes, pocket parks and pedestrian trails feel like home, like never before.

ARTICLE BY KAILEY BEUERLEIN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OLIVE & WEST AND STEVEN GNAM FOR PATAGONIA

Piece By Piece

Photography by Olive & West

Particular Tile

A product that tells a story while making a positive impact? We’re sold.

Founded by Christopher Caskey, a climate scientist with a Ph.D. who transitioned into entrepreneurship, Particular Tile was born from the hunt to solve a local problem on Colorado’s western slope. Aside from their extensive and impressive sustainability practices, their tiles are also exclusive to the owner—made by hand, and completely one of a kind.

Chris grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, where his parents taught him and his siblings a love for the outdoors and to care for the environment. “One time my brothers and I found an abandoned mine with an old mine cart on the tracks,” says Chris, which, you'll see shortly, is a bit of foreshadowing. “They hopped in the cart, and I pushed them down the tracks in the darkness. But only a short distance, because we knew how that ends in the movies.”

Particular Tile creates handmade terracotta tiles out of red clay, unique to the American West. And their products pay homage to just that: the American West. Everything the Particular Tile team does is authentic to true Western

Photography by Steven Gnam for Patagonia

Photography by Olive & West

ideals and lifestyle, from their unique upbringings to the reason why they do what they do.

The day-to-day team consists of Chris, founder; Nancy Ihlenfeldt, director of brand, sales and marketing; Nina Steigele, director of operations; Holly Williamson, project director and Montrose local Jordan Lobush working as production specialist. These people are literally bringing in the mud from outside of your house and making it into something extraordinary. “And it does not get more Western than that,” says Nancy Ihlenfedlt.

“It’s cliché, but when you live here and you see the red mountains, and you see Red Rocks, you see how tactile it is. That’s

where our designs come from. It’s authentic and as pure as it gets,” says Nancy.

The creation process is no easy feat. With nine steps, which I’m sure have been whittled down to be more digestible to us laypeople, we start with step one: mud collection. By collecting mud that is clogging their local reservoir, Paonia, their team excavates truckloads of mud to create a little more space in the reservoir for water storage. In turn, this water is used by farms, ranches and vineyards in need of irrigation. But not just anyone can go around digging up mud; Particular Tile has collaborated with a number of stakeholders for permits and permissions, including the Bureau of Reclamation, Fire Mountain

Canal and Reservoir Company, Army Corps of Engineers and Gunnison County.

After step one, is naturally, step two: clay preparation, followed by clay extrusion, and tile cutting and shaping (steps four & five), kiln firing, glazing and then a little more kiln firing. The finished product is beautiful, colorful, intentional and again, one of a kind. Their products serve a purpose. Nancy shares that people are often awestruck by the finished product, musing how it feels like it was made just for them. “That’s because it was— handmade, just for you,” Nancy says.

In addition to their clay work, Particular Tile is also in the process of planning their own methane—a dangerous greenhouse

Photography by Olive & West

“That’s where our designs come from. It’s authentic and as pure as it gets.”

gas—capture facility, captured from abandoned coal mines near the reservoir (foreshadowing!). Engaged in a number of coal mine methane capture projects, Chris and his wife Holly now live in Paonia, where they just purchased a coal mine that they estimate leaks over 750 tons of methane per year. By purchasing this coal mine, they’ll capture this methane and use it not only as a heat source for their kilns but to eventually power their facility as a whole.

Their sustainability efforts are just the cherry on top of their extraordinary and special creations. It’s evident that people are drawn to Particular Tile because it not only is handmade, but it looks handmade. Not one tile is the same, and two tiles that undergo the exact same process can come out looking different. “It has all the hallmarks of a handmade product,” says Nancy. “Variation, in color, depth and warmth.” Each tile is particularly unique. Get it? And although they have a large array of shapes, they’re happy to custom design pretty much any other shape you can imagine. They’re original works of art.

Beyond creating beautiful, artisan and long-lasting products, Particular Tile strives to be an example to others in that manufacturing. “We’re trying to show other manufacturers that it’s possible to be a for-profit business that can not only cause less harm but one that can actually reverse an issue,” says Nancy. “We want to show that you can solve a problem by creating a product. Less harm is good, but solving a problem is better.”

To learn more about Particular Tile, visit ParticularTile.com or email hello@particulartile.com.

Local Distributor:

Decrotive Materials (Denver, Vail, Aspen) DecorativeMaterials.com

Let’s create an extraordinary space together.

Few things change the quality of your life like the built spaces you live in. There’s power and joy in enhancing your home and creating spaces that reflect who you are so you can thrive now and into the future. But a project can only be as exceptional (and as fun) as the people who create it. That’s where we come in. Melton is the people-first (our clients, team, and our community) design-build firm that elevates your project and brings joy to the process. We can’t wait to craft a space you’ll love being in for years to come.

ORGANICALLY INSPIRED, CUSTOM CURATED

INTENTIONAL, TRANSFORMATIVE ARTWORK

BY ARTIST MICHELE RENÉE LEDOUX

ARTICLE BY LISA VAN HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA PROUDFIT

As Michele Ledoux would put it, she’s taken anything but the direct route on her path to where she is today as a full-time artist living and working in Evergreen.

“Let’s just say I took the frontage road,” says Michele. “Maybe some forest access roads, too. I’m grateful for all of it.”

Best known for her abstract contemporary paintings using the ancient technique of encaustic, Michele traces her winding path into artistry back to a fortuitous layover in Denver as she was deciding where to attend college. She discovered an immediate connection to Colorado, which resulted in her choice to pursue undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Taking an unexpectedly deep dive into philosophy and religious studies combined with extensive travel abroad, Michele was inspired to learn about other people, places and cultures. All while unbeknownst to her, she was also beginning to develop a deeper connection to her life’s purpose as an artist.

“I’m always seeking knowledge and looking to expand, both personally and professionally,” says Michele, “to become the best version of myself.”

This core desire manifested in creating a myriad of diverse travel experiences after graduation. These included walking the Camino de Santiago, a 550-mile pilgrimage in France and Spain, and other spiritual journeys that would follow. One day, in a moment of almost revelation, she was inspired to begin painting seemingly out of nowhere. This was Michele’s first experience, she says, of “truly being in the flow.” “I think the magic in art happens when you let go of the plan and allow the art to evolve exactly as it wants to,” says Michele. “It isn’t as much about me as it is the art simply flowing through me. The less I interfere, the more authentic the art will be.”

Michele’s art and mediums of choice continued to evolve for the next several years—from painting with acrylic to photography, poetry and printmaking—while she exhibited her works in increasingly prominent art shows across the country and internationally. But it was when she encountered the encaustic technique while on a trip to Santa Fe that she found a particularly resonant medium.

“It was so different than anything I had ever seen,” says Michele. “It had a depth to it. I was so drawn to the texture and organic nature of it.”

A painting technique that dates back to ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman art, encaustic involves applying multiple layers of beeswax, resin and pigment and then fusing one layer to the next with heat—usually with a heat gun or torch. While Michele’s creative aesthetic leans into minimalism and a primarily neutral palette, her technique emphasizes the architectural and organic nature of the beeswax by intentionally featuring cracks, chips and scratches on the surface of the paintings.

“My artwork is intrinsically connected to my contemplative, meditative nature,” Michele says, “and is a direct reflection of my authentic and intentional way of life.”

Michele’s work is held in numerous private collections and has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally, garnering multiple “Best of Show” awards. Some of these highly competitive and select exhibitions include Architectural Digest, NYC, SOFA Chicago, the Smithsonian Craft Show and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. As examples of her work, Michele notes that she is most known for her

“IT ISN’T AS MUCH ABOUT ME AS IT IS THE ART SIMPLY FLOWING THROUGH ME. THE LESS I INTERFERE, THE MORE AUTHENTIC THE ART WILL BE.”

“abstract 7/7’s,” smaller encaustic works that invite collectors to personally curate a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces to create a dynamic wall installation that reflects their own unique aesthetic.

Moving forward, Michele continues to be inspired by all manners of tangible form and conceptual spirituality. She hopes that her artwork continues to provoke sharing, conversations and deeper individual and interpersonal connections.

“What we choose to have in our space, our home, is an important choice,” says Michele. “In this way, art is transformative. It affects and informs both ourselves and our space. Even more importantly, it brings to our attention how powerfully we can actively create our own experience of life.”

View more of Michele’s work on Instagram @micheleledoux.contemporary or visit her website,  MLedoux.com, where you will also find her upcoming show schedule.  Text or call the artist directly at (303) 6749605 regarding artwork inquiries and/or to schedule a studio visit.

When a home is a work of art, work with the people who see it that way.

“We own every bit of this process from start to finish, so it’s critical we have sub-contractors that buy in with the vision.”

“This house is a work of art. It was a large-scale remodel, a very challenging paint job. Massive quantities of very intricate trim work, wainscoting, crown molding, miles of glossy finishes on the walls -- everything that’s gonna show any small defect. This Maurer crew was hands down the best crew I’ve ever seen. They show up in immaculate whites, they take it seriously, and it really shows. Just really professional all the way through. Before I was a general contractor, one of the many things I did . . . was a painter. So I can pretty quickly recognize quality when I see it. As important -- they’re really great people to work with.

If you do a good job but you’re not much fun to be around with, I’m probably not gonna call you back for the next job.”

BEN BEEZLEY, MAGNOLIA BUILDERS

Oyster Month Is in Full Swing at Jax Fish House

POPPIN' ROCKS

ARTICLE BY LEON CORN PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

When Jax Fish House opened on West Pearl Street in Boulder almost 30 years ago, Chef Dave Query was trying to open restaurants that offered the bubble dwellers things that weren’t currently available. Zolo and its red chile BBQ duck tacos, Rhumba and its goat curry and mojitos, and at Jax, a proper plate of freshly shucked oysters and the appropriate steely white wine.

Jax has shucked a grip of oysters over the last three decades. With five Colorado locations, they are consistently in the oyster and seafood conversation, again winning readers’ choice Best Oyster Bar as well as Best Seafood Restaurant accolades in the 2023 annual Westword “Best of Denver” awards.

In speaking with Query, he was as excited as he’s ever been for what lay ahead. “It’s been a wild ride these last few years coming out of COVID and teetering on the edge of that word that starts with ‘r’ and ends in ‘eccession’. It’s never boring,” Dave says.

"Dana, (Query’s wife and Big Red F Restaurant Group business partner) and I are fully in it and working hard with some new members of the Jax family who are bringing a lot of energy and momentum,” says Dave.

Someone not new, is Query’s longtime Culinary Director, Jax Partner and friend, Sheila Lucero. “Chef She” as she’s known, has been with Jax for over 25 years, beginning her Jax adventure as a line cook at Jax in LoDo after graduating from The Art Institute of Colorado in 1998. “Sheila is such a badass and always has been. She played Division 1 soccer in Florida and came into the kitchen as this total athlete. She’s short, she moves at a thousand miles an hour and has this unwavering smile and bright happy eyes no matter what time it is or what is going on around her,” says Dave. “I was just hoping that she’d stay with us for at least a year, and it’s been a complete dream that we’ve worked together for this long.”

Lucero is a leading member of Monterrey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, a board director at EatDenver, and participates in the James Beard Smart Catch program. Under Sheila’s leadership and from her commitment to sourcing seafood sustainably, Jax received the honor of being Colorado’s first certified partner of Monterrey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch in 2014.

Dave says, “Sheila is at the very root as to the explanation for Jax’s long-time success, and her passion is centered around oysters, as much as anything.”

“I love that oysters can be the perfect bite and that they taste exactly like where they are from. They are a key player to healthy oceans, bays and estuaries, and talking and teaching classes about oysters and all of their attributes and qualities is really enjoyable” says Sheila.

When asked about sourcing and getting oysters to the middle of the country, Dave rolled his eyes. “If you think of airports as harbors and airplanes as fishing boats, Denver International Airport is one of the busiest harbors in the world. There is fresh seafood

in the belly of United and Southwest flights daily. How is it that a restaurant in NYC can serve Mexican Tuna or Florida Snapper, or a California restaurant has Alaskan Halibut or New Zealand Barramundi, but because they are on the ocean, it’s legit. We are halfway from almost everything, we are getting the freshest seafood here in Colorado, and we will pay more so these fishermen and women love us and bring us amazing products.”

One oyster connection that wasn’t borne from an airplane, is the long-term relationship Jax has with the Rappahannock Oyster Company in Topping, Virginia, on the Chesapeake Bay which produces Jax’s proprietary oyster—Cracker Jax. Dave tells the story of their first encounter.

“I’m in the Jax LoDo kitchen prepping with Jamey Fader and Sheila in the middle of a hot August afternoon, and this sun-burn faced Virginia hillbilly rolls in the back door wearing Grundens, pulling a red igloo cooler on wheels and says, ‘Wanna try some oysters?’ I think he’s totally kidding and he pulls out these beautiful oysters and starts crackin’ em. I couldn’t stop. Barcats,

“Wanna try some oysters?”

“Whether they call it out by a specific name, species or just a flavor profile, they know what they want.

Our guests have a really good idea of what they enjoy in an oyster.”

“IT’S

A

MUCH MORE COMPETITIVE ENDEAVOR WITH MORE AND MORE SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS.”

Sting Rays, all these different varietals they produce, each with a slightly different salinity, shell cup and minerality. They are over-the-top delicious and that was the beginning of an ongoing, long-term relationship with cousins Ryan and Travis Croxton who took over their grandfather’s struggling oyster business. A few weeks after tasting those first oysters almost 17 years ago, we have served Cracker Jax every day.”

Oysters are available in a lot more Front Range restaurants than when Jax first started shucking in Boulder in 1994, and soon after in LoDo in 1996. “It’s a much more competitive endeavor with more and more seafood restaurants,” says Chef Sheila. “And with that, oyster knowledge and appreciation has also increased. Our guests have a really good idea of what they enjoy in an oyster. Whether they call it out by a specific name, species or just a flavor profile, they know what they want. They have also come to know what a perfectly

shucked oyster should look like and the proper standards around oyster service.”

Adds Dana, “It’s been an amazing 30 year run with Jax, and we could not have accomplished any of it without the incredible people who have worked at Jax over the many years and who work there today. Good people who have hospitality in their bones. We take a lot of pride in our sourcing and handling practices and have developed a lot of trust with our guests over the last three decades. It takes a lot of practice and consistency to serve really great oysters, every time, without exception.”

March is Oyster Month at all Jax locations—Boulder, LoDo, Glendale, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. JaxFishHouse.com

Leon Corn is a freelance writer living in Colorado. When he’s not writing, he’s hunting things and enjoying brown liquor.

Ready to go from renderings to reality?

Interior

DOPAMINE GOLD

DOPAMINE GOLD MINE

Diving into Sauna and Cold Plunge Experiences

ARTICLE BY WILLOW KING

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

Ask any Finnish person the secret to health and happiness and they will probably mention the sauna. A Scandinavian tradition that is now popular all over the world, sauna culture, whether in homes or public places, involves much more than simply bathing. In a sauna, people cleanse their bodies and minds, embracing a sense of inner peace. Traditionally, the sauna has been considered a sacred space to rejuvenate and reset. Saunas come in many forms but are basically cozy wood-lined buildings or rooms heated by wood, electricity or infrared.

“Three minutes in Boulder Creek can feel like an eternity, but when you read the list of benefits it all feels worth it.”

Said to aid in metabolism, weight loss, pain reduction, skin rejuvenation and mood—as well as improve immune function, sleep, stress management and relaxation—the sauna may not be the only reason that Finland has repeatedly ranked first in the UN’s World Happiness Report, but it is certainly a factor worth exploring.

In addition to the heat, punctuating the sauna sessions with cold plunges is a great way to help your lymphatic system work more efficiently. Popularized by modern health guru, Wim Hoff, the cold plunge has become the new celery juice. It hurts, but there is almost nothing it can’t cure. Called “the method” by Hoff enthusiasts, the cold plunge lifestyle has 3 pillars: commitment, breathing and cold therapy. There is a very dedicated group of plungers that I have joined when the spirit moves me that gather to breathe and submerge every Saturday, all year, in Eben G Fine in West Boulder.

Three minutes in Boulder Creek can feel like an eternity, but when you read the list of benefits it all feels worth it.

Putting sauna and cold plunge together basically makes you superhuman. Or at least puts you in a really good mood.

If you are ready to commit, there are many local, custom sauna builders. Kaleb from Suomi Saunas offers a sauna questionnaire on their website that helps a client hone in on build and budget. If custom is overwhelming, there are a lot of cool pre-fab options including Nootka barrel-style saunas that allow you to select dimensions and whether you want electric or wood-fired heating.

THERMA

THERMA

Photo of Portal° Thermaculture by Casey Wilson

If you want a simpler version of all of it, Higher Dose offers an infrared sauna blanket that packs up like a yoga mat and can travel with you.

If you don’t have access to a home sauna or want to explore the community through sauna time, there are several wonderful options including having one come to you. Bathe Sauna does sauna pop-ups and will even come to your house, complete with cold plunge and sauna hats you can borrow.

Portal Thermaculture, founded by friends Rory MacMurdo and Will Dresher, recently opened in Boulder bringing a beautifully designed pair of saunas paired with a chill resting space. They offer drop-in, or a variety of different membership options.  These two met through a sauna club in Minnesota and wanted to share the many benefits with more people. In addition to the Boulder

location (originally planned as a 3-month pop-up but now working on plans for a permanent stay), the duo is also planning on bringing the concept to ski towns around Colorado. Sessions at Portal are generally one hour and Dresher recommends three 15-minute sauna sessions (these babies are hot! Both over 200 degrees Fahrenheit) with 2-3 minutes in their custom-designed cold plunge pools in between. Come for the heat, stay for the tunes. Macmurdo comes from a music background and the whole place is designed to feel like a Khruangbin album. Leave feeling smooth, vibrant and spacious inside.

For more information or booking contact: PortalThermaculture.com

Wim Hoff meetup: Meetup.com/ Wim-Hof-Breathing-and-Cold-WaterImmersion-Denver-Boulder/Events/

Photo of Portal° Thermaculture by Casey Wilson

Sauna in this feature built by @lovewonanother on Instagram

CULTURE

CULTURE

OWN THE LIFE

Curious curations

VINTAGE HOME GOODS THAT HAVE THE KIND OF BEAUTY THAT MOVES

ARTICLE BY GRACE ADELE BOYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESIREA STOTT-RODGERS, RICCI HARKE, JUDI LESTA

Style is fluid. Stagnation and restriction are the death rattles of creativity. Simply harken back to the blended weeks of feardrenched monotony that started the pandemic: homes became both sanctuaries and cells. We got bored and scared––purchases of delivery home goods shot up while supply chains ground to a halt. That sense of fun, aliveness and discovery that was vintage shopping just… kind of vanished. And now, a few years out, we’re learning to rediscover the pleasures of shopping local, secondhand and with intention. If you’re looking to refresh your home and return a sense of movement, contradiction and aliveness to your dwelling, here are four incredible local picks that will inspire and connect you to your community, yourself and the wider world.

Vintrey. Photo by Desirea Stott-Rodgers

Amazing Garage Sale

Haven

With two locations, Haven’s timeless selection of vintage, designer and apothecary goods is always evolving but the vibe remains consistent: soulful desert, a little beachy and always wild and modern.

The mother-daughter team that founded Haven in 2016 vehemently supports independent designers, rebellious artisans and handcrafted goods. Keep an eye out for some of the frequent events they host like flower arranging, wreath making, cosmic clarity readings, custom hat making and branding, botox parties, styling events, local business “sip and shop” social gatherings and fundraising events to support local causes like animal shelters or uninsured colorado children. You can shop at Haven in downtown Boulder (943 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302) or Denver (257 Fillmore Street, Denver, CO 80206).

A combination antique and consignment store, this ever-evolving treasure hunt has been a Boulder staple for over 25 years. Owner Judi Lesta deftly curates the collection of midcentury modern furniture, statement jewelry, vintage finds and designer classics. What sets Amazing Garage Sale apart is the curation. You can walk in with $20 and find a unique piece for your home or with a bigger budget, you can snag one of their designer gems like an Eames chair.

Located in the NoBo Art District (4919 N Broadway Street) and is open for your shopping pleasure from 12 noon to 5 p.m. every day April-November, with additional hours for consignment dropoff. In the winter months of November-March, they are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Stop in or give them a call at (303) 447 - 0417.

The Amazing Garage Sale.

Photo by Judi Lesta

Vintrey

Venturing 11 miles east of Boulder you’ll find Vintrey––an ethically sourced and thoughtfully curated boutique in downtown Lafayette. Family-owned and operated for over 10 years, Vintrey’s inventory is equal parts secondhand vintage, locally handmade and ethically sourced goods. Everything in the shop is “good for you” and has a story. From how it was made (sustainable, natural processes) to who made it (fair labor), the brother-sister owners, Ricci and Jordan, source everything. They are dedicated to offering honestly good brands, not just stocking the shelves with whatever is cute and trendy right now. Their Vintrey branded goods (leather, textiles, jewelry) are handmade in India by community members whom the siblings have worked directly with for years. Proceeds support their family’s anti-trafficking nonprofit, Child Restoration International ChildRestoration.com. You can shop Vintrey online or in person at 107 S Public Rd. Lafayette, where they host events like happy hours, Galentine’s Day tattooing and local business meet-ups.

Low Rider

The Cinderella Story of an old gas station that stood empty for six years before transforming into a multidimensional retail event space is a contemporary fairytale. Owner Susan McGrady is the visionary who brought Low Rider to life in 2022 and she has been a creative community conduit ever since. Where can you always find expertly curated vintage and modern home goods? What about in-person style classes that bring your Pinterest dreams to life? How about pop-up markets for local artistic youths? Or evening mixology classes? One answer––Low Rider. A dreamy 25-minute drive north of downtown Boulder will deliver you to 7507 Hygiene Rd., Longmont, home of this Meow Wolf-esque boutique. If you’re lucky, you might see McGrady in person. She loves hearing stories from customers who connect to objects in the shop, so don’t be shy, join the fun.

Vintrey. Photo by Ricci Harke

Low Rider, Photo by Poppy and Co.

The Audi Q4’s Continued Success at Audi Flatirons

Audi’s Q4 has been an international hit since it came out in Europe in 2022, and in the U.S. in the summer of 2023.

“Demand was so high that it took forever for them to actually get it over here,” says Jay Anderson, general sales manager at Audi Flatirons in Broomfield.

Audi’s 2024 Q4 e-tron SUV—and its sportier counterpart, the Sportback e-tron—are also having success.

“We are selling quite a few of these,” Jay says of the Q4. “It’s quickly becoming a crowd favorite” for both its all-electric capability and impressive mileage per charge. The Q4 has an estimated range of up to 265 miles and a charge time of about 36 minutes. The Sportback has a 242-mile range for a similar charge time.

“It's one of the best cars to get into because of the affordability that brings the people to our brand that probably weren't considering us,” Jay says.

At the start of this year, Colorado began offering a new tax credit to those who drive electric vehicles (EVs). In July 2023, the state announced that people who bought an EV for up to $80,000 in the last half of the year were offered $5,000 off their purchase—plus an additional $600 for the financial institution that completes the transaction. Coloradans who buy an EV for up to $35,000 after Jan. 1, 2024, are eligible for an additional $2,500 tax credit.

There’s also a $7,500 federal tax credit along with a $3,000 cash incentive from Audi. That’s $18,600 off the 2024 Q4 e-tron, which starts at $49,000, and the Sportback, which starts at $58,200.

Along with a significant discount, the Q4 offers Coloradoans— who are well-known for their active lifestyles—the perfect

ARTICLE BY JESSICA MORDACQ

Driver's Notebook

vehicle for getting to their next activity. The Q4 has allwheel drive and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats that allow for expansive cargo space.

“You can get the skis on the interior of the vehicle if you don't want to have them on the roof,” Jay says. “All the gear that you would want—your golf clubs, your inflatable paddle board—will sit in the back of the vehicle with ample storage room in the rear. It’s definitely geared to go places.”

In addition to the Flatirons dealership, Audi also has a service center in Boulder at 1799 Exposition Drive.

“We love being part of the Boulder community,” Jay says. “We've made a commitment to offer our customers cutting-edge technology on electric vehicles and the knowledge that goes with that.”

Audi Flatirons has won the Magna Society Elite Dealer award, given to outstanding U.S. dealerships, four years in a row, and is one of the top 15 best-performing Audi dealerships in the country.

Test drive a 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron or Sportback e-tron at Audi Flatirons at 13321 W. Midway Boulevard in Broomfield.

ARTICLE BY LISA VAN HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HBK PHOTOGRAPHY

AMONGST THE TREES

HOW SLOAN CONSTRUCTION CREATED A COZY, LUMINOUS PERCH IN A FOOTHILLS HOME REMODEL

For Hanna Sloan, PE and chief operating officer at Sloan Construction, there is a certain magic that comes with renovating a home to position it for longterm sustainability and success. This is particularly true in a recent remodel—a North Boulder foothills oasis—undertaken by Sloan Construction as part of its Sloan Development division.

“While the majority of our projects are client-based, it’s been our intention to grow the residential development side of our business,” says Hanna. “Taking a home that has been loved for its first 50 years and rebuilding it for the next number of decades is very rewarding. It’s been very exciting seeing our vision for this house come together.”

Hanna and Dave Sloan, the company’s founder and president, first “got the bug” for pursuing their own renovation projects after deconstructing and rebuilding their 1961 Boulder home two years ago and completing another remodel across the street in Pine Brook Hills in spring 2022. The pair purchased the home for this project in November 2022 and dove into the process of bringing out the abode’s full potential.

Dave notes that the project ended up entailing a complete remodel “down to the studs” due to the substantial, sometimes unexpected, structural work that was required.

“That’s the challenge and the fun with remodels, you never know what you’re going to get,” Dave says.

“It’s exciting for us to take on a project and peel back the layers so we can get a good look at what’s necessary to make it a great home. You have to be nimble and able to pivot in your approach or building techniques and not be intimidated by the surprises,” says Hanna.

The end result is a home characterized by a clean, open design that honors the surrounding natural beauty and takes advantage of its spectacular perch. Warmth and welcome permeate throughout with both overarching and minute design choices that help the indoors and outdoors harmonize beautifully.

“The trees on this property help create a feeling of privacy while still allowing for amazing natural light,” says Dave.

“From many vantage points, it feels like you are in a treehouse,” Hanna says.

This luminous feel is exemplified in the main level, which has been opened up into a lofty, connected

space that maximizes the square footage and the phenomenal views. The open living room includes a sliding and pivoting panoramic door leading to a wraparound deck. A Belgian wood-burning stove and breakfast nook exude coziness while the formal dining room features yet another set of panoramic doors with trapezoid windows above. This space is separated from the family room by a set of beautiful built-in cabinets and flanked by the spacious kitchen complete with a 14-foot island and stunning views.

The purposeful additions of larger windows likewise illuminate the primary suite, which now features expansive picture windows that allow for gorgeous sunrise and moonrise views, as well as an expansive walk-in closet. The primary bathroom is elevated by its luxurious layout and details, including in-floor heat, a large shower and a double vanity with custom, locally-made cabinets.

When turning to the home’s lower level, the Sloan team aimed to improve its livability and allow for it to function as a stand-alone space. This meant adding an exterior door to be used as its own entrance, constructing a wet bar adjacent to a flex space, creating a bright office space with views peeking into the valley and a host of additional functional details.

The Sloan team likewise ensured that the home personified its signature standards for thoughtful, energy-efficient design and function. The home includes new insulation throughout as well as new doors and windows, new siding and air barriers, new solar, and new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

“Given the extent of this remodel, this is essentially a new home,” says Hanna, “and one that is set up for success for the next 50-plus years.”

“It’s exciting for us to take on a project and peel back the layers so we can get a good look at what’s necessary to make it a great home.”

March 1, 2024, marked the start of a new chapter in DJ Goldfarb's legal career as he began his new role as an equity partner with Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP. DJ started as an associate with BHGR in 2017 and was later promoted to non-equity partner in 2023.

DJ cares deeply about representing his public entity clients and their employees by providing high-quality personalized representation and striving to minimize the negative impacts of the dispute process. His reputation spans cities, counties, home rule municipalities, towns, special districts, and their employees in state and federal courts at all levels.

This compassion and commitment to service can be seen in his efforts in mentorship within the firm and in the community. DJ was recently recognized as one of BizWest's Boulder Valley 40 Under Forty and has been a Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2020.

Outside the office, DJ enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, playing pickleball, running, working out at the gym, and trying to keep up with his young daughter. djg@bhgrlaw.com