Cherry Creek, CO April 2024

New Growth

While January may get all the credit for a time to set goals and resolutions, spring seems like a much more reasonable timeframe. I mean, come on, January first? Six days after the most stressful six-week time frame of the year is supposed to be the time we all implement sweeping changes to better enrich our lives? It is no wonder why roughly 85% of New Year’s resolutions do not stick.

When the thermometer is reading single digits, and the sun is setting an hour after the kids get home from school, we should just be happy to keep our sanity. Maybe it’s just the procrastinator in me, but I believe that warmer weather, longer days and flower buds blooming bring a much better environment for change.

So, if you are like me, and whiffed on the traditional “New Year’s resolution” thing, join me in making April the “unofficial” start to the New Year!

With gratitude,

ANDY MANZ, PUBLISHER @CHERRYCREEKLIFESTYLE

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

Kailey Beuerlein | kailey.beuerlein@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

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

SALES DIRECTOR

Denise Stoot | denise.stoot@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katherine Owen, Linden Butrym, Tony Firestine, Kailey Beuerlein

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lindsey Mazzaferro Photo, MBER Creative, Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Renderings by Nephew and Studio Gang, Astra Studios, Sunnie Heers, Ben Knight

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

“We just completed a new build with Haley, and can’t recommend them enough. Their overall build process along with a dedicated site manager & project manager help ensure things go smoothly. The close coordination between the architect, builder, and subs allowed for an efficient build which took a lot of stress off my wife and I. As issues arose during construction they were handled quickly and fairly to keep things on track, and Dan and team continue to help resolve the inevitable remaining tweaks after move in. Would hire Haley again in a second!”

Nathan Lowe

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Vail Valley’s First Rooftop Bar Now Open

One Rooftop Bar, the Vail Valley’s inaugural rooftop experience featuring panoramic Beaver Creek views paired with ridiculously cool cocktails and delectable bites, is now open daily from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.  Located in Avon’s Riverfront Village, this unparalleled new venue invites patrons to delight in expertly crafted cocktails including the Double Diamond Martini, the Shooting Star Spritz and the Bear Paw Bramble, amidst a vibrant, modern atmosphere. OneRooftopBar.com

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Olive & Finch Debuts Cold-Pressed Bottled Juice Line

Finch on the Fly, local café Olive & Finch’s chef-crafted line of wholesale products, recently debuted a new roster of cold-pressed bottled juices and wellness shots. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants and free of added sugar, these new offerings are made from real, whole ingredients for a grab-and-go experience that’s nourishing and delightful. Find them at Olive & Finch locations, Little Finch in LoDo and other retailers with Finch on the Fly wholesale accounts. OliveAndFinch.com/Finch-On-The-Fly

Opening Day at Denver Union Station

Celebrate the start of the 2024 Colorado Rockies season with a Denver Union Station Patio Party on Friday, April 5. The family-friendly festivities will kick off on the Terminal Bar patio at 10 a.m. Enjoy live DJ entertainment, delicious food & drink specials, a visit from Rockies mascot Dinger, face painting, a photo booth and more. Make it a staycation with an overnight visit to The Crawford Hotel!  DenverUnionStation.com/Experience/

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Sakura Blossom Bar at Death & Co, Now-April 28

Returning to Death & Co this spring, the immersive Sakura Blossom Bar will feature more than 400 cherry blossoms lining the ceiling of the intimate mezzanine bar within The Ramble Hotel. The vibe is dictated by a turntable playing a curated selection of vintage Japanese records alongside a special menu of bites and highball cocktails featuring products from sponsor House of Suntory. Sakura Blossom Bar is open now through April 28, Thursday through Sunday from 5-10 p.m.

Photography Courtesy of Kelly Calvillo

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Experience the health care you deserve in the heart of Denver. From primary care to emergency care and more than 150 specialties in between, count on Denver Health to provide the services you need. Denver Health is here for life’s journey.

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A Sustainable Marvel

Populus, the U.S.'s First Carbon-Positive Hotel, is Under Construction in Denver's Civic Center Park

ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY

RENDERINGS BY NEPHEW AND STUDIO GANG

Contributing to the revitalization of Civic Center Park at Colfax Ave and 14th St, a groundbreaking addition is set to be added to the Denver skyline in the summer of 2024. From Aparium Hotel Group, Populus isn't just another hotel; it's a pioneering venture, poised to redefine the hospitality industry. With its exceptional commitment to sustainability and nature-inspired design, Populus prides itself on being the first carbon-positive hotel in

the United States, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible hospitality.

Developed by Urban Villages and managed by Aparium Hotel Group, Populus epitomizes sustainability in every aspect of its conception and operation. With a focus on offsetting its carbon footprint, Populus has embarked on a remarkable journey of collaboration with nature. Over 70,000 Engelmann Spruce trees

have been planted in Gunnison County, Colorado, in partnership with One Tree Planted and the United States Forest Service, to sequester the hotel’s initial carbon emissions and rejuvenate the local ecosystem. More trees will be planted as the interiors are moving towards completion. Populus has also integrated sustainable practices into its construction, utilizing low-carbon concrete mixes, high-recycled content materials and maximizing structural efficiency to minimize its environmental footprint. The hotel's ongoing operations will also contribute to its carbon-positive status, ensuring that every guest's stay leaves a positive mark on the planet. “We hope Populus will serve as a model for how the real estate industry can more directly address the urgency of climate change while also meeting the preferences of today’s eco-conscious traveler,” says Jon Buerge, president of Urban Villages. “Buildings currently account for 45 percent of greenhouse emissions in the United States; we need a new way to build. We hope the transparency with which we are sharing our ever-evolving efforts to reduce the building’s carbon footprint during construction and operations

and to establish creative, local ways to sequester additional carbon off-site, will empower other developers to take a more sustainable and holistic approach.”

Populus' architectural style, crafted by the renowned Studio Gang, draws inspiration from Colorado's majestic signature Aspen trees. The building's distinctive facade, featuring "Aspen-eye" windows and outward-extending "lids," not only pays homage to nature but also enhances energy efficiency in Denver's diverse, and often disparate, climate. Internally, Populus exudes warmth and tranquility, courtesy of Wildman Chalmers Design. The interiors seamlessly blend natural elements with modern luxury, creating a sensory experience reminiscent of wandering through a mountain grove. “By taking cues from nature and partnering with local artisans, we hope to create a strong connection between the design of Populus and the earth and its surroundings. The result will be a hospitality experience that’s warm, welcoming and uniquely Colorado,” says Heather Wildman, principal and design director of Wildman Chalmers Design. Every detail reflects Populus's reverence for the environment.

Beyond its eco-friendly ethos and captivating design, Populus will offer many amenities designed to elevate the guest experience. From modern guest rooms and flexible event spaces to a signature rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city and mountains, every aspect of Populus is tailored to provide guests with unforgettable moments amidst nature-inspired comfort. Populus' commitment to sustainability also extends to its operational partnerships. The hotel continues to explore collaborative alliances for renewable energy sourcing, regenerative agriculture initiatives and waste diversion programs to further reduce its carbon footprint and foster a more sustainable future.

With its unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and a design that seamlessly integrates with nature, Populus is poised to become an exemplary model of sustainable travel. As travelers seek experiences that align with their values, Populus stands ready to welcome them, offering an oasis where hospitality, esthetic and sustainability converge in perfect symmetry. PopulusDenver.com

Rendering by Studio Gang Rendering by Nephew

“We hope Populus will serve as a model for how the real estate industry can more directly address the urgency of climate change while also meeting the preferences of today’s ecoconscious traveler.”

Rendering by Studio Gang

Historic Preservation Meets Exquisite Modernity

Take a Tour Through this Stunning Home in Denver’s Picturesque Bonnie Brae Neighborhood

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASTRA STUDIOS

828 S. COLUMBINE STREET

LISTED BY JOSH BEHR, LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

$2,998,000

5 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHROOMS

5,116 SQUARE FEET

9,594 SQUARE-FOOT LOT

When Margaux and Patrick Williamson bought 828 S. Columbine Street in 2019, they were only the third owners of the property, which was constructed in 1938. The two-story home had all the features of a well-built house from that time period, including three layers of brick, but its outdated interiors didn’t match the enchanting exterior. The couple began to put their creative stamp on the home, and after a year-long renovation, the property was revitalized to include an expansive addition, stylish interior updates, gorgeous landscaping and a refreshed layout perfect for a 21st-century family. Now proudly listed for sale by Josh Behr real estate agency, the historic Bonnie Brae home offers the chance to live in a beautiful combination of old and new.

MAINTAINING HISTORIC CHARM

Keeping certain elements of the home that date back to the 1930s was as important to the Williamsons as modernizing the property. All wood floors and doors in the historic part of the house are original, as are the two wood-burning fireplaces, crown molding and built-ins in the front sitting room, the mail slot and outdoor shutters. Although they didn’t keep the butterfly wallpaper in one of the bedrooms, the couple did cut a little piece of it to frame in homage to the history of the home.

ADDING SPACE AND CONTEMPORARY TOUCHES

A 2,000-square-foot addition provided the space the couple and their two sons needed. Margaux and Patrick added a primary suite with an ensuite bathroom and an upstairs laundry, and a sizeable downstairs living area took the place of the former garage. Interior design details like the chef’s kitchen, home gym and French doors leading to the patio added modern appeal, while outdoor features like the new portico and backyard fire pit provided beauty and functionality.

INCORPORATING FUN FEATURES

What was once the laundry room in the basement is now one of the most unique spaces in the home — a speakeasy affectionately known as “the tequila room.” Tucked away behind a hidden bookshelf door, the cozy space, with its yellow walls and moody ambiance, “makes you want to have a cocktail,” Margaux says. The couple took tequila shots at their 2017 wedding in lieu of a champagne toast, so this room is especially meaningful.

ENJOYING THE PEACEFUL NEIGHBORHOOD

Highly rated schools and Bonnie Brae’s curved streets, canopied by dense, older trees, drew the Williamsons to the area. Nearby, the quaint park was the perfect place to relax. “It’s the sweetest one in Denver,” Margaux adds. “In the afternoon, it’s chock full of kids. In the morning, everyone walks their dogs. It’s a quiet, hidden gem.”

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the ART of REFLECTION

Step Inside the World of Artist Kristen Abbott, Where Creativity and Community are All Waypoints to Finding Center

ARTICLE BY KATHERINE OWEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY MAZZAFERRO PHOTO & MBER CREATIVE

From artist Kristen Abbott’s home studio in South Boulder, each change of the seasons is a chance to collaborate with nature and cultivate new techniques and mediums. Now, with spring and summer on the way, her explorations with cyanotypes will take center stage once again.

One of the oldest photographic printing processes, cyanotyping relies on a reaction between UV light and an iron salt solution that results in deep blue prints.

“I'm collaborating with nature in a sense that, depending on how bright the sun is that day and the intensity of the rays, or if we get an afternoon rain shower that rains on it while it's still exposing… all of those things I just embrace as part of the process,” explains Kristen. “I’m not able to predict or control the outcome, and in a lot of ways, that is what keeps me coming back.”

Kristen’s cyanotype work showcases nature not just in methodology, but imagery as well, incorporating leaves and twigs and other natural materials. (“My kids started calling me the leaf lady last summer,” she adds with a laugh.) But as the seasons shift, Kristen finds she’ll return to her first medium: painting.

“As I move into the fall and winter, I can totally feel my energy shift and I start craving a more cozy, layered feeling,” Kristen says. “How do I bring this in? I'm in my studio with a cup of tea and a really cozy sweater, and I'm creating this textural, layered, builtup-over-time type of work that doesn't feel quite as immediate. It's a little bit more introspective in that way.”

Introspection is a big theme of Kristen’s work—not just for her, but she hopes for the viewer as well. Kristen explains she wants her art to be “experiential and not just another product to be consumed.”

“I am creating work that for me, feels grounding and reflective because I very easily get caught up in the spin cycle of our busy life. And I know that so many other people do too, and that's our natural default—to keep going and to keep adding and to keep

CONTINUED >

hustling,” Kristen says. “So for me, it's all about creating this sanctuary, this safe haven that I can actually come to rest in.”

And in case it sounds like Kristen has found a path to total calm and clarity—she is most definitely still on the search herself, she clarifies.

“It's not like I'm so zen all the time. It's more about, this is where I want to come to. This is when I'm my best self — in this space,” Kristen says. “We're all craving these anchor points to ground us in the middle of our busy lives, and I want my art to just provide that quiet reflection so that people can pause and become more aware of the beauty that's already around them.”

This search is a big driver behind her community-minded work that’s morphed into two big undertakings: one, an old South Boulder schoolhouse she is transforming into a studio and community space where she and other artists can host everything from workshops to yoga events to women’s circles. And two, a plan to take the idea of creative community abroad via The Creative Soul Retreat, June 21-28 in Great Glemham, England.

”It’s not just for artists, but for women who are wanting big shifts in their life and wanting things to happen that they didn't even know were possible. For me, that came about after I got to do an artist residency in France in the summer of 2022 that was hugely transformative for me. I knew it was going to be awesome, but it was next level,” Kristen explains. “I brought so much of this creative energy and inspiration home with me that now, I want everyone to have this experience of what is possible when we get out of our normal ruts and rhythms…I want more of that. I want more of those big experiences that we get to bring back with us that change the way we do everyday life.”

Learn more about Kristen’s work and the Creative Soul Retreat at KristenAbbott.com

“I AM CREATING WORK THAT FOR ME, FEELS GROUNDING AND REFLECTIVE BECAUSE I VERY EASILY GET CAUGHT UP IN THE SPIN CYCLE OF OUR BUSY LIFE.”

H A V E Y O U B E E N D I A G N O S E D W I T H

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m i l l i o n a d u l t s , a n d h a l f a m i l l i o n y o u t h ,

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O C D i s a v e r y r e a l m e n t a l h e a l t h c o n d i t i o n t h a t a f f e c t s a b o u t 2 t o 3 m i l l i o n a d u l t s , a n d h a l f a m i l l i o n y o u t h , P e o p l e w i t h O C D f a c e d e b i l i t a t i n g a n x i e t y o v e r s o m e v e r y s p e c i f i c t h i n g s , c a l l e d “ o b s e s s i o n s . ” T h i s l e v e l o f e x t r e m e w o r r y a n d f e a r c a n b e s o o v e r w h e l m i n g t h a t i t g e t s i n t h e w a y o f t h e i r a b i l i t y t o f u n c t i o n

T o t r y t o o v e r c o m e t h i s a n x i e t y , p e o p l e e n g a g e i n b e h a v i o r s k n o w n a s “ c o m p u l s i o n s ” w h i c h o f f e r s h o r t t e r m r e l i e f u n t i l t h e o b s e s s i v e

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t h o u g h t o c c u r s a g a i n .

t h o u g h t o c c u r s a g a i n H e r e a t K a i r o s , o u r c l i n i c i a n s w i t h

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l i v e d i n e x p e r i e n c e s o f f e r a d i f f e r e n t p e r s p e c t i v e a n d a s p e c i f i c t r a i n i n g t o w o r k w i t h O C D

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ARTICLE BY KATE LACROIX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESS SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Colorado-Born Winemaker Graham Markel Remains Agile at His Oregon Winery

It’s an early morning after what is arguably the worst ice storm in Oregon’s recent history. Winemaker Graham Markel stops to get a gas station coffee before heading towards the Columbia River Gorge to assess the damage. Highway 84 has been closed for days (Oregon does not salt their roads) but Graham wants to have a look at his vines. He assures me they are most likely fine because winter is when they are most dormant. “In recent years we haven’t been as lucky as we’ve had freezes in both spring and fall,” Graham says.

Buona Notte is the brainchild winery of Graham and his father, the late Jeffrey Markel. “In 2016 my dad gave me the money to buy my first fruit," Graham says. "The day we showed up to buy the Sangiovese it was twice as much but he doubled down and purchased four tons of grapes (300 cases of wine). There was no turning back.” The grapes are organically or naturally farmed. The wines are made with no additives other than a little sulfur and made in the ”low intervention” way that allows the grapes to take center stage. Buona Notte contracts around 20 acres of co-opted

BUONA NOTTE CREATES IN A CHANGING

CREATES BEAUTY CHANGING CLIMATE

vines grown by some of the best farmers in The Gorge and their winemaking and bottling space has been shared with Son of Man Cider since 2018. Italian varietals like Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Syrah grow well in the sunny climate and volcanic soils of The Gorge, nearly mirroring the climate in some of the famous grape-growing regions in Italy.

Having been steeped in food and wine from an early age he is not surprised by his career path. His father ran an organic fruit and vegetable distribution company in Boulder and his mother is an intrepid global traveler with her eponymous company, Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures. After graduating from Buddhistinspired Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, he worked at the famed restaurant The Kitchen and became interested in the indelible combination of food and wine. In 2011, Graham followed another Boulderite, Nate Ready, to the Willamette Valley to work with storied natural winemaker, Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra. “For four years, Maggie gave me all the encouragement in the world to start my own winery,” Graham says. In 2015, Graham followed Ready–one of a small handful of Master Sommeliers–to help him make his natural wine that has been broadly recognized as some of the best in the nation. In 2016, Buona Notte began making wine at Hiyu Wine Farm before moving to where they are today.

Ice isn’t the only environmental winemaking hurdle. Forest fire season is anywhere between June through September and in both 2017 and 2020, the grapes turned smoky. In 2017, the entire Oregon side of The Gorge burned down—part of the broader West Coast fires. Wine correcting techniques such as less skin contact

and meticulous leaf and stem removal had to be employed to mitigate the effects of the smoke. To provide full transparency, “This wine is going to be smoky,” had to be communicated to all of Graham's accounts.

No aspect of winemaking is without its rigors and now those in the craft must remain agile with a series of unpredictable weather events. The fall 2023 harvest was nearly a month earlier than the previous year. “It was crazy, the grapes were ready to pick almost four weeks earlier than the year before," says Graham. "We had to train and hustle for weeks to make sure we didn’t miss the moment.” Any description of that month feels like an understatement. Graham worked 18-hour days with his farmers, pickers, winery employees and his partner, Jess Smith, also the winery photographer.

Graham is also doing his best to stem the tide of climate change in his packaging. Buona Notte’s labels are 50 percent post-consumer waste and 50 percent hemp. The bottles come from recycled glass in the area and the cork-sealing beeswax comes from local hives.

“For four years, Maggie gave me all the encouragement in the world to start my own winery.”

Despite increased challenges, Graham continues to imbue his wines with inspired food and warm hospitality wherever he goes. 2024 is already packed with a spring winery lunch series in which he cooks and conducts to the many guests who come by each Saturday. He’s also planning an ambitious eight-city West Coast wine tour with some of his favorite restaurants running along the coast from Washington to SoCal. And he’ll be continuing to process another kind of change—the death of his father from stomach cancer last year. Regardless of professional and personal setbacks, Graham’s philosophy is to do the work no matter what it takes. “If you believe you have been entrusted with a thing of beauty, you have to chase it—you have to put in the work,” Graham says.

“The vines are fine!” Graham bellows from a faraway row.  Just another day in the life of winemaking on a swiftly changing planet. Though he continues to speculate about climate change, Graham is willing to accept the conditions necessary to keep making wine.  As he climbs into the car, he smiles and repeats a well-known Buddhist phrase: “The only thing constant is change.”

Exploring Some of Denver’s Favorite Dive Bars

ARTICLE BY SARAH KATZ | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY POPPY AND CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

V E S

While many Denverites head to the mountains on the weekends, there is still a passion for the laid-back bar scene. Riddled throughout the city, one can find themselves walking into one of the many, slightly dingy but character filled dive bars. The Denver dive bar scene is filled with great music, delicious snacks and some unique decorations you won’t find elsewhere.

EMBASSY TAVERN

Whether you’re in the mood for a post-Hop Alley dessert beer or are looking for a local late-night spot, Embassy Tavern certainly should be considered as your next go-to setting. The pinball machines, twinkle lights and bright-red neon sign bring a nostalgic warmth that only a few locations in Denver organically provide. To the rest of the bar’s dismay, you can tailor the night to your group’s favorite songs with their digital jukebox. Their menu features your favorite drinkable beers alongside a menu of cocktails, ciders, seltzers and sours. Be sure to grab some alien-themed merchandise on your way out the door as a conversation starter for the next time you run into an Embassy Tavern local.

715 CLUB

A classic light-up sign that says “The 715 Cocktails” with an arrow pointing down at the bar welcomes you in from the streets of the Five Points neighborhood. Once inside 715 Club, you’ll enjoy live music, DJs and delicious cocktails. Be sure to check their Instagram to get caught up on what live music they’re featuring each month. You can indulge in their proximity to Famous Original J’s pizza which is right outside on the bar’s patio open during the day and for a latenight slice.

HERB’S

With Herb’s, you get the comfort of a dive bar with the passion of live music in Denver’s LODO neighborhood. As a Denver staple since 1933, the bar’s roots remain the same with a focus on music and delicious drinks. Their April calendar is filled with opportunities to listen to jazz, bring your best to a jam session or groove to some oldies.

DON’S CLUB TAVERN

Often sporting a line of eager patrons waiting to get in, Don’s Club Tavern is a well-loved establishment. Despite the busy atmosphere, this Capitol Hill gem is guaranteed to make you feel right at home, especially if you’re a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. During football season, you can join the fandom on Sundays with Don’s opening early when the Chiefs play. Make sure to join their Facebook page dedicated to their watch parties to find out more. No matter the season or your sports allegiances, you should head over to Don’s to grab a pool stick and settle in near the pool table or head to the booths in the back and chat with friends old and new.

DIVE INN

You probably don’t often say that you went to a dive bar in Denver and drank your beer in the captain’s seat of a boat. At Dive Inn, you can say that and more while playing pool, ping-pong and cornhole or enjoying the sun on their dog-friendly patio. Located in the Platt Park neighborhood, it is a few steps away from some delicious eats including their neighbor, Cluck Chicken.

PS LOUNGE

PS Lounge makes every day feel like Valentine’s Day with every woman getting a free rose as they walk in the door. The bar gives a vintage feel with leather booths and floral carpet. The walls are covered in pictures of old movies, famous musicians and photos of previous patrons enjoying their night. Sticking with the theme, the bar is cash only so make sure to plan ahead. Head over to PS Lounge for a date night, or ladies’ night or stop in as you head down Colfax for some good conversation.

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUFFER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNNIE HEERS AND BEN KNIGHT

PRUNED HANDS, WARM HEARTS

Photo by Ben Knight

For those last lingering winter days, when we are needing and craving a little warmth, Desert Reef Hot Spring has you covered. Just a quick hour and a half drive to the South, the landscape changes from Pine tree covered mountains to tumbleweeds and sagebrush as the desert mesas welcome you to Royal Gorge Country.

As those last surprise cold days come around, a quick escape to ensure a warmer getaway was in the cards, so South we went. We pulled into Florence on a Saturday afternoon to check into our tiny home and immediately had to jump right in to kick off a weekend of relaxation. With their offerings described as “therapeutic waters, big open skies, tranquility, site specific art installations and a non-judgemental attitude with a belief in inclusivity,”, the community built decades ago leaves no deniability about the healing aspects of the water heated by the earth.

The story of Desert Reef brings us back to 1986, where the springs were developed by LJ Conrad and wife, Ro to be a private and peaceful sanctuary of community in Florence. “After hundreds of years in an aquifer deep below the surface, our water is heated by the earth's core and flows out naturally via our artesian well. Coming up from well over 1,000 feet below our water carries up minerals and is extremely hot, (125-135 degrees Fahrenheit) and is of exceptional purity,” the Desert Reef team explains. The hot springs rolled into their next iteration in the early 2000’s to

be a member’s only club where locals would come to soak and relax. In 2021, a new life began for Desert Reef as the space was developed by Four Points Funding, into what visitors come to experience today, with new bathhouses, overnight accommodations and even more pools. With many options for an overnight stay, from Airstreams to BYO Camper Van, the tiny homes steal the show with the potential to stargaze and soak the night away in your own personal hot spring.

Once we sufficiently warmed up in our personal pool, we wanted to explore the grounds like Goldilocks, jumping from pool to pool to find just the right temperature. In each pool, you strike up a conversation with people visiting from near and far, learning all about their pocket of the world and what called them to soak in the natural springs of the Colorado desert. As the sun begins to set, we watch the stars begin to fill the sky as we chitchat about long talked about UFO activity in the area in hopes of catching a little glimpse.

While a quiet relaxing soak as the sun sets is already perfect in every way, I already have it on my list to come back soon for a Desert Reef hosted event. This year they have hosted sound baths, musicians, comedians for Camp Soak, a pop up sauna and cold plunge with Bathe Sauna’s wood burning mobile sauna, and ‘Scream and Soak’ movie nights to watch ‘The Hills Have Eyes’,

Photo by Sunnie Heers

cocktails with ESP Hifi, food with Chef Michael of Bruto, and on Fridays, Water Yoga.

As the night closes, we head back to our tiny home and crawl up into the handcrafted loft bed, but as soon as the sun peeks back over the mesas, we can’t wait to get back to soaking to get to the warmest start to the day, this time with a cup of coffee in hand. After a couple more rounds of musical pools to make sure we experienced them all, it is sadly time to pack our bags and head back home, but not before a pit stop to check out the town of Florence, called the “Antique Capital of the State of Colorado” to search for a treasure to commemorate the trip.

It might not be much longer until Desert Reef and their healing hot springs take claim for what this town is known for. The Desert Reef Hot Spring continues the legacy of building an inclusive community through healing waters, honoring LJ and the original vision. This was my first visit to the oasis of these southern hot springs - a place where time stands still, and the soul finds peace and rest amidst the desert landscape - but it won’t be my last.

Photo by Sunnie Heers

Photo by Ben Knight

“Afterhundredsofyearsin an aquifer deep belowthesurface ,our water i s heat ed yb th e earth’ score and f swo pugnimoC.llewnaisetraruoaivyllarutantuo f mor 1revollew f000,bteelewo ruo tawre rac ir e s u p im n e r a l s a n d is extremelyhot,(125-135degrees Fahrenheit)andisofexceptional puri t y . ”

Photo by Ben Knight

Photo by Sunnie Heers

Photo by Sunnie Heers

WD 2024 | NWFA Winner Floor of the Year

Six Things

to Love about Urban Mattress

From Luxurious and Eco-Friendly Design Details to Superior Service, Here’s Why this Family-Owned Boulder Company is a Dream

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM

Getting a good night’s sleep can often involve specific requirements: total darkness, cooler temperatures, a perfect mattress, a just-right pillow, a sound machine playing the soothing rhythm of crashing ocean waves, perhaps an air purifier or essential oils spritzed into the room.

For the family behind Urban Mattress Boulder.UrbanMatress. com , there’s nothing more important than creating a clean and comfortable sleeping environment. Combining sustainable practices with three generations of industry knowledge, Urban Mattress offers an array of mattress designs that are made to order in their Denver factory for homes across the Front Range and beyond. Owner Billy Williams and his five children, Madison,

Alexa, Annika, Isabel and William, source 80 percent of mattress materials from the U.S., while organic latex from Sri Lanka and viscous bamboo from Turkey are also responsibly sourced. Their mattress collections include GOTS and GOLS certified materials, meaning textiles are sustainably grown, harvested and maintain a 95 percent purity level. “Through intelligently designed products, we focus on helping people fall asleep and stay asleep,” Billy says. Urban Mattress also carries bed frames, sheets and pillows from companies with similar environmental values.

In our ongoing quest for cozy nights that leave us feeling wellrested in the morning, we asked Alexa to share a few of her favorite things that contribute to sustainable sleep.

ELM MATTRESS

Designed with 100 percent certified organic fibers, the Elm mattress (starting at $699 for a twin) is available in firm or gentle. It’s part of the entry-level Organic line, which is coveted for guest rooms, children’s rooms and vacation rentals that want to provide an elevated guest experience.

COPELAND BED FRAME

Urban Mattress carries bed frames crafted from walnut and cherry wood by Vermont-based Copeland Furniture. Each traditional yet timeless design is built to last for decades and Green Guard certified for low chemical emissions.

TABERNASH MATTRESS

ADJUSTABLE BASE

DREAMFIT SHEETS

“We all sleep on these,” Alexa says. Urban Mattress stocks high-quality DreamFit Degree 5 sheets made with soft bamboo fibers, which are antimicrobial and help you stay cool throughout the night.

Starting at $1,000 for a queen, the Ergomotion adjustable base replaces a box spring. It is low profile (only four-anda-half inches thick) and provides enhanced comfort for any Urban Mattress product. “It’s great for sleep preparation and end-of-day recovery,” Alexa says. What’s more, the zero-gravity setting can evenly distribute pressure in your body to improve circulation and breathing.

Part of the luxe Alpine collection, the Tabernash mattress can alleviate hip or shoulder pain associated with side sleeping. It provides a clean, cool sleeping experience with dense CertiPURcertified memory foam, six inches of organic latex and other natural fibers. The Tabernash is also designed with a zipper, which allows you to replace coils and layers instead of throwing them away after 10-12 years.

ECO-FRIENDLY MATTRESS REMOVAL

During the complimentary white-glove delivery process, Urban Mattress will remove your old mattress and take it to Spring Back Colorado, where it’s broken down and transformed into carpet backing. “Nothing we pick up goes into landfills,” Alexa shares. “That’s something people really appreciate.”

Denver Metro’s newest fully custom home community located between Boulder & Golden.

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