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Let's Get Learning
It’s official, we are hitting that point in the summer where we are feeling activity and travel fatigue and craving a bit of normalcy and routine, just in time for the school year to get started. As the kids head back into the classroom, maybe we consider doing a bit of learning ourselves. After all, we’re never too old to stop learning, in fact, it keeps us young!
We are offered opportunities galore to explore new ways of learning, and, lucky us, it is that time of year again. Month of Modern is here! With “Imagine” as a central theme, Month of Modern has an incredible lineup of events that bring you back to that childlike wonder and intrigue of learning: from taking a look into a new world of possibilities to learning about the implementation of AI in the architecture space to taking a peek into artist’s worlds and seeing how other people’s minds and creativity work.
It is still summer after all. We aren’t quite done with those warm weather outdoor activities and every day is an opportunity to learn something new in nature; even better to do so through community, like Wanderland Outdoors.
And age is just a number, right? BMoCa is making sure to keep learning accessible at all ages and for people living with dementia, through their Spark! program. Learning through more traditional and tactile ways, this program teaches about local artists and gives an opportunity to make art together, pulling from what they have learned.
The learning possibilities are endless. This month we are gaining fresh perspectives, opening up our mind to new possibilities and innovations, learning new outdoor activities through community, and even prioritizing our health through new learning opportunities.
So grab your backpack, sharpen those pencils and let’s get learning.
KELSEY HUFFER, EDITOR @CHERRYCREEKLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
Millie D’Souza | millie.dsouza@citylifestyle.com
Edson Graycar | edson.graycar@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Chantel Ellerington chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Tony Firestine | anthoyjfirestine@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily O'Brien, Meredith Rowe, Annie Bloj, Linden Butrym, Colin Gbolie
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Lisa Doane, Beau Walters, Impact, Mickkail Cain, Logan Manaker, Chermetra Keys
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
business monthly
Sunset in the City Benefiting Anchor Center for Blind Children
Anchor Center for Blind Children will hold their Sunset in the City Gala, at RiNo’s ReelWorks on Saturday, September 21. Sunset in the City is a unique, invitation-only fundraiser that includes cocktails, dinner, live entertainment, a featured speaker and a silent and live auction in support of Anchor Center.
Tickets: AnchorCenter.org/Sunset2024/
Denver Metro’s newest fully custom home community located between Boulder & Golden.
For a limited time, future residents can select their perfect lot to be included in the next phase.
Lot 29
Lot 62
Id Est Founders Kelly & Erika Whitaker
Kelly and Erika Whitaker, Founders of Id Est, won this year’s James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur. This award honors restaurateurs who use their establishments as vehicles for building community, demonstrating creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations, and an effort to create a sustainable work culture while contributing positively to their broader community. Their group consists of Boulder restaurants Basta and Dry Storage, Denver restaurants The Wolf’s Tailor, BRUTØ, Hey Kiddo and OK Yeah, and Nonesuch in Oklahoma City.
Colorado Eye Consultants is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technologies and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes…every time. For more than 40 years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404
COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS
1501 West Mineral Avenue Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120
$950 | ALL INCLUSIVE
PRIVATE CONSULT WITH ALEJANDRO GAETA, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SKETCH | IMPORTED SILK FABRIC FROM ITALY ALL FITTINGS AND ALTERATIONS
GO ON A CREATIVE JOURNEY: MONTH OF MODERN
CELEBRATE THE AMAZING WAYS DESIGN ENRICHES OUR LIVES
ARTICLE BY EMILY O'BRIEN
Originating in Boulder’s lively design community in 2014, Month of Modern (MoM) features a whole month of exciting design events, exhibitions and experiences. This year's theme, "Imagine," is sure to inspire and engage attendees with fresh ideas and new perspectives. From architecture and interior design to the built environment, artificial intelligence and graphic design, a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds will be celebrated.
"Design, at its heart, is all about understanding what people need and finding ways to meet those needs," says Stephanie Bingham, MoM vanguard and marketing director at HMH Architecture + Interiors. "Whether it's improving safety,
promoting health or simply enriching everyday experiences, design is about making life better."
All events are open to the public, so if you have an interest in design or ideas to share, you are highly encouraged to attend. RSVP or buy your tickets in advance, as seats are limited and have sold out in the past.
Stephanie envisions MoM as more than just a series of events— it's a treasure trove of inspiration and connections. "Imagine being surrounded by your creative tribe, where ideas flow freely and new opportunities emerge," Stephanie says, capturing the essence of MoM's community-driven ethos.
Kickoff + AI Exhibit @ Bus Stop Gallery in NoBo Art District // First Friday Event
Kicking off MoM24, Month of Modern has partnered with UTSoA professors Kory Bieg, Daniel Koehler and Clay Odom to present “Architecture After AI”—an exhibition exploring how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing architectural design, showcasing groundbreaking concepts and structures that were once unimaginable. After opening night, the exhibit will move to another location for viewing throughout the rest of the month.
Sept 6th
Sept 12th
Cocktails
& Conversations with BC Interiors and PoolBoy // Ages 21+
Sip your way through reimagining sustainable interior design. Recognizing the built environment’s significant carbon footprint, the event encourages discussions on eco-friendly materials and practices that reduce CO2 emissions without compromising style.
“Boulder has always been a community at the forefront of sustainability and should continue to set an urgent pace for environmental innovation,” says Laura Boyd Chapman, creative director and co-owner of BC Interiors. “It’s important that we continue to converse and push each other to innovate, developing new products and processes to ensure great design comes with less impact on the Earth.”
Photo by Lisa Doane
Photo by Lisa Doane
Sept 14th
MoM has partnered with a select group of contemporary artists, including Bill Snider and Berger & Föhr, for a self-guided tour, offering visitors the opportunity to meet local artists, see their creative processes and the chance to purchase original artwork.
Movie Night
Watch a film followed by a discussion with Robert Bean and Lila Morency of IMPACT, a “Boutique storytelling video agency helping upscale architects, interior designers and builders set themselves apart and delight their clientele”. Enjoy snacks and even a cold beer or glass of wine.
Sept 16th
Artist Studios Tour
Artist Studio Tour - Serge Goldberg
Photo by Impact
Photo by Impact
Photo by Beau Walters
Cocktails & Conversations // Ages 21+ Sept 19th
Be part of an engaging evening complementing the “Architecture After AI” exhibition with a special event with the exhibit curators. Explore how AI is transforming the conception, design and realization of buildings, creating new forms and structures. Indulge in cocktail mixology with POOLBOY, delicious light bites and insightful conversations on the future of architecture.
Photo by Lisa Doane
Photo by Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer
Wrap Party
Photo by Lisa Doane
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERMETRA KEYS
Introducing Wanderland Outdoors
Sharing interests with your partner is important—and for Bobbie and Angel Massie, one of those shared loves is for the outdoors. Back when Bobbie was playing for the NFL, they’d use his limited time away to travel, and those trips had to include fishing. It was a big part of the beginning of their love story, doing guided fly fishing experiences on the Big Thompson River in Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting with the land and feeling relaxed and meditative.
CONTINUED >
Over the years, the pair went on a number of guided outdoor experiences and eventually realized that Bobbie would not, in fact, be retiring once he stopped playing. Instead, his leaving the Broncos meant a new adventure for both of them: co-founding Wanderland Outdoors.
In reflecting on the very beginning of their company, Angel and Bobbie talked about one guide in particular who’s been a fly fishing mentor for Bobbie named Doc. Over multiple trips, he became a family friend as much as a trusted guide, and Doc eventually asked if the couple would like to take over his business. They weren’t in a position to do so at the time, but this planted a seed for the Massies that eventually became a repeated question: “Why not us?”
The Massies were already well known for their hospitality, throwing over-the-top parties for friends and family that always included fun surprises and thoughtful details. They’ve already brought this spirit to their company, starting with their Juneteenth launch event.
The pair invited guests to choose between two guided experiences. The first was a hike around Eleven Mile State Park that delved into the history of the Nuuchu people and invited the participants to meditate and reconnect with the land and their own heartbeats. The other group spent the morning fly fishing along the South Platte River, learning to cast and practice patience. Afterward, all the guests met underneath a big, white tent right by the water and had a violinist serenade them while they enjoyed Chef Bobbie’s famous fried catfish.
There are certain things that are guaranteed to bring people together, and good food and good
music are high on the list. But the Massies want to make their outdoor experiences even more meaningful for guests.
They start by tailoring the guided experiences for each individual. Every booking begins with a call to find out what’s going on in their life and whether they’re using the time to celebrate, decompress, or somewhere in between. Then, they use that information to create an adventure that’s catered to their experience level and will invite them back to the land, back to their breath, and away from all the noise of adulthood and responsibilities.
But that doesn’t mean the operation isn’t responsible. The Massies see themselves and everyone in their organization as stewards of the land, and all of their guides are Leave No Trace certified.
When describing their management process, Bobbie has the perfect inspiration from his years of playing football: “If your players are happy, the game goes well.”
If you’ll excuse the continued metaphor, Bobbie and Angel are the GMs of their company, setting up their guides to create magic with their guests. That means hiring the right people, treating them respectfully, making sure they’re paid equitably, and, of course, securing the right permits so they can go and explore beautiful places.
Their guides are their all-star recruits, especially their founding guides, Austin Campbell and Erica Nelson. The demographic makeup of their entire company is intentionally inclusive and, in many ways, different from that of the traditional guide service.
They bring together people from all walks of life. By doing so, the Massies aim to introduce people who would not otherwise run into each other and unite them over a shared love for the outdoors.
To learn more, visit WanderlandOutdoors.com
“IF YOUR players ARE happy , THE game GOES well .”
R&R Head Labs
Cutting Hair and Changing Perceptions
ARTICLE BY ANNIE BLOJ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKKAIL CAIN
When movie producer Scott Budnick (The Hangover, Old School, War Dogs, Just Mercy) cold DM-ed Jamie Repenning about licensing barbers coming out of the California prison system, Jamie thought it was a joke. But it wasn't; Scott was working on expanding the scope of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, a nonprofit he had founded. He sought ways to support the men and women transitioning out of the prison system. Jamie, based in Colorado and coming off of a position as the president of Floyd's Barbershop, was inspired by Scott's request, having worked with formerly incarcerated men in previous positions. The germ of an idea was planted, and on February 20, Jamie and his team opened R&R Head Labs in a historic building on the corner of Colfax and York.
The core mission of R&R Head Labs is to inspire personal growth. R&R delivers this by hiring formerly incarcerated barbers committed to improving themselves and the world around them. It's easy to assume that the mission is solely focused on the
personal growth of the barbers, but it takes just one visit to R&R for clients to realize that they're also affected. For many, this is the first time they've knowingly interacted with a formerly incarcerated person, and it's incredibly inspiring to understand how hard the barbers are working to improve their lives and positively impact their communities. Clients walk away with the realization that a large group of people have been discounted, avoided and judged without understanding their experiences. This newfound understanding and empathy is a form of personal growth that offers the opportunity to enrich their lives.
One of the unique qualities of barbers who have learned their craft through lived experiences is that they can cut all hair textures and create any hairstyle. Their unique training inside prison, where they are committed to cutting everyone's hair, has made them exceptionally talented and prepared to bring their skills to a barbershop. No one is ever turned away based on their needs and requests. Recently given the "Top Barber 2024"
title from 5280, R&R Head Labs already has over 100 5-star Google reviews and an unusually high consumer return rate. Every service includes a complimentary shampoo, conditioner and hot towel treatment for the ultimate relaxation. If you've got particular hair and scalp-related issues you are dealing with, the barbershop is also home to Labb. This custom formula machine creates shampoos, conditioners, and serums that are made to order after you take an online survey from the convenience of the barber chair. While you get your cut, the Labb machine mixes a personalized formula for you in-house to pick up when you check out!
The unique and welcoming design of the shop is intentional. Creating a human-designed space for barbers and clients was top of mind during the development of the concept. The R&R Head Labs team created an advisory council of formerly incarcerated professionals to help them navigate particular triggers and blind spots they may not be aware of, having not had the same life experience as the barbering team. Tall ceilings, lots of sunlight, bright colors and stations designed to create a personal touch may seem like just a design feature to the client, but each detail was carefully planned in conjunction with Xan Creative to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment. Often, clients arrive early to sit and chat at the round bar in the
shop's center, explicitly designed to foster community and conversation.
R&R Head Labs aims to be a destination not just for a terrific haircut but also a community hub that can spark conversation and discovery. The team at R&R hopes that the barbershop's welcoming environment extends beyond the doors and inspires a mission to re-examine assumptions about formerly incarcerated men and women.
To learn more or book, visit RRHeadlabs.com
This newfound understanding and empathy is a form of personal growth that offers the opportunity to enrich their lives.
South Pearl Farmers Market Favorites with Diamond Donut's Colin Gbolie
Southern Pearls
ARTICLE BY COLIN GBOLIE | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER
A vibrant atmosphere, great food and a wholesome community. What more could you ask for? Did you ask? Well, regardless of whether or not you did, a large swath of Denverites do. And if you’ve ever been to the South Pearl Farmers’ Market, you’d know that there couldn’t be a better example of just that.
Local artisans of wide-ranging disciplines faithfully open shop every Sunday from May through mid-November, selling their wares, sharing their lives and weaving the
threads of a communal savepoint. The food scene is arguably the linchpin of the market. Between cheese bread, samosas, kimchi and more, we have no shortage of unique vendors bearing their life stories, intimate cultural narratives and passions through their products and services. Here’s a glimpse into five South Pearl foodie staples loved by many, myself included, from my unique vantage point of being a customer and behind the table– but we’ll get to that later.
BRUNA’S BRAZILIAN CHEESE BREAD
Inspired by her favorite cheese bread, known as Pão De Queijo, from her upbringing in Bauru Brazil, Bruna launched her very own cheese bread business after moving to the States and missing her favorite childhood treats. Bruna’s style is bright and infectious, as can be seen and felt at any market graced by her vibrant yellow booth. The amazing texture of their products always leaves you scratching your head, wondering how it’s also gluten-free. Stopping by and trying out one of their many flavors is a market must.
Must-Have: Garlic & Onion Cheese Bread BrunasBread.com
NEW FRIENDS BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
SAMOSA SHOP DENVER
You’re simply slacking if you haven’t tried one of Chef Dave Hadley’s mind-bendingly comforting samosas. Running on a base of Indian flavors funneled and expanded through Western techniques, Samosa Shop creates products where every bite is the perfect bite. Walking the market with a few golden brown triangular flavor bombs is a ritual for many at the market and is sure to leave you just as happy as bantering with the fired-up staff manning the booth every week.
Must-Have: OG Samosa SamosaShopCo.com
I kid you not, come Sunday morning I’m always munching on one of New Friends’ breakfast sandwiches. All components of the sandwich are noticeably fresh, spiced to perfection, and harmonized by their signature Friends Sauce (if they bottled it, I’d be first in line). Jacob and Mari have created a fun and lively presence in the community felt by all who patronize, and is noticed by anyone within a 1000-mile radius who can surely see the line of hyped and hungry customers, stretching from the register to the moon. Using locally sourced eggs, produce and meat from local butchers, they aim not to take over the world, but to tend to their local environment, and be your new Best Friends.
Must-Have: Single or Double @newfriendsdnvr
KREAM KIMCHI
Seeded from the traditional Kimchi that owner Virgil’s mother prepared for his family throughout his upbringing, KREAM has blossomed into a one-stop shop for both Korean staples and inspired products. From their traditional to cilantro/cucumber kimchis, kimchi dip, marinades and more, they’ve innovated and iterated unique products powered by a deepening connection to their roots. KREAM occasionally holds cooking classes for a myriad of traditional and fusion dishes, creating a positive space for motivated individuals who are aspirational to any and all people.
Must-Have: Chili Crunch (I run through one weekly)
KreamKimchi.com
DIAMOND DOUGHNUTS
At last, yours truly! We’re a West African bakery catalyzed by (similarly to our ensemble of passionate vending homies) the love for sharing food and culture we learned at home. Translating the experience of waking up to the smell of spices emanating from my mother’s kitchen kicked us off and getting to offer that feeling and taste to the South Pearl community is why we do what we do. Whether you’re crunching into our doughnuts or chin-chin or savoring our gluten-free banana bread balls (Rice Akara) we aim to storytell a feeling of home and celebration through our food.
Must-Have: Everything! Okay, if I had to pick, The Traditional. But I’m biased, what can I say?
DiamondDoughnuts.shop
WD Flooring // Sustainably Grown and Harvested.
Prefinished Engineered and Solid Hardwood
CARB 2 Compliant // Zero VOC finishes
100% Domestic // FSC certified
WD 2024 | NWFA Winner Floor of the Year
ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN MANAKER
GEOMETRIC
Step Inside This Renovated Boulder Home Designed by a Famed Colorado Architect
From the 1950s to the early 1980s, architect Charles Haertling designed some of Boulder’s most iconic residences in his inimitable style, blending geometric forms with those of the natural landscape that surrounds them (sometimes as wild as mushrooms or barnacles). One of his designs, a 2,418-square-foot home built in 1967, was recently transformed by Denver architecture firm Factor Design Build, who ushered it into modernity while carefully preserving its original architectural flair.
Nestled within the foothills near Sunshine Canyon, the distinctly angular home had been updated a few times over the years but still lacked a cohesive aesthetic and functional layout. A detached, Southwest-style accessory building constructed in the 1980s only added to the property’s disjointed vibe. The goal for both structures?
“We wanted it to seem like we were never there,” says Dain Carlson, architect at Factor. “How they lived back then is so different from now, but that’s the fun part— trying to get older houses to work for today’s families without screwing up what they love about them.”
To modernize the home’s interior, the firm knocked down the wall separating the dining area and kitchen. A sliding glass bifold door was then installed to improve
the connection between that expanded space and a cozy outdoor patio that rests at the bottom of a rocky hillside. Materials like flat panel cabinetry painted with a creamy white hue echo what might have been used in the 60s, while complementary wooden accents, like the custom walnut island with a stone countertop and waterfall edge, add contemporary character. Factor also refreshed the primary bedroom, three guest bedrooms and three bathrooms with new paint, lighting, hardware, spacious trough sinks and sleek accessories such as walnut floating shelves and towel hooks.
Before it was updated, the adjacent 984-square-foot adobe structure “felt really dark, with rustic wood beams, a wood ceiling and wood and tile floors,” Dain says. “It was
like a cave. The main house is above the ground with huge windows that let in tons of daylight, but this building was subterranean. It sank into the earth and had hardly any windows. Totally the opposite.” To match the lightness of the primary residence, Factor painted the taupe exterior white, replaced flooring with polished concrete and added steel beams to the ceiling. They kept the rounded Kiva fireplace (“It’s such a cool feature,” Dain adds) and reupholstered a built-in bench in a textured gray fabric. Zoning laws prevent a full kitchen, so the architectural team added a clean, modern bar sans cooking appliances. At completion, the once gloomy interior metamorphosized into a bright and airy sanctuary that serves as a versatile flex space.
Funnily, the owners of this Haertling home tried to purchase it a couple of times before succeeding when it hit the market a few years ago. They discovered the home’s original sketches from the 60s, using them as inspiration for the renovation accomplished by Factor, whose portfolio features homes dating back to the 1800s. “They wanted the finishes to be minimalist and modern with a neutral color palette, and for the existing design to be the focus—not what we did to it,” Dain shares. “They’re excited to have this historic piece of architecture.”
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Around Town
August 8 - 9
MT. JOY AT RED ROCKS
Join Mt. Joy for a live performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. Enjoy an evening of indie rock music in a stunning outdoor setting. Don’t miss this chance to see them perform at one of the most beautiful venues in the world. RedRocksOnline.com
August 10 - 11
FIREFLY HANDMADE SUMMER MARKET
Head to Old South Gaylord Street in Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood for the Firefly Handmade Summer Market! Discover a creatively curated collection of handmade artisans, artists, makers and designers. Gather with the community for a delightful shopping experience. FireFlyHandmade.com
August 10 - 11
SMASH FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
Attend Smash in the Square, a distinguished outdoor fine art exhibit highlighting top national artists. Enjoy live music performances featuring violin, piano, and acoustic guitar throughout the weekend. Experience a refined and artful atmosphere at this boutique event. SmashInTheSquareFestival.com
August 14
WICKED AT BUELL THEATER
Experience the beloved musical “Wicked” at the Buell Theatre, presented by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy the enchanting story of the witches of Oz, brought to life with stunning performances and unforgettable music. Get tickets now at DenverCenter.org.
August 22 - 24
Q BBQ FEST DENVER
Get Ready for the Q BBQ Fest at Civic Center Park! Enjoy an ice-cold beer and delicious smoked meats from award-winning pitmasters. Don’t miss this ultimate barbecue celebration in Denver. Get tickets at QBBQDenver.com.
August 30
FINAL FRIDAY ON LARIMER SQUARE
Experience the vibrant nightlife of LoDo with Final Friday on Larimer Square. Enjoy live DJ sets, captivating entertainment and mouth-watering food and drink specials. This event is free and open to everyone! LarimerSquare.com
Photography: Passion House
Media Artist: Noelle Phares Art
tell the story of your home
“As I met each week with the Haley Custom Home Team, I always walk away confident that not only am I getting a very high quality home, but one that every detail is discussed and analyzed, as if it was a home that they were building for themselves. As I reviewed other builders’ commitments, one attraction to Haley was their trademarked “Accelerated Precision Build” system (APB). We were in the house a month early.
This is my third time building a custome home and I have never been more satisfied.”
Michael and Jane McDonald
