Littleton Boulevard & South Datura Street, Mid Century Modern Architecture

There is a stretch of road in Littleton that is just over a mile long, but home to several unique examples of mid-century modern architecture.  Simply turn west off of Broadway onto Littleton Boulevard and follow the road until it splits at the entrance to downtown Littleton. It's a short drive, but it's more interesting to walk and take in the dozen or so unique structures. 

I've driven down Littleton Boulevard hundreds of times, but recently decided to park the car and stroll down the street to get a closer look at some of the buildings I'd just seen in passing over the years. We'll begin with a close look at several buildings that can be found at the intersection of Littleton Boulevard and South Datura Street.

The first building is not itself unique, as there were many of these buildings in various regions of the country. I just happen to think they are cool and love when I encounter ones that are still standing. My wife has always thought this was once a skating rink, and it certainly looks like it could've been, but this building was actually once a Safeway grocery store. Today it's an ARC Thrift Store. I love the rounded ceilings of these old grocery stores. There is another former Safeway with a similar style just a few miles away from this one. It currently sits empty, formerly home of a gym which closed during the forced COVID shutdowns.

Cross Datura from the ARC store and you will find the Taco House. When built this unique building housed Rich's Charco-Burgers. The yellow coat of paint is fairly new, but that drive-thru lane has been there since the joint was built. That was a pretty unique feature for a restaurant back then. There are a few other Taco House locations around Denver, but this one is certainly the most unique from an architectural standpoint.

Over on the northwest side of Littleton Boulevard, nestled between a 7 Eleven and a former IHOP, you'll find what was originally the Littleton Savings and Loan, designed by Joseph and Louise Marlow. It's recognizable by its crazy sunscreen which covers the building's second story. The sunscreen was designed by Robert Propst, who is known for creating the Action Office series of furniture, which evolved into what we know today as "cubicles." I seem to remember that when I moved here in the 90's, this feature was bright yellow, but a calmer shade of gray has since taken over. A printing company now occupies part of the building.

There are many more great things to see along Littleton's "Mid Mod Mile." Stay tuned for future posts.