This last weekend was “Doors Open Denver”, an event held downtown every year to celebrate architecture and history. I was hosting an informal Photoshop and Lightroom workshop on Saturday. One attendee mentioned the event, so Angela and I decided to take the opportunity to visit. We must have been hiding under a rock, because we had only heard about the event the day before! On Sunday, we took the light rail to downtown and took the shuttle to Union Station to collect an events program. From there, Angela and I meandered through Lodo, visiting some of the older buildings.
This included a visit to the Firehouse on Blake Street. The last time that I had been there was when our office was located there (ROIDirect.bomb, 2000). The first floor is now occupied by architects. Way back in 2000, we occupied this floor and also offices on third floor.
Eventually, we got to the Daniels and Fisher Tower. The tower houses several offices. Tours to the top floor were held on this weekend. The lobby of tower has these European classic style ceilings, in white with blue, pink and beige accent colors.
Daniels and Fisher Ceiling
Here is another view of the ceiling and one of the pillars.
Daniels and Fisher Ceiling and Pillar
We had joined an un-ticketed line of visitors, hoping to take an elevator ride to the top floor. Unfortunately, we had arrived too late to get tickets and probably would probably not be able to join the tour since closing time was approaching. We decided to bail, continuing to visit other sights. Outside on 16th Street, the D&F Tower made a dramatic reflection in the opposing building.
Daniels and Fisher Tower
We made our way towards the Platte River. Several visitors from nearby neighborhood were making use of Commons Park. Several dogs were being exercised by there owners, chasing branches being tossed into the Platte River.
After taking a break, we headed back to 16th Street, passing the Millennium Bridge. This is an interesting structure, pictured here with a streetlight in the foreground. More information on this structure can be found by searching Wikipedia.
Millennium Bridge Mast
The Tattered Cover bookstore was a port of call, where we had some coffee and cookies, and browsed through some books and magazines. After leaving, Angela stopped by this western store while I hung around. Outside the store was this clothes rack, stocked with colorful shirts.
Colorful Clothes Rack
Horses and carriages ply up and down 16th Street, waiting for fare paying customers. They were parked outside this store.
16th Street Horse (and Carriage)
Another horse appeared to be rather skittish and would not keep still. Despite this, I still managed to capture this image of his (or hers), feet and shoes.
Furry Feet
Finally, on our way back to the light rail station, we passed this street artist, busy creating a work of art. He had an array of cans of spray paint that was his media of choice. Surrounding him an audience had assembled to view his work and his progress.
16th Street Artist
We decided that next year, we would have to make an earlier start to the Doors Open event.