Sopher Sparn Architects

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A Glimpse into Historic Boulder Architecture

Boulder Pottery Lab

Originally built in 1908 as a fire station, this structure was converted into the Boulder Pottery Lab in 1963 and is still functioning as a ceramic studio today.

Harbeck Bergheim House

Built in 1899 by John Harbeck, this home previously served as the Boulder Historical Museum and today is the protection of the Boulder Historical Society.

The Willard House

This angular home was designed by Charles Haertling in 1962 located on the edge of a hill at the base of the Flatirons. The structure was greatly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian works and features a wooden roof whose eaves imitate the shape of a birds wing.

The Brenton House

Situated in the Wonderland Hills Neighborhood lies this spherical structure. Charles Haertling designed this home with inspiration from the barnacles he saw while in the Navy. It’s claim to fame is being featured in Woody Allen’s 1973 film ‘Sleeper’.

Hotel Boulderado

With its grand opening in 1908, the Hotel Boulderado is the oldest luxury hotel in town. This building incorporates Spanish Revival and Italian Renaissance architecture and is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.

The Martha Weiser Home

This home was built in 1963 by Gale Ables with the goal of maximizing the mountainous views around the structure. Its design is modern contemporary with its use of stone and woods, open floor plan, and interior courtyard. This home was commissioned by local environmental activist Martha Weiser.

Boulder Eye Clinic Building

Another organic build by Charles Haertling in the center of Boulder. The Boulder Eye Clinic Building was built in 1968 and was designed to function like an eyeball and initially had protruding window bays with eye charts at the end.


We are grateful to live in a historical mountain-surrounded town with such rich architecture and are proud to be a Boulder architecture firm. We use this history and our community to inspire us to continue to create beautiful structures. From custom homes to commercial spaces, we keep the spirit of Boulder in every project.