Design Excellence in Historic Renovations And Adaptive Re-use
At Sopher Sparn, we specialize in thoughtful historic renovation and adaptive reuse that balances preservation with contemporary livability. Drawing on deep experience with landmark processes, code-required upgrades, and context-sensitive design, our team collaborates with homeowners, developers, and municipalities to restore architectural character while introducing modern functionality. The three projects below, two residences in Boulder’s Mapleton Hill Historic District and a mixed-use transformation in Denver’s Cole neighborhood, illustrate our integrated approach through meticulous preservation, strategic interventions for accessibility and sustainability, and creative reuse that strengthens neighborhood identity.
Mapleton Colonial | Boulder
Located in Boulder’s Mapleton Hill Historic District, this landmark residence underwent a carefully considered expansion that balances historic preservation with contemporary livability. The design introduces a discreet addition that includes a lower-level entry, a main-level mudroom, and an integrated elevator to improve accessibility while remaining visually subordinate to the original structure.
Interior updates focused on restoring and enhancing the historic footprint, with thoughtful renovations to the butler’s pantry, kitchen, and bathrooms. The living room fireplace was re-envisioned as a refined focal point that complements the home’s original character. Exterior improvements were approached with equal care, including the adaptive reuse of an existing shed, transformed into a light-filled space for winter plant storage through period-appropriate skylights and glazing.
The project demonstrates how historic homes can be sensitively modernized within the Mapleton Hill Historic District, meeting contemporary needs while preserving architectural integrity and neighborhood character.
Dual-Residence Cottage Revival | Boulder
Modernizing a multi-structure property within the Mapleton Hill Historic District requires a careful balance of preservation and progress, a challenge met with precision in this dual-home renovation. Through Landmark Alteration Certificates for both the Front and Back houses, the project introduces modern functionality, a full interior renovation and code-compliant upgrades, while preserving the site’s 19th-century character. The Front House features rehabilitated historic siding, while the Back House includes a thoughtfully scaled addition designed to align with the district’s strict guidelines. Together, these improvements demonstrate how thoughtful modernization and historic preservation can coexist within the architectural fabric of Mapleton Hill.
Cole Café - Somewhere Coffee | Denver Metro
Located in Denver’s Cole neighborhood, this historic renovation transforms an 1880s landmark into the first brick-and-mortar location for Somewhere Coffee. Sopher Sparn supported landmark designation during feasibility and rezoning, guiding a preservation-focused approach that restores original features such as exposed wood trusses, hardwood floors, and expansive windows that bring natural light into the café. The result is a welcoming community gathering space that honors the building’s historic character.
The project also introduces six sustainably designed townhouses that provide missing middle housing while reflecting the area’s industrial heritage through sawtooth roof forms and a complementary material palette. Together, the café and residences reinforce the revitalization of the Franklin and 38th intersection, demonstrating how adaptive reuse and thoughtful new construction can strengthen neighborhood identity and sense of place.
Preserving History & Designing Forward
Sopher Sparn’s work spans landmark designation and permitting, detailed design, accessibility upgrades, and material stewardship. From Landmark Alteration Certificates in Mapleton Hill to rezoning and feasibility for the Cole church conversion, we apply a consistent approach rooted in historic research, stakeholder collaboration, and design interventions that preserve original fabric while meeting contemporary needs. Our integrated services bridge architecture, preservation consulting, and adaptive re-use planning to unlock value, support sensitive density, and create accessible, sustainable spaces that strengthen community character.
These projects show that historic buildings can evolve without losing their stories. Sopher Sparn delivers preservation-minded expansions, adaptive re-use strategies, and technical guidance through landmark and permitting processes to ensure projects respect context, meet modern codes, and serve present-day needs. For renovations, additions, or adaptive re-use projects within historic districts, our team provides tailored design, permitting, and construction coordination that protect heritage while supporting long-term resilience.