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A Milestone for Modernism: South Dahlia Lane Listed on the National Register

Docomomo US/Colorado is ecstatic to announce that the South Dahlia Lane neighborhood was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of December 12, 2025.

This achievement is the culmination of a three-year effort to recognize the unique history and vision of one of Colorado’s Mid-Century Modern neighborhoods designed by Eugene Sternberg. This success was made possible through collaboration between residents, Docomomo US/Colorado, and History Colorado.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the key partners who spearheaded this collaborative effort:

• John Boydstun: Who performed the vital task of authoring the official designation, meticulously documenting the neighborhood's history and architectural significance.

• The South Dahlia Lane Community HOA: For their support and commitment to honoring the architectural history of their neighborhood.

• Dana Sednek: Who assembled the project team and provided the essential neighborhood expertise and community insight that steered the effort forward.

Supported by State Funding

We are proud to share that this project was made possible in part by a State Historical Fund grant from History Colorado. This grant provided the essential resources necessary to conduct the deep-dive research and professional documentation required for a successful National Register nomination.

Why This Matters

South Dahlia Lane is more than just a collection of beautiful homes; it is an example of social and architectural innovation:

• Affordable Housing: Founded in 1948 by University of Denver professors, it was the first housing cooperative in Colorado and Denver’s first neighborhood to utilize a Modernist approach for both architecture and site planning. It is recognized for national significance in Community Planning and Development because of its impact on federal housing laws; through the efforts of MHHA president Byron Johnson, the project helped secure the landmark 1949 legislation that enabled FHA-backed financing for housing cooperatives across the country.

• Architectural Pedigree: Designed by renowned Colorado architect Eugene Sternberg, the site plan reflects the "Garden City" principles of integrated greenbelts, centered around a two-acre communal park and amphitheater.

• Attainable Modernism: To achieve affordability, homes were constructed economically using post-and-beam construction atop slab foundations, flat roofs, and exposed interior walls. Minimal space was allocated for hallways and corridors. All designs featured clean, simple lines and a signature “wall of windows” in the living area, blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Listing on the National Register is more than just a title; it is a formal recognition of South Dahlia Lane’s unique contribution to our state's cultural and architectural landscape. Designation also opens new doors for the neighborhood’s future. Historically designated properties and districts are eligible to apply for specialized funding, grants, and tax credits specifically designed to help property owners maintain, restore, and care for these significant historic structures.  It ensures that the legacy of this community is preserved for future generations of residents and modernism enthusiasts.

Thank you to everyone in the South Dahlia Lane community for your continued support of Colorado’s modern heritage!