The homes of Arapahoe Acres reflect two distinct currents of 20th Century architecture -- the International Style (1925 to present) and the Usonian Style (1930 to present).
Historically, both styles are related to the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. The influence of Wright's Prairie Style
(1900-1920) was a dominant force in the development of nearly all modern architecture after its inclusion in the widely influential Wasmuth Portfolio published in Germany in 1910. The Art Deco Style, the International Style and the Art Moderne Style all have influences which can be traced to Wright's early, Prairie Style work.
Tri-level
Colorado's International Style
In the 1930s, Denver was fortunate to witness the construction of a number of pioneering International Style houses.
The 1935 Hegner House at 2323 East Dakota Street by Casper Hegner is the city’s oldest International Style building. The residence at 300 East Exposition of 1936 by William Cabot and Edwin Francis followed as another early example of the style.
Many of the finest mid-20th century buildings in Denver are Usonian Style designs. Usonian Style architecture was particularly influential in the design of luxury houses in the area.
This is appropriate since Frank Lloyd Wright, the movement’s founder, used the term “Usonian” typically, though not exclusively, to refer to houses.
Two Story
Colorado’s Usonian Style
The oldest Usonian Style building in the city is the 1941 house at 5435 Sixth Avenue Parkway by Earl Chester Morris. Morris, a pioneer of Modern architecture, worked locally in various styles from the 1930’s to the 1950’s.
