Just below Flagstaff sits a mid-century modern home that has resided in the hearts of those spanning many generations. This charming brick house with cadmium red accents has undergone some exciting renovations, incorporating aspects of modern architecture and design to last for future generations to come.
Designed by architect and real estate broker Cheri Belz (or Belz for short), the 6th Street II Project was a labor of love. In describing her connection to the project and affinity for history, Belz articulates, “Mid-century modern architecture is my forte and favorite style. The preservation of buildings from this period of work in Boulder is important. As former president of Historic Boulder, I helped move it in the direction of focusing on saving these buildings in town, which the current executive director, Len Segel, continues.”
In 2021, John McAdoo bought the 6th Street home and immediately recognized its level of potential. John’s agent, Tim Goodacre, recommended he reach out to Belz, and thus the journey began. “It has a wonderful location, but the original design did not exploit the unobstructed view of the Flatirons, and I needed an architect who shared my perspective and could design the renovation while complying with planning restrictions,” states John. “Belz had the brilliant idea to move the kitchen to the back so that it also had a view of the Flatirons; that was genius,” John adds.
While simultaneously maintaining the home’s important historical elements, Belz also ensured the home renovation included necessary safety updates and eco-conscious additions. “At the time this house was built, rooms were small, and there was no code for egress windows, insulation, etc,” explains Belz. “None of the bedrooms had current-to-code egress windows as the sills were too high above the floor and the operable portions weren’t large enough. They were also inefficient energy-wise, as they were single-pane glazing. The re-design called for lowering the sills and replacing all windows with energy efficient models—all while trying to keep the pattern of the windows as much to the original as possible. All walls were stripped to studs and filled with spray-in foam insulation.” The home now also has passive solar design and a 4 kW photovoltaic system, among many other green building elements.
The 6th Street II Project was a collaborative effort. John reminisces on this fact: “The people you work with make all the difference. Not only their vision, technical knowledge, talent, patience, and hard work, but the chance to develop a lasting friendship made the project truly special. I relied on Belz throughout the two years, as she did so much more than the architectural portion... Belz is a one-off, and I was blessed to work with and get to know her.”
One can easily see the artistry laced within the home’s retro furnishings, tall windows, geometric shapes, functionality and harmony of colors, both vibrant and pragmatic, further symbolizing the home’s connection with nature. This collaboration’s roots date back to the home’s 1963 conception. Originally owned by the Phinney family, Alice Phinney remarks on her former home’s new updates. “While keeping nearly the same footprint and key design elements, Belz and John profoundly transformed the house, helping it realize all the wonderful attributes of its location on a hill below Flagstaff... Now, when you walk in, the first thing you notice is the 1st Flatiron through the living room. Windows were also added to a wall in the living room that faces Flagstaff. You can sit on the couch and watch deer,” beams Alice. Alice’s brother, Davis Phinney, describes the once cold, scary house as now warm and inviting thanks to Belz.
While this home is a blast from the past, it is also a glimpse into the future. Revolutionizing modern building and creative techniques while paying homage to what once was by recognizing how we got here in the first place are meaningful momentos to consider. This masterpiece on a hill has truly cemented itself as a treasure in the Boulder community.
To learn more, visit BelzArch.com