Summer DAF Hard Hat Tours Overview

The Denver Architectural Foundation Hard Hat Tours were initiated around 2001 and initially organized by past Board member Jim Paull, AIA. Today, the DAF tries to include four to six, or more tours every year, and the tours run near -- or during -- daylight savings time (April – September).

Essentially, the tours are set up with either the project’s architect or builder – or both – and the tours generally start late afternoon when the site is available to tour. Some tours include a pre-presentation of a site model, or a brief over view of the designers/builder’s philosophy/intent. Some architects and contractors have had hand-outs for the tour attendees.

Depending on the weather, the site, and the walking or talking scope to be covered, the tours generally last about an hour and a half. Some tours are limited in number; some tours, like those of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House had more than 40 people who showed up – and the group was divided into 2 or three to keep things moving. The Hyatt Hotel at the Convention Center was limited, up-front, to 12 people.

Some contractors have the attendees sign waivers at the beginning of the tour. Some don’t. Some sites require hard hats and /or specific clothing (e.g. long sleeves and long pants; eyewear); some don’t.

The DAF “charges” non-members $5. each. (Members, children and students are free).

The folks who attend the Hard Hat tours really love them and they are a popular hit for the Denver Architectural Foundation.

To register for a hard hat tour, please call the Foundation at 303-229-0002.

2007 Tours

Some Past Hard Hat Tours…

2006: Denver Newspaper Agency Building, Denver Art Museum Residences, Northcreek Project, Commerce City Civic Center, Denver Health Women & Children’s Pavilion

2005: Monarch Mills Lofts, Denver Auditorium Theatre– Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Art House Condominiums, Hyatt Hotel at the Colorado Convention Center

2004: Mount Saint Vincent Home, University Chambers Center (D.U.), Tivoli Student Union, Denver Tram Building Remodel, Colorado Convention Center, DPS Denver School for the Arts

2003: Johnson & Whales University, Lowery Elementary School, Fitsimmons, DPS Houston Performance Center