Address: 10828 Huron St, Northglenn, CO 80234
Description: Mid-century neo-expressionist architecture designed by celebrated Colorado architect Charles A. Haertling; The first of Haertling's buildings to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
National Register of Historic Places: July 12, 2019
NRHP Registration Form
Description: Mid-century neo-expressionist architecture designed by celebrated Colorado architect Charles A. Haertling; The first of Haertling's buildings to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
National Register of Historic Places: July 12, 2019
NRHP Registration Form
Circa 1964-65. (Courtesy of the Boulder Carnegie Library for Local History)
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“We must breathe life into buildings so as to get a space-age response. I find it tortuous, grueling, almost maddening work, where one must reverse, invert, twist, and tear at assumptions and ideas to find the evasive hidden pearl. But once discovered, what a heavenly sweet task it has been!” |
Excerpt from Registration for National Register of Historic Places, prepared by Ron Sladek, Tatanka Historical Associates, Inc.
"Much of the visual character of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church lies with its sculptural roofline, a swooping concrete structure of catenary arches that seems to levitate above the perimeter walls and windows. These characteristics presented the greatest challenge to the building’s construction. Without understanding how it was built, it appears to be a physical impossibility. In fact, the roof’s skin is a complex structure formed of thin-shell concrete, reinforced and shaped internally by a lattice of catenary cables. This shell drapes from four massive, curved, elongated tusk-like beams of reinforced concrete. The beams meet at the center of the building, where they rest against one another below the spire and directly above the sanctuary. This kept the sanctuary free from vertical supports and visual intrusions. It also sparks a sense of wonder about the enormous amount of weight suspended in what seems to be thin air."
"Much of the visual character of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church lies with its sculptural roofline, a swooping concrete structure of catenary arches that seems to levitate above the perimeter walls and windows. These characteristics presented the greatest challenge to the building’s construction. Without understanding how it was built, it appears to be a physical impossibility. In fact, the roof’s skin is a complex structure formed of thin-shell concrete, reinforced and shaped internally by a lattice of catenary cables. This shell drapes from four massive, curved, elongated tusk-like beams of reinforced concrete. The beams meet at the center of the building, where they rest against one another below the spire and directly above the sanctuary. This kept the sanctuary free from vertical supports and visual intrusions. It also sparks a sense of wonder about the enormous amount of weight suspended in what seems to be thin air."
Circa 2019 (Courtesy of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church)
"Design Process of Charles A. Haertling, Architect" is a silent film created by Joel Haertling, the architect's son, and is constructed from old home movies. The first 30 minutes of the film depict the breathtaking construction of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church
The following collection of photos was collected and archived by Yvonne Lehman, Northglenn historic Preservation Commissioner and longtime member of St. Stephen's congregation.
On August 24, 2019, the Northglenn Historic Preservation Foundation and Denver Modernism Week collaborated to bring an event to the community, celebrating the architecture and history of the church. |
On January 31, 2020, Ron Sladek, President of Tatanka Historical Associates, presented the history the church to participants in the Saving Places Conference, organized by Colorado Preservation, Inc. |
On August 12, The Northglenn City Council celebrated the church being enthusiastically added to the National Register of Historic Places with, St. Stephen's congregation leaders, Historic Preservation Consultant, family members of architect Charles A. Haertling, Historic Preservation Commissioners, City Planners and Staff.
August 12, Northglenn City Council