The Atomic Age Arrives in Arvada
Arvada is a charming suburban enclave nestled between the City of Denver and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Conveniently located on the northwest side of town, Arvada offers easy access to the I-70 freeway and a newly developed light rail line that connects Olde Town Arvada to Union Station in downtown Denver. Olde Town itself is a vibrant hub of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques, exuding a nostalgic Main Street USA feel. In 2019, Apartment Therapy even crowned Arvada “America’s Coolest Suburb.”
Just five minutes by car or a ten-minute bike ride from Olde Town, Alta Vista is a mid-century modern gem tucked next to the expansive Hoskinson Park, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. This neighborhood embodies the spirit of post-war suburban expansion, offering a rich history and an inviting community atmosphere.
From Farmland to Mid-Century Marvel
Before WWII, Arvada was a quiet agricultural town, famous for its celery production. However, everything changed when plans for the Rocky Flats nuclear production facility were announced, bringing a surge of workers to the area. In response to this growth, developers began transforming farmland into residential neighborhoods to accommodate the new influx of residents.
By 1953, ambitious developer Chester Hoskinson was responsible for building an incredible 97% of Arvada’s housing stock. His brothers, Jay and Leonard Hoskinson, led the development of Alta Vista, which officially opened in 1954.
A Neighborhood Built to Last
The Alta Vista neighborhood consists of 274 homes, featuring four distinct floorplans. In 1955, home prices ranged from $13,450 to $15,750, making these houses a significant investment at the time. Today, Alta Vista holds the distinction of being the largest concentration of mid-century modern homes in the entire Denver metro area.
These homes were built for durability and style, reflecting key mid-century modern design elements such as:
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Open Concept Floor Plans – Designed for functionality and family living.
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Expansive Windows & Window Walls – Maximizing natural light and outdoor connectivity.
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Back Patios – Encouraging outdoor living and entertaining.
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TV Antennas – A cutting-edge feature at the time.
The original marketing slogan for Alta Vista was: “Everything You Need From A to V!”
Mid-Century Modern Design in Alta Vista
While some homes in Alta Vista feature simple brick ranch designs, two standout mid-century modern models include:
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Front-Gable Ranch with Attached Garage – Featuring sleek rooflines and efficient layouts.
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The Alta Vista Model – Characterized by a distinctive shed roof with an attached garage.
Some homes come with basements, while others do not. Some have carports that have since been converted into garages, adding to the variety within the neighborhood.
A Unique Community with Hidden Gems
On the south side of Hoskinson Park, you’ll find larger, custom-built mid-century modern ranch homes on expansive lots. These homes were originally built by the Hoskinson brothers for their families and key builders to live in during neighborhood construction. These properties rarely hit the market, but for buyers seeking extra square footage in a historic setting, this is the area to watch.
Preserving Alta Vista’s Legacy
For homeowners looking to maintain or restore the character of their mid-century modern homes, The City of Arvada and Historic Denver have created the Pattern and Design Idea Book for Post-War Homes. This guide provides historical context and design inspiration to help residents preserve Alta Vista’s architectural heritage.
Buying or Selling in Alta Vista?
If you're looking to buy a home in Alta Vista, you're stepping into a neighborhood filled with history, community, and mid-century charm. If you're considering selling your Alta Vista home, now is an excellent time to highlight its architectural significance and unique features. Reach out to Stephanie Kroll at Mid-Century Modern Dream Homes today to start your home search or home sale process.
Alta Vista is more than a neighborhood—it’s a living piece of Arvada’s history, offering a timeless connection to the Atomic Age and a modern sense of suburban cool. Welcome home.
