I live around a few blocks from “The Lodge” and “The Works”, two eclectic properties by Boutique Apartments. I didn’t realize the variety and creativity of their other Denver buildings until yesterday, while walking near 18th and Franklin when I stumbled upon “The Aperture”. I was totally drawn into this vintage camera and photo themed apartment building in Denver’s uptown neighborhood. A large scale film camera is mounted out front, and the entire lobby is lined with old cameras. I couldn’t help but pop inside to take a picture, (yes the irony).

Boutique’s properties are in three to five story low rise 1950s style apartments. Most of these ubiquitous buildings have about as much charm as a dental office of the same era. Bland walls, dated carpets, and a formica or green tiled lined small lobby make them completely unremarkable. However Boutique assigns a theme to every building, and although I’ve only seen the outside the interior spaces look as original and creative as the overall theme.

The only drawback is the space. Because they’re renovated apartments the one-bedrooms still generally top out at under 600 square feet. But any design show today can show you how to make the most of small spaces. And I’d take a well designed small space in a great urban neighborhood than a hard to find bland apartment labeled Z307 off a busy super suburban arterial.

Their company and site promotes hip urban living and focuses on community, local resources, and environmentally responsible living. They also give 5% of their profits to green funds. I’m certainly proud to have them as my neighbors, and hope to see more of their designs in the future.

Photos from their site at www.boutiqueapartments.com