This new development plan is for an artist and retail center in Denver.  Still in its preliminary phases, we hope to move this forward in 2018

The design of the Constellation Ice Cream shop was certainly an architectural challenge.  From the simple concept of putting a glass kiosk under a replica wing, to hanging over the right of way, to positioning a 70 foot wing on a tight site, this project pushes the boundaries of what is possible creating a truly innovative form which we hope will have a lasting impression on the Stapleton Community.

The project draws on the roadside architecture movement seen in places like Las Vegas, Cadillac Ranch or Coney Island, and more recently events like Burning Man.  In this case, the Constellation brings a celebration of long aeronautics history of the Stapleton Airport to the present.  The goal is to turn heads and create an experience of getting ice cream like no other, while reminding us of the cultural history of this piece of land.

The biggest technical challenge was to insert just enough structural support into the wing shape without changing the replica airplane form of the Lockheed Constellation design.  As one could imagine, the original structural design for a wing like this was very light weight and did not take into account things like snow, insulation, foundations and glass walls.  We brought only a section of the original design down to earth and then had to get it to pass through a rigorous building code to become a building.  The key design challenge was to allow it to keep its lightness and airy feel, accentuating the curves and complex shape of the wing form and still keep it tied to the ground during a heavy wind storm. In other words, we want your imagination to soar, while keeping the structure firmly grounded.  

The design will owe credit to manufactures, artists and technical support in three countries outside the US, led by Arizona Model Aircrafters to ensure the design integrity of the airplane.  

In 2015, we were asked to design a three level parking garage for the Estes Park Visitor Center.  Designed as a gateway to Estes Park, the project sits on Federal and State lands next to the St Vrain river, which is know for recent 100 year floods.  Key to the project was maintaining views to the historic Stanley Hotel.

The project design approach is to expand on the existing mountain style architecture of the Visitor Center and the Town.  The project is expandable over time, with plans for one to three levels as funding permits.  The ground floor is built with durability and flooding in mind.  We hope to see the design through in the coming year.

When the owners of the Full Cycle in Boulder approached us about putting a full service bar into their bike shop, we jumped at the challenge.  

This sub shop in Longmont is our fourth with the Cheba franchise and we think the best.  The project was to take an old 7 Eleven and turn it into a restaurant, something the City wanted, but made difficult along the way.  We are happy to see it take shape.

The Freyja Project is more than just a  premier Yoga Studio in the lower highlands.  Although it does have two great studios with innovative cushioned floors, it is also a spa and center for alternative health, featuring treatment rooms and a nice place to change before and after your workout.

MKA was proud to work with owner Patty Henry to create this space after a 12 month search.  The center is open and airy and is a great place to ease your mind and body.  We chose materials and finishes throughout, focusing on calming grey tones.  We even designed and built a few custom light fixtures for the space.

Cherry Bean Coffee, located in the Sunnyside neighborhood may be a small project, but it was big for us.  We packed in a full service coffee and espresso bar into this corner shop which has become a beacon, drawing customers from all over the highlands.

The design challenge for us was taking an existing abandoned office and returning it to a old time feel, mostly by uncovering and exposing historic brick and quality materials buried over time.  The result is colorful, warm and inviting.

MKA has had the opportunity to work with Giant Bicycle and BHawkins to design or consult on six different stores nationwide.  The feature stores in Denver, Santa Monica and Scottsdale have a consistent brand identity, color and rich material palette.

We enjoy the challenge of taking a prototype design into each unique store and solving the puzzle in a new way.  The retail experience has changed in the last ten years and we were pleased to help Giant make the transition to a more contemporary and personal shopping experience.

Mountain Midwifery Center, Colorado's first stand alone birth center, went through a major move and upgrade in 2015, taking new space in Englewood.  We were happy to work with them to create a new combined clinic and birth center with four new birthing room suites.

Using rich materials and a colorful palette, we worked with MMC to create a friendly residential feel in the new space with tubs, shower and beds in each suite.  The feel of each suite is unique, offering new moms several choices on where to experience the wonders of childbirth.

This project was a ground up house for a client set on some agricultural land in Englewood, Colorado.  We advanced the project all the way to permit drawings before it got put on hold.  Here's hoping that it finds new life.

MKA has been heavily involved in the transformation of the corner of 12th and Madison in Congress Park.  Working with building owner Louie Lago, we have been a part of two building additions and four tenant finish projects.  The most visible change was the addition to Berenice's hair salon in copper clad and glass.  With its wing like roof form, the project calls attention to the retail and residential uses inside.  The project was nominated for a Denver Design award.

We have designed the residential unit on the second floor, the pH7 Pilates studio, the Glaze Exterior Patio, the Berenice's expansion.  In the coming year we are helping with the new noodle shop and bringing a change in the ice cream shop.  Stay tuned...

MKA was the production architect on three parking structures for this campus plan for State Farm Insurance.  Working with Davis in Tempe, AZ and Walker Parking, we took the design concept for the garage skin from DD through construction.  

The garage screen walls include custom stainless punched panels in a random pattern as well as perforated corrugate metal panels, all designed to screen the parked cars and headlights from nearby properties.  The project is still under construction for 2016, but well on its way.

In the heart of Congress Park sits one of the beauties of the 1920s, the Marlene, a twenty unit apartment building.  MKA was asked to help restore and modernize the building, with a full gut and remodel, window replacement and addition of much needed parking in this urban neighborhood.

Working with the owners, we developed a 1920s neo-modern stylistic approach, keeping as much of the original building as we could, but modernizing where necessary.  We designed new kitchens and baths in every unit, added laundry and better fire protection and acoustics.  The strategy paid off as the building was fully occupied in the first few months.  

In 2009, during the great recession, I took on the challenge adding a new second floor and garage to our home on Lafayette Street.  In an Historic District and close to the property line, the entitlement process included more than a few visits to Landmark and the Board of Adjustment for Zoning.

The design includes a modest change to the front facade, while adding three bedrooms and two baths upstairs.  In keeping with the bungalow style, the project is clad in cedar siding and rough sawn lumber over a red brick first floor.

On the interior, we elected to keep the tudor-esque trim, but push the style toward the pairie style.  The windows are modern casements made to look like the old in swinging historic windows.

Working with Walker Parking Consultants, MKA was the architect for this ground up eight level parking structure near the LAX airport.  Designed as airport parking, the 3500 stall parking garage is within walking distance to the airport, providing easy access to both the Concourse Hotel, office and long term users in the area.

We designed the garage with a base and top, providing some pedestrian scale elements at the ground and second levels, as well as mullions on the upper level to give a more finished building look to the structure.  The design was approved by the City Council and build over a five year period, under two separate owners.

MKA is proud to have a long term client with the Kent Denver School, completing projects in five of their buildings over an eight year span.  Typically, the projects are interior remodels ranging from upgrading finishes in the Commons area to a new science lab for the middle school kids.

One reason we keep getting called back is because we understand the needs of a school with a tight design schedule.  With only three months to build during the year, the design team can plan and make sure they are ready even when the project is complex.

MKA is working on some fabulous opportunities.  Here are some recent renderings of projects we hope will take off in the coming year.