Have you wondered who’s behind some of the iconic architectural marvels of Colorado? I have the answer — Burnham Hoyt. Hoyt’s work is all around us, from the Denver Public Library to the elegant Temple Emanuel.
Among his most celebrated works is the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The venue is known for its natural beauty and impeccable design that melts into the surrounding geography.
Learning about Burnham Hoyt is for architecture lovers or anyone who wants to explore Colorado’s rich history and culture. Hoyt’s buildings defined the state’s architecture in the early 20th century and still influence modern design.
Burnham Hoyt Life and Work
Early life and education
Burnham Hoyt was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1887 and grew up in the Highland neighborhood. He attended Boulevard Elementary School and North High School before beginning his formal architectural training at the Beaux Arts Institute of Design in New York City in 1908.
Hoyt excelled in his studies, winning six design contests and finding work with the prestigious New York firm of George B. Post & Sons. He also spent two years with another New York firm, Bertram Goodhue, before serving in the Army Camouflage Corps during World War I.
Career in architecture
After the war, he returned to Denver to partner with his brother (Merrill). The M. H. and B. Hoyt, Architects designed notable Denver landmarks such as the Spanish Baroque Revival Park Hill Branch Library and the English Gothic Style Lake Junior High School.
Following a European tour in 1926, Burnham Hoyt was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., to finish Riverside Baptist Church in New York City. He also joined the New York University School of Architecture as a professor and eventually became the dean of the design department. In 1936, he returned to Denver to head his firm and shifted from historical to international styles.
Burnham Hoyt Major works in Colorado
Hoyt’s interest in the International style reflects in his designs, which exhibit flat roofs, rounded bays, smooth masonry, glass walls, clean lines, and a lack of ornament. He also ventured into historic preservation by helping to restore buildings in the mountain town of Central City. Hoyt’s work to advance the architectural profession included helping organize the Denver Atelier, a New York Beaux-Arts Institute branch.
Hoyt’s masterpiece, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, was completed in 1941 in Morrison, Colorado. Hoyt worked closely with nature, making minimal changes to the stony setting and even bringing down native juniper trees from Mount Morrison for the venue’s planters.
Red Rocks immediately brought Hoyt national fame and is still considered America’s finest outdoor theater. It has the recognition of the American Institute of Architecture, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Red Rocks Amphitheater: A Masterpiece of Burnham Hoyt
History and background
Hoyt’s inspiration for Red Rocks Amphitheatre stemmed from his belief that a place of entertainment should complement the surroundings. He saw the beauty in the rock formations and recognized the potential for a one-of-a-kind amphitheater.
Construction began in 1936, led by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The workers, primarily young men struggling to find work during the Great Depression, built the theater by hand using locally sourced materials, such as sandstone quarried from nearby Red Rocks Park.
Key Features and Design Principles
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s unique location and environment set it apart from all others. Two mammoth rocks frame the stage, with Stage Rock as a backdrop, creating an organic scene for performers and concert-goers. Hoyt designed the theater to blend into the landscape. He even included native juniper trees from Mount Morrison in the venue’s planters, further enhancing the natural feel of the space.
The acoustic design is noteworthy, with a carefully calculated arrangement of benches and stone walls to create a nearly perfect auditory experience.
Significance and Impact
Red Rocks Amphitheatre has received national and international acclaim. In 1957, it was the sole Colorado structure included in the American Institute of Architecture’s National Gallery exhibit on the history of American architecture.
The Museum of Modern Art also recognized Red Rocks, awarding it “one of the fifty outstanding examples of American architecture” of the 1940s.
The Civilian Conservation Corps, whose recruits built Red Rocks, celebrates it as one of the finest examples of their work nationwide. The amphitheater has become a cultural icon, hosting countless concerts and events throughout the year.
Analysis of the Design
Hoyt drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman amphitheaters when designing Red Rocks. The influence of these classical structures is evident in the circular shape, its tiered seating arrangement, and its attention to acoustics. However, Hoyt’s incorporation of the natural environment positions Red Rocks apart from any ancient structure. The smooth fusion of the venue with its terrain confirms Hoyt’s architectural skill.
Red Rocks has impacted modern architecture, with many designers citing it as inspiration.
Final Act
As Burnham Hoyt approached the peak of his career in the 1950s, Parkinson’s disease struck. Despite the illness, he persevered and dictated his final project, the central Denver Public Library (1955) in Civic Center, to his assistants. Although Hoyt’s Parkinson’s disease hindered him from holding a pencil, it did not stop him from producing a notable work of architecture.
In 1960, Hoyt passed away in his home at 3130 East Exposition Avenue, which he designed. His remarkable works in Colorado still stand, including the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2015, and his Denver Public Library, which is part of the Civic Center National Historic Landmark.
Despite some of his best works no longer standing, many of his finest designs still exist. They are evidence that Hoyt remains Colorado’s premier architect and foremost champion of modernism.
Implications for Home Buyers
Knowing a property’s architect can provide valuable insight into the design and construction quality. Burnham Hoyt’s legacy in Colorado is a prime example. Here are implications for home buyers to consider when it comes to Burnham Hoyt-designed properties:
Know the architect.
- Understanding the architect will provide a better sense of the value and significance of the property.
- Knowing that Burnham Hoyt designed property can be a selling point for buyers, as his work is highly regarded and sought-after.
Identify the architectural style.
- Burnham Hoyt’s architectural style can be identified by its modern and streamlined design, emphasizing simplicity and functionality.
- Look for structures with clean lines, a lack of ornamental details, and a focus on geometric shapes.
Factors to consider when buying a Burnham Hoyt-designed property.
- Burnham Hoyt’s properties may command a premium price.
- Ensure that the property has been well-maintained and preserved, as it is part of Colorado’s architectural heritage.
Burnham Hoyt’s contributions are the cornerstone of Colorado’s architectural beauty. His creations are a testament to the fact that even buildings can make us stop and smell the roses. His works, especially the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, have become iconic landmarks.
It’s clear that Hoyt was a pioneer in modern architecture, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on the state.
As residents of Colorado, we are responsible for preserving and protecting these engineered masterpieces. Be mindful while visiting these places and understand their historical and cultural value. By doing so, we can honor the legacy of Burnham Hoyt and pass on his works to future generations.