Cherry Creek, CO April 2026

100 Detroit Street #701

CHERRY CREEK

Adventures with Flat Rylee

While creating our April issue this month, I’ve had a small companion by my side. I received a letter in the mail from my niece that included a little paper doll named Flat Rylee, along with a note asking if she could tag along on whatever adventures my month might hold.

If anyone remembers when they were a kid, the 1964 book Flat Stanley introduced us to a character we could send off to friends and family to experience new adventures.

At first, I was a little apprehensive about how I would show Flat Rylee a good time, but bringing her along as my sidekick while creating our April issue turned out to be the perfect way to show her around town. Every month is a little different—telling new stories and creating new features—but this one felt just right for Flat Rylee to come along for the ride. She even has a few things to say.

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Hi! My name is Flat Rylee and I am visiting from Arizona. I have had so many new adventures in Colorado this month while spending time with my Aunt Kelsey!

She has been teaching me about how a magazine is created, and I have been joining her at many photoshoots for this month’s issue. The features this month share stories from just a handful of the creative neighbors in the community. Clearly, we were only scratching the surface—this town has so many more incredible people!

I tried so many new things, from learning about metalsmithing and jewelry making to trying uni (that’s sea urchin!), and picking out framing for some special art. Not to mention all the outdoor adventures Colorado has to offer—hiking, skiing, and playing in the snow! There’s not much of that where I come from.

Thanks for showing me so many adventures, Denver!

See you next time,  Flat Rylee

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Now I can confidently send Flat Rylee back home to Arizona with all kinds of new stories and adventures to share with her class. Thank you to our wonderful community for letting her tag along this month. This April issue will be the perfect keepsake for her to bring back and share all of her Colorado adventures.

KELSEY HUFFER, EDITOR @CHERRYCREEKLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Andy Manz | amanz@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Manz | kmanz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Chantel Ellerington

chantel.ellerington@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelsey Huffer | kelsey.huffer@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Jennifer Behr | jennifer.behr@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Edson Graycar | edson.graycar@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelly Ernst, Tony Firestine, Willow King

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, C2 Media

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

5

Photography by @EliMillnerr

Limited memberships available

business monthly

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Element79 Contemporary Jewelry welcomes Courtney Howell as Marketing & Events Manager

Courtney leads Element79's marketing initiatives and event programming, supporting designer partnerships and client engagement. She holds an MBA with a concentration in marketing from the University of Denver and brings experience in brand strategy and partnerships across lifestyle and luxury brands. In her role, she focuses on strengthening Element79’s presence in Cherry Creek and building meaningful connections with the community.

The latest innovation in advanced cataract surgery allows patients to adjust and customize their vision AFTER SURGERY!

The LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS is the first and only lens implant that enables your surgeon to design, trial, and customize your vision through a series of brief in-office light treatments after surgery.

To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404

Designs By Sundown was founded in 1985 to make great homes even better with beautiful, sustainable, enjoyable landscapes. We have stayed true to our roots, with a responsive, knowledgeable staff and the highest quality materials and craftsmanship

Framebridge Brings Custom Framing to Denver with Cherry Creek Store

Framebridge opened its first Colorado location at 255 Clayton St, bringing its modern, design-forward approach to custom framing to Denver. In-store experts guide customers through frame styles and layouts to create polished displays for artwork, photos, and meaningful memorabilia—transforming everything from travel keepsakes to family heirlooms into beautifully finished pieces meant to be showcased at home.

mosaic architects + interiors

FILM FOOD

MUSIC PARTIES ADVENTURE

OBJECTS

“LIKE CLOUDS, WE LOOK UPON THEIR SHIFTING SHAPES WITH WONDER, BEAUTY, AND IMAGINATION. BUT ALSO LIKE A CLOUD, THE TIGHTER YOU GRASP, THE HARDER IT IS TO HOLD.” AND LIKE A CLOUD, THE STORY OF INHERITANCE, THE NEW CONCEPT OF CORNELIA PETERSON, FOUNDER OF DENVER’S BELOVED SACRED THISTLE IS THE STORY OF HISTORY, BEAUTY, FAMILY, AND ART.

Passed down, evolved, and inherited, the space embraces growth and change like a cloud, moving and molding with time. Cornelia Peterson speaks about objects, meaning, and lineage with that subtle undercurrent of wisdom you only have when your head and heart are tapped into that special something bigger than all of us.

Every object has a reason for being there. Cornelia's expert curation unites reflective spaces and inspired relics through heirloom pieces that can be passed on— jewelry, art objects, books, and organic materials. Her rules for the collections are guided by the intention to bring objects that are understood: the history, who it is coming from, how it arrived, and things that can be or are

inherited. And you feel it, you really feel it. So many people reach for the things in the shop, love them and adore them, but they do it because it’s the whole picture that makes Inheritance what it is, says Cornelia.

Beyond the objects and the art in the space, Inheritance itself has a history. It is the product of years of curating, creating, and learning hand in hand with her mother Sydney Peterson. “I taught her floral, and she taught me spatial design after working 30+ years in visual merchandising,” Cornelia recalls as she reflects on the pair’s first venture, Sacred Thistle. A collaboration that lasted a decade, propelled by that beautiful braiding together of skills—mother and daughter teaching and learning, and the passing down (and up) of wisdom.

But spaces and people grow, evolve, and change.

Cornelia embraced movement, expansion, and the opportunity to explore on her own. While meditating on her next steps, what would in time become Inheritance, she stepped away from work to wander creatively. She played with whatever it was that brought her joy. “I played with jewelry, I got really into pearls and graphic design, woodworking, and making with my hands. Whatever whim hit me I just wanted to see what stuck—I didn’t do anything, and I did everything.”

The time did its work to illuminate the path ahead. Reflecting on all the spaces in Denver that she would work in, “It eventually came to me,” Cornelia said. “I was trying to force all these things until I realized that to find the space I really wanted, I would have to create it.”

Inheritance was born, and the vision became clear. A name that reflects the intentionality of the space and the honoring of things passed down, objects that have a story, and a space with the ability to grow and evolve. There is a vision of service; the space doesn’t just exist, but becomes a place that can give back by offering collaborations in design and curating. “The vision is there, but there is room for it to evolve and grow,” she explains. Like clouds, things will take the shape they take when you let them, but the tighter you grasp it, the harder it is to hold.

For now, Cornelia’s Inheritance is an heirloom object, a place for her mother’s art, cloud mosaics, and house blessings, a curated feeling, an airy smell, and a little palace of the mind.

FIND INHERITANCE IN THE RINO ARTS DISTRICT, 3377 BLAKE ST #102 DENVER, COLORADO

SWEPT

SWEEP ING

Supercharged Talismans

ARTICLE BY WILLOW KING

20 years is a long time to listen. And for Mariele Ivy, founder of Young in the Mountains, two decades of making jewelry have been exactly that—an extended, devoted act of listening. To materials, to mythology, to those who come to her carrying stories they're not quite sure how to tell.

This year marks that milestone anniversary, and Mariele is offering that library of knowledge and inspiration to people wanting to craft a story they can wear. Though Young in the Mountains has always been national in reach, 93% of her engagement ring and jewelry buyers live outside the Denver metro area. Mariele is now opening

her Boulder atelier to clients for an intimate, deeply personal new offering: interpretive talisman jewelry, designed in conversation, built around the private symbols of your life.

Think of it as part jeweler's office, part sacred studio. Clients can book an exclusive meeting with Mariele in her atelier, where the design process begins not with a gemstone, but with a story. What are you celebrating? What are you releasing? What image, word, or feeling has been living quietly at the center of something important?

Mariele laughs that she sometimes feels more like an art therapist than a jeweler, and that's not entirely a joke. She has a rare gift for holding space, for asking the question that cracks things open, and for translating what she finds there into wearable form.

She draws from a deep well of symbolism, anthropology, fashion, art history, and appreciation for the natural world and all its organic forms.

She calls these pieces supercharged talismans, and the language is deliberate. Rooted in the concept of sacrament. The physical and tangible expression of an inward and spiritual truth. Her talismans are made to render the invisible real. Celebration, mourning, transition, becoming: these are the mythologies of ordinary lives, and Mariele has spent her career proving that jewelry is one of the oldest and most powerful vessels for carrying them.

That vessel, in her hands, is also a clean one. Even before the jewelry line, Mariele’s early artistic practices were always celebrating recycled materials, and that commitment has only deepened over time through Young In The Mountains.

She draws from a deep well of symbolism, anthropology, fashion, art history, and appreciation for the natural world and all its organic forms.

Her sourcing is under constant review according to the advances of the day. Mariele traces the provenance of almost every stone, works exclusively with Americanmined inlay stones, and sources diamonds and gold from post-consumer or verified origins. She is particularly known for Montana sapphires, a stone found close to her childhood home. In order to make something sacred for someone, she believes, the path of the material itself must be clean. She also welcomes clients to bring their own gold, diamonds, or gemstones to be reimagined. Repurposing heirlooms into something current and powerful, with the lightest possible footprint.

Her design process is, by her own admission, sticky. She follows a theme to its bones, works it until it yields something unmistakable. Anyone who has followed her work knows: you can spot a Young in the Mountains piece across a room. That cohesion is no accident.  It's the result of deep focus, guided always by an innate sense of the material's alchemy.

As the world feels more scattered, Mariele is leaning toward intimacy. Spaces for studio consultations are limited and very much worth the wait. This is jewelry as a love note made with intention, worn with meaning, and sent rippling quietly into the world.

Learn more and book a session at YoungInTheMountains.com.

“My family and I have been living in a custom home that Dan Fuller built 15 years ago.

Dan’s homes are like buying a Mercedes - all you have to do for 150,000 miles is change the oil and rotate the tires. In 15 years all we have had to do is change the HVAC filters and mow the lawn. Seriously, Dan Fuller is one of the best builders in the country”.

Tommy Spaulding

INWARD ELEGANCE

ARTICLE BY TONY FIRESTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY C2 MEDIA

A REFINED CHERRY CREEK RETREAT DESIGNED FOR PRIVACY, WELLNESS, AND SEAMLESS INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING

In Denver’s competitive luxury market, few teams understand architectural nuance and lifestyle positioning quite like The Behr Team. Led by principal broker Josh Behr, the group has built a reputation for representing design-forward residences that balance bold aesthetics with livable elegance. 2610 East Cedar Avenue is a masterclass in that balance.

Designed by BOSS Architecture, the contemporary residence doesn’t announce itself loudly. Instead, it reveals itself slowly. “The architectural vision behind 2610 East Cedar Avenue is one of deliberate restraint and refined drama,” Behr explains. “Rather than presenting itself all at once, the home unfolds gradually, using steel, glass, wood, and concrete to create a layered modern retreat.”

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Unlike many modern homes that prioritize street presence, this one turns inward. “What sets it apart from other contemporary homes in Cherry Creek is its emphasis on privacy and inward-focused living,” Behr says. Expansive sightlines are oriented toward the pool and outdoor spaces rather than the street, creating what he describes as “a residence that feels both sculptural and serene, prioritizing experience and atmosphere over flash.”

That sense of retreat is enhanced by its location within The Estates on Cedar Avenue, a gated enclave in the heart of Cherry Creek. “Tucked behind controlled access and surrounded by a professionally managed setting, the residence enjoys true seclusion while remaining moments from Cherry Creek, downtown, and Denver’s premier amenities,” Behr notes.

The appeal isn’t just privacy; it’s true seclusion and security. Tucked in a gated community surrounded by expansive estates, this property offers a level of discretion and tranquility rarely found in this part of the city. Residents enjoy the comfort of knowing their homes are part of an intimate enclave where quiet streets and estate-scale surroundings create an atmosphere of refinement and retreat. “It is a rare opportunity to enjoy estate-style living with the convenience and peace of mind typically reserved for luxury condominiums or private club communities,” Behr says.

Inside, a full wall of sliding glass doors defines the main level, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out. When open, the kitchen, dining, and living areas extend directly into a backyard outfitted with a private pool and hot tub, two separate sitting areas with fireplaces, and an outdoor kitchen.

“Whether hosting large gatherings or enjoying a quiet evening by the two separate fire pits, the transition feels natural and intuitive,” Behr says. “The outdoor spaces become a true extension of the home rather than a separate destination.”

At the center of it all is the chef’s kitchen. Outfitted with Wolf appliances, a Caesarstone waterfall island with live-edge slab detailing, an oversized pantry, wet bar, and integrated coffee nook, it’s designed for performance without sacrificing warmth. “During large-scale entertaining, everything functions effortlessly,” Behr explains. “For everyday living, the kitchen remains warm and approachable.”

Upstairs, the primary suite occupies its own secluded wing. Sliding pocket doors allow the space to open fully or close off entirely. “The primary suite creates a sense of retreat rarely found in urban homes,” Behr says. A spa-inspired bathroom with radiant heated floors, a steam shower, and an expansive custom closet with its own laundry “elevates daily routines into restorative rituals.”

The lower level further expands the home’s versatility. A media room, game room, dedicated gym, and Finnleo infrared sauna create the feel of a private wellness club, while two guest suites ensure visitors enjoy complete comfort and privacy.

Outside, the atmosphere shifts seamlessly with the seasons. “The backyard is best described as a private, resort-style sanctuary,” Behr says. Heated sitting areas, covered patios, and dual fire pits allow for year-round enjoyment—equally suited to summer pool parties or intimate winter evenings.

What ultimately distinguishes 2610 East Cedar Avenue is the rare convergence of architectural integrity, gated privacy, resort-caliber amenities, and full-service maintenance in one of Denver’s most coveted neighborhoods. For a buyer who values intentional architecture, seamless entertaining, and a refined urban retreat that lives as beautifully as it looks, this residence represents a singular offering in today’s market.

For more information, visit BehrTeam.com

From Spain With Love

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASEY WILSON

At Tapas Restaurant Casa Juani, Fine Dining Meets Soulful Authenticity

Just a few nights after it opened in late February, Casa Juani is buzzing with lively chatter from patrons, their cutlery clinking across artisanal plateware displaying collections of vibrant tapas dishes. Spanish wines and creative cocktails in delicate coupe glasses frame the plates resting on light oak tables. Friends and families huddle in camel-hued booths, reaching to sample the feast in front of them. The vibe is decidedly Boulder— hip yet relaxed—but also completely distinctive, a testament to its owners.

Casa Juani is the debut restaurant concept from chefs (and married couple) Eduardo Valle Lobo and Kelly Jeun, Frasca Food & Wine alums who also helmed kitchens in New York restaurants Eleven Madison Park and Del Posto. Serving inventive yet familiar Spanish fare with a focus on fresh seafood, Casa Juani is a love letter to Valle Lobo’s 98-yearold mother, Juanita, who raised him and his three siblings in Madrid. “I get emotional talking about it,” Valle Lobo says. “She stayed home, taking care of the family, cooking seven days a week with super delicious ingredients. She sacrificed a lot for us. It’s what she’s always done.”

Menus reveal Juanita’s influence, from a simple Spanish omelette with eggs, olive oil, potato and salt flakes, to a mushroom, rice and Périgord truffle dish, to croquetas—small, breaded rolls

filled with bechamel sauce and cinco jotas jamón Ibérico, Spain’s most premium free-range ham. This particular pig, Valle Lobo says, is a symbol of Spanish cuisine. The animal grazes on acorns to produce a distinct nutty flavor, and just one leg can be worth up to $1,300. A highlight of Casa Juani’s offering is the marisqueria seafood bar, where chefs prepare raw dishes like razor clams, oysters, mussels with clam ceviche, scallops with onion and tarragon, and a sea urchin custard complemented by ajo blanco and green grapes. Jeun says their many travels to Madrid, where popular markets offer dozens of fresh fish and restaurants showcase seafood in dining rooms, inspired their own display.

“People care about where their food comes from,” she says. “They want to see it. To have a view of the marisqueria in our dining room, it makes it fun and interactive. Guests can be part of the experience.”

Casa Juani seafood, vegetables and meats are sourced from the East and West Coasts, Spain and local farms, including Toohey & Sons and Esoterra Culinary Garden. Sea urchins are overnighted from Santa Barbara, California, where divers caught them the previous day. Every ingredient in the kitchen begins whole, whether it’s spices, ribeye on the bone, or a freshly harvested tomato.

CONTINUED >

“There’s no shortcut to delicious cooking,” Jeun says. “It’s about developing flavors. Food tastes better when you can source it properly.”

Restaurant interiors lean on a Mediterranean minimalist aesthetic, allowing the food to take center stage. Boulder architecture firm Arch11 infused the space with Iberian design flair—earthy and modern with stone and marble accents. Valle Lobo and Jeun found various plates, bowls, and other ceramics in showrooms across Madrid, Barcelona, and New York. Attention to detail is visible in the plating, where the couple’s culinary creativity shines.

“We’re presenting tapas in a fun way, interacting different seafood and vegetables,” Valle Lobo says. “I'm doing this because of my mom. We want to have good food, good ingredients. Someone told me, ‘The food tastes like my grandma’s.’ It’s incredible. I'm very happy."

CASA JUANI

901 Pearl St., Boulder | CasaJuaniBoulder.com

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

A Luxury Enclave Defined by Proximity and Privacy

Located between Boulder and Golden, Colorado, Canyon Pines is a modern mountain enclave designed for the individual who demands both the energy of the Denver-Boulder corridor and the restorative quiet of the high-country. This curated residential environment is defined by dramatic rock outcroppings and protected open space, providing a site-specific foundation for significant luxury homes. Whether engaging with a fully developed architectural concept or commissioning a custom residence, owners participate in a cohesive vision of refined mountain living that offers a sanctuary without the compromise of proximity.

April Around Town

26th

4th

FAMILY EGG HUNT AT FOUR MILE

Celebrate spring with an egg-citing day at Four Mile’s Family Egg Hunt, where kids can take part in age-specific scrambles and search for golden eggs throughout the park. With tractor rides, visits with the Easter Bunny, live entertainment, festive activities, and plenty for adults to enjoy as well, it’s a lively way to welcome the season. For tickets and more information, visit FourMilePark.org.

7th - 12th

DENVER JAZZ FEST

Denver Jazz Fest returns with a citywide celebration of live music during Jazz Appreciation Month, bringing performances to venues across Denver

and Boulder. The festival is a chance to catch standout artists, discover new sounds, and take in the energy of jazz across the metro area. For tickets and more information, visit DenverJazz.org.

23rd - 25th

54THIRTY ROOFTOP SEASON KICKOFF

54thirty Rooftop kicks off the season with live music, new cocktails, and sweeping views of the city and mountains. It’s a fun way to welcome rooftop season in Denver, whether you book a cabana or grab a seat by the firepit.

COLORADO WINE WALK BY BLANCHARD FAMILY WINES

Colorado Wine Walk by Blanchard Family Wines returns to Dairy Block for an afternoon celebrating the wineries helping shape the state’s growing wine scene. Guests can enjoy tastings, live music, bites, and conversations with winemakers in one of downtown Denver’s most inviting settings. For tickets and more information, visit ColoradoWineWalk.com

26th - May 3rd

MILE HIGH ASIAN FOOD WEEK

Mile High Asian Food Week is a weeklong celebration of Colorado’s growing AANHPI culinary scene, inviting food lovers to explore a wide range of cuisines from participating businesses. Along the way, guests can enjoy special discounts, specialty menus, secret menu items, and other insider perks. For tickets and more information, visit MileHighAFW.com