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Cherry Creek, CO March 2026

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2610 E. Cedar Avenue

CHERRY CREEK

HOME

Such a seemingly simple word, yet one that conjures up so much emotion and a plethora of memories. Our house is the physical structure, but our home is an intangible sense that we feel in our soul. It is the place we laugh, cry, share our hopes and dreams, and express our deepest fears. The sacred walls that we share with family, friends, and maybe a few fur babies. The one place that can reflect our values, style, and personality—where we create moments we will forever cherish.

Whether life finds you in your first home, forever home, rental home, or soonto-be home, we all want that place we can call our home.

This issue is dedicated to those in our community who help us find, build, beautify, and refine the small piece of this earth we return to at the end of each day and awake to in the morning light.

The place that we call home.

March 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

SALES DIRECTOR

Jennifer Behr | jennifer.behr@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Edson Graycar | edson.graycar@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Tony Firestine | anthonyjfirestine@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily O'Brien, Edson Graycar, Linden Butrym

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Poppy & Co. by Kelsey Huffer, Casey Wilson

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

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Photography by LOVE SARO

Limited memberships available

MARCH 2026

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Moodswing, Denver’s Ultimate Social Gathering Hub, Opens in Elyria Swansea Neighborhood

Moodswing is a welcoming community hub for both pickleballers and non-players, open daily starting at 8 am. The space features a full coffee program from 8 am to 3 pm, co-working with high-speed internet, and ample areas for meetings and neighborhood gatherings. Its restaurant-quality menu centers on brick-oven–fired pizzas alongside shareable plates such as rosemary white bean dip, Calabrian honey wings, and Nonna’s meatballs. Morning offerings include breakfast burritos, overnight oats from Uptown & Humboldt, and house-made pastries.

OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

At Colorado Eye Consultants, we are proud to offer oculofacial plastic surgery by ASOPRS fellowship trained & board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Carl Rebhun. With years of advanced training and dedication to his patients, Dr. Rebhun combines the latest surgical innovations with artistic precision to achieve natural, rejuvenating results.

WHY CHOOSE DR. CARL REBHUN?

EXTENSIVE TRAINING: ASOPRS fellowship trained and board-certified.

INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES: Utilizes the latest and most innovative techniques.

consultation to meet your goals.

Photography by Ben Strong, Boxcar Photography

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

Artist in Residence at The Ramble Hotel

The Ramble Hotel’s Artist in Residence Program, which launched at the start of 2026, introduces a new Colorado artist to guests each quarter through engaging events, exhibits, and exclusive merch collaborations. The program kicked off with Denver-based Western contemporary artist Ariana Barnstable, known for her Lazy Cowgirl series. For more information, visit TheRambleHotel.com.

Photography by Kelly Calvillo

Uchiko Opens in Cherry Creek

James Beard Award–winning Chef Tyson Cole’s Uchiko has arrived in Cherry Creek, transforming the iconic black building at 299 Fillmore Street into a stunning destination for fire-centric Japanese cuisine. Chef de Cuisine Andres Araujo leads the kitchen where the wood-fired hearth anchors smoke-kissed dishes, balancing bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The restaurant features Denver-made artwork, an intimate sushi bar, and a beverage program showcasing Japanese whisky, sake, seasonal cocktails, and an extensive wine list.

“We recently worked with Haley Custom Homes in Cherry Creek to renovate our family home, and the experience was fantastic from start to finish! The entire team, was professional, friendly, and always kept us updated on progress. The quality of their work really shows, and they finished the project on time and within budget. We’re so happy with the results and would 100% recommend Haley Custom Homes to anyone looking for reliable, skilled professionals”.

Meet Willow:

The Kemps’ Home Concierge

When Dr. Jennifer Kemp and Nick Kemp bought their current mid-century home, they knew they were going to undertake a massive renovation. What they didn’t realize is that the home would continue to require a decent amount of upkeep and problem-solving—and could ultimately impact the time that they’d rather be spending together.

“I was working full-time at hospitals,” says Dr. Kemp. “And asking Nick, ‘Did you do this? Do that? Call that person?’”

For anyone in a relationship, this is a very familiar refrain, especially if one of you has been trying to call an electrician for a week and hasn’t heard back yet. Or if you can’t find anyone to take on a very small ceiling patch job. Or if no one can figure out why your upstairs is at least 78 degrees, no matter the outside temperature.

As two people who love their home and take a lot of pride in their space, the Kemps knew they needed help and reached out to their network to see if anyone had a solution. Finally, some trial and error, lots of Googling, and an interview led them to Willow, a home concierge service that provides high-end care through a single point of contact, bridging the gap between the realities of long-term homeownership and the limits of traditional general contracting.

Or as Dr. Kemp says, “Let’s just call Elizabeth.”  Elizabeth Poisson is the Home Concierge responsible for the Kemp’s home. She’s incredibly detail-oriented, curious, and a true problem solver—and she will stop at nothing to fix the mysterious HVAC issue that has been plaguing the Kemps and their sub-tropical second floor.

TAKING THE OUT OF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

THE STRESS OF HOME

When she’s not in the attic crawl space trying to get to the root cause of that issue, she’s noticing small details before they become problems and adding a sense of ease to the Kemp's life, keeping track of regular maintenance for them, and coordinating larger projects.

“Elizabeth just schedules it,” says Nick Kemp. “And we don't even have to be here.”

There’s a lot of trust required in the relationship, both ways, and Poisson has clearly earned it. Within days of beginning work with the Kemps, she’d coordinated a

warranty claim with their roofing company to have shingles replaced. She also replaced a toilet seat that previous contractors had called impossible, and she turned a $20K pool cover estimate into a $2K welding project. When the dryer started squeaking, Dr. Kemp didn’t even think to mention it, but Poisson heard it right away, took videos, and had it repaired the next morning.

“I have trouble sharing Willow,” says Dr. Kemp. “We love how intentional they are about how many clients they have.”

“If you have kids, you never want to share a babysitter's number,” adds Nick Kemp. “This is that.”

They are, of course, speaking to the value of finding—and sometimes gatekeeping—people who make your life better and easier. In founding Willow, Nick Karas knew he wanted to work with an intentionally limited client model with a

hospitality-driven concierge approach, so they have no need to worry.

Together, Nick Karas, Elizabeth Poisson, and the other Home Concierges have cultivated a network of trusted and vetted contractors who show up on time and do good work. Poisson is there to get to the heart of the issue(s) and make sure the right people are lined up to take the home apart and put it back together even better.

“We stay three steps ahead to coordinate with the vendors and put them in order,” says Poisson. “Always advocating for better solutions to seamlessly manage evolving project scopes.”

With Poisson, nothing feels impossible. Together, they’re exploring other long-term projects, like a fireplace that hasn’t been operable since 2013 and stucco covering their original brick exterior. One day,

the Kemps know that the to-do list will zero out and everything will be done, thanks in massive part to Poisson and the rest of the team at Willow.

That’s not to say home maintenance ever truly ends. As we head into spring, the Willow team is scheduling AC tune-ups, gutter and downspout cleaning, window washing, and sprinkler system audits and activation.

“Every home is different,” says Nick Karas. “But spring kicks the dormant season into action.”

Outside the home, they focus on coordinating exterior painting and landscaping, getting ahead of the growing season by fertilizing trees and doing pest prevention. They’ll even power wash and organize the garage, detail the car, and swap winter tires.

They’re always thinking of ways to support the homeowners they work with and tailor the scope of each relationship to the owners and the home. They are proud of the work they do, managing everything from routine maintenance to large-scale renovations, emergency response, and even art handling.

To learn more about their work and get on their membership waitlist, head to WillowHome.co

ART THAT FEELS LIKE HOME

A Guide to Choosing Art for Your Space

With Verbunt Galerie

Choosing art for your home is about more than filling walls; it reflects your lifestyle, values, and how you want to feel. That philosophy guides Verbunt Galerie, founded by Australian-born art advisor Mikayla Verbunt, now based in Colorado, blending global perspective with personal curation.

Recently opened, Verbunt Galerie connects collectors and designers to contemporary artists from around the world through thoughtful, intentional curation. Rather than following trends, Mikayla focuses on pieces that feel meaningful and livable, meant to grow with those who live with them.

START WITH HOW YOU LIVE

Mikayla’s first step in helping clients choose art is understanding their lifestyle. “A big part of my process is getting to know my clients as people, because art is so deeply personal and connected to our experiences and memories,” she says.

She considers daily routines, the type of home, and how each space is used, noting that a mountain home requires different materials than a beach house and households with children may not suit fragile works. “I always consider how someone will actually live with a piece over time,” Mikayla explains. Her advice is consistent: “Art is subjective, and you should lean into that. Always choose the piece that moves you and feels meaningful to you, not what is trending.”

DEFINE THE MOOD FIRST

When selecting artwork, Mikayla typically begins with mood. “How do you want to feel when you walk into the room? What do you want your guests to feel?” she asks. Bedrooms benefit from calming, grounding work, while entryways and living areas can support bolder pieces that encourage conversation.

Scale matters: pairing a delicate piece with a larger work creates a focal point, and thoughtfully arranged smaller works can be just as impactful.

THINK BEYOND THE CANVAS

Color, lighting, and placement guide the eye and create flow, but Mikayla also encourages clients to explore unconventional formats. Framed tiles, wall sculptures, textiles, sculptural objects, and mixed media add depth, texture, and personality, helping a space feel layered rather than overly styled.

ORIGINALS, PRINTS, AND BUILDING OVER TIME

For clients unsure about investing in original art, Mikayla emphasizes emotional connection, aesthetics, budget, and long-term goals. Originals offer individuality, while prints and mixed media provide accessible entry points. Clients can build a collection over time, blending originals, prints, ceramics, textiles, and photography to create depth rooted in personal story rather than price point.

VISUALIZING THE RIGHT FIT

Verbunt Galerie offers complimentary art advisory consultations, during which Mikayla learns about a client’s vision, space, and lifestyle. She curates selections and provides digital mockups so clients can visualize how artwork will live in their home. Clients can preview a piece in their home, while Mikayla oversees framing, shipping, and installation to ensure a seamless experience.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Before committing to a piece, Mikayla encourages clients to pause. “Does this piece bring me joy? What was my first instinct when I saw it, before hearing anyone else’s opinion?” That initial reaction, she believes, is often the most honest. When emotion, aesthetics, and lifestyle align, art moves beyond the wall and becomes part of how a home is experienced every day.

To shop Verbunt Galerie's collection, visit VerbuntGalerie.com.

by

“WHEN EMOTION, AESTHETICS, AND LIFESTYLE ALIGN, ART MOVES BEYOND THE WALL AND BECOMES PART OF HOW A HOME IS EXPERIENCED EVERY DAY.”
Photo

Artful Living

WITH THIS ASPEN TOWNHOME REMODEL, HOME WITHIN BY JOE MCGUIRE DESIGN CREATED A SOULFUL SPACE THAT BALANCES LUXURY AND LIVABILITY

When a Florida family tapped interior designers Joe McGuire and Matthew Tenzin of Home Within by Joe McGuire Design ( JoeMcGuireDesign.com) to transform a 1980s townhome in downtown Aspen into a modern yet cozy mountain retreat, they were eager to breathe new life into the outdated space. “There were a lot of strange angles and details, like a spiraling staircase next to a faceted mirrored wall,” Tenzin says. “Our clients wanted a home that felt connected to nature, with plenty of space for their kids, dog, and guests.”

McGuire and Tenzin began the project with their Home Within approach—tuning in to what makes someone feel comfortable, grounded, inspired, and truly at home. For this family, comfort centered on warm neutrals anchored by oak flooring throughout and furnishings like the twin Montauk sofas, BassamFellows leather lounge chairs, custom Arco dining table, Thomas Hayes Studio kitchen counter stools covered in Pierre Fray fabric, and a custom primary bed with a Ralph Lauren fabric headboard. Ivory Moroccan rugs in several living spaces add texture; in the powder bathroom, an integral stone sink in Taj Mahal slab plays nicely off the terracotta floral motif Arte wallpaper. For warmth and ambiance on chilly winter evenings, a fireplace in the primary bedroom is crafted with American Clay plaster from New Mexico.

Thoughtfully selected works from Colorado artists, including an original ink drawing by Laura Betti, a custom ceramic wall hanging commissioned by Liz Quan, and an original charcoal drawing by Andrew Beckham, infuse the home with serenity. “Laura’s piece is an image made up of handwritten words,” Tenzin says. “It's this powerful expression of mindfulness and stillness. The clients were really drawn to that piece because it set the intention for calm energy.”

A trio of kitchen windows brings nature in with sweeping views of Red Mountain, while custom Una Malan dining chairs with aubergine-hued backs

complement the purple-leaf plum trees swaying in the breeze outside. Peaceful alpine scenes are depicted in the foyer with an original painting by Rachel Garrard, and in the dining room with an original photographic collage by Terri Loewenthal. Storage was also important, so the kitchen has full-height built-ins with a pull-out pantry and a built-in bar with pocket doors. A custom mudroom displays shoes, coats, and hats; a spacious garage stores bikes, skis, and other gear. “They like to host and entertain as much as they love all the outdoor activities,” Tenzin says. “They wanted the home to feel elevated without being too formal.”

“They wanted the home to feel elevated without being too formal.”
— Matthew Tenzin, Co-Owner & Principal, Home Within by Joe McGuire Design

Though the townhome was renovated top to bottom, one original feature remains—a dumbwaiter, connecting the three stories from the kitchen cabinetry on the top floor. It allows for effortless grocery hauls up from the garage, or perhaps some playful mischief from the clients’ children. “There's a joyful quality to this home that starts with the clients themselves,” McGuire says. “They feel at home in this transformed space."

Design Details

2,533 square feet

3 bed/3.5 bath

Builder: SH Built

Architect: Zone 4

Cabinetry: Jensen Design

Stylist: Natalie Warady

SWEPT

SWEEP ING

FROM FIREPLACES TO BLANKET-DRAPED CHAIRS, COZY IS ON THE MENU AT THESE BOULDER RESTAURANTS

WHERE EVERY SEAT FEELS LIKE HOME

There was a trend in restaurant design not too long ago: Sparse décor, metal-frame chairs, industrial lighting that looked borrowed from a loading dock. Sure, the restaurants were “streamlined” and “modern,” but they felt…cold. And come on; plopping down on a metal chair after a long day doesn’t exactly feel like a warm hug. Sometimes what you want from a restaurant is less clean lines and hard edges and more ease.

Luckily, not every restaurant bought into the factory chic design trend, and Denver is full of places that feel like they want you to stay awhile. Less like design statements and more like invitations, these restaurants feel just as cozy and homey as, well, home. Plus, the food coming out of their kitchens is a notch above mom’s and dad’s. (Sorry, mom and dad!)

Here are four Denver restaurants that understand comfort extends beyond the food.

Like stepping into an enchanted forest crossed with a ski chalet, La Foret brings all the whimsical, hygge vibes. Aspen trees are everywhere, massive, curved booths can seat a crowd (or two cozied up), and thick slabs of wood anchor each table. Housed in the former Beatrice & Woodsley space, La Foret carried on its storybook feel and paired it with seriously good French food and an excellent cocktail program. Equal parts magical and au naturel, it’s the rare restaurant that feels both transportive and completely at home.

38 S. Broadway

Le Colonial is one of the most stunning restaurants in Denver, so as far as “home” goes, it’s more model home than lived-in. (One where you’re typing steal-worthy design notes into your phone at every turn.) Every detail works to create a space that feels polished yet welcoming, from the gorgeous wallpapers and leafy palms to the intricate moldings and curated artwork. There’s even an impeccably styled library where you can stop for a drink before heading into the dining room for upscale Vietnamese dishes like sweet chili and ginger soy tuna tartare, and the signature shaking beef—all of it setting the tone for a slow, luxurious meal.

255 Fillmore St. CONTINUED >

LA FORET LE COLONIAL

TAVERNETTA

The bar at Union Station’s Tavernetta is downright dreamy. A fireplace flickers, dim lighting casts a warm glow, and the whole space hums with the energy of a stylish villa party on Lake Como. (Or at least that’s our best guess based on Instagram fantasies.) The service makes you feel George Clooney-esque, like you’re the most charming person in the room, while top-notch Italian food and a happy hour with $9 glasses of wine and spritzes make it easy to settle in.

1889 16 th St.

With a wrought iron gate and porch for days, Lucile’s Creole Café channels a New Orleansstyle home that feels less like a restaurant and more like a particularly charming friend’s house—one who happens to be very good at breakfast. Inside, the rooms are sun-washed and welcoming, with mismatched dishware and the aroma of coffee and biscuits perfuming the air. You can tuck yourself into a cozy corner inside or claim a spot on the wraparound porch, where mornings stretch easily into afternoons. Food is pure comfort, too, Cajun favorites like pain perdu, beignets, and creole sauced Benedicts.

275 S. Logan St.

LUCILE’S CREOLE CAFÉ

Photo by Casey Wilson

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

Monday Nights

3-Course Prefix Menu $35

Tuesday Nights

Burger Night $10 Our Signature “Mac” Burger with house chips

Wednesday Nights

$8 Martinis

Thursday Nights

Oysters & Bubbles

Oysters $2 & Oyster Rockefeller $3

Bubbles $5

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch 10am-2:30pm

“ ”

What truly sets this company apart is their outstanding customer service.

“They were responsive, helpful, and went above and beyond to ensure I was satisfied with my order. It’s rare to find a company that delivers both a great product and exceptional support, but they nailed it!”

T., Innovative Openings Customer

From the start, Heekin wanted the youth at Urban Peak to shape the work. She organized three intentionally open-ended workshops, knowing participation would vary from person to person. “I left it very open,” she says, ex - plaining that some youth were excited to create, while others were quiet - er or simply needed rest ... The finished piece lives on the third floor of the shelter, designed first and foremost for residents and staff. Built from rotating wood - en blocks mounted on a rebar structure, the installation is constructed and ordered by a grid, a necessary framework given the varied uses of color and approaches that emerged through the workshops. Heekin often revisits the grid in her work, and this piece is consistent with those themes. The work needed to be interactive, but also durable enough to last in a high-use environment.

BE THE SPARK AT URBAN PEAK

A look inside Lee Heekin’s installation at Urban Peak’s Mothership campus

For Boulder-based artist and educator Lee Heekin, Be the Spark began with a simple connection. A dinner conversation led to Christina Carlson, CEO of Urban Peak, visiting Heekin's studio. This introduction then turned into an invitation to tour Urban Peak's newly completed Denver campus, known as The Mothership, and imagine what a collaborative installation could look like inside.

Urban Peak is the only non-profit organization in Denver that provides a full convergence of services from shelter, housing, education, and healthcare, to youth aged 12–24 experiencing homelessness.

Heekin said the tour shifted her understanding of what a shelter can be, describing the building as “incredible” and noting how much it offers. She was especially inspired by Urban Peak's goal to not just provide a place to stay, but to help young people build stability and move forward.

From the start, Heekin wanted the youth at Urban Peak to shape the work. She organized three intentionally openended workshops, knowing participation would vary from person to person. “I left it very open,” she says, explaining that some youth were excited to create, while others were quieter or simply needed rest.

The group worked with alcohol ink on plexiglass, materials Heekin chose to encourage experimentation. The workshops focused on exploring, making, and talking through what the installation could offer the community.

The finished piece lives on the third floor of the shelter, designed first and foremost for residents and staff. Built from rotating wooden blocks mounted on a rebar structure, the installation is constructed and ordered by a grid, a necessary framework given the varied uses of color and approaches that emerged through the workshops. Heekin often revisits the grid in her work, and this piece is consistent with those themes. The work needed to be interactive, but also durable enough to last in a high-use environment.

Be The Spark also incorporates photographs by John Johnson Photography, a longtime Urban Peak volunteer and artist, whose images Heekin integrated into the wooden block elements. Donor names are also included, but engraved with restraint. “We didn't want it to be a big donor piece,” she says, so the recognition is present without overpowering the installation itself.

Shopworks Architecture's trauma-informed design shaped the approach as well. Heekin said she learned the building was designed with careful attention to safety and comfort, from the layout to the materials; these details influenced how the artwork was built and installed.

While the installation isn't meant as a public exhibit, Heekin's hope in sharing the project more widely is to bring attention to Urban Peak's work. Despite recent funding challenges, the organization continues to support youth through housing, resources, and pathways forward.

The piece will also continue to grow. As more youth come through Urban Peak, new workshops will add new elements, allowing Be The Spark to keep evolving alongside the community it serves.

Those interested in supporting Urban Peak can learn more at UrbanPeak.org/Support

For more on Lee Heekin's mixed media work, including commissions, visit LeeHeekin.com. Walker Fine Art Gallery currently represents her; learn more at WalkerFineArt.com.

Clearly beautiful. Inside and out.

Architect: Space Craft Architecture + Interiors, Builder: Crossroads Construction, Photography: Dane Cronin

March Around Town

7th

1st

THAT DAM RUN

Choose your distance—13.1M, 10K, or 5K—at this Cherry Creek Dam race with a scenic course and high-energy finish. Use promo code LETSRUN to save $5 off registration. For registration and details, visit RunDenverSeries. com/ThatDamRun

6th - 15th

DENVER RESTAURANT WEEK

Cherry Creek restaurants join the citywide celebration with prixfixe menus that spotlight seasonal dishes and neighborhood favorites. A great excuse to try somewhere new or revisit a go-to. For details, visit DenverRestaurantWeek.com.

7th

NO MAN’S LAND FILM FESTIVAL

This touring film festival showcases short films centered on women in adventure, sport, and the outdoors, highlighting storytelling that pushes boundaries and challenges norms. For tickets and details, visit NoMansLandFilmFestival.org.

MILE HIGH BEER FESTIVAL

This annual festival brings together breweries from across Colorado and beyond for an afternoon of tastings, live music, and food vendors celebrating craft beer culture. For tickets and details, visit MileHighBeerFestival.com.

11th

COLORADO DRAGON BOAT FILM FESTIVAL

Colorado’s only Asian and Asian American film festival returns with a weekend of screenings highlighting Asian and Asian Pacific American stories, culture, and contributions. The 2026 theme, Threads of Connection, anchors the lineup. For tickets and details, visit DenverFilm.org/cdbff

Still from the film Blue Hour by Leslie Hittmeier. Courtesy of No Man’s Land Film Festival, 2026
Photo by Ryan Cox Photography

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