Boulder Valley Eye Clinic

2401 Broadway Street/ Charles A. Haertling architect/ Expressionism style/ built 1967/ Structure of Merit

One of the most iconic and creative works of Modern era architecture in all of Colorado is this former Boulder Valley Eye Clinic. It was innovatively constructed with concrete injected onto a metal rebar formwork and then sprayed with a protective outer surface called gunite. The original floor plan was loosely based on the shape of the eye with the entry at the spot where the pupil would be located and suites of offices and exam rooms curved away on each side. This building and the dental office across Maxwell Street were built at the same time, demonstrating the broad diversity of design approaches during the MCM era. The Broadway exterior of this building has been altered.

The maverick architect, Charles Haertling, was one of the most creative architects who ever worked in Colorado. He approached each project with a completely fresh, imaginative approach, never repeating his original and artistic designs.

About Boulder's historic preservation program: The city honored this building with the recognition of Structure of Merit which is a way to recognize architecturally significant buildings that have not been landmarked, but it affords no legal or protective implications.