Architecture | Tony's Takes Photography

Denver’s Union Station at night

February 7, 2019 by Tony

From one of the few urban photo outings I have taken but one that was a lot of fun and a chance to mix it up a bit from my usual photo fare. Denver’s Union Station is one of the iconic buildings in the Mile High City.

Located within the LoDo district, it is the main railway station for the city. The current building was completed in 1914 and followed by major renovations in 2012 that included the canopies seen here.

Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the building has welcomed famous guests including Queen Marie of Romania, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Today, it is a centerpiece of downtown not only serving as a transit hub but also a tourist attraction.

Image available here.

The Mile High City at night from Denver City Park

January 25, 2019 by Tony

The nighttime skyline of Denver, Colorado as seen from City Park. (© Tony’s Takes)

The Mile High City at night from Denver City Park. From my urban excursion last month. This location is a very popular one for capturing images of the Denver skyline and you can see why.

In the foreground, Ferril Lake and the historic boat pavilion of City Park. The towers of downtown Denver lie behind including the iconic ‘cash register’ building. Beyond, the silhouettes of those fantastic Rocky Mountains are seen thanks to a full moon at the time.

Image available here.

Colorado’s state capitol building at night

January 10, 2019 by Tony

The Colorado state capitol building in downtown Denver at night. (© Tony’s Takes)

I tend to think that we have one of the prettiest capitol buildings in the union. Its classic architecture topped by the gold dome really is something to see.

Of course throw in the fact that the words “ONE MILE ABOVE SEA LEVEL” are engraved on the 15th step of the building to remind everyone they are in the Mile High City is pretty cool as well.

There are actually two additional markers on the steps. One on the 18th step was installed in 1969 when CSU engineering students determined the original marker was too low. Then, in 2003, a third marker was installed on the 13th step as modern measurements using GPS determined what should be truly 5,280 feet above sea level.

This image was taken a few weeks ago during a nighttime excursion to downtown Denver.

Holiday lights in iconic downtown Denver locations

January 2, 2019 by Tony

Denver's Union Station showing off its holiday light display. (© Tony’s Takes) — Denver’s Union Station showing off its holiday light display. (© Tony’s Takes)

I meant to share these before the start of the new year and forgot! The day before Christmas Eve I headed out very early in the morning to capture some of the holiday lights in the Mile High City. Two iconic spots were my prime focus – Union Station and the 16th Street Mall.

Both looked absolutely gorgeous in their brilliantly lit displays. At the mall, the famous Daniels & Fisher Tower was lit up in red and green. Union Station had a similar color scheme and a beautiful display out front.

Getting out there early meant a minimum of traffic and people – and parking was easy. 😉

Denver's 16th Street Mall and the Daniels and Fisher Tower in holiday lights. (© Tony’s Takes) — Denver’s 16th Street Mall and the Daniels and Fisher Tower in holiday lights. (© Tony’s Takes)

Merry Christmas from the Mile High City!

December 24, 2018 by Tony

The Denver City and County building lit up in holiday colors for the season. (© Tony’s Takes)

The iconic holiday lighting of the Denver City and County Building. Truly is a fantastic sight, one of many here this time of season. I do wish you all very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year! Thank you very much for following me. In closing…

“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” ~ Luke 2: 8-14

The Mile High City on a cold winter’s morning

December 23, 2018 by Tony

The skyline of Denver, Colorado at night. (© Tony’s Takes)

I was feeling the need to take a ‘different’ photo excursion as I was getting burnt out on some of my regular places. One spot that I always say I should shoot more is downtown Denver. So, I headed out at 3:30 this morning and hit up a number of spots, including this popular location. It gives a fantastic view of the city and really shows off our amazing skyline. Despite all the city lights, you can even make out a few stars.

Having some photo fun with the local media

November 8, 2018 by Tony

The historical Tabor Opera House in Leadville, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)

I meant to share this sooner but totally forgot. A local news station did a story about a very historic place, the Tabor Opera House in Leadville, securing much-needed funding for preservation work. Whoever published the story, sought out a picture of the Tabor Opera House to accompany it.

Apparently, whoever this is, couldn’t tell the difference between a three foot high replica and the real thing. The photo they used was of the one at Tiny Town, a tourist attraction that has many such diminutive replicas of famous buildings here in Colorado. I of course was pretty shocked that this kind of mistake was made – well, maybe not given that it was probably some intern.

Anyway, it was pretty funny so I sent out a tweet to them with one of my pictures of the real thing. Kyle Clark, one of their news anchors responded immediately saying, “I. Have. No. Words. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’ll fix it immediately.” And indeed they did. 😀

A news story about the historic Tabor Opera House using an image of a replica in Tiny Town. (Screesnhot, KUSA)

9News anchor reacts to their error. (Screenshot, Twitter)

Black and white fire escape

May 11, 2016 by Tony Leave a Comment

From a visit to downtown Denver’s LoDo area a few weeks ago. This fire escape and the early 20th century brick building it was on were captivating to me. I don’t spend much time in urban environments but when I do, there is so much that catches my eye.

Black And White Fire Escape
A fire escape works its way up the side of a brick building in Denver, Colorado’s historic lower downtown. Denver, Colorado’s LoDo area has a number of historic structures and features, including this bridge. The area underwent major restoration and renoavations over the past two decades and now is a shining example of what a downtown area can be.

Colorado State Capitol building glows at night

January 26, 2016 by Tony Leave a Comment

I don’t take images of buildings very often and visit downtown Denver even less than that as the urban scene just does not normally appeal to me. However when showing some guests the heart of the Mile High City this past Christmas I felt compelled to snap a few images of the city lights. This image was taken while standing in Civic Center Park near the Denver City and County Building. The capitol looked quite regal with the golden dome aglow and the streetlights sparkling.

The Colorado State Capitol building at night. (© Tony’s Takes)

Merry Christmas from the Mile High City

December 25, 2015 by Tony Leave a Comment

The Denver City & County Building is a gorgeous piece of architecture, especially during the holiday season when it is lit up in a myriad of colors. Tonight we took our family down to view this beautiful display in all its splendor. Light snow was falling, the bells chiming, music playing. Just beautiful! Scroll down to view the complete gallery.

My day today was filled with family and food and lots of laughter and love – I hope yours was as well. I wish you all a very merry Christmas. Remember – He is the reason for the season.

“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.””