Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
Denver, CO
A beacon of architectural and spiritual heritage, Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church has been a Denver institution since 1902. Through its more than 120-year history, the two-acre urban campus in the historic Park Hill neighborhood of Denver has adapted to the needs of its congregation and community, while remaining true to its purpose.
Owner/Developer |
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church |
|---|---|
Interior Designer |
Tryba Architects |
Photography |
Jess Blackwell |
The latest restoration, which included a major renovation and expansion project led by Tryba Architects, with lighting design by LS Group, was completed in 2022. The transformation introduced architectural and lighting improvements that enhance connectivity and accessibility across the campus, including updates to the Westminster Commons, the refurbished Education Wing and the Miller Center. A dramatic glazed façade—known as the Lantern—encloses the second floor, creating a light-filled heart for the campus and a welcoming address along Dahlia Street.
The design honors the legacy of Montview, bridging history and modernity through a balance of warmth and precision. Working in close collaboration with the architecture and interiors teams, LS Group approached the project with a sensitivity to the building’s historic features and intricate craftsmanship.
Exterior lighting was designed to subtly accentuate the church’s Romanesque Revival architecture, using concealed fixtures to wash the stone façade with a gentle glow that guides visitors toward the entry. Pathway lights and bench illumination softly activate the surrounding landscape, transforming wayfinding into opportunities for fellowship.
Inside, lighting plays an equally essential role in shaping the renewed spaces. In the library, ambient and display lighting highlights the craftsmanship of restored woodwork, repurposed stained-glass windows and historical exhibits, each carefully calibrated to preserve the delicate textures and tones of original materials. The design was particularly mindful of respecting and celebrating the natural daylight that filters through the church’s iconic stained-glass windows, allowing their jewel-tone to remain the focal point throughout the day. Accent lighting complements this natural rhythm, softly enhancing visibility without overpowering the art or architecture.
In the chapel, a warm balance of illumination highlights the soaring ceilings, sculpted arches and grand organ pipes. Pendant fixtures cast a soft, candlelike glow, while discreet architectural lighting washes the plaster and woodwork to reveal their texture, maintaining the sanctuary’s sense of calm and reverence.
Every fixture placement was intentional: honoring the past while bringing new life to a space that continues to gather and enrich its community.
