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DECEMBER 2016 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \

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hose who walk into the studio of JohnsonNathan Strohe in downtown Denver are im-

mediately drawn in. The preserved 1800s warehouse onWynkoop clandestinely envel-

ops modern details that captivate. Inside, exposed brick is lit with amber warmth, glass

brick, wood beams and a stairway that is sculpturally encased – combining to create an

ambiance that welcomes guests and encourages them to stay.

The studio is also bristling with creative energy. Twelve languages are spoken here;

nine nationalities are represented in the dynamic group that animates the three-story space.

Across the street from this charming atelier is Union Station, which draws its own diverse

crowd. Inside the bustling train station is the refuge called The Crawford Hotel, a key part of the

station’s $50 million renovation.

Voices as varied as Forbes Magazine and CNN have called the 112-room hotel one of the best

in the world, adding to the increasing reputation of Denver as a world-class destination. In two

short years, The Crawford has become the occupancy leader in the city.

It is no wonder architect and Founding Partner James G. Johnson finds time to visit fre-

quently, taking in the vibe of the lobby while sipping a cup of coffee. This is, after all, “sort

of a community living room,” and Johnson, along with partners Nicole Nathan and Tobias

Strohe, was instrumental in creating the space. The company teamed with Tryba Architects

on the award-winning hospitality project.

“The Crawford Hotel brings urban energy and joy to vast numbers of people, and serves

a role in the community,” Johnson says when asked about the project. “Hospitality projects

are so unique in that they are open 24/7, 365 days a year, and there are no locks on the front

door. It’s open to everyone.”

Johnson started making his mark on the burgeoning Colorado tourism industry after

graduating fromUniversity of Colorado Boulder in 1978 with a master’s degree in archi-

tecture. His first landmark was the Kingdom Park Sports Pavilion in Breckenridge. He

then spent several years working for a hotel company – an experience that he credits

with giving him critical business acumen and insight into the hospitality industry. He

founded JG Johnson Architects in 1993.

It may have been Johnson’s undergraduate experience and interest in environ-

mental design that gave him a taste for historic renovation.

“I’m very proud of being able to meld historic preservation and inventive design,”

Johnson says. It is this sentiment that influenced the firm’s trademark, Pragmatic

Beauty™ – a balanced commitment to both aesthetics and function in every design,

every project.

He and his team have become a force in renovating historic structures in Colo-

rado and the West while his firm has evolved into one of the leading hospitality

firms in the Rockies. From the restored Hotel Monaco in downtown Denver to

the Aspen St. Regis Hotel, the firm has left its mark on Colorado. The company

also specializes in urban housing, such as The Douglas in the Ballpark Neigh-

borhood and Turntable Studios, as well as numerous mixed-use and new-build

properties.

In 2015, Johnson Nathan Strohe rebranded to reflect the equity partnership

of Nicole Nathan and Tobias Strohe. The leadership of the firm also includes

WORDS:

Jill Ladwig