CREJ

72 / 104

72 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / JUNE 2017
began working with the well-known jeweler on his Clayton Lane location in
2004. Davis shares that in addition to completion of the new Boulder store, they
are currently refreshing Atencio’s Park Meadows boutique, with others to follow.
“We’ve worked with Semple Brown for many, many years,” reflects Atencio.
“The first store we did together was Larimer Square. It’s a really strong, important
relationship and it goes back a long ways.”
“It’s fun for me to have a creative person like Dalton to work with. He’s a good
listener. It’s a very collaborative process, and he was really, really good for me,” he
adds.
Davis notes, “John has been doing this for 40 years, and he wants to do this for
another 40. He put a lot of thought into the next evolution of his store design as
a result.
“He wanted the spaces to be completely flexible so he could rearrange the dis-
play cases to make room for events,” Davis continues. “Unlike traditional cases
which are permanently installed, John envisioned a ‘gallery-like’ environment
where furniture could be moved at will. He also wanted his jewelry, and his own
original artwork, to be the focal point with everything else as backdrop.”
“This feels more like an artistic edge than a jewelry store,” adds Atencio. “I want-
ed to showcase my art, keeping that piece of my passion alive as well.”
A New Retail Experience
To highlight Atencio’s artistry and attention to detail, custom display cases
designed and manufactured by Peter Woden of Denver-based Woden Woods,
feature elegant blackened steel frames to allow for increased glass surface and
heightened transparency. LED lighting positioned at the top of each case also
highlights the cabinets, introducing a more theatrical feel and a touch of sparkle.
Other design elements support this theme as well. The ceiling consists of a
stained wood grid element to introduce warmth, yet hide the lighting and me-
chanical systems above. Also, numerous outlets are strategically located within
the concrete floor slab to accommodate for furniture flexibility.
Wall surfaces are painted sheetrock, and the glowing back wall consists of
curved sheetrock covered in a special metallic paint highlighted by accent light-
ing – a nod to jewelry’s inherent metallurgy. The curved wall also conceals a bath-
room, kitchen storage and workspaces for caterers – everything needed to offer
clients hospitality or cater a “gallery” opening.
“All of these effects, when combined, allow John’s new Boulder showroom to
feel more like an art gallery – one that just happens to be a jewelry store with
free-flowing circulation,” notes Davis. “By toning down the background elements
and leveraging the use of lighting, this new retail experience has become an
extension of the Atencio brand and a refreshing change in how he displays his
jewelry.”
“Customers say that it really fits that west end of Pearl Street,” states Atencio. “It
has a flare. It’s jewelry as art.”
Park Meadows Refresh
Final planning for construction of the Park Meadows store is currently un-
derway. The closing of Atencio’s smallest, but busiest, showroom must be done
during the lowest trafficked time of the year. The planning process is complex,
taking up to 10 months to determine how to coordinate and prepare everything
for installation during the highly condensed two-week construction period per-
mitted.
Atencio says, “We’ll have a similar look and feel at ParkMeadows. Although the
mall footprint is different from the freestanding footprint, we will do something
edgy that hasn’t been done in jewelry before.
“There aren’t many businesses out there that can say they’ve been around for
40 years,” he reflects. “I feel like I’m just starting to hit my stride. 10 years ago, I
decided I wanted to become a painter, and the hand-eye coordination and expe-
rience has really improved my jewelry.
“Today I’m living a truly artful life – writing, painting and designing. It’s a story,
and a legacy,” he concludes. “And our new stores are an important part of it.”
Davis adds, “It’s been a fascinating journey working with John through eco-
nomic cycles, seasons and retail ups and downs over many years. We’ve created
these spaces together as his vision has evolved and simplified, and his hand’s-on
approach to the design of the spaces has been a big part of his success.” \\
/ Jewelry as Art /
PHOTOS: David Lauer Photography
OPENING ART:
Glowing back wall covered in
special metallic paint enhances
warmth of the space while offering
nod to jewelry’s inherent metallurgy.
ABOVE:
Custom display cases feature
elegant blackened steel frames to
allow for increased glass surface,
heightened transparency. Original
artwork becomes extension of
Atencio’s brand.