At Modern In Denver we spend our days tracking down innovative products, scouring for jaw-dropping interiors and breathtaking buildings and talking to the creatives who mold and shape our built environment. Our focus is modern art, architecture and design, while keeping in mind modern living speaks to more than the style of your home and its furnishings. It is more than living in an Eichler, sitting in a Hans Wegner or turning on your George Nelson bubble lamp. Living a modern life has to also mean living a sustainable life.

Do you ditch your car for your bike? Do you bring reusable bags to the grocery store? Do you recycle? And turn off the lights when you leave a room? The little things are easy, but what about when you remodeled your home — did you buy green materials? Is your living space LEED certified? Do you even understand what that entails?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was developed in an attempt to give cohesion to determining whether or not a building was operating sustainably. LEED crash course — there are 100 possible points across five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Certified is 40-49 points, silver is 50-59, gold is 60-79, and platinum is 80 points and above. Phew, now that we got that acronym worked out.

Maybe you are in the know when it comes to green technologies and bought the most energy efficient washer and dryer, but the longest walk you have taken recently is when you didn’t get a good parking spot at Ikea. On average, burning one gallon of gas creates 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, that adds up to around six tons of carbon dioxide per car per year. Dang. Starting to think leaving the car in the garage and taking the bike out for a spin might be the best way to reduce our carbon footprint?

Have you thought about making the move from suburbs to city? Cities (while they are louder, busier and may seem less green, than say, your backyard) are the most sustainable option when it comes to where you live. Not convinced the city is greener? Take a look at SPIRE — not only is the building one of the largest LEED certified residences of its kind in the country, it has a walk score of 94.

Walk Score is another great tool for gauging your green — again on a 100 point scale; locations are given scores based on the amount of errands you can take care of and amenities within walking distance. What is your home’s walk score? There are over 200 amenities within blocks of the SPIRE building and that can be said for most downtown living options. Can you say that about your neighborhood?

How much more sustainable would you be if your living space was smaller and all your necessities were within a mile radius? Downtown living is as green as it gets. With B-Cycle, share cars and everything you need a stone’s throw away, you might as well be modern in Denver.

Be a part of SPIRE‘s latest Sweepstakes to win some awesome prizes with Spinosa Training!

Submit a photo by June 8th to be entered to win our InSPIREd Countdown to Summer!

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

Submit a photo of what InSPIREs you to be fit for a chance to win!

THE PRIZE

Grand Prize: 1 month membership to Qi Ryders, and 2 small group training sessions (groups are 2-3 people)

1st Runner-up: 2 small group training sessions at Qi Ryders and $25 to spend at Row 14 Bistro & Wine Bar

2nd Runner-up: 1 small group training session at Qi Ryders and $25 to spend at Crave Dessert bar

It’s your time to InSPIRE, Denver.

Sign up and like both SPIRE Denver and Denver B-Cycle on Facebook before May 28th to be entered to win an InSPIREd B-Cycle Evening! 10 lucky winners will be chosen to be a part of the first ever InSPIREd B-Cycle ride. The winners will begin their evening at the Spire building with drinks and appetizers. From there they will be taken on a fun B-Cycle ride through downtown, and end up back at the SPIRE building for more food and drink!

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to make the most of the Mile High City this summer! Sign up now!

Even though Mother’s Day shouldn’t be concentrated into just one day a year (these special women deserve to be appreciated every day!), it’s a good excuse to spoil your mom for a day to show her just how much she means to you. This Sunday, May 13^th, is Mother’s Day.

There are great ways to spend the whole day experiencing Denver in a new way, including everything from flowers, shopping, tea, museums and a multitude of dining spots. There are plenty of events happening in the Mile High City, and a great way to start the day is with a Mother’s Day Brunch. Look here for a list of the top 10 brunches in Denver to return the favor to your mom for making you breakfast all those years. For a full list of Denver restaurants that are doing something special for Mother’s Day, check out OpenTable’s options. If you’re struggling with gift ideas, Denver also has some excellent options for last-minute gifts that will make your mom love you even more than she did before (if that’s possible!).

Here’s a list of a few of our top choices to spend Mother’s Day:

Third Annual Mother’s Day 5K

“Bring your family and friends to join in the fun at the 3^rd Annual Mother’s Day 5K. Ladies can run, walk, or stroll. Make it a day of activity the entire family can enjoy and register Dad and the Kids too. All registered participants receive admission to the Denver Zoo on Mother’s Day. Don’t miss the post race party filled with snacks, drinks, and some fantastic prizes!”

Denver Zoo Mother’s Day Celebration

Join the Denver Zoo for their annual Mother’s Day celebration as they serve a delicious breakfast al fresco in a unique setting that only the zoo can provide. Space is limited, so reserve your spots today!

Row 14 Bistro & Wine Bar Buffet Brunch

Row 14 will be serving a buffet brunch on Mother’s Day from 10am – 2pm, and the menu features some pretty delicious items. Make sure to get your reservations while there’s still space available!

Crave Dessert Bar & Lounge Mother’s Day High Tea

Crave’s Mother’s Day High Tea will feature three tiers of delectable items that will have your mouth watering just by looking at the menu. May your moms be left feeling sweet!

Happy Mother’s Day from all at SPIRE!

(Photo Courtesy of  Derby Party Facebook)

It’s hard to believe that just two days ago Downtown Denver was transformed into the venue for one of the biggest and best Derby parties next to Churchill Downs. Now that we’ve recovered from our mint julep hangover, we can safely say Denver Derby Party was a huge success! Partygoers gathered on 14^th Street between Curtis and Champa decked out in their Derby’s finest to watch the biggest horse race of the year broadcasted on the big screen while sipping mint juleps and feasting on food from some of Denver’s best restaurants. Following the race, attendants danced the day away to the beats of Michael Smith and Lowkey. The celebrations continued into the night at The Corner Office and Crave, who both had rocking Derby after parties. SPIRE is proud to have been a sponsor of this kickin’ event, and we think it is a perfect coincidence that the Kentucky Derby victory went to “I’ll Have Another.” Until next year…

(Photo Courtesy of Westword)

(Photo Courtesy of Derby Party Facebook)