Shangri-La

Shangri-La is a residential mansion in Denver built with concrete and glass block, featuring a two-story Art Deco entrance hall that sets the tone for the interior. The structure covers roughly 8,000 square feet with 13 rooms arranged around the central atrium, displaying the smooth surfaces and horizontal lines characteristic of Streamline Moderne design.

A movie theater owner commissioned this residence in 1937, drawing inspiration directly from the Lost Horizon film to shape its design and character. The building quickly became a landmark example of Streamline Moderne architecture in Denver during the late 1930s.

The name comes from the Lost Horizon film, reflecting the era's fascination with mystical Asian aesthetics and spirituality. Visitors can still observe decorative details throughout the interior that channel this distant cultural inspiration.

The house is located on Shangri La Drive in a residential neighborhood where original landscape design elements are still visible and maintained. The property sits on a quiet street, making it easy to view the exterior and appreciate the architectural details from the street level.

The grand staircase in the entrance hall replicates the exact design from the Lost Horizon film set, making the cinematic vision a tangible reality. Visitors stepping into this space experience a carefully orchestrated sequence of rooms designed to tell a story.

Location: Colorado

Inception: 1938

GPS coordinates: 39.71397,-104.93789

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27