5 Facts You May Not Know About Colorado's Iconic 'Sculptured House'

Here are 5 things you may not know about Colorado’s ‘Sculpture House’

If you live in Denver, then you’ve likely made your way west on I-70 and spotted one of Colorado’s most architecturally unique structures: Sculptured House. Also referred to as The Sleeper House, The Spaceship House, and The I-70 Saucer, this futuristic-looking domicile, perched on the top of Genesee Mountain, is impossible to miss and definitely worthy of a quick probe. Here are five facts you may not know about Colorado’s iconic ‘Sculptured House’.

1. It Wasn’t Inspired By Space Travel

Despite the space-age frenzy of the sixties, architect Charles Deaton told Westword, “No, I wasn't trying to be streamlined or futuristic," and that he thinks of the house as more of ‘a friendly mushroom’ that just grew there. Deaton is also known for designing both Arrowhead Stadium and Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City.

2. It Was Left Unfinished for Decades

The house was penned in 1963 and construction continued through 1966 before Deaton ran out of funding for the project. Unfortunately, the house was left vacant until a 38-year-old Woody Allen featured the property in his 1974 movie Sleeper.

3. It’s Impossible to Valuate

While the value of the land can certainly be calculated, this property’s sales history is more wayward than an aspen leaf riding a gust of wind. In 1991, Deaton sold the property for $800,000. In 1999, it sold again for $1.3 million, where it was then listed in 2002 for $10 million and finally sold for $3.4 million four years later. Most recently, it was purchased in 2010 for $1.5 million, and its current residents are making upgrades.

4. The Building is Massive

With five levels, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a deck the size of several Capitol Hill apartments, the ‘Sculptured House’ totals a whopping 7,700 square feet, placing it well into ‘mansion’ range.

5. Deaton Never Got to Live In It

Not only was Charles Deaton forced to abandon his project, he never got to live in his dream abode or even see the interior completely finished. Sadly, Deaton passed away in 1996 at the age of 75. Yet, his sculpture lives on, intriguing locals and visitors driving down I-70 to this day.