SGI Buddhist Center Walking Tour

DAF Member tickets go on sale on June 29 at 4PM MST. Pending availability, tickets are available to the public on July 6 at 4PM MST. DAF Membership will be verified upon ticket purchase. Click here to become a DAF member.

About the tour: Join the Denver Architecture Foundation for a guided tour of the Soka Gakkai International USA Buddhist Center (SGI-USA) led by architect Peter Ewers and SGI-USA director Paul Niihara. The experience begins with an exterior walk-around, where Peter Ewers will discuss the building’s architectural design, material selections, and sustainable features. Once inside, Paul Niihara will introduce guests to SGI-USA and the ways the organization utilizes the space for education and community gatherings.

The tour continues through the lower-level classrooms and gathering spaces before moving upstairs to the Main Hall, which accommodates up to 300 people. Guests will also visit the second-floor exhibit space showcasing photographs and displays documenting the history of the Denver SGI-USA community from the 1980s to the present day. For those interested and able, the tour concludes with an optional climb to the roof to view the building’s mechanical systems and photovoltaic solar panels firsthand.

About the SGI-USA Buddhist Center: The SGI-USA Buddhist Center is a 16,000-square-foot, two-story facility designed to support Buddhist education, meetings, and community gatherings. Replacing a 1950s cast-in-place concrete structure previously located on the site, the new building was thoughtfully designed as an all-electric, Net Zero Energy facility focused on sustainability, durability, and occupant comfort.

The center features classrooms on the main level and a large second-floor meeting hall with capacity for up to 300 people. High-performance insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, generous roof overhangs, and shade fins work together to maximize natural daylight while minimizing heat gain. Exterior materials were selected for their natural aesthetic, long-term durability, and resistance to graffiti and vandalism, reflecting both Colorado’s ecology and the building’s community-focused mission.

About the tour guide: Peter Ewers founded Ewers Architecture in 1998 and brings more than 40 years of experience designing a wide range of projects, including public buildings, schools, religious facilities, laboratories, offices, retail spaces, multifamily housing, and private residences. A licensed architect for 35 years, Peter has practiced extensively throughout Colorado as well as in San Francisco, New York, New Jersey, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His diverse background has informed a design approach centered on sustainability, thoughtful problem-solving, historic preservation, and architecture that meaningfully serves people and communities. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, exercise, and spending time with his family.

Paul Niihara has served with Soka Gakkai International – USA (SGI-USA) since January 2003, beginning at the organization’s national headquarters in Santa Monica. In 2010, he relocated to the Denver Buddhist Center, where he has overseen administration, facilities management, real estate, member services, and community and peace relations initiatives.

Paul currently serves as Executive Director for SGI-USA’s West Territory. Based out of the Denver Buddhist Center, the territory supports members and centers across 13 western states, including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Northern California.

Outside of his professional role, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife, three daughters, and three cats, and especially enjoys family movie outings.

Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, with accessible routes and accommodations available throughout the spaces. There will be limited opportunity for seated rest throughout this tour.

Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 48 hours prior to the event.

Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.