The Architecture, Artifacts, and Meaning of Temple Emanuel
February 22, 2026
About the tour: Explore Temple Emanuel, a remarkable mid-century synagogue, the largest and oldest in the Rocky Mountain region. During its 130 year old history, the Temple has had several locations before occupying its present building at 51 Grape Street in the Hilltop neighborhood. The school and social areas were constructed in 1957, and renovated and expanded in 1987, and the sanctuary was dedicated in 1960. (Our tour guide, Alan Golin Gass and his wife Sally were the first couple to be married there.)
About the building: The building was designed by Percival Goodman, a leading modernist architect known for his innovative synagogue designs. Its use of coursed red Lyons sandstone, tall, recessed window bays, and vibrant stained glass creates a powerful interplay of light, texture, and structure that speaks to both spiritual purpose and architectural modernism.
About the tour guides: Steve Brodsky is the Senior Cantorial Soloist at Temple Emanuel. In a long-ago “past life,” Steve graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Environmental Design and worked as an architect for several years before becoming a full-time Jewish professional. He has worked in the Temple Emanuel building at 51 Grape Street since 1980, witnessing its growth and evolution over the years, and is intimately familiar with its historical significance, both in Denver and in the arc of synagogue design in the United States.
Alan Golin Gass has a Master in Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design and is the founder of the AIA/Denver Urban Design Committee. On his return to Denver in 1958, Alan assisted J. S. Sudler, FAIA, and R. S. Davis, AIA, in the design of the Byron Rogers Federal Court House and Office Building, and designed Mr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Knowles’s Polo Grounds Residence for the Sudler Office. Early in his career, Alan worked in the office of I. M. Pei, FAIA, gaining experience in the design of three major contemporary urban complexes: the Mile High Center, Court House Square / Zeckendorf Plaza in Denver, and Kips Bay Plaza Apartments development in New York City.
Over the years, Alan has demonstrated that a busy professional can serve both private clients and the public in architecture and urban design. Throughout his time in practice, and to the present day, Alan continues to provide pro-bono services as a member of public committees and boards, urban design and transportation committees, Denver, Colorado West, and New York City Chapters of the American Institute of Architects, the City and County of Denver, the City Club of Denver, and Temple Emanuel. He continues as president of the Babi Yar Park Foundation, that originated, and continues to advocate for the City of Denver’s 27-acre Holocaust memorial. Alan also serves as Board Member Emeritus for Denver Architecture Foundation.
Accessibly: The building is fully wheelchair accessible.
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 days 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.
Photo Credit to Temple Emanuel.