McInnes House at 1020 Mapleton Ave. Photo Credit: Peter Dulan.

Mapleton Hill: Boulder’s Architectural Treasure Trove
If you’ve ever strolled down Mapleton Avenue and found yourself stopped in your tracks, chances are you were admiring the McInnes House at 1020 Mapleton Avenue. With its striking columns and timeless design, it’s one of Boulder’s most iconic homes—and for good reason.

A Boulder Landmark Since 1905
Built in 1905 by John McInnes, a prominent figure in Boulder’s financial scene and an early director of the First National Bank, this stunning residence blends Colonial Revival and Neoclassical architectural styles. It was designed by the architectural firm William Redding & Son, whose touch helped give the home its unique, stately character.

Why It’s Called the “Wedding Cake House”
Locals lovingly refer to it as the “Wedding Cake House” thanks to the more than three dozen white columns that wrap around the exterior, evoking the tiers of an ornate wedding cake. The symmetry, the porches, and the attention to detail all come together to create a visual treat as sweet as its nickname.

A Home Built on Hope and Legacy
John McInnes was in his 50s when he finally built this dream home. He wasn’t married yet, but he wanted a house that would reflect the future he envisioned—elegant, grounded, and built to last. More than a century later, the home remains a beautiful symbol of that dream, and a key piece of Boulder’s architectural legacy.

Part of Mapleton Hill’s Historic District
Mapleton Hill is one of Boulder’s most treasured historic neighborhoods, officially designated as a historic district in 1982. The McInnes House is one of the district’s crown jewels, sitting among over 500 historic homes, more than half of which were built before 1910.

Fun Facts About the McInnes House:

• Architectural Style: Colonial Revival with Neoclassical influences

• Signature Feature: Over 36 white columns wrap the home like frosting on a cake

• Historic Context: The house is part of one of Boulder’s oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods

• Nickname: “The Wedding Cake House”

• Built By: John McInnes, banker and community figure

Sunlight, Style, and Storytelling
What really brings this house to life is how it catches the sun. Whether it’s glowing in the golden hour light or standing tall on a crisp blue-sky day, it’s a constant reminder that some things only get better with time.

So next time you find yourself on Mapleton Avenue, take a moment to pause at 1020. It’s more than just a house—it’s a chapter of Boulder’s living history.

AboutBoulder-admin