James M. Hunter
Boulder Architect
Boulder Architect

James Hunter was born in Omaha on April 19, 1908 to Edgar W. and Ida J. Hunter. He studied architectural engineering at Iowa State University from 1927 to 1931 and then transferred to the University of Illinois, where he received his degree in 1936. Hunter began his career as a draftsman with Ernest Stouffer, Supervising Architect at the University of Illinois. He came to Boulder to work as a head draftsman in the office of G. H. Huntington, as well as head draftsman for the University of Colorado. In 1940, shortly after designing the Floral Park houses (while still employed by Glen Huntington's firm), he briefly formed a partnership with Harold Jones, but soon left to serve in World War II. When the war ended, Hunter returned to Boulder and started his own firm.
Although his work extended throughout the state and region, the bulk of his practice remained in Boulder. He felt “that an architect could function in a small community and could be an influencing and bettering force in the esthetic environment of that community.” Some of his significant designs include the Boulder Municipal Building, the Nelson House, the original Boulder Public Library, Masonic Lodge (now Museum of Boulder), Boulder Medical Center, and the Colorado Building. Local flagstone figures prominently in many of these buildings.
During his prolific career, Hunter served as a planner and architect for Colorado State University, Fort Lewis College in Durango, Regis College (Denver), and Tarkio College (Missouri). In addition, he was president of the Colorado board of architect examiners, president of the Colorado chapter of the AIA, national second vice president of the AIA, and was made a Fellow of the AIA in 1957. Hunter's work was recognized in professional architectural journals and today is he regarded as one of Boulder's most prolific architects.
Hunter retired from active practice in 1973 and died in 1983 at the age of 73. He lived much of his life in the residence he designed for himself and his family at 1501 Mariposa Avenue - directly across the street from the Floral Park Historic District. His wife remained a resident of the house until her death in 1994.
Although his work extended throughout the state and region, the bulk of his practice remained in Boulder. He felt “that an architect could function in a small community and could be an influencing and bettering force in the esthetic environment of that community.” Some of his significant designs include the Boulder Municipal Building, the Nelson House, the original Boulder Public Library, Masonic Lodge (now Museum of Boulder), Boulder Medical Center, and the Colorado Building. Local flagstone figures prominently in many of these buildings.
During his prolific career, Hunter served as a planner and architect for Colorado State University, Fort Lewis College in Durango, Regis College (Denver), and Tarkio College (Missouri). In addition, he was president of the Colorado board of architect examiners, president of the Colorado chapter of the AIA, national second vice president of the AIA, and was made a Fellow of the AIA in 1957. Hunter's work was recognized in professional architectural journals and today is he regarded as one of Boulder's most prolific architects.
Hunter retired from active practice in 1973 and died in 1983 at the age of 73. He lived much of his life in the residence he designed for himself and his family at 1501 Mariposa Avenue - directly across the street from the Floral Park Historic District. His wife remained a resident of the house until her death in 1994.
James M. Hunter's Work in Boulder
Credit: Carnegie Branch Library for Local History
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