PRESS CONTACT:
Luke Perkins, Manager of Communications and Public Relations
303.866.3670 | luke.perkins@state.co.us

“The organic architecture of the Berger Cabin embodies a creative energy that is very specific to a high-altitude, post World War II hopefulness that sparked arts movements, a ski industry and a renewed communion with nature,” said Dawn DiPrince, president/CEO of History Colorado and state historic preservation officer. “This iconic and beautifully preserved cabin is such a perfect example of place-based history and History Colorado is honored to help shepherd it onto the National Register of Historic Places.”

Designed in 1947 by Fritz Benedict (1914-1955), the Berger Cabin is the earliest Modern Movement home in Aspen and marks the beginning of the community’s post-World War II revival. Recognized for its masterful design, the Berger Cabin is constructed from rounded logs assembled via butt-and-pass notching with cementitious chinking, and sandstone accents on the building's stoops, patios, and walkways. 

Despite being nearly 80 years old, the Berger Cabin has remarkable historical integrity thanks in part to having only two owners from its construction in 1947 until 2021 both of which showed restraint in altering the building.  The siting of the cabin is also essential to its historic integrity as it greatly benefits from the untrammeled natural beauty of much of the surrounding environment which appears much the same today as when the cabin was built. 

A landscape architect by training, Benedict was born in Wisconsin, where he attended the state university before accepting a fellowship with the renowned architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright from 1938 -1941. When the United States entered World War II, Benedict — who won the 1941 Arizona ski champion award — joined the celebrated “Soldiers on Skis” of the 10th Mountain Division and served with them during the European campaign. 

While training at Camp Hale, Benedict frequented nearby Aspen and resolved to return there should he survive the war. When the war drew to a close in 1945, Benedict made good on his commitment, moved back to Aspen, and purchased a pig farm where he pursued a short stint raising pigs before beginning his architecture practice.

While in Aspen, Benedict merged his own personal aesthetic with the teachings of his former teacher Frank Loyd Wright to create distinctive buildings which became a defining style of the developing city. Benedict quickly became connected to acclaimed designer Herbert Bayer and the two collaborated on a number of projects including designing the campus for the Aspen institute for the Humanistic Arts and the original “Sundeck” atop Aspen Mountain.

As one of only two still standing residential buildings designed by Benedict within Aspen, the Berger Cabin is a testament to his masterful work and lasting impact on the built environment of the city. Inducted into Aspen’s Hall of Fame in 1988, Benedict's contributions continue to benefit the people of Aspen and beyond. Among his biggest achievements are:

• Serving as chairman on the first planning and zoning commission for Aspen and being a member of the planning commission for Pitkin county, where he implemented the county’s sign code
• Having an important role in convincing the city of Aspen to create its iconic pedestrian mall
• Designing multiple commercial buildings that are hallmarks of the Aspen Modernism movement and the city’s architectural style
• Designing the master plans for the world class ski resorts of Breckenridge, Snowmass, and Vail
• Establishing the 10th Mountain Hut and Trail System, which covers 300 miles of trails between Aspen and Vail

“Fritz Benedict was a powerful influence on Aspen’s built environment,” said Suzannah Reid, Pitkin County historic preservation officer.  “The perceived simplicity of his work belies the thoughtfulness of his design philosophy. He melded mid-century architectural design concepts with rustic, locally available materials to create residences and commercial buildings that would come to define a mountain modern style of architecture and would go on to influence the design of ski towns throughout the west.”

To honor the addition of the Berger Cabin to the National Register of Historic Places History Colorado a plaque presentation ceremony is planned at the Berger Cabin (835 West Main Street, Aspen, CO) on May 12 at noon. Email Luke Perkins at luke.perkins@state.co.us if you plan to attend the plaque presentation ceremony.

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 146-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado. 

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado