In a notable real estate development for Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, architect Matt Davis has placed his unique family home on the market for $3.1 million.
Dubbed Locust House, this modern architectural home was designed with a specific vision in mind: preserving an overgrown locust tree that once dominated the building site.
Davis opted to keep the tree, situating the home around it rather than removing it.
This decision not only highlights the tree as a central element of the design but also contributes to the overall aesthetic, allowing the home to integrate harmoniously with the existing bungalows in the area.
“The tree not only became a celebrated feature of the design, but it also helped soften the scale of the home, allowing it to sit comfortably among the smaller bungalows in the neighborhood,” Davis explained.
To ensure the tree’s longevity, Davis collaborated with an arborist to devise a shallow foundation that minimizes disruption to the tree’s root system.
Constructed in 2018, Locust House is located at 2627 W. 40th Ave.
Davis, who is the principal architect and owner of Davis Urban, a Denver-based design studio with a focus on urban infill projects, typically designs homes for staff and occasionally for the market.
The sale of Locust House may set a new record for the Sunnyside neighborhood, surpassing the current high, which was $2.6 million at 4609 Decatur St. in July 2022.
Davis emphasized that the design respects the architectural style of the neighborhood, prominently featuring brick as the primary exterior material while incorporating custom steel elements and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
The expansive 5,600-square-foot residence boasts seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, and two two-car garages.
It also includes a two-story accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which consists of a ground-level studio suite and an upper-level unit with two bedrooms.
Davis ensured that the home blends outdoor and indoor living, filling the spaces with abundant natural light while maintaining privacy.
The family, who has resided in North Denver since 1999, was drawn to the area for its walkability and closeness to local amenities, including their favorite grocery store, Locavore.
The potential of the large parcel also influenced their decision to build in this location, which realtor Jorgen Jensen identifies as a triple lot.
With one daughter in college and another entering her senior year of high school, the timing feels right for the family to move on.
“We’re entering a new chapter and likely won’t need as much space in the years ahead,” Davis remarked.
He also alluded to another upcoming project: restoring a historic home nearby with some modern features.
Despite the bittersweet nature of leaving their beloved home, Davis and his family are committed to remaining in North Denver.
Jensen and Davis predict that the property will attract families or young couples poised to begin their own households.
The versatility of the home’s ADU makes it particularly suitable for multi-generational living.
Initially, Davis did not fully appreciate the ADU’s potential.
However, he has since recognized its value, as it provided accommodation for his niece during her studies at the University of Denver and later became the residence for a close friend and their child.
The oversized garage also served multiple purposes, functioning as an art studio, welding shop, and even providing space for camper van storage.
Davis shared, “Having the ADU has been incredibly practical.
And it’s meant a lot to have someone we trust on-site when we travel.”
image source from：https://www.denverpost.com/2025/05/19/denver-sunnyside-homes-for-sale-matt-davis/
