HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 02/05/2008 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 014, 2008, DESIGNAT ITEM NUMBER: 20
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: February 5, 2008
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Karen McWilliams
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 014, 2008, Designating the Saint Joseph Catholic Church and
Church Parish Center,300 West Mountain Avenue,as a Fort Collins Landmark Pursuant to Chapter
14 of the City Code.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
At a public hearing held on January 9, 2008, the Landmark Preservation Commission voted
unanimously to recommend designation of this property, under Designation Standards 1, 2, and 3.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The owner of St.Joseph Catholic Church,the St.Joseph Parish,Archdiocese of Denver,is initiating
this request for Fort Collins Landmark designation for the property, located at 300 West Mountain
Avenue.
BACKGROUND
St. Joseph Catholic Church and Church Parish Center are clearly associated with events that have
contributed to the broad patterns of Colorado,and more specifically,Fort Collins history,and serves
as a monument to the development of the Catholic demographic in the northern Front Range.
Furthermore, St. Joseph Catholic Church is associated with the lives of several prominent
individuals, whose significance to the history of Fort Collins and the state of Colorado cannot be
denied. Joseph P. Machebeuf, who served as Bishop of Denver from 1868-1889, Father J.
LaJeunesse, pastor of St Joseph's for 38 years, and Bamard DesJardins, prominent local architect,
each played a significant role in the development of the church and of the greater community.
Finally, the church buildings are clearly architecturally unique in Fort Collins and serve as some of
the City's more widely recognized and prominent landmarks. In recognition of this importance,the
historic St. Joseph School building and associated structures have previously been designated as a
Fort Collins Landmark, by Ordinance No. 076, 1996.
The church property contains two non-historic buildings,the residence located at 314 West Mountain
Avenue, constructed in 1979-1980, and the two story school addition, constructed in 1999-2000.
February 5, 2008 -2- Item No. 20
These buildings are not sufficiently old enough to contribute to the significance of the church
property, and are considered non-contributing elements of the property.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
Church Building
St. Joseph Church, built in 1901, is an excellent example of Late Victorian Gothic Revival
architecture. The exterior of the church is of buff and gray colored sandstone from the local Stout,
Noney Frye and Lamb quarries located just west of Fort Collins. The building is three stories with
a steeply pitched, cross-gabled roof.
The south facade is accented by a turret on the southwest comer that contains a series of small,open
arches capped by a conical roof. A stained glass window with a floral motif is located on the lower
portion of the south side of the turret. Two small lancet windows are located on the southwest and
northwest sides of the turret.
A prominent bell tower supported by corner buttresses anchors the southeast corner. The tower is
accented with small lancet and rectangular windows and one large stained glass window on the south
elevation. Oculus windows adorn the tower just below the steeple on the north, south and east
elevations. The tower is capped with a wooden steeple.
The primary entrance, located on the southern facade, is through three pointed arches that extend
approximately three feet from the actual building and form a covered, arcaded porch. This porch
was added in a 1960 renovation. Three large wooden doors, also in an arched design, with stained
glass and wooden tracery over them, open into the interior of the church. Directly above this
entrance in the center of the front gable, is a large, arched, stained glass window with a religious
motif. Another oculus window is located near the peak of the center gable.
There are two gables on the eastern elevation. Two wooden doors with colored glass and wooden
tracery above them are located in the northern portion of this elevation. Each of the gables has an
arched stained glass window with a religious motif. The southern gable window is approximately
fifteen feet high and the northern gable window is approximately seven feet high. Five additional
stained glass windows line the original wall of the eastern elevation.
The west elevation has two extending gables. The north gable extends ten feet from the exterior wall
of the church. A canopy extends an additional four feet from this gable and provides a covered side
entrance for visitors. Two double wooden doors lead into the church and a single wooden door leads
into a small hall with an elevator which was added in 1986.The southern gable has an arched stained
glass window approximately fifteen feet high with a religious motif. Four smaller stained glass
windows line the original wall of the western elevation. Each is approximately six feet high.
The north elevation is the rear of the church. An addition in 1960 extends approximately fifteen feet
east and fifteen to twenty feet west of the original portion of the church. It is approximately one to
one and a half stories and extends close to fifteen feet from the original structure. This addition has
a flat roof and a row of square windows three feet from the roofline consisting of one light over one
February 5, 2008 -3- Item No. 20
light. Basement windows at ground level are of a similar size and in the same configuration as the
top windows.
After its completion, St. Joseph Church was presided over by Father LaJeunesse. Under his
supervision two large building projects would take place on the church property. In 1908 a rectory
was constructed on the lot directly west of the church. Seventeen years later, in 1925, St. Joseph
School was constructed to serve the children of the growing Catholic community in Fort Collins.
The Sisters of Loretto arrived in 1926 to staff the new school and would live in that building until
1955.
The church underwent extensive renovation in 1960 in order to expand its seating capacity and serve
its growing members. On the south facade, the main entrances originally located in the turret and
bell tower were closed off and three new center doorways were added. Three gothic arches form an
arcaded porch and frame this entrance. Two rear entrances were also added. All of the original
stained glass was replaced in the 1960 renovation except in the tower, where the glass is estimated
to be 90 years old.
Sandstone used for these additions did not quite match the original stone, as the quarries are now
buried under Horsetooth Reservoir. Consequently, sandblasting was used to attain a uniform
appearance. The church was enlarged and approximately 10,000 square feet were added to more
than double its seating capacity from 300 to 700 occupants. A basement was excavated to
accommodate an auditorium, kitchen and furnace room. Along with these alterations the church
removed the cupola from the north gable end.
Parish Center
This two and a half story Mediterranean style Convent was built in 1955 for the Sisters of Loretto.
Constructed to match the adjacent school administered by the sisters,this building has a low-pitched,
red Spanish tile roof with a tan brick veneer. The east facade contains the primary entrance to the
building. It is through a recessed door surrounded by white stone quoining and a white stone hood
molding above.
The southern end of the convent is a small two-story chapel. The style and roof form mimics the rest
of the structure; however, along the south facade the flat roof is interrupted by a parapet. It is
encased with white stone work and embedded with a stone cross. The chapel also contains arched
stained glass windows on all three sides.
While originally used as a chapel,residence,and office space by the sisters,the building is currently
the Parish Center for the Church. It is now directly connected to the school via an addition on the
rear or west side of the building. The new construction is obviously modern yet compatible with the
1925 school and the 1955 convent. In 1979, following the departure of the Sisters of Loretto, the
convent was converted into office space. Furthermore,the 1908 rectory was razed and a new rectory
was built on the same site.
February 5, 2008 -4- Item No. 20
ATTACHMENTS
1. Historic Landmark Designation Nomination Form.
2. Landmark Preservation Commission Staff Report.
3. Pictures of St. Joseph Church.
4. Resolution 1, 2008, of the Landmark Preservation Commission Recommending Landmark
Designation of Saint Joseph Catholic Church and the Church Parrish Center.
Community Planning and Environmental Services
Advance Planning Department
Historic Preservation Office
PO BOX 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
6iii 970-221 -6376
City of Fort Collins
Historic Landmark Designation
Nomination Form
DATE : 9/21 /2007
LOCATION INFORMATION :
Address : 300 West Mountain , Fort Collins , CO 80522 ; 101 North Howes Street , Fort
Collins , CO 80522
Legal Description : LOTS 1 THRU 22 , & LOTS 30 THRU 36 , BLK 41 , FTC
Property Name ( historic and/or common ) : St . Joseph Catholic Church ; Saint Joseph
Parish Center .
OWNER INFORMATION :
Name : St . Joseph Parish , Arch . of Denver
Phone : 970 -482 -4148
Address : 300 West Mountain , Ft . Collins
CLASSIFICATION
Category Ownership Status Present Use Existing Designation
❑ Building ❑ Public ❑ Occupied ❑ Commercial ❑ National Register
❑ Structure ❑ Private ❑ Unoccupied ❑ Educational ❑ State Register
❑ Site ❑ Religious
❑ Object ❑ Residential
❑ District ❑ Entertainment
❑ Government
❑ Other
FORM PREPARED BY :
Name and Title : John Ferguson , Historic Preservation Intern , and Rose Laflin , Historic
Preservation Assistant
Address : City of Fort Collins Advance Planning Department , P . O . Box 580 , Fort
Collins , CO 80522 -0580
Phone : 970 -224 -6078 Relationship to Owner : None
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TYPE OF DESIGNATION and BOUNDARIES
❑ Individual Landmark Property ❑ Landmark District
Explanation of Boundaries :
The boundaries of the property being designated as a Fort Collins Landmark correspond to the
legal description of the property , above . The resources being designated under this application
consist only of the buildings known as St . Joseph Catholic Church , located at 300 W . Mountain
Avenue , and the St . Joseph Parish Center , located at 101 North Howes Street . The single family
residence located at 314 West Mountain and constructed in 1974 is considered non -contributing
due to its age and is not part of this landmark designation . Furthermore , St . Joseph ' s Church
School located at 127 N . Howes St . is not part of this designation as it has already been
designated as a Fort Collins Landmark .
SIGNIFICANCE
Properties that possess exterior integrity are eligible for designation as Fort Collins Landmarks or
Fort Collins Landmark Districts if they meet one ( 1 ) or more of the following standards for
designation :
❑ Standard 1 : The property is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of history ;
® Standard 2 : The property is associated with the lives of persons significant in history ;
® Standard 3 : The property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type , period , or
method of construction , or that represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic
values , or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction ;
❑ Standard 4 : The property has yielded , or may be likely to yield , information important in
prehistory or history .
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
( Please describe why the property is significant , relative to the Standard ( s ) above . )
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Saint Joseph Catholic Church is significant and eligible for inclusion as a Fort Collins
Landmark under standards for designation one , two , and three . The property is clearly
associated with events that have contributed to the broad patterns of Colorado , and more
specifically , Fort Collins history . The church serves as a monument to the development
of the Catholic demographic in the northern Front Range . Furthermore , the church is
associated with the lives of several prominent individuals whose significance to the
history of Fort Collins and the state of Colorado cannot be denied . Joseph P .
Machebeuf, who served as Bishop of Denver from 1868 - 1889 , Father J . LaJeunesse ,
pastor of St Joseph ' s for 38 years , and Barnard Des Jardins , prominent local architect ,
each played a significant role in the development of this building and our greater
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community . Finally , the property is clearly architecturally unique to Fort Collins and
serves as one of our more widely recognized and prominent buildings . Constructed in
the Gothic Revival style , it symbolizes this significant architectural movement which , at
one time , spread throughout the United States and left its mark on many of this country' s
most prominent buildings .
Furthermore , the Sisters of Loretto Convent , currently known as the St . Joseph Parish
Center , is also significant and eligible for Landmark status under standards for
designation one , two , and three . Just as is true for the church , this building serves as a
monument to the development of the Catholic demographic in the northern Front Range ,
and is associated with the lives of prominent local individuals , most notably , the Sisters of
Loretto . This building is also architecturally unique to the city . Built in the Mediterranean
style ( a popular architectural style in the western U . S . throughout the twentieth century) in
1955 , it remains a prominent feature of North Howes Street .
Bishop Machebeuf and the Growth of Catholicism in Fort Collins
Until the late 19th century there was no formalized Catholic parish system or permanent
place of worship in northern Colorado . Catholics attended spiritual services sporadically ,
often in their own homes or the homes of their neighbors . However, according to
Thomas J . Noel in his work Colorado Catholicism: The Archdiocese of Denver 1857-
1989, in 1866 the first official Catholic religious services were held by the missionary
Father Joseph P . Machebeuf. ( Noel )
The baker' s son and future leader of Colorado Catholicism was born in the summer of
1812 in the city Riom , France . Following the pious example set by his mother , Joseph
enrolled in seminary as a young man and was officially ordained in December of 1836 .
Soon thereafter he volunteered for missionary work in America and sailed to New York in
July of 1839 . His first assignment was in northern Ohio and there he found success
serving as a pastor until 1849 . ( Noel )
Following the Mexican War, the U . S . found itself in possession of new vast expanses of
territory in the west . New Mexico , Arizona , California , Nevada , Utah , and part of
Colorado all fell under U . S . jurisdiction and the Catholic Church quickly established an
Archdiocese in Santa Fe which was , at the time , one of the largest towns in the west .
Machebeuf was summoned to serve in these newly acquired lands and in August of
1851 , after an arduous journey by wagon train , he arrived in Santa Fe . ( Noel )
However , Machebeuf' s work kept him on the road and , from his base in Santa Fe , he
traveled throughout the territory establishing missions . In October of 1860 he was
permanently assigned to Denver and began to focus his missionary efforts in Colorado .
At the time , Denver was one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and had , in 1857 ,
established its own Archdiocese separate from Santa Fe . In the years that followed ,
Father Machebeuf made a significant impact throughout Colorado communities as a
missionary , and the emerging town of Fort Collins would be significantly impacted as a
result of his efforts . He made his first trip to the Fort in 1861 to visit with French trappers
along the Cache La Poudre River ( allegedly , he had long missed the company of fellow
Frenchmen ) . ( Noel ) Throughout the latter half of the 1860s he continued his travels by
wagon to Fort Collins and the Cache La Poudre Valley . In 1866 he conducted the first
official Catholic religious services in the town and , in the years that followed , continued to
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travel to Fort Collins and hold informal services for the growing Catholic community .
( Hist . St . Joseph Parish ) . After eight years of service throughout Colorado Father Joseph
P . Machebeuf, in the summer of 1868 , was consecrated Bishop of Colorado and Utah
( However , In 1871 Utah was transferred to the San Francisco Archdiocese ) . In the
summer of 1878 , ten years after becoming Bishop , Machebeuf again traveled to Fort
Collins and held the town ' s first official Mass in the Old Grout Building located at the
corner of Linden and Jefferson (Watrous , 258 ) . During the same trip Machebeuf officially
set in motion the formation of the future Saint Joseph Parish and authorized the purchase
of the schoolhouse located at 115 Riverside for $400 . This building became the town ' s
first Catholic Church (The building still stands today and was recently designated as a
Fort Collins Landmark in 2004 ) .
Joseph P . Machebeuf continued to serve as Bishop of Denver until his death in July of
1889 . The parish which he established in Fort Collins continued to grow and in 1900 ,
when their numbers became too great for the former schoolhouse , St . Joseph Church
was constructed . ( Noel )
The Parish , the Church , and Father LaJeunesse
In 1887 Bishop Machebeuf appointed Father Anthony J . Abel as the first pastor of the
newly established St . Joseph Parish . Abel served for two years before his reassignment .
In the years that followed , the parish would be presided over by several different pastors
each for relatively short periods of time . However , in 1899 , another prominent individual
in our history would arrive on the scene as Father Guillaume Joseph LaJeunesse was
assigned to lead St . Joseph . ( Noel )
LaJeunesse was born in St . Paul , Minnesota in 1862 and grew up in Chambly near
Montreal , Canada . After his education at Montreal College Seminary , and further studies
in Paris , he was officially ordained in the summer of 1889 . (Watrous , 389 ) He arrived in
Denver in 1895 and , in the spring of 1899 , Bishop Matz ( Machebeuf' s replacement )
assigned him to St . Joseph Parish . ( Hist . St . Joseph Parish )
On April 21 st , 1899 LaJeunesse arrived in Fort Collins to begin his duties . At the time of
his arrival , Catholics constituted nearly one -third of the city ' s 3 , 153 residents . It was
immediately clear that the old schoolhouse would no longer suffice due to the ever
growing Catholic population in the city . Later that year LaJeunesse initiated the purchase
of a plot of land located on the northwest corner of Mountain and Howes . (Watrous , 389 )
To design the new church LaJeunesse hired prominent local architect Barnard Des
Jardins . (Ahlbrandt , 506 )
By the time he was asked to design the new St . Joseph Church , Barnard Des Jardins
was already well known in the Fort Collins community . He originally came to northern
Colorado in 1881 to design and build a house for his cousin . The Michaud -Verstraeten
Home located on the Michaud Farm ( 3317 West County Road 50 ) on the corner of
Michaud Lane and Overland Trail just south of Laporte , was his first work in Fort Collins .
(Ahlbrandt , 236 ) However , he is most famous for designing and building the county' s
third courthouse in 1887 ( raised in 1957 to accommodate a new larger courthouse .
(Ahlbrandt , 59 )
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On March 25t" , 1900 the cornerstone for St . Joseph Church was placed . ( Hist . St . Joseph
Parish ) The rusticated stone church was completed one year later on August 4th , 1901 at
a total cost of $ 12 , 000 . ( Noel ) However , LaJeunesse ' s contribution to the northern Front
Range and the town of Fort Collins did not stop with this church . Throughout his nearly
four decades of service he was instrumental in overseeing the construction of Catholic
churches in other communities such as Greeley and Loveland . (Watrous , 389 )
Furthermore , he saw to the continued expansion and development of the property on the
corner of Mountain and Howes . In 1908 a rectory was built on the lot directly west of the
church and , after acquiring more land to the north of the church , in 1925 Saint Joseph
School was constructed (this building was designated as a Fort Collins landmark in June
of 1996 ) . It was finished by the fall term of 1926 , and enrolled 177 students in its first year
of operation . The Sisters of Loretto , who taught at the school , also resided in the school
building .
The Catholic community in Fort Collins , as well as in its surrounding areas , flourished
during LaJeunesse ' s tenure . He died on May 5th , 1937 ( Noel ) . The establishment of St .
Joseph Church and the expansion of its services under the guidance of Father
LaJeunesse symbolized the growth and growing diversity of Fort Collins in the first four
decades of the twentieth century .
Church Expansion
In order to accommodate its ever growing body of parishioners , the church continued to
modernize and expand in the decades that followed . In 1955 St . Joseph Parish
constructed a convent for the sisters of Loretto . The church built the new residence
between the school and the sanctuary for approximately $ 100 , 000 . The church chose
John K . Monroe , a Denver architect , to design the convent and hired local contractors ,
Frank Homolka and the Rogers Plumbing and Heating Company , to complete the project .
It contained ten private rooms , an infirmary and sun deck on the second floor . The
ground floor housed a kitchen , dinning room , parlor , community room , an office , as well
as quarters for the housekeeper . The basement included music rooms , recreation space ,
storage areas , and laundry facilities . By providing the sisters with this separate residence
the school gained three new classrooms . ( Hist . St . Joseph Parish )
In 1960 , the church underwent an expansion in order to continue serving the community .
By this time , the church had existed for almost sixty years in its prominent location at
Mountain and Howes . Church administrators did not want to harm the familiar and
distinctive architecture of the structure as it was enlarged , and thus , cautious and
harmonious additions were made to the church in order to provide more entrances and
more interior room . An arcaded sandstone entrance was added to the front facade and
three arched doorways replaced two smaller side doors at the main entrance . Seating
capacity increased from 300 to 700 as additions were added to the rear and side
elevations . All exterior additions were sandstone , chosen to match the existing exterior
as closely as possible . However , since the original quarries were buried under
Horsetooth Reservoir , the new stone did not completely match , and the entire exterior of
the church was sandblasted to achieve a uniform appearance . A basement was also
excavated to create an auditorium , kitchen , and furnace room . These renovations added
approximately 10 , 000 square feet to the building . ( Reycraft , 17 - 18 ) All told , the
renovations cost upward of $ 300 , 000 and the improved building was dedicated on April
277 1960 . ( Hist . St . Joseph Parish )
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St . Joseph continued to grow and serve Fort Collins after the 1960 expansion . Various
parish organizations were established to serve the congregation and the wider
community . These included the Holy Name Society , the Knights of Columbus , the Legion
of Mary , the National Council of Catholic Women , the PTA , Charter 1924 Council 1214 ,
and the Catholic Welfare Bureau , among others . ( Reycraft , 13 )
Architectural Significance
Gothic Revival Church :
Gothic Revival architecture , as it existed in the United States during the 19th and early
201h centuries , had its roots in the grand Gothic cathedrals of 12th century Western
Europe . Cathedrals such as Chartres , Amiens , and Notre Dame are some of the most
widely recognized Gothic buildings in existence and they are the forefathers of our
modest St . Joseph Church . Gothic architecture emphasized decoration , open interior
spaces , and vertical elements . The characteristic flying buttresses of these cathedrals
are easily recognized , and they served to shift the structural elements of the building to
the exterior in order to maximize interior floor space . Elaborate window tracery and
ornamental interior and exterior sculpture adorned Gothic buildings and provided the
desired effect of an otherworldly environment . Furthermore , pointed arch windows and
large pointed groin vaults along the interior naves of these massive buildings , combined
with the use of tall spires on the exterior , provided a vertical emphasis and were intended
to guide the viewer' s gaze upward toward the heavens . Hundreds of years later, in the
191h century , many of these design elements would be revived in the architecture of Great
Britain and would subsequently be transferred to the United States . This movement was
largely embraced by the Catholic Church and would become their official architectural
style .
While St . Joseph is indeed a modest example of Gothic Revival architecture , and lacks
the elaborate ornamentation of some of its peers (such as Trinity Church in New York
City or St . Paul ' s Cathedral in Buffalo both designed by famous Gothic Revival architect
Richard Upjohn ) it still displays classic Gothic Revival features such as exterior
buttresses , pointed arch windows , and an overall vertical emphasis .
Mediterranean Style Convent :
The Mediterranean style of architecture was very popular throughout much of the
twentieth century . The key to distinguishing the Mediterranean style is the tile roof and
restrained ornamentation ( as opposed to the elaborate details on a Spanish Colonial
structure ) . Built in Colorado from the 1920s to the 1960s , these structures are generally
stucco or brick , often painted white to contrast with the brightly colored roof tiles .
Roofs are low pitched gable or flat ( behind a parapet ) on smaller buildings and are low
pitched hipped on some larger buildings . Another characteristic feature is the extension
of a side or front wall to form an arcaded entrance or porch . Windows are sometimes
casements , framed by wooden or wrought iron grills or small second -story balconies
called balconets .
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Designers used the Mediterranean style for churches , schools and residences , both on a
grand scale and on more modest houses . Mediterranean style buildings in contrast to
Spanish Colonial buildings have flat or plainer surfaces , few projections , and more limited
ornamentation . The heavy tile roof is generally the dominant characteristic .
St . Joseph Catholic Church and the Parish Center both have historical and architectural
significance and are important parts of the Fort Collins history . These buildings , in their
prominent locations on the corner of Mountain and Howes , are familiar to most Fort
Collins residents . They serve to highlight the lives and accomplishments of significant
individuals . Bishop Machebeuf, Father LaJeunesse , and architect Barney Des Jardins
have each left a lasting impact on our wider history . Furthermore , St . Joseph Parish is
associated with the growth of Fort Collins from a small frontier town to a thriving , diverse
city . The city experienced its most significant amount of growth during the first decade of
the twentieth century . The building of St . Joseph church in 1900 - 1901 in order to serve
a larger congregation symbolized this . And both of these buildings are representative of
the growing Catholic community in the area , which has lent to the diversity of our city .
Finally , these buildings contribute to the significance of a potential historic district . They
are located at the perimeter of the residential development known as Old Town West and
share a city block with St . Joseph School , built in 1925 and designated as a Fort Collins
Landmark in 1996 . Clearly , these buildings are eligible for inclusion in the National
Register of Historic Places , and the City of Fort Collins should certainly honor these
historic structures with local landmark status .
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
After its completion , St . Joseph Church was presided over by Father LaJeunesse .
Initially he lived in the sacristy located at the rear of the church . Under his supervision
two large building projects would take place on the church property . In 1908 a rectory
was constructed on the lot directly west of the church . Seventeen years later, in 1925 ,
St . Joseph School was constructed to serve the children of the growing Catholic
community in Fort Collins . The Sisters of Loretto arrived in 1926 to staff the new school
and would live in that building until 1955 .
In May of 1937 Father LaJeunesse died and was replaced by Father Eugene O ' Sullivan .
He served as pastor of the church until 1948 when he was transferred to Denver. Father
Richard Duffy assumed the role of pastor following O ' Sullivan ' s departure . During his
tenure , in 1955 , a convent was constructed on the property for the Sisters of Loretto .
Until that time they had been living in St . Joseph School . Five years later, in 1960 , the
church underwent a major renovation in order to double its capacity . In 1965 the school
was enlarged by three classrooms that could be divided into six classrooms , and the
gymnasium was built .
In 1967 Monsignor Duffy was replaced by Monsignor John Cavanagh . In 1979 , following
the departure of the Sisters of Loretto , the convent was converted into office space .
Furthermore , the 1908 rectory was razed and a new rectory was built on the same site .
In 1981 , due to his deteriorating health , Monsignor Cavanagh was replaced by Father
Thomas Woerth who served until 1984 . He was replaced by Father Anthony Bliss who
died later that same year. Father Thomas Coyte then served as pastor until 1989 .
Father Coyte is a Fort Collins native and attended St . Joseph School . In 1986 , under his
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direction , the elevator building was installed to allow those with physical limitations to
attend Mass and other church programs and functions . This project was completed at a
cost of $ 95 , 000 . Coyte was replaced by father Philip Meredith . Father Meredith oversaw
construction of the two story junior high building as well as other major improvements to
the school and parish center between 1999 and 2000 (which cost a total of $ 3 . 8 million ) .
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date : Church Building ( 1901 ) ; Parish Center ( 1955 )
Architect/ Builder : Barney Des Jardins , Architect ( Church ) ; John K . Monroe ( Parish Center)
Building Materials : Sandstone ( Church ) ; tan brick and concrete ( Parish Center)
Architectural Style : Gothic Revival ( Church ) ; Mediterranean ( Parish Center)
Description : ( Please include any special features of the property/surroundings , as well as dates
and descriptions of any additions or alterations to the buildings or structures . )
Church Building :
St . Joseph Catholic Church of Fort Collins , built in 1900 - 1901 , is an excellent example of
Late Victorian Gothic Revival architecture . The exterior of St . Joseph is of buff and gray
colored sandstone from the local Stout , Noney Frye and Lamb quarries located just west
of Fort Collins . Repeated design elements such as oculus windows , stained glass and
arched doors and windows create a harmonious and pleasing exterior .
The building is three stories with a steeply pitched , cross-gabled roof. The south facade
is accented by a turret on the southwest corner that contains a series of small , open
arches capped by a conical roof. A stained glass window approximately four feet high
with a floral motif is located on the lower portion of the south side of the turret .
Sandstone detailing on the wall above this window emphasizes its arched design . Two
small lancet windows , each one foot across and five feet high , are located on the
southwest and northwest sides of the turret .
A prominent bell tower anchors the southeast corner . Corner buttresses support this
tower. Four lancet windows , with stained glass of the same dimensions as those on the
turret , decorate the south and east sides of the tower . Two small rectangular stained
glass windows light the lower portion of the east elevation of the tower. One stained
glass window , approximately six feet high with decorative sandstone detailing above it , is
located in the lower portion of the south elevation of the tower . The arched stained glass
and the detailing complement that on the turret . Oculus windows one -foot in diameter
adorn the tower just below the steeple on the north , south and east elevations . The
wooden steeple rises approximately ten feet above the rest of the church and caps the
tower . Metal crosses top the turret and bell tower .
The primary entrance to the church , located on the southern fagade , is through three
pointed arches that extend approximately three feet from the actual building and form a
covered , arcaded porch . This porch was added in a 1960 renovation . Three large
wooden doors , also in an arched design , with stained glass and wooden tracery over
them , open into the interior of the church . Directly above this entrance in the center of
the front gable , is a large , arched , stained glass window with a religious motif. This
window was probably once the largest stained glass window in the structure but it was
partially covered by the addition of the arcaded porch . Today it is approximately six feet
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high by five feet wide . An oculus window of approximately two feet diameter is located
near the peak of the center gable above the stained glass window . A sandstone cross
tops this gable .
There are two gables on the eastern elevation . The southern - most gable extends
approximately four feet from the exterior wall of the church . The northern gable extends
an additional four feet and this wall extends to the rear corner of the church . Two
wooden doors with colored glass and wooden tracery above them are located in the
northern portion of this elevation . Each of the gables has an arched stained glass
window with a religious motif. The southern gable window is approximately fifteen feet
high and the northern gable window is approximately seven feet high . Five additional
stained glass windows , approximately six feet high , line the original wall of the eastern
elevation . Sandstone crosses top each of the gables .
The west elevation has two extending gables . The north gable extends ten feet from the
exterior wall of the church . One oculus window is near the top of this northern - most
gable . A canopy extends an additional four feet from this gable and provides a covered
side entrance for visitors . Two double wooden doors lead into the church and a single
wooden door leads into a small hall with an elevator . A rectangular colored glass
window is located to the north of this canopy . The southern gable has an arched stained
glass window approximately fifteen feet high with a religious motif. Four smaller stained
glass windows line the original wall of the western elevation . Each is approximately six
feet high . Sandstone crosses top each of the gables .
The north elevation is the rear of the church . An addition in 1960 extends approximately
fifteen feet east and fifteen to twenty feet west of the original portion of the church . It is
approximately one to one and a half stories and extends close to fifteen feet from the
original structure . This addition has a flat roof and a row of square windows three feet
from the roofline consisting of one light over one light . Basement windows at ground
level are of a similar size and in the same configuration as the top windows . The gabled
end of the original structure is visible above this addition . It contains an oculus window
near the peak . This window is the same size and in the same location as that on the
front gable . A sandstone cross tops this gable .
The church underwent extensive renovation in 1960 in order to expand its seating
capacity and serve its growing members . On the south fagade , the main entrances
originally located in the turret and bell tower were closed off and three new center
doorways were added in a Gothic arch design that blends well with the existing shape of
the stained glass windows . Three gothic arches form an arcaded porch and frame this
entrance . Two rear entrances were also added . All of the original stained glass was
replaced in the 1960 renovation except in the tower , where the glass is estimated to be
90 years old .
Sandstone used for these additions did not quite match the original stone , as the quarries
are now buried under Horsetooth Reservoir . Consequently , sandblasting was used to
attain a uniform appearance . The church was enlarged and approximately 10 , 000
square feet were added to more than double its seating capacity from 300 to 700
occupants . A basement was excavated to accommodate an auditorium , kitchen and
Revised 09-2004 Page 9
furnace room . Along with these alterations the church removed the cupola from the north
gable end . In 1986 , a canopy over the west entry near the rear of the building was added
in order to accommodate an elevator.
Although these changes altered the church , they were skillfully executed and blend in
well with the original . As the alterations are well integrated with the 1901 construction ,
they do not detract from the architectural significance of the church .
Parish Center :
St . Joseph ' s Catholic Church built this two and a half story Mediterranean style Convent
in 1955 for the Sisters of Loretto . Constructed to match the adjacent school administered
by the sisters , this building has a low- pitched , red Spanish tile roof with a tan brick
veneer . The convent sits on a concrete foundation , which extends slightly above the
garden level windows . The east facade contains the primary entrance to the building . It
is through a recessed door surrounded by white stone quoining and a white stone hood
molding above . Beneath the hood is a brown rounded pediment engraved with a cross .
Above the door and running along the second story is brick banding that encircles the
convent .
The southern end of the convent , approximately a third of the total building , is a small
two-story chapel . The style and roof form mimics the rest of the structure ; however ,
along the south fagade the flat roof is interrupted by a parapet . It is encased with white
stone work and embedded with a stone cross . The chapel also contains arched stained
glass windows on all three sides .
While originally used as a chapel , residence , and office space by the sisters , the building
is currently the Parish Center for St . Joseph ' s Catholic Church . It is now directly
connected to the school via an addition on the rear or west side of the building . The new
construction is obviously modern yet compatible with the 1925 school and the 1955
convent .
Revised 09-2004 Page 10
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION (attach a separate sheet if needed )
Ahlbrandt , Arlene ( Briggs ) , and Kathryn " Kate" Stieben . Eds . The History of Larimer County ,
Colorado Volume II : 1860s- 1870s . Dallas , Texas : Curtis Media Corporation , 1987 .
East Side/West Side Survey Reports .
Fort Collins City Directories . 1902 .
History of Saint Joseph Parish 1879-2004 . Fort Collins , CO
Larimer County Assessors Records . "The Virtual Courthouse of Larimer County Colorado . "
<www . larimer . org/databases/indes . htm > .
Marschall , Connie and Scott Loehr. History and Architectural Survey of Three Fort Collins
Churches . Submitted to Professor N . Goodman , 1983 .
Noel , Thomas J . Colorado Catholicism : The Archdiocese of Denver 1857- 1989 .
< http : //www . archden . org/noel/07119 . htm > .
Orr , Becky . Seeing the Light . Triangle Review , May 25 , 1994 , 3 .
Reycraft , Robert J . , ed . Seventy Years of Service . St . Joseph 's Catholic Church : Fort
Collins , CO : 1975 .
Robb , Bruce , ed . 1879- 1979 St . Joseph 's Catholic Church : A Centenary of Catholicity .
St . Joseph ' s Catholic Church : Fort Collins , CO : 1979 .
Schoeman , Christian J . Survey of Historic Structures Located Within Fort Collins
Downtown Development Area . Submitted to the Planning Dept . City of Fort Collins ,
1983 .
Watrous , Ansel . History of Larimer County , 1911 . Fort Collins CO : Courier Printing and
Publishing , 1911 .
Colorado Historical Society : Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation . A Guide to
Colorado ' s Historic Architecture and Engineering . 2003 .
Revised 09-2004 Page 11
1
AGREEMENT
The undersigned owner(s) hereby agrees that the property described herein be considered
for local historic landmark designation , pursuant to the Fort Collins Landmark Preservation
Ordinance , Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins .
I understand that upon designation , I or my successors will be requested to notify the
Secretary of the Landmark Preservation Commission at the City of Fort Collins prior to the
occurrence of any of the following :
1 . Preparation of plans for the reconstruction or alteration of the exterior of
improvements on the property;
2 . Preparation of plans for the construction , alteration , relocation or demolition of
improvements on the property.
DATED this I l - day of D , 2oo 7 .
�, oC L . L A
Ow r Name ( please print)
Owner Signatbre
State of } MARILOU GEORGE
)ss . NOTARY PUBLIC
County of } STATE OF COLORADO
My Commission Expires 11 /30/2010
Subscribed and sworn before me this l f day of _ 1 1t , 200 9 ,
by
Witness my hand and official seal . My commission expires
Notary Public
Revised 09-2004 Page 13
Community Planning and Environmental Services ATTACHMENT
Advance Planning Department
Historic Preservation Office
PO Box 580
Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580
970-221-6376
City of Fort Collins Historic Landmark Designation
Nomination Form
DATE: 9/21/2007
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 300 West Mountain, Fort Collins, CO 80522; 101 North Howes Street, Fort
Collins, CO 80522
Legal Description: LOTS 1 THRU 22, & LOTS 30 THRU 36, BLK 41, FTC
Property Name (historic and/or common): St. Joseph Catholic Church; Saint Joseph
Parish Center.
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: St. Joseph Parish, Arch. of Denver
Phone: 970-482-4148
Address: 300 West Mountain, Ft. Collins
CLASSIFICATION
Category Ownership Status Present Use Existing Designation
® Building ❑ Public ® Occupied ❑ Commercial ❑ National Register
❑ Structure ® Private ❑ Unoccupied ❑ Educational ❑ State Register
❑ Site ® Religious
❑ Object ❑ Residential
❑ District ❑ Entertainment
❑ Government
❑ Other
FORM PREPARED BY:
Name and Title: John Ferguson, Historic Preservation Intern, and Rose Laflin, Historic
Preservation Assistant
Address: City of Fort Collins Advance Planning Department, P.O. Box 580, Fort
Collins, CO 80522-0580
Phone: 970-224-6078 Relationship to Owner: None
Revised 09-2004 Page 1
TYPE OF DESIGNATION and BOUNDARIES
® Individual Landmark Property ❑ Landmark District
Explanation of Boundaries:
The boundaries of the property being designated as a Fort Collins Landmark correspond to the
legal description of the property, above. The resources being designated under this application
consist only of the buildings known as St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 300 W. Mountain
Avenue, and the St. Joseph Parish Center, located at 101 North Howes Street. The single family
residence located at 314 West Mountain and constructed in 1974 is considered non-contributing
due to its age and is not part of this landmark designation. Furthermore, St. Joseph's Church
School located at 127 N. Howes St. is not part of this designation as it has already been
designated as a Fort Collins Landmark.
SIGNIFICANCE
Properties that possess exterior integrity are eligible for designation as Fort Collins Landmarks or
Fort Collins Landmark Districts if they meet one (1) or more of the following standards for
designation:
® Standard 1: The property is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of history;
® Standard 2: The property is associated with the lives of persons significant in history;
® Standard 3: The property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or
method of construction, or that represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic
values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction;
❑ Standard 4: The property has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in
prehistory or history.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
(Please describe why the property is significant, relative to the Standard(s) above.)
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Saint Joseph Catholic Church is significant and eligible for inclusion as a Fort Collins
Landmark under standards for designation one, two, and three. The property is clearly
associated with events that have contributed to the broad patterns of Colorado, and more
specifically, Fort Collins history. The church serves as a monument to the development
of the Catholic demographic in the northern Front Range. Furthermore, the church is
associated with the lives of several prominent individuals whose significance to the
history of Fort Collins and the state of Colorado cannot be denied. Joseph P.
Machebeuf, who served as Bishop of Denver from 1868-1889, Father J. LaJeunesse,
pastor of St Joseph's for 38 years, and Barnard Des Jardins, prominent local architect,
each played a significant role in the development of this building and our greater
Revised 09-2004 Page 2
ATTACHMENT
LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION
January 9, 2008
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Landmark Designation of St. Joseph Catholic Church; Saint Joseph Parish Center
STAFF CONTACT: John Ferguson, Preservation Intern; Karen McWilliams, Preservation
Planner
APPLICANT: St. Joseph Parish, Arch. of Denver
Significance and Physical Integrity: Saint Joseph Catholic Church is significant and eligible
for inclusion as a Fort Collins Landmark under standards for designation one, two, and three.
The property is clearly associated with events that have contributed to the broad patterns of
Colorado, and more specifically, Fort Collins history. The church serves as a monument to the
development of the Catholic demographic in the northern Front Range. Furthermore, the church
is associated with the lives of several prominent individuals whose significance to the history of
Fort Collins and the state of Colorado cannot be denied. Joseph P. Machebeuf, who served as
Bishop of Denver from 1868-1889, Father J. LaJeunesse, pastor of St Joseph's for 38 years, and
Bamard Des Jardins,prominent local architect, each played a significant role in the development
of this building and our greater community. Finally, the property is clearly architecturally
unique to Fort Collins and serves as one of our more widely recognized and prominent buildings.
Constructed in the Gothic Revival style, it symbolizes this significant architectural movement
which, at one time, spread throughout the United States and left its mark on many of this
country's most prominent buildings.
Furthermore, the Sisters of Loretto Convent, currently known as the St. Joseph Parish Center, is
also significant and eligible for Landmark status under standards for designation one, two, and
three. Just as is true for the church, this building serves as a monument to the development of
the Catholic demographic in the northern Front Range, and is associated with the lives of
prominent local individuals, most notably, the Sisters of Loretto. This building is also
architecturally unique to the city. Built in the Mediterranean style(a popular architectural style
in the western U.S. throughout the twentieth century) in 1955, it remains a prominent feature of
North Howes Street.
Architecture:
Church Building:
St. Joseph Catholic Church of Fort Collins, built in 1900-1901, is an excellent example of Late
Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. The exterior of St. Joseph is of buff and gray colored
sandstone from the local Stout, Noney Frye and Lamb quarries located just west of Fort Collins.
Repeated design elements such as oculus windows, stained glass and arched doors and windows
community. Finally, the property is clearly architecturally unique to Fort Collins and
serves as one of our more widely recognized and prominent buildings. Constructed in
the Gothic Revival style, it symbolizes this significant architectural movement which, at
one time, spread throughout the United States and left its mark on many of this country's
most prominent buildings.
Furthermore, the Sisters of Loretto Convent, currently known as the St. Joseph Parish
Center, is also significant and eligible for Landmark status under standards for
designation one, two, and three. Just as is true for the church, this building serves as a
monument to the development of the Catholic demographic in the northern Front Range,
and is associated with the lives of prominent local individuals, most notably, the Sisters of
Loretto. This building is also architecturally unique to the city. Built in the Mediterranean
style (a popular architectural style in the western U.S. throughout the twentieth century) in
1955, it remains a prominent feature of North Howes Street.
Bishop Machebeuf and the Growth of Catholicism in Fort Collins
Until the late 19th century there was no formalized Catholic parish system or permanent
place of worship in northern Colorado. Catholics attended spiritual services sporadically,
often in their own homes or the homes of their neighbors. However, according to
Thomas J. Noel in his work Colorado Catholicism: The Archdiocese of Denver 1857-
1989, in 1866 the first official Catholic religious services were held by the missionary
Father Joseph P. Machebeuf. (Noel)
The baker's son and future leader of Colorado Catholicism was born in the summer of
1812 in the city Riom, France. Following the pious example set by his mother, Joseph
enrolled in seminary as a young man and was officially ordained in December of 1836.
Soon thereafter he volunteered for missionary work in America and sailed to New York in
July of 1839. His first assignment was in northern Ohio and there he found success
serving as a pastor until 1849. (Noel)
Following the Mexican War, the U.S. found itself in possession of new vast expanses of
territory in the west. New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and part of
Colorado all fell under U.S. jurisdiction and the Catholic Church quickly established an
Archdiocese in Santa Fe which was, at the time, one of the largest towns in the west.
Machebeuf was summoned to serve in these newly acquired lands and in August of
1851, after an arduous journey by wagon train, he arrived in Santa Fe. (Noel)
However, Machebeuf's work kept him on the road and, from his base in Santa Fe, he
traveled throughout the territory establishing missions. In October of 1860 he was
permanently assigned to Denver and began to focus his missionary efforts in Colorado.
At the time, Denver was one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and had, in 1857,
established its own Archdiocese separate from Santa Fe. In the years that followed,
Father Machebeuf made a significant impact throughout Colorado communities as a
missionary, and the emerging town of Fort Collins would be significantly impacted as a
result of his efforts. He made his first trip to the Fort in 1861 to visit with French trappers
along the Cache La Poudre River (allegedly, he had long missed the company of fellow
Frenchmen). (Noel) Throughout the latter half of the 1860s he continued his travels by
wagon to Fort Collins and the Cache La Poudre Valley. In 1866 he conducted the first
official Catholic religious services in the town and, in the years that followed, continued to
Revised 09-2004 Page 3
ATTACHMENT 2
The building is three stories with a steeply pitched, cross-gabled roof. The south fagade is
accented by a turret on the southwest corner that contains a series of small, open arches capped
by a conical roof. A stained glass window approximately four feet high with a floral motif is
located on the lower portion of the south side of the turret. Sandstone detailing on the wall
above this window emphasizes its arched design. Two small lancet windows, each one foot
across and five feet high, are located on the southwest and northwest sides of the turret.
A prominent bell tower anchors the southeast corner. Comer buttresses support this tower. Four
lancet windows, with stained glass of the same dimensions as those on the turret, decorate the
south and east sides of the tower. Two small rectangular stained glass windows light the lower
portion of the east elevation of the tower. One stained glass window, approximately six feet high
with decorative sandstone detailing above it, is located in the lower portion of the south elevation
of the tower. The arched stained glass and the detailing complement that on the turret. Oculus
windows one-foot in diameter adorn the tower just below the steeple on the north, south and east
elevations. The wooden steeple rises approximately ten feet above the rest of the church and
caps the tower. Metal crosses top the turret and bell tower.
The primary entrance to the church, located on the southern fagade, is through three pointed
arches that extend approximately three feet from the actual building and form a covered, arcaded
porch. This porch was added in a 1960 renovation. Three large wooden doors, also in an arched
design, with stained glass and wooden tracery over them, open into the interior of the church.
Directly above this entrance in the center of the front gable, is a large, arched, stained glass
window with a religious motif. This window was probably once the largest stained glass
window in the structure but it was partially covered by the addition of the arcaded porch. Today
it is approximately six feet high by five feet wide. An oculus window of approximately two feet
diameter is located near the peak of the center gable above the stained glass window. A
sandstone cross tops this gable.
There are two gables on the eastern elevation. The southern-most gable extends approximately
four feet from the exterior wall of the church. The northern gable extends an additional four feet
and this wall extends to the rear corner of the church. Two wooden doors with colored glass and
wooden tracery above them are located in the northern portion of this elevation. Each of the
gables has an arched stained glass window with a religious motif. The southern gable window is
approximately fifteen feet high and the northern gable window is approximately seven feet high.
Five additional stained glass windows, approximately six feet high, line the original wall of the
eastern elevation. Sandstone crosses top each of the gables.
The west elevation has two extending gables. The north gable extends ten feet from the exterior
wall of the church. One oculus window is near the top of this northern-most gable. A canopy
extends an additional four feet from this gable and provides a covered side entrance for visitors.
Two double wooden doors lead into the church and a single wooden door leads into a small hall
with an elevator. A rectangular colored glass window is located to the north of this canopy.
The southern gable has an arched stained glass window approximately fifteen feet high with a
2
travel to Fort Collins and hold informal services for the growing Catholic community.
(Hist. St. Joseph Parish). After eight years of service throughout Colorado Father Joseph
P. Machebeuf, in the summer of 1868, was consecrated Bishop of Colorado and Utah
(However, In 1871 Utah was transferred to the San Francisco Archdiocese). In the
summer of 1878, ten years after becoming Bishop, Machebeuf again traveled to Fort
Collins and held the town's first official Mass in the Old Grout Building located at the
corner of Linden and Jefferson (Watrous, 258). During the same trip Machebeuf officially
set in motion the formation of the future Saint Joseph Parish and authorized the purchase
of the schoolhouse located at 115 Riverside for $400. This building became the town's
first Catholic Church (The building still stands today and was recently designated as a
Fort Collins Landmark in 2004).
Joseph P. Machebeuf continued to serve as Bishop of Denver until his death in July of
1889. The parish which he established in Fort Collins continued to grow and in 1900,
when their numbers became too great for the former schoolhouse, St. Joseph Church
was constructed. (Noel)
The Parish, the Church, and Father LaJeunesse
In 1887 Bishop Machebeuf appointed Father Anthony J. Abel as the first pastor of the
newly established St. Joseph Parish. Abel served for two years before his reassignment.
In the years that followed, the parish would be presided over by several different pastors
each for relatively short periods of time. However, in 1899, another prominent individual
in our history would arrive on the scene as Father Guillaume Joseph LaJeunesse was
assigned to lead St. Joseph. (Noel)
LaJeunesse was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1862 and grew up in Chambly near
Montreal, Canada. After his education at Montreal College Seminary, and further studies
in Paris, he was officially ordained in the summer of 1889. (Watrous, 389) He arrived in
Denver in 1895 and, in the spring of 1899, Bishop Matz (Machebeufs replacement)
assigned him to St. Joseph Parish. (Hist. St. Joseph Parish)
On April 215t, 1899 LaJeunesse arrived in Fort Collins to begin his duties. At the time of
his arrival, Catholics constituted nearly one-third of the city's 3,153 residents. It was
immediately clear that the old schoolhouse would no longer suffice due to the ever
growing Catholic population in the city. Later that year LaJeunesse initiated the purchase
of a plot of land located on the northwest corner of Mountain and Howes. (Watrous, 389)
To design the new church LaJeunesse hired prominent local architect Barnard Des
Jardins. (Ahlbrandt, 506)
By the time he was asked to design the new St. Joseph Church, Barnard Des Jardins
was already well known in the Fort Collins community. He originally came to northern
Colorado in 1881 to design and build a house for his cousin. The Michaud-Verstraeten
Home located on the Michaud Farm (3317 West County Road 50) on the corner of
Michaud Lane and Overland Trail just south of Laporte, was his first work in Fort Collins.
(Ahlbrandt, 236) However, he is most famous for designing and building the county's
third courthouse in 1887 (raised in 1957 to accommodate a new larger courthouse.
(Ahlbrandt, 59)
Revised 09-2004 Page 4
ATTACHMENT 2
religious motif. Four smaller stained glass windows line the original wall of the western
elevation. Each is approximately six feet high. Sandstone crosses top each of the gables.
The north elevation is the rear of the church. An addition in 1960 extends approximately fifteen
feet east and fifteen to twenty feet west of the original portion of the church. It is approximately
one to one and a half stories and extends close to fifteen feet from the original structure. This
addition has a flat roof and a row of square windows three feet from the roofline consisting of
one light over one light. Basement windows at ground level are of a similar size and in the same
configuration as the top windows. The gabled end of the original structure is visible above this
addition. It contains an oculus window near the peak. This window is the same size and in the
same location as that on the front gable. A sandstone cross tops this gable.
The church underwent extensive renovation in 1960 in order to expand its seating capacity and
serve its growing members. On the south fagade, the main entrances originally located in the
turret and bell tower were closed off and three new center doorways were added in a Gothic arch
design that blends well with the existing shape of the stained glass windows. Three gothic
arches form an arcaded porch and frame this entrance. Two rear entrances were also added. All
of the original stained glass was replaced in the 1960 renovation except in the tower, where the
glass is estimated to be 90 years old.
Sandstone used for these additions did not quite match the original stone, as the quarries are now
buried under Horsetooth Reservoir. Consequently, sandblasting was used to attain a uniform
appearance. The church was enlarged and approximately 10,000 square feet were added to more
than double its seating capacity from 300 to 700 occupants. A basement was excavated to
accommodate an auditorium, kitchen and furnace room. Along with these alterations the church
removed the cupola from the north gable end. In 1986, a canopy over the west entry near the
rear of the building was added in order to accommodate an elevator.
Although these changes altered the church, they were skillfully executed and blend in well with
the original. As the alterations are well integrated with the 1901 construction, they do not detract
form the architectural significance of the church.
Parish Center:
St. Joseph's Catholic Church built this two and a half story Mediterranean style Convent in 1955
for the Sisters of Loretto. Constructed to match the adjacent school administered by the sisters,
this building has a low-pitched, red Spanish tile roof with a tan brick veneer. The convent sits on
a concrete foundation, which extends slightly above the garden level windows. The east fagade
contains the primary entrance to the building. It is through a recessed door surrounded by white
stone quoining and a white stone hood molding above. Beneath the hood is a brown rounded
pediment engraved with a cross. Above the door and running along the second story is brick
banding that encircles the convent.
The southern end of the convent, approximately a third of the total building, is a small two-story
chapel. The style and roof form mimics the rest of the structure; however, along the south fagade
the flat roof is interrupted by a parapet. It is encased with white stone work and embedded with
a stone cross. The chapel also contains arched stained glass windows on all three sides.
3
On March 25th, 1900 the cornerstone for St. Joseph Church was placed. (Hist. St. Joseph
Parish) The rusticated stone church was completed one year later on August 41h, 1901 at
a total cost of$12,000. (Noel) However, LaJeunesse's contribution to the northern Front
Range and the town of Fort Collins did not stop with this church. Throughout his nearly
four decades of service he was instrumental in overseeing the construction of Catholic
churches in other communities such as Greeley and Loveland. (Watrous, 389)
Furthermore, he saw to the continued expansion and development of the property on the
corner of Mountain and Howes. In 1908 a rectory was built on the lot directly west of the
church and, after acquiring more land to the north of the church, in 1925 Saint Joseph
School was constructed (this building was designated as a Fort Collins landmark in June
of 1996). It was finished by the fall term of 1926, and enrolled 177 students in its first year
of operation. The Sisters of Loretto, who taught at the school, also resided in the school
building.
The Catholic community in Fort Collins, as well as in its surrounding areas, flourished
during LaJeunesse's tenure. He died on May 5th, 1937 (Noel). The establishment of St.
Joseph Church and the expansion of its services under the guidance of Father
LaJeunesse symbolized the growth and growing diversity of Fort Collins in the first four
decades of the twentieth century.
Church Expansion
In order to accommodate its ever growing body of parishioners, the church continued to
modernize and expand in the decades that followed. In 1955 St. Joseph Parish
constructed a convent for the sisters of Loretto. The church built the new residence
between the school and the sanctuary for approximately $100,000. The church chose
John K. Monroe, a Denver architect, to design the convent and hired local contractors,
Frank Homolka and the Rogers Plumbing and Heating Company, to complete the project.
It contained ten private rooms, an infirmary and sun deck on the second floor. The
ground floor housed a kitchen, dinning room, parlor, community room, an office, as well
as quarters for the housekeeper. The basement included music rooms, recreation space,
storage areas, and laundry facilities. By providing the sisters with this separate residence
the school gained three new classrooms. (Hist. St. Joseph Parish)
In 1960, the church underwent an expansion in order to continue serving the community.
By this time, the church had existed for almost sixty years in its prominent location at
Mountain and Howes. Church administrators did not want to harm the familiar and
distinctive architecture of the structure as it was enlarged, and thus, cautious and
harmonious additions were made to the church in order to provide more entrances and
more interior room. An arcaded sandstone entrance was added to the front facade and
three arched doorways replaced two smaller side doors at the main entrance. Seating
capacity increased from 300 to 700 as additions were added to the rear and side
elevations. All exterior additions were sandstone, chosen to match the existing exterior
as closely as possible. However, since the original quarries were buried under
Horsetooth Reservoir, the new stone did not completely match, and the entire exterior of
the church was sandblasted to achieve a uniform appearance. A basement was also
excavated to create an auditorium, kitchen, and furnace room. These renovations added
approximately 10,000 square feet to the building. (Reycraft, 17-18) All told, the
renovations cost upward of $300,000 and the improved building was dedicated on April
27, 1960. (Hist. St. Joseph Parish)
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ATTACHMENT 2
While originally used as a chapel, residence, and office space by the sisters, the building is
currently the Parish Center for St. Joseph's Catholic Church. It is now directly connected to the
school via an addition on the rear or west side of the building. The new construction is
obviously modern yet compatible with the 1925 school and the 1955 convent.
History: After its completion, St. Joseph Church was presided over by Father LaJeunesse.
Initially he lived in the sacristy located at the rear of the church. Under his supervision two large
building projects would take place on the church property. In 1908 a rectory was constructed on
the lot directly west of the church. Seventeen years later, in 1925, St. Joseph School was
constructed to serve the children of the growing Catholic community in Fort Collins. The Sisters
of Loretto arrived in 1926 to staff the new school and would live in that building until 1955.
In May of 1937 Father LaJeunesse died and was replaced by Father Eugene O Sullivan. He
served as pastor of the church until 1948 when he was transferred to Denver. Father Richard
Duffy assumed the role of pastor following O' Sullivan's departure. During his tenure, in 1955,
a convent was constructed on the property for the Sisters of Loretto. Until that time they had
been living in St. Joseph School. Five years later, in 1960, the church underwent a major
renovation in order to double its capacity. In 1965 the school was enlarged by three classrooms
that could be divided into six classrooms, and the gymnasium was built.
In 1967 Monsignor Duffy was replaced by Monsignor John Cavanagh. In 1979, following the
departure of the Sisters of Loretto, the convent was converted into office space. Furthermore, the
1908 rectory was raised and a new rectory was built on the same site. In 1981, due to his
deteriorating health, Monsignor Cavanagh was replaced by Father Thomas Woerth who served
until 1984. He was replaced by Father Anthony Bliss who died later that same year. Father
Thomas Coyte then served as pastor until 1989. Father Coyte is a Fort Collins native and
attended St. Joseph School. hi 1986, under his direction, the elevator building was installed to
allow those with physical limitations to attend Mass and other church programs and functions.
This project was completed at a cost of$95,000. Coyte was replaced by father Philip Meredith.
Father Meredith oversaw construction of the two story junior high building as well as other
major improvements to the school and parish center between 1999 and 2000 (which cost a total
of$3.8 million).
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approving this request for Fort Collins Landmark
Designation of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Parish Center under Standards for Designation
one, two, and three.
4
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St. Joseph continued to grow and serve Fort Collins after the 1960 expansion. Various
parish organizations were established to serve the congregation and the wider
community. These included the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, the Legion
of Mary, the National Council of Catholic Women, the PTA, Charter 1924 Council 1214,
and the Catholic Welfare Bureau, among others. (Reycraft, 13)
Architectural Significance
Gothic Revival Church:
Gothic Revival architecture, as it existed in the United States during the 19t" and early
20 centuries, had its roots in the grand Gothic cathedrals of 12th century Western
Europe. Cathedrals such as Chartres, Amiens, and Notre Dame are some of the most
widely recognized Gothic buildings in existence and they are the forefathers of our
modest St. Joseph Church. Gothic architecture emphasized decoration, open interior
spaces, and vertical elements. The characteristic flying buttresses of these cathedrals
are easily recognized, and they served to shift the structural elements of the building to
the exterior in order to maximize interior floor space. Elaborate window tracery and
ornamental interior and exterior sculpture adorned Gothic buildings and provided the
desired effect of an otherworldly environment. Furthermore, pointed arch windows and
large pointed groin vaults along the interior naves of these massive buildings, combined
with the use of tall spires on the exterior, provided a vertical emphasis and were intended
to gyuide the viewer's gaze upward toward the heavens. Hundreds of years later, in the
19t century, many of these design elements would be revived in the architecture of Great
Britain and would subsequently be transferred to the United States. This movement was
largely embraced by the Catholic Church and would become their official architectural
style.
While St. Joseph is indeed a modest example of Gothic Revival architecture, and lacks
the elaborate ornamentation of some of its peers (such as Trinity Church in New York
City or St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo both designed by famous Gothic Revival architect
Richard Upjohn) it still displays classic Gothic Revival features such as exterior
buttresses, pointed arch windows, and an overall vertical emphasis.
Mediterranean Style Convent:
The Mediterranean style of architecture was very popular throughout much of the
twentieth century. The key to distinguishing the Mediterranean style is the tile roof and
restrained ornamentation (as opposed to the elaborate details on a Spanish Colonial
structure). Built in Colorado from the 1920s to the 1960s, these structures are generally
stucco or brick, often painted white to contrast with the brightly colored roof tiles.
Roofs are low pitched gable or flat (behind a parapet) on smaller buildings and are low
pitched hipped on some larger buildings. Another characteristic feature is the extension
of a side or front wall to form an arcaded entrance or porch. Windows are sometimes
casements, framed by wooden or wrought iron grills or small second-story balconies
called balconets.
Revised 09-2004
Page 6
Designers used the Mediterranean style for churches, schools and residences, both on a
grand scale and on more modest houses. Mediterranean style buildings in contrast to
Spanish Colonial buildings have flat or plainer surfaces, few projections, and more limited
ornamentation. The heavy tile roof is generally the dominant characteristic.
St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Parish Center both have historical and architectural
significance and are important parts of the Fort Collins history. These buildings, in their
prominent locations on the corner of Mountain and Howes, are familiar to most Fort
Collins residents. They serve to highlight the lives and accomplishments of significant
individuals. Bishop Machebeuf, Father LaJeunesse, and architect Barney Des Jardins
have each left a lasting impact on our wider history. Furthermore, St. Joseph Parish is
associated with the growth of Fort Collins from a small frontier town to a thriving, diverse
city. The city experienced its most significant amount of growth during the first decade of
the twentieth century. The building of St. Joseph church in 1900 - 1901 in order to serve
a larger congregation symbolized this. And both of these buildings are representative of
the growing Catholic community in the area, which has lent to the diversity of our city.
Finally, these buildings contribute to the significance of a potential historic district. They
are located at the perimeter of the residential development known as Old Town West and
share a city block with St. Joseph School, built in 1925 and designated as a Fort Collins
Landmark in 1996. Clearly, these buildings are eligible for inclusion in the National
Register of Historic Places, and the City of Fort Collins should certainly honor these
historic structures with local landmark status.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
After its completion, St. Joseph Church was presided over by Father LaJeunesse.
Initially he lived in the sacristy located at the rear of the church. Under his supervision
two large building projects would take place on the church property. In 1908 a rectory
was constructed on the lot directly west of the church. Seventeen years later, in 1925,
St. Joseph School was constructed to serve the children of the growing Catholic
community in Fort Collins. The Sisters of Loretto arrived in 1926 to staff the new school
and would live in that building until 1955.
In May of 1937 Father LaJeunesse died and was replaced by Father Eugene O' Sullivan.
He served as pastor of the church until 1948 when he was transferred to Denver. Father
Richard Duffy assumed the role of pastor following O' Sullivan's departure. During his
tenure, in 1955, a convent was constructed on the property for the Sisters of Loretto.
Until that time they had been living in St. Joseph School. Five years later, in 1960, the
church underwent a major renovation in order to double its capacity. In 1965 the school
was enlarged by three classrooms that could be divided into six classrooms, and the
gymnasium was built.
In 1967 Monsignor Duffy was replaced by Monsignor John Cavanagh. In 1979, following
the departure of the Sisters of Loretto, the convent was converted into office space.
Furthermore, the 1908 rectory was razed and a new rectory was built on the same site.
In 1981, due to his deteriorating health, Monsignor Cavanagh was replaced by Father
Thomas Woerth who served until 1984. He was replaced by Father Anthony Bliss who
died later that same year. Father Thomas Coyte then served as pastor until 1989.
Father Coyle is a Fort Collins native and attended St. Joseph School. In 1986, under his
Revised 09-2004 Page 7
ATTACHMENT
City Planning&
Community Development
281 N College Av
PO Box 580
City of Fort Collins Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580
Y70.221.6376
970224.6111 fax
970224.6002 TDD
.. fcgov.com/cityplanning
RESOLUTION 1,2008
OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION
RECOMMENDING LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF
SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE CHURCH PARRISH
300 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE, FORT COLLINS,COLORADO
WHEREAS, it is a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement and perpetuation
of sites, structures, objects, and districts of historical, architectural, or geographic significance,
located within the city, are a public necessity and are required in the interest of the prosperity,
civic pride and general welfare of the people; and
WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the City Council that the economic, cultural and aesthetic
standing of this city cannot be maintained or enhanced by disregarding the historical,
architectural and geographical heritage of the city and by ignoring the destruction or defacement
of such cultural assets; and
WHEREAS, St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Church Parish have outstanding significance
to Fort Collins under Landmark Designation Standards(1), (2), and(3); the buildings are clearly
associated with events that have contributed to the broad patterns of Colorado, and more
specifically, Fort Collins history, and serve as monuments to the development of the Catholic
! Y. rY> !
demographic in the northern Front Range; are associated with the lives of several prominent
individuals,whose significance to the history of Fort Collins and the state of Colorado cannot be
denied; and are clearly architecturally unique in Fort Collins and serve as some of our more
widely recognized and prominent landmarks; and
WHEREAS, the Landmark Preservation Commission has determined that St. Joseph Catholic
Church and the Church Parish meet the criteria of landmarks as set forth in Section 14-5 of the
code and are eligible for designation as a Fort Collins Landmark; and
WHEREAS, the owner of the property, the Saint Joseph Parish, Archdiocese of Denver, has
consented to such landmark designation.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Landmark Preservation Commission of the City
of Fort Collins as follows:
Section 1. That the property known as Saint. Joseph Catholic Church, including the Church and
the Parish Center and the adjacent lands upon which the historical resources are located, in the
City of Fort Collins,Latimer County, Colorado,described as follows,to wit:
LOTS I THROUGH 22, AND LOTS 30 THROUGH 36, BLOCK 41, FORT COLLINS
direction, the elevator building was installed to allow those with physical limitations to
attend Mass and other church programs and functions. This project was completed at a
cost of $95,000. Coyle was replaced by father Philip Meredith. Father Meredith oversaw
construction of the two story junior high building as well as other major improvements to
the school and parish center between 1999 and 2000 (which cost a total of $3.8 million).
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: Church Building (1901); Parish Center(1955)
Architect/Builder: Barney Des Jardins, Architect (Church); John K. Monroe (Parish Center)
Building Materials: Sandstone (Church); tan brick and concrete (Parish Center)
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival (Church); Mediterranean (Parish Center)
Description: (Please include any special features of the property/surroundings, as well as dates
and descriptions of any additions or alterations to the buildings or structures.)
Church Building:
St. Joseph Catholic Church of Fort Collins, built in 1900-1901, is an excellent example of
Late Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. The exterior of St. Joseph is of buff and gray
colored sandstone from the local Stout, Noney Frye and Lamb quarries located just west
of Fort Collins. Repeated design elements such as oculus windows, stained glass and
arched doors and windows create a harmonious and pleasing exterior.
The building is three stories with a steeply pitched, cross-gabled roof. The south facade
is accented by a turret on the southwest corner that contains a series of small, open
arches capped by a conical roof. A stained glass window approximately four feet high
with a floral motif is located on the lower portion of the south side of the turret.
Sandstone detailing on the wall above this window emphasizes its arched design. Two
small lancet windows, each one foot across and five feet high, are located on the
southwest and northwest sides of the turret.
A prominent bell tower anchors the southeast corner. Corner buttresses support this
tower. Four lancet windows, with stained glass of the same dimensions as those on the
turret, decorate the south and east sides of the tower. Two small rectangular stained
glass windows light the lower portion of the east elevation of the tower. One stained
glass window, approximately six feet high with decorative sandstone detailing above it, is
located in the lower portion of the south elevation of the tower. The arched stained glass
and the detailing complement that on the turret. Oculus windows one-foot in diameter
adorn the tower just below the steeple on the north, south and east elevations. The
wooden steeple rises approximately ten feet above the rest of the church and caps the
tower. Metal crosses top the turret and bell tower.
The primary entrance to the church, located on the southern facade, is through three
pointed arches that extend approximately three feet from the actual building and form a
covered, arcaded porch. This porch was added in a 1960 renovation. Three large
wooden doors, also in an arched design, with stained glass and wooden tracery over
them, open into the interior of the church. Directly above this entrance in the center of
the front gable, is a large, arched, stained glass window with a religious motif. This
window was probably once the largest stained glass window in the structure but it was
partially covered by the addition of the arcaded porch. Today it is approximately six feet
Revised 09-2004 Page 8
Landmark Preservation Commission
Resolution No. 1,2008
St.Joseph Church and Church Parish, 300 West Mountain Avenue
Page 2
be designated as a Fort Collins Landmark in accordance with Chapter 14 of the Code of the City
of Fort Collins. In addition to the historic church and parish center,the property contains the
historic St. Joseph School building and associated structures,previously designated as a Fort
Collins Landmark by Ordinance No. 76, 1996. The church property also contains two non-
historic buildings, the residence located at 314 West Mountain Avenue, constructed in 1979-
1980, and the two story school addition, constructed in 1999-2000. These buildings are not
sufficiently old enough to contribute to the significance of the church property, and are
considered non-contributing elements of the property.
Section 2. That the criteria in Section 14-48 of the Municipal Code will serve as the standards
by which alterations, additions and other changes to the buildings and structures located upon the
above described property will be reviewed for compliance with Chapter 14, Article III, of the
Code of the City of Fort Collins.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission of the City
of Fort Collins held this 9th day of January,A.D. 2008.
f Alyson McGee,Chair
ATTE T`
Se tarylStaff
where renewal is a way of life
high by five feet wide. An oculus window of approximately two feet diameter is located
near the peak of the center gable above the stained glass window. A sandstone cross
tops this gable.
There are two gables on the eastern elevation. The southern-most gable extends
approximately four feet from the exterior wall of the church. The northern gable extends
an additional four feet and this wall extends to the rear corner of the church. Two
wooden doors with colored glass and wooden tracery above them are located in the
northern portion of this elevation. Each of the gables has an arched stained glass
window with a religious motif. The southern gable window is approximately fifteen feet
high and the northern gable window is approximately seven feet high. Five additional
stained glass windows, approximately six feet high, line the original wall of the eastern
elevation. Sandstone crosses top each of the gables.
The west elevation has two extending gables. The north gable extends ten feet from the
exterior wall of the church. One oculus window is near the top of this northern-most
gable. A canopy extends an additional four feet from this gable and provides a covered
side entrance for visitors. Two double wooden doors lead into the church and a single
wooden door leads into a small hall with an elevator. A rectangular colored glass
window is located to the north of this canopy. The southern gable has an arched stained
glass window approximately fifteen feet high with a religious motif. Four smaller stained
glass windows line the original wall of the western elevation. Each is approximately six
feet high. Sandstone crosses top each of the gables.
The north elevation is the rear of the church. An addition in 1960 extends approximately
fifteen feet east and fifteen to twenty feet west of the original portion of the church. It is
approximately one to one and a half stories and extends close to fifteen feet from the
original structure. This addition has a flat roof and a row of square windows three feet
from the roofline consisting of one light over one light. Basement windows at ground
level are of a similar size and in the same configuration as the top windows. The gabled
end of the original structure is visible above this addition. It contains an oculus window
near the peak. This window is the same size and in the same location as that on the
front gable. A sandstone cross tops this gable.
The church underwent extensive renovation in 1960 in order to expand its seating
capacity and serve its growing members. On the south facade, the main entrances
originally located in the turret and bell tower were closed off and three new center
doorways were added in a Gothic arch design that blends well with the existing shape of
the stained glass windows. Three gothic arches form an arcaded porch and frame this
entrance. Two rear entrances were also added. All of the original stained glass was
replaced in the 1960 renovation except in the tower, where the glass is estimated to be
90 years old.
Sandstone used for these additions did not quite match the original stone, as the quarries
are now buried under Horsetooth Reservoir. Consequently, sandblasting was used to
attain a uniform appearance. The church was enlarged and approximately 10,000
square feet were added to more than double its seating capacity from 300 to 700
occupants. A basement was excavated to accommodate an auditorium, kitchen and
Revised 09-2004 Page 9
ORDINANCE NO. 014, 2008
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
DESIGNATING SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH AND
CHURCH PARISH CENTER, 300 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE,
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, AS A FORT COLLINS LANDMARK
PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 14-2 of the City Code, the City Council has established a
public policy encouraging the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks within the
City; and
WHEREAS,by Resolution dated January 9,2008,the Landmark Preservation Commission
(the "Commission")has determined that St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Church Parish Center
have significance to Fort Collins under Landmark Designation Standards (1), (2), and (3) for the
following reasons: under Standard 1 for their association with events that have contributed to the
historical influence of the Catholic Church in Colorado, and more specifically,in Fort Collins,and
because they serve as monuments to the development of the Catholic demographic in the northern
Front Range; under Standard 2 for their association with the lives of several prominent individuals
who made significant contributions to Fort Collins and the state of Colorado; and under Standard
3 for their significance as architecturally unique buildings in Fort Collins serving as some of the
City's more widely recognized and prominent landmarks; and
WHEREAS,the Commission has further determined that said property meets the criteria of
a landmark as set forth in Section 14-5 of the Code and is eligible for designation as a landmark,and
has recommended to the City Council that said property be designated by the City Council as a
landmark; and
WHEREAS, the owner of the property has consented to such landmark designation; and
WHEREAS, such landmark designation will preserve the property's significance to the
community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the recommendation of the Commission and
desires to approve such recommendation and designate said property as a landmark.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the property known as Saint Joseph Catholic Church, including the
Church and the Parish Center,and the adjacent lands upon which the historical resources are located,
in the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, described as follows, to wit:
LOTS I THROUGH 22, AND LOTS 30 THROUGH 36, BLOCK 41
furnace room. Along with these alterations the church removed the cupola from the north
gable end. In 1986, a canopy over the west entry near the rear of the building was added
in order to accommodate an elevator.
Although these changes altered the church, they were skillfully executed and blend in
well with the original. As the alterations are well integrated with the 1901 construction,
they do not detract from the architectural significance of the church.
Parish Center:
St. Joseph's Catholic Church built this two and a half story Mediterranean style Convent
in 1955 for the Sisters of Loretto. Constructed to match the adjacent school administered
by the sisters, this building has a low-pitched, red Spanish tile roof with a tan brick
veneer. The convent sits on a concrete foundation, which extends slightly above the
garden level windows. The east facade contains the primary entrance to the building. It
is through a recessed door surrounded by white stone quoining and a white stone hood
molding above. Beneath the hood is a brown rounded pediment engraved with a cross.
Above the door and running along the second story is brick banding that encircles the
convent.
The southern end of the convent, approximately a third of the total building, is a small
two-story chapel. The style and roof form mimics the rest of the structure; however,
along the south facade the flat roof is interrupted by a parapet. It is encased with white
stone work and embedded with a stone cross. The chapel also contains arched stained
glass windows on all three sides.
While originally used as a chapel, residence, and office space by the sisters, the building
is currently the Parish Center for St. Joseph's Catholic Church. It is now directly
connected to the school via an addition on the rear or west side of the building. The new
construction is obviously modern yet compatible with the 1925 school and the 1955
convent.
Revised 09-2004 Page 10
is hereby designated as a Fort Collins Landmark in accordance with Chapter 14 of the Code of the
City of Fort Collins. In addition to the historic church and parish center, the property contains the
historic St. Joseph School building and associated structures, which was previously designated as
a Fort Collins Landmark by Ordinance No. 76, 1996. The church property also contains two non-
historic buildings,the residence located at 314 West Mountain Avenue, constructed in 1979-1980,
and the two story school addition, constructed in 1999-2000. These buildings are not sufficiently
old enough to contribute to the significance of the church property, and shall be considered non-
contributing elements of the property.
Section 2. That the criteria in Section 14-48 of the Municipal Code will serve as the
standards by which alterations, additions and other changes to the buildings and structures located
upon the above described property will be reviewed for compliance with Chapter 14, Article III, of
the Code of the City of Fort Collins
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 5th day of
February,A.D. 2008, and to be presented for final passage on the 19th day of February,A.D. 2008.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 19th day of February, A.D. 2008.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION (attach a separate sheet if needed)
Ahlbrandt, Arlene (Briggs), and Kathryn "Kate" Stieben. Eds. The History of Larimer County,
Colorado Volume II: 1860s-1870s. Dallas, Texas: Curtis Media Corporation, 1987.
East Side/West Side Survey Reports.
Fort Collins City Directories. 1902.
History of Saint Joseph Parish 1879-2004. Fort Collins, CO
Larimer County Assessors Records. "The Virtual Courthouse of Larimer County Colorado."
<www.[arimer.org/databases/indes.htm>.
Marschall, Connie and Scott Loehr. History and Architectural Survey of Three Fort Collins
Churches. Submitted to Professor N. Goodman, 1983.
Noel, Thomas J. Colorado Catholicism: The Archdiocese of Denver 1857-1989.
<http://www.archden.org/noel/07119.htm>.
Orr, Becky. Seeing the Light. Triangle Review, May 25, 1994, 3.
Reycraft, Robert J., ed. Seventy Years of Service. St. Joseph's Catholic Church: Fort
Collins, CO: 1975.
Robb, Bruce, ed. 1879-1979 St. Joseph's Catholic Church: A Centenary of Catholicity.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church: Fort Collins, CO: 1979.
Schoeman, Christian J. Survey of Historic Structures Located Within Fort Collins
Downtown Development Area. Submitted to the Planning Dept. City of Fort Collins,
1983.
Watrous, Ansel. History of Larimer County, 1911. Fort Collins CO: Courier Printing and
Publishing, 1911.
Colorado Historical Society: Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. A Guide to
Colorado's Historic Architecture and Engineering. 2003.
Revised 09-2004 Page 11
AGREEMENT
The undersigned owner(s) hereby agrees that the property described herein be considered
for local historic landmark designation, pursuant to the Fort Collins Landmark Preservation
Ordinance, Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins.
I understand that upon designation, I or my successors will be requested to notify the
Secretary of the Landmark Preservation Commission at the City of Fort Collins prior to the
occurrence of any of the following:
1. Preparation of plans for the reconstruction or alteration of the exterior of
improvements on the property;
2. Preparation of plans for the construction, alteration, relocation or demolition of
improvements on the property.
DATED this day of 200_
Owner Name (please print)
Owner Signature
State of )
)ss.
County of )
Subscribed and sworn before me this day of 200_,
by
Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires
Notary Public
Revised 09-2004 Page 12