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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 02/05/2013 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 018, 2012, DESIGNATDATE: February 5, 2013 STAFF: Josh Weinberg AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 21 SUBJECT First Reading of Ordinance No. 018, 2012, Designating the Crose-Scott-Dickey House and Attached Garage, 618 West Mountain Avenue, as a Fort Collins Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the City Code. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The owners of the property, William and Kathleen Whitley, are initiating this request for Fort Collins Landmark designation for the Crose-Scott-Dickey House and attached garage at 618 West Mountain Avenue. The property is eligible for designation as a Landmark under Designation Standards 2 and 3, for its association with significant persons and also for its architectural significance to Fort Collins. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION The residence was constructed for Newton and Louise (Avery) Crose. Newton was a Fort Collins Deputy District Attorney, while Louise was the youngest daughter of Franklin Avery. Constructed in 1907, the house is an excellent representation of an early-1900s Craftsman-style bungalow. In 1906, Newton Crose, a prominent Fort Collins attorney, attended a social event in the company of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin C. Avery and their daughter, Louise. Louise Avery, born in Fort Collins in January 1882, was the youngest daughter of Franklin and Sara Avery. For a woman of the time, she was likely well educated, having attended the Leland Stanford Institute in California. Newton and Louise married shortly after their meeting on October 10, 1906, the same year in which construction on their home at 618 West Mountain Avenue began. The original structure of the residence followed traditional Craftsman-styles and standard, balloon-frame construction that is complete with one-and-one-half stories and an integral porch at the east side of the primary elevation. The gabled roof contains a central bell-cast hip, wide over-hanging eaves, and exposed rafters. The front elevation features multiple gables with massive scroll sawn brackets, square-cut shingles on the gables, and exposed forked rafter ends lay beneath the eaves. Asphalt shingling covers the roof with a tall hard-pressed brick chimney. The foundation of the home is primarily sandstone; however, foundation of the garage (an addition in 1948) is concrete. The three moderately pitched roofs (two on the front elevation, one of the east elevation), with wide, overhanging eaves and overhangs, and exposed rafter tails serve as excellent intact example of Craftsman-type bungalow architecture as derived from the Arts and Crafts Movement. The multiple moderately pitched and shingled gabled roof elements with bracketed eaves, significant overhangs, exposed rafters, and integral porch (the floor of which is set within the main structure) are also reflective of this architectural style. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION At a public hearing held on November 28, 2012, the Landmark Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend designation of this property under Designation Standards (2) and (3), for its association with significant persons and also for its architectural significance to Fort Collins. February 5, 2013 -2- ITEM 21 ATTACHMENTS 1. Location Map 2. Historic Landmark Designation Nomination Form and Agreement 3. Staff Report 4. Photos 5. Resolution 1, 2013, Landmark Preservation Commission, Recommending Landmark Designation of the Crose-Scott-Dickey House and attached garage at 618 West Mountain Avenue. Fullana Elementary W Oak St N Grant Ave N Loomis Ave N Whitcomb St N Sherwood St S Grant Ave S Whitcomb St S Sherwood St S Loomis Ave Laporte Ave W Mountain Ave © Fort 618 Collins West Landmark Mountain Designation Avenue These map products and all underlying data are developed for use by the City of Fort Collins for its internal purposes only, and were not designed or intended for general use by members of the public. The City makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, timeliness, or completeness, and in particular, its accuracy in labeling or displaying dimensions, contours, property boundaries, or placement of location of any map features thereon. THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY FOR FITNESS OF USE FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THESE MAP PRODUCTS OR THE UNDERLYING DATA. Any users of these map products, map applications, or data, accepts same AS IS, WITH ALL FAULTS, and assumes all responsibility of the use thereof, and further covenants and agrees to hold the City harmless from and against all damage, loss, or liability arising from any use of this map product, in consideration of the City's having made this information available. Independent verification of all data contained herein should be obtained by any users of these products, or underlying data. The City disclaims, and shall not be held liable for any and all damage, loss, or liability, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, which arises or may arise from these map products or the use thereof by any person or entity. 1 inch = 225 feet Aerial Site Map ATTACHMENT 1 Page 1 Fort Collins Landmark Designation LOCATION INFORMATION: Address: 618 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Legal Description: East 10 feet of Lot 21, and all of lot 22, Block 271, Loomis Addition, Fort Collins. Property Name (historic and/or common): The Crose-Scott-Dickey House and Attached Garage OWNER INFORMATION: Name: William (Bill) and Kathleen Whitley Phone: 970-692-3730 Email: William.Whitley@me.com Address: 618 W. Mountain Avenue CLASSIFICATION Category Ownership Status Present Use Existing Designation Building Public Occupied Commercial Nat’l Register Structure Private Unoccupied Educational State Register Site Religious Object Residential District Entertainment Government Other FORM PREPARED BY: Name and Title: Erin L. Nuckols and Hayley Brazier, Historic Preservation Interns Address: City of Fort Collins Community Development and Neighborhood Services Department P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Phone: 970-224-6078 Email: enuckols@fcgov.com Date: November 2012 Planning, Development & Transportation Services Community Development & Neighborhood Services 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580 ATTACHMENT 2 Page 2 TYPE OF DESIGNATION and BOUNDARIES Individual Landmark Property Landmark District Explanation of Boundaries: The boundaries of the property designated as a Fort Collins Landmark correspond to the legal description of the property, above. 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 The Crose House at 618 W. Mountain Avenue is eligible for individual designation as a Fort Collins Landmark under Designation Standards 2 and 3, for its association with prominent individuals in Fort Collins history and for its architectural significance to Fort Collins. An early Craftsman-style bungalow, the building is an excellent example of this housing type in Fort Collins. It also exhibits a high level of architectural integrity relative to the seven aspects of integrity: location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, association, and feeling. Constructed in 1907, this Craftsman style residence exhibits many character-defining features, including its integrated front porch, wide overhanging eaves with exposed rafter ends, use of natural materials and stained glass, and scroll-sawn brackets. This housing type became popular in Colorado at the outset of the 20th Century. Additionally, the residence was constructed for Newton and Louise (Avery) Crose. Newton was a Deputy District Attorney, in addition to working as a prominent private attorney, while Louise was Franklin Avery’s youngest daughter. Page 3 HISTORICAL INFORMATION The home at 618 W. Mountain Avenue has been associated with prominent members of the Fort Collins community since its construction in 1907, including Newton and Louise (Avery) Crose. Interestingly, prior to construction of the residence, the property itself was associated with prominent individuals. In 1894, at the time of their marriage, Abner Loomis received ½ interests in several parcels of land from Malinda Maxwell, which included 618 W. Mountain. Then, in 1901, Helen E. Montgomery purchased the property from Loomis. After Mrs. Montgomery’s death, her heir, Thomas J. Montgomery, acted as administrator of her estate. Mr. Montgomery filed an order in probate with the county court in January 1905 under Judge and Acting Clerk, C.V. Benson.1 Judge Clarence V. Benson then purchased several parcels of land from the Montgomery estate, including the 618 Mountain Avenue parcel. Shortly after Benson’s transaction, in October of 1905, Newton W. Crose purchased the lot from the judge for $850.2 Born in Shenandoah, Iowa in April 1877 to Reuben Brooks Crose and Clara Mae Penn, Newton Crose lived and worked in Fort Collins as early as 1902, according to newspaper articles. He worked as a lawyer, notary, and partner in the Leftwich & Crose Law Firm, located in the Avery Building at the intersection of College and Mountain Avenues. Crose also served as a Deputy District Attorney until April of 1906, citing his increasing workload as a private attorney for resignation. In 1906, Crose attended a social event in the company of Mr. & Mrs. Franklin C. Avery and their daughter, Louise. Louise Avery, born in Fort Collins in January 1882, was the youngest daughter of Franklin and Sara Avery. For a woman of the time, she was likely well educated, having attended the Leland Stanford Institute in California.3 Newton and Louise married shortly after their meeting – on October 10, 1906 – the same year in which construction on their home at 618 West Mountain Avenue began.4 In 1909, a punitive legal entanglement arose between Crose and his partner, T.J. Leftwich, who had been accused of perjury in a case where he was suspected of shooting a man during an altercation on a train in 1905. Franklin Avery put up $3,000 in bail from his personal funds on Leftwich’s behalf, while Newton and Louise Crose were traveling during the year of the trial. The case faded from public interest, but Crose dissolved his partnership with Leftwich. In December 1909, for unknown reasons, Crose transferred ownership of all of his real estate to his wife Louisa for the sum of $2.00, including their home on West Mountain Avenue. William Ryan, a client, shot and killed Crose in his office at the Avery Building, widowing Louisa in 1914. Ryan pled “insane delusion” and upon his appeal to the original death sentence, a judge granted him life imprisonment. Following this unfortunate event, Mrs. Crose moved in with her parents and rented out her home at 618 W. Mountain. She also moved to California for a short time, but died in Fort Collins in 1975. In 1918, Mrs. Crose sold the home to Dr. Alvin R. and Mrs. Minnie M. Scott. The Scott family remodeled the home extensively in 1922 and lived there until 1937. Drs. Lawrence and Olive Dickey purchased the home from the Scott family. The Dickey family owned a medical practice 1 Fort Collins Weekly Courier, February 1, 1905. 2 The sum of $850.00 in 1905 is equivalent to roughly $22,386 in 2012. 3 Stanford University. 4 Weekly Courier August 22, 1906 Page 4 that they shared, located at 109 W. Olive Street. Both received certification to practice medicine by the Colorado Board of Medical Examiners in the early 1930s. They purchased the home for $1.00 in 1937 and lived there until 1960. Ray and Clara Gile lived in the home from 1960 to 2008. In 1983, the Gile family installed an active/passive solar system. Gile worked for Woodward Manufacturing and purchased the rights to the design of a fishing lure, a decidedly lucrative endeavor for the family. In 2008, Chris and Michelle Ray purchased the property and rented the home out for several years prior to selling to the current owners, William and Kathleen Whitley, in 2012. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION Construction Date: 1907 Architect/Builder: Unknown Building Materials: Lapped board siding/Wood frame/Concrete and sandstone foundation Architectural Style: Craftsman Bungalow Description: Origins of the Craftsman-style are traceable to the American and English Arts and Crafts Movements of the 1880s and 1890s. The Arts and Crafts movement reacted to the materialism of the Victorian period of the early and mid-nineteenth century; emphasizing modest, efficient buildings made to blend relatively seamlessly with their surroundings and focused on the artisanship of the craftsperson. The Craftsman-type bungalow was derivative of this movement. Bungalows became a popular building form in the western United States in the early part of the 20th century. The most prominent advocate for this movement in the United States was Gustav Stickley (1858- 1942). Stickley, an architect and furniture designer, published a monthly magazine called The Craftsman. Stickley’s ideas would become the guidelines for the American bungalow-form came in many styles, including the Craftsman. The bungalow-form is always one or one-and-a-half-story. Many bungalow houses came from plans available in pattern books, in conjunction with the rise of pre-fabricated boards and timbers available after 1908, the form became a relatively low-cost option for home construction. The style emphasized horizontal elements and grounding into nature utilizing low-pitched roofs and wide rectangular or square footprints. Wide eaves with exposed rafter tails and deep roof overhangs further contributed to the illusion of a wide, grounded, and horizontal building. A large front porch, typical to the architectural style, provided a connection to the natural environment. A mix of materials and textures composed the exterior walls and gable ends to create contrast in an otherwise simple structure. The most commonly used materials for this purpose were stucco, horizontal lap siding, or wood shingles. Stemming from the early Arts and Crafts movement, Craftsman-style homes utilized colors and tones of the surrounding environment. The use of stained glass windows became popular during the Movement. The type that appears at 618 West Mountain mimics that of Tiffany glass, characterized by an unusual combination of colors and opaqueness. Stained glass created interesting and exaggerated color variations and became used widely in the early 1900s.The western United States embraced this form and style; Fort Collins was no exception. The Craftsman-style bungalow located at 618 West Mountain holds true to many of Stickley’s above-mentioned criteria. Page 5 In August of 1906, construction began on the home on two Fort Collins town lots (21 and 22 of Block 271) that became 618 W. Mountain. The original structure followed traditional Craftsman- styles and standard, balloon-frame construction, complete with one-and-one-half stories and an integral porch at the east side of the primary elevation.5 The gabled roof contains a central bell-cast hip, wide over-hanging eaves, and exposed rafters. The front elevation features multiple gables with massive scroll sawn brackets (triangular braces), square-cut shingles on the gables, and exposed forked rafter ends lay beneath the eave. Asphalt shingling covers the roof with a tall hard-pressed brick chimney. The foundation of the home is primarily sandstone; however, foundation of the garage (an addition in 1948) is concrete. The three moderately pitched roofs (two on the front elevation, one of the east elevation), with wide, overhanging eaves and overhangs, and exposed rafter tails serve as excellent intact example of Craftsman-type bungalow architecture as derived from the Arts and Crafts Movement. The multiple moderately pitched and shingled gabled roof elements with bracketed eaves, significant overhangs, exposed rafters, and integral porch (the floor of which is set within the main structure) are also reflective of this architectural style. The entryway, accessed by brick steps that match the chimney, sits directly in the middle of the primary elevation. The primary entry door is framed glass and flanked by casement windows, all with standard trim. An accent trim sits above the cornice. Stained glass sits over the main entry cornice in a multi-light transom pattern. The glazed sunroom has single-pane windows, three on the south and two on the east elevations, with operable, awning windows below on the south-facing elevation. To the west, the first story contains four, 4-over-4, double-hung windows. While the basement level has two, three-light, picture windows and the half-story is lit by three 6-over-6 double-hung windows. In 1922, Mrs. A.R. (Minnie) Scott was issued a building permit for remodeling valued at $1000, which was roughly 25% of the price paid for the house in 1918. The Scotts likely added the shed- roofed portion to the rear elevation of the building, as evidenced by the use of different material than the gables and main roof, as well as all of the living space on the second floor. According to the current property owners, the second-floor additions are of particular interest, since many of them are traceable to the 1922 remodeling. There is evidence of a bathroom in a different location from the current second-story bathroom. All original ceiling joists are 2x4s and, where they also serve as floor joists for the second floor, there is a corresponding and parallel 2x4 sistered on top to form a rather inadequate truss. The ceilings – and many of the corresponding floors – have sagged over time, and the owners are currently working with an engineer to remedy the issue. As a result, the first floor ceiling joists are currently exposed, and the pairs of 2x4s are visually of different ages and finishes. Additionally, the original knob and tube electrical wiring remains on the lower portion of these structural members. The original piping for gas lights lies on top of the lower member, and is accommodated by notches in the upper members. Furthermore, several original walk boards remain in place, between the two members. In 1938, the Dickey family re-shingled the home and re-roofed in 1944, but the next major change to the footprint of the home did not occur until 1948. At that time a detached out building to the rear of the property, which appears on Sanborn Fire Insurance maps as early as 1917, was attached to the house. The Dickey family also made changes to the interior, including the removal of a partition in one of the bathrooms. The fireplace was refaced between 1960 and 1980 by Ray 5Fort Collins Weekly Courier August 22, 1906 Page 6 Gile, prior to his solar retrofit. He is also most likely responsible for covering over, or stripping much of the original interior detail. The solar retrofit on the sunroom at the southeast corner occurred in 1983. Several notable features remain on the exterior of the home including shed dormers and canted bay windows. On the interior, the mantelpiece has a large Neo-classical plaster plaque. The image is of Nike, the Goddess of Victory, driving Alexander the Great in a Quadriga and is visually identical to a frieze created by Bertel Thorvaldsen for Emperor Napoleon in 1812 to decorate his throne in Quirinale and celebrate his Italian Campaign. The historically interesting piece of semi-permanent plasterwork was likely installed by Ray Gile while he occupied the residence. Page 7 REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION Cigliano, Jan. Bungalow. Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith, 1998 Colorado Historical Society: Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. A Guide to Colorado’s Historic Architecture and Engineering. (2003 Colorado Historical Society). Harris, Cyril M. American Architecture: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1998. Fort Collins City Directories (1940 -2005). Larimer County Assessor’s Office, Residential Property Information McAlester, Virginia & Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. Fort Collins Weekly Courier LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION November 28, 2012 STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Fort Collins Landmark Designation of 618 Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado STAFF CONTACT: Josh Weinberg, Historic Preservation Planner; Erin Nuckols, Historic Pres. Intern APPLICANTS: William (Bill) & Kathleen Whitley, Owners BACKGROUND: Staff is pleased to present for your consideration the Fort Collins Landmark designation of the Crose-Scott-Dickey Property, at 618 Mountain Avenue. The property has individual significance to Fort Collins under Landmark Preservation Standards (2) and (3) for its association with prominent individuals in Fort Collins history, Nowton and Louise Crose (Avery), and as an excellent representation of Craftsman-style Bungalow architecture. Newton and Louise Crose had the home at 618 West Mountain Avenue built in 1906, which was also the year the couple was married. Newton was a Deputy District Attorney, in addition to working as a prominent private attorney in Fort Collins, while Louise was Franklin Avery’s youngest daughter. Construction of the residence at 618 West Mountain Avenue was likely completed during the spring of 1907. The original structure followed traditional Craftsman-styles and standard, balloon-frame construction that is complete with one-and-one-half stories and an integral porch at the east side of the primary elevation. The gabled roof contains a central bell-cast hip, wide over-hanging eaves, and exposed rafters. The front elevation features multiple gables with massive scroll sawn brackets, square- cut shingles on the gables, and exposed forked rafter ends lay beneath the eaves. Asphalt shingling covers the roof with a tall hard-pressed brick chimney. The foundation of the home is primarily sandstone; however, foundation of the garage (an addition in 1948) is concrete. The three moderately pitched roofs (two on the front elevation, one of the east elevation), with wide, overhanging eaves and overhangs, and exposed rafter tails serve as excellent intact example of Craftsman-type bungalow architecture as derived from the Arts and Crafts Movement. The multiple moderately pitched and shingled gabled roof elements with bracketed eaves, significant overhangs, exposed rafters, and integral porch (the floor of which is set within the main structure) are also reflective of this architectural style. The entryway, accessed by brick steps that match the chimney, sits directly in the middle of the primary elevation. The primary entry door is framed glass and flanked by casement windows, all with standard trim. An accent trim sits above the cornice. Stained glass sits over the main entry cornice in a multi-light transom pattern. The glazed sunroom has single-pane windows, three on the south and two on the east elevations, with operable, awning windows below on the south-facing elevation. To the west, the first story contains four, 4-over-4, double-hung windows. While the basement level has two, three- light, picture windows and the half-story is lit by three 6-over-6 double-hung windows. In 1948, a detached out building to the rear of the property, which appears on Sanborn Fire Insurance maps as early as 1917, was attached to the house with a breezeway and turned into a garage. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approving the request for designation of the Crose Property, at 618 Mountain Avenue, under Standards (2) and (3), for its association with prominent Fort Collins individuals Newton and Louise Crose, as well as for its excellent representation of the Craftsman Bungalow architectural style. The property contains a historic residence and a historic attached garage. Planning, Development & Transportation Services Community Development & Neighborhood Services 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580 ATTACHMENT 3 618 Mountain Avenue, the Newton Crose Property Southern Elevation Southern and Eastern Elevations ATTACHMENT 4 Western Elevation Northern Elevation Southern Elevation Eastern Elevation Eastern Elevation Tiffany Glass above main entry Southern elevation/Front Entry ATTACHMENT 5 ORDINANCE NO. 018, 2013 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS DESIGNATING THE CROSE-SCOTT-DICKEY HOUSE AND ATTACHED GARAGE, 618 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 16, 2013, the Landmark Preservation Commission (the "Commission") has determined that the Crose-Scott-Dickey House and attached garage have significance to Fort Collins under Landmark Designation Standards (2) and (3), for their association with prominent individuals in Fort Collins history, Newton and Louise (Avery) Crose, and as an excellent example of Craftsman architecture in Fort Collins; 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 City 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 owners of the property, William and Kathleen Whitley, have 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 wishes 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 the Crose-Scott-Dickey House and attached garage, 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: Lot 22 and the East 10 feet of Lot 21, Block 271, Loomis Addition to the City of Fort Collins; Located in the Southwest Quarter of Section 11, Township 7 North, Range 69 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian; City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado, also known as 618 West Mountain Avenue be designated as a Fort Collins Landmark in accordance with Chapter l4 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins. be designated as a Fort Collins Landmark in accordance with City Code Chapter 14. Section 2. That the criteria in Section 14-48 of the City 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 City Code. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 5th day of February, A.D. 2013, and to be presented for final passage on the 19th day of February, A.D. 2013. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 19th day of February, A.D. 2013. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk