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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 04/16/2002 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 064, 2002, DESIGNAT AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 17 DATE: April 16, 2002 I=ORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL FROM: Carol Tunner SUBJECT : First. Reading of Ordinance No. 064, 2002, Designating the Historic First Baptist Church, 328 Remington Street, as a Historic Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the City Code. RECOMMENDATION: Staff and the Landmark Preservation Commission recommend adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. At a public hearing held on March 27, 2002, the Landmark Preservation Commission unanimously recommended designation of this property as a landmark for its architectural and historical importance to Fort Collins. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The current owner of the property, North Pointe Community Church, is initiating this request for Fort Collins Landmark designation for the First Baptist Church. SIGNIFICANCE The historic First Baptist Church, the two-story rough-faced sandstone building on the northeast comer of Magnolia and Remington Streets,displays a combination of elements from Gothic Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. These elements include the beautiful stained glass windows with tracery,the only"rose"window in town,pointed arched Gothic windows,crenellated parapets called battlements, massive towers, buttressed walls, and a steeply pitched roof. The integration of the two distinct styles in the First Baptist Church provides Fort Collins with a building of unique architectural design. Designated a contributing building in the Laurel School National Register Historic District in 1980, it is one of the most prominent buildings in that district. HISTORICAL NARRATIVE The First Baptist Church of Fort Collins, formally established in September of 1879, initially met and worshiped in a local Methodist Church. By 1881 the congregation purchased two lots,numbers 15 and 16 of Block 133 on which they constructed a small red brick sanctuary. As membership increased the congregation demolished the original building and replaced it in 1903-1904 with the existing Gothic sandstone church. As the church membership continued to expand,the congregation buile an addition on the eastern elevation in 1912. By 1966, First Baptist had outgrown the church and sold the property to Poudre Valley Christian Church. It, too, outgrew the building and in turn sold it, in 1971, to R.C. Harris, pastor of Faith Tabernacle, which congregation occupied the building until the death of Pastor Harris, in 1993. Although three different churches occupied the building from its construction to the early 1990's, other individuals owned and used the church for non-religious purposes since that time. In August of 2001, North Pointe Community Church assumed ownership. For these reasons, staff is pleased to present the church building at 328 Remington Street for landmark designation. ORDINANCE NO. 064, 2002 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS DESIGNATING THE HISTORIC FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 328 REMINGTON STREET, FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, AS A HISTORIC 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 historic landmarks within the City; and WHEREAS, by Resolution dated March 27, 2002, the Landmark Preservation Commission (the "Commission") has determined that the historic First Baptist Church, 328 Remington Street has architectural importance to the City as a good example of Gothic Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, with excellent integrity; and, the First Baptist Church is historically significant for its contribution to the Laurel School Historic District; and WHEREAS, the Commission has further determined that said property meets the criteria of it 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 Cor.ncil 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 historic landmark. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the building historically known as the First Baptist Church, located on lands in the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, described as follows, to wit: Lots 15 and 16, Block 133 City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado also known as 328 Remington Street be, and hereby is, designated as a historic landmark pursuant to Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins. Section 2. That the Secretary of the Interior's standards and guidelines for the treatment of historic properties 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 16th day of April, A.D. 2002, and to be presented for final passage on the 7th day of May, A.D. 2002. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading this 7th day of May, A.D. 2002. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Community Planning and Environmental Services Advance Planning Department • City of Fort Collins RESOLUTION 2, 2002 OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDING LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE HISTORIC FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 328 REMINGTON STREET, FORT COLLINS, COLORADO WHEREAS, it is a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of sites, structures, 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 aesthetie 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. the First Baptist Church has architectural significance to Fort Collins as a . monumental and well-preserved example of Gothic Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture: the property is also historically significant for its contribution to the Laurel School Historic District; and WHEREAS, the Landmark Preservation Commission has determined that the First Baptist Ch-trch building meets the criteria of a landmark as set forth in Section 14-5 of the code and is eligible for designation as a Fort Collins Landmark; and Wl IEREAS,the owner of the property.North Pointe Community Church,has consented to such landmark designation. NOW, THEREFORE„ he it resolved by the Landmark Preservation Commission of the City of Port Collins as follows: section I. That the Landmark Preservation Commission recommends to the Council of the City of Fort Collins that the building known as the historic First Baptist Church and now as North Pointe Co,nnnnity Church, located on the lands in the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, described as follows, to wit: Lots 15 and 16 of Block 133 City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer. State of Colorado . be designated as a Fort Collins Landmark in accordance with Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins. 1SI North College Avenue • P.O.Box 580 • Fort Collins,CO 80522-0380 • (970)221-6376 F.AX(970)Z?3-6111 • TDD(970)224-6002 • E-mail:aplanning0i fcgov.com Landmark Preservation Commission Resolution No. 3, 2002 First Baptist Church Page 2 Section 2. That the Secretary of the Interior's standards and guidelines for the treatment of historic properties will serve as the standards by which alterations,additions and other changes to 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 ppted at a regular meetin the Landmark Preservation Commission of the City of Fort Collins held this 271h�[arch, A.D. 2002. er H estad, Chairman ATTEST: Secretary/Staff LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting March 27, 2002 Draft Minutes Council Liaison: Eric Hamrick (225-2343) Staff Liaison: Joe Frank (221-6376) Commission Chairperson: Per Hogestad (416-7285) EXCERPT: DESIGNATION: 328 Remington Street, North Pointe Community Church (Brian Sky, Pastor). This property is significant for its architectural significance and its contribution to the State and National Register Historic Districts. Built in 1903-1904, it is a Gothic Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque heavy stone building, and has the only Rose window in town. In 1911, the congregation built a flat-roofed addition on the east side of the building. Using a State Historical Fund grant, the congregation is in the process of rehabilitating the building. The members of the LPC expressed their delight that this designation is being pursued. A motion to approve the designation was made by Ms. Aguilera. Seconded by Ms. Dix, the motion was approved unanimously, 6-0. i Community Planning and Environmental Services Advance Planning Department City of Fort Collins MEMO \larch 19, 2002 TO: Landmark Preservation Commission FROM: Carol Tunner, Historic Preservation Planner RE: Designation of 328 Remington Street, First Baptist Church/North Pointe Community Church Staff is pleased to present for your consideration, the designation of the historic First 3aptist Church at 328 Remington Street. It is significant for its architectural significance and its contribution to a historic district. Significance - The historic First Baptist Church, the two-story rough-faced sandstone building on the northeast corner of Magnolia and Remington Streets, displays a combination of elements from Gothic Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. These elements include the beautiful stained glass windows with tracery, the only "rose" window in town, pointed arched Gothic widows, crenellated parapets called battlements, massive towers, buttressed walls, and a steeply pitched roof. The integration of the two distinct styles in the First Baptist Church provides Fort Collins with a building of unique architectural design. Designated in 1980, it is a contributing building in the -aurel School National Register Historic District. This church is one of the most prominent buildings in that district. :Historical Narrative - The First Baptist Church of Fort Collins formally established in September of 1879 initially met and worshiped in a local Methodist Church. By 1881 the congregation purchased two lots, numbers 15 and 16 of block 133 on which they constructed a small red brick sanctuary. As membership increased the congregation demolished the original building and replaced it in 1903 — 1904 with the existing Gothic sandstone church. Since the church membership continued to expand, the congregation built an addition on the eastern elevation in 1912. Eventually First Baptist outgrew the church and sold the property to Poudre Valley Christian Church in 1966. They too outgrew the building and in turn sold it, in 1971, to R.C. Harris, pastor of Faith Tabernacle. Faith Tabernacle occupied the building until the death of Pastor Harris, in 1993. Although three different churches occupied the building from its construction to the early 1990's, several other individuals owned and used the church for non-religious purposes since that time. In August of 2001, North Pointe Community Church assumed ownership. =or these reasons, staff is pleased to present the building at 328 Remington Street for andmark designation 281 North College Avenue • P.O.Box 580 • Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580 • (970)221-6376 FAX(970)M4-6111 • TDD(970)224-6002 • E-mail:aplanning@fcgov.com Historic Preservation Office P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 is Phone (970) 221-6376 Fax(970) 224-6111 LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION NOMINATION FORM Date: 3-Jan-02 Please type/print all entries LOCATION Parcel Number: 97123-28-015 &97123-28-016 Address: 328 Remington Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Legal Description: L15&16 B133 FTC Propert/ Name (historic and/or common): First Baptist Church (historic)North Pointe (common) FORM IDREPARED BY Name and/or Title: Carol Tunner, Historic Preservation Planner and Kara Hahn Preservation Intern Address: City of Fort Collins Advanced Planning Dept., P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522 Phone: (970) 221-6597 Relationship to owner: none OWNER INFORMATION Name: North Pointe Community Church, Pastor Brian Sky Phone: (970) 689-7287 Address: 328 Remington Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 BOUNC)ARIES/TYPE OF DESIGNATION X Landmark Landmark District Explanation of boundary determination: The site corresponds to the legal location of the parcel. The property currently consists of the historic building. i 328 Remington Street 1 Nomination CLASSIFICATION Category: Status: Ownership: X Building X Occupied Public Structure Unoccupied X Private Site Object District Existing Designation: Present Use: X National Register Commercial Residential X State Register Educational Government s a contributing building in the X Religious Other: Laurel School Historic District) Entertainment SIGNIFICANCE Architectural: Represents work of a noteworthy architect X Possess high artistic value X Represents a type, period, or method of construction Historical: Associated with a significant person Associated with a significant event Associated with a significant pattern or trend X Contributes to the significance of a historic district Geographical: Related to or part of a distinctive area Represents an established and familiar visual feature Further Comments: Please see attached information (Add a continuation sheet, if needed) HISTORICAL INFORMATION Please attach a narrative of the historical significance of the property. Include a title search or city directory research if the property is important for its association with a significant person. Further Comments: Please see attached information Please include 35mm photos of each elevation of each building and structure on the property. 328 Remington Street 2 Nomination ARCHI rECTURAL AND PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION . Construction Date: 1903-1904 Architect and/or Builder: Please see attached information Building Materials: Sandstone Architectural Style: Gothic Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque Special Features and/or Surroundings: a continuation sheet if needed) . Describa any additions or alterations to the property: In 1912, due to an expanding congregation, First Baptist Church constructed an addition on the East side of the original structure. This addition changed the footprint of the building from a rectangle to an ell shape. (Add a continuation sheet, if needed) REFERENCE LIST OR SOURCE OF INFORMATION Please:see attached information a continuation s ee , it needed) FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date Determined "Eligible" Ordinance# Application within the last twelve months? Yes No X . Date Recorded 328 Remington Street 3 Nomination 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 Historic Preservation Office prior to the occurrence of any of the following: 1. Preparation of plans for reconstruction or alteration of the exterior of the improvements on the property, or; 2. Preparation of plans for construction of, addition to or demolition of improvements on the property. 3. 1 further understand that if I apply for a building permit for any one of the following: a. Alteration or reconstruction of or addition to the exterior of any improvement which constitutes all or part of a landmark structure or landmark district; b. Demolition or relocation of any improvements which constitutes all or part of a landmark structure or landmark district; c. Construction or erection of or addition to any improvement upon any land included in a landmark district; d. Or if I proceed with any work not requiring a building permit as set forth in Section.14-47; the Building Inspector and the Landmark Preservation Commission shall be under the time constrains and other requirements as outlined in Chapter 14, Article III of the Code of the City Of Fort Collins. Dated this day of , 200 Owner Name (please print) North Pointe Community Church Signature State of ) )ss. County of ) Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of 200 , by Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires Notary Public 328 Remington Street 4 Nomination Statement of Significance First Baptist, the two story stone church on the corner of East Magnolia and Remington Streets, displays a combination of elements from Gothic Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Already a contributing building to the Laurel School National Register Historic District, this church merits consideration for local landmark designation due to its architectural design. Constructed between 1903 and 1904 the church combines elements of Gothic Revival, prevalent during the Romantic Era (1840-1880), as well as Richardsonian Romanesque qualities from the late nineteenth century. The crenellated roofs on the tower in the southwest corner and on the western fagade, along with the pointed arches over the doorways, are primary components of Gothic buildings. The architect used these elements in conjunction with the stained glass, woodcut, lancet windows, which are often found in Gothic Revival cathedrals or other highstyle buildings. These architectural features rest in harmony with the Romanesque elements in the church's design. The two corresponding turrets with conical roofs along the western and southern facades and the steeply sloped hipped roof are representative of the Romanesque period. These two architectural styles frequently employed the rough- faced stone masonry that the First Baptist Church used. The integration of the two distinct styles in the First Baptist Church provides Fort Collins with a building of unique architectural design. As such this stone church merits local landmark designation. Narrative History The First Baptist Church of Fort Collins, formally established in September of 1879, initially met and worshipped in a local Methodist Church. Without their own 328 Remington Street 5 Nomination building the small congregation gathered at various locations throughout the city over the next two years. By 1881 the congregation voted to find a permanent location and to that end purchased two lots, numbers 15 and 16 of block 133, on the corner of Remington and East Magnolia Streets. However, First Baptist did not begin construction for another six years, eventually moving into the completed building in 1888. Over the next several years the church membership grew exponentially, and by 1896 the congregation built a new addition. By 1903 even the expanded structure proved too small as an ever-increasing congregation forced the church to seek alternate accommodations. The members passed a motion in April of that year to build a larger sanctuary on the current location. Unfortunately, church records contain little information on the design, architect, or dates of construction. According to the Fort Collins Weekly Courier, many of the businesses in the area worked on the building under the direction of Butler & McDaniels. While the exact date of completion remained unknown, the First Baptist records mentioned that the congregation used the new prayer room on June 3, 1904. On the following Sunday, June 5, the church and community dedicated the new building. As growth of the church continued, the congregation built an addition on the eastern elevation in 1912. This second portion mimicked the original building by using similar stone and continuing with the same architectural styles, but incorporated a different roof. Instead of the steeply slopped hipped roof typically used in Romanesque architecture, the church constructed the addition with a crenellated flat roof in a similar manner as the corner tower. The "east wing" addition, as the church referred to it, altered the footprint of the building from a rectangle to an ell shape. The only other major alteration to the building over the past century involved the removal of the steeple. Unfortunately, little is known of this incident. The records at First Baptist Church include pictures of the church in 1929 with the steeple and a later 328 Remington Street 6 Nomination • photo, in 1954, without it; unfortunately, no further credible information was forthcoming. According to rumors and theories, a water leak caused structural damage to the building eaving the roof too weak to support the weight of the steeple. While the removal of the steeple constituted the final structural alteration to the exterior of the building, the church underwent a few other changes. Since the First Baptist's membership continued to increase and the congregation could no longer fit in ;he building, they sold the property, in 1966, to the Poudre Valley Christian Church. 1=ventually they too outgrew the building and in turn sold it, in 1971, to R.C. Harris, castor of Faith Tabernacle. During their occupancy the church received new carpet, paint, and finally air conditioning. Over the next twenty years, Faith Tabernacle and 'astor Harris traded ownership of the building numerous times. After the death of 'astor Harris, First Community Industrial Bank and Spectrum Investments Inc. assumed . ownership in June of 1993. According to Larimer County records, several other groups or individuals owned and used the church for non-religious purposes. In 1995 Todd Nelson Taylor, reportedly n the telemarketing business, purchased the property and intended to convert the wilding into an antique roadshow business. However, his plans did not materialize and IMichael S. Gaines purchased the church in 1997. Gaines attempted to transform the church into a school for film, theater, and dance, but he was unable to muster the iecessary finances for this effort. These problems eventually forced him to sell the property in the spring of 2001 to Ric Hansen, a Fort Collins realtor. Hansen in turn sold :he church on August 13, 2001 to North Pointe Community Church, currently under the direction of Pastor Brian Sky. • 328 Remington Street 7 Nomination Architect and Builder The church's architect and/or builder are somewhat ambiguous due to conflicting and incomplete information. Robert Fuller, son of renowned Fort Collins architect Montezuma Fuller, signed the rafter in the square corner tower. Although the architect usually signs a building, in this instance it is unlikely that Robert Fuller designed the church. At the time of construction, 1903-1904, he was enrolled as a student at Colorado Agricultural College in the Mechanical Engineering Department, while working part-time for his father. According to Dale Heckendorm at the Colorado Historical Society, during this time Robert Fuller also interned with the Roeschlaub architectural firm in Denver. However, even with this experience, it is improbable that the younger Fuller possessed enough training or knowledge to complete such a large project. If he did not design the church, the signature could represent either his father or Roeschlaub. Since Robert Fuller did work with both Montezuma Fuller and Roeschlaub, he might have signed in their place. Unfortunately, there is no record that either architect ever worked on the stone church. Another piece of information indicated that Butler & McDaniels built the church. According to the March 23, 1904 edition of the Fort Collins Weekly Courier, this firm oversaw the construction of the building. While this fairly conclusively demonstrates who physically built the church, the architect or designer remains unknown. Reference List Bacon, Elizabeth A. "Montezuma W. Fuller: A History of His Life and Architectural Practice." Claremont, 1979. Photocopied. Centennial Committee of First Baptist Church. Our First Hundred Years. USA: Centennial Committee of the First Baptist Church, 1979. 328 Remington Street 8 Nomination Fort Collins Coloradoan. 10 February 1979, 28 June 1980. Fort Collins Evening Courier. 6 June 1904. Fort Collins Weekly Courier. 30 December 1903, 23 March 1904, 13 April 1904, 1 June 1904. _arimer County Records. "The Virtual Courthouse of Larimer County Colorado." www.larimer.org/databases/index.htm 'Nilson, Holly. "328 Remington: Fort Collins Church History in Stone." Fort Collins, 1983. Photocopied i 328 Remington Street 9 Nomination . - . ��• . � �_ - :---- � AiWi - �= - -�- - . v V. A r �a .. A Ac a/M �r I ' a f Ei n ram_ r • I_w y