HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 12/18/2012 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 153, 2012, DESIGNATDATE: December 18, 2012
STAFF: Karen McWilliams
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 25
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 153, 2012, Designating the Whitcomb Street Historic District as a Fort Collins
Landmark District, Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the City Code.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Whitcomb Street Historic District contains 14 properties, which, together, form a cohesive entity associated
historically, architecturally, and developmentally with the 100 block of South Whitcomb Street. The proposed district
is generally bound on the north by Mountain Avenue, on the south by Oak Street, and by alleys on the east and west
sides. It consists of the twelve properties that comprise the 100 Block of South Whitcomb Street and two properties
historically associated with the 100 Block of South Whitcomb Street, now addressed as 601 West Mountain Avenue
and 612 West Oak Street. The period of significance dates from the oldest construction in 1889, to 1940, when the
newest of the historic dwellings was built on the last subdivided lot, seventy-two years ago.
Owners of ten of the fourteen properties have consented in writing to establishment of the Whitcomb Street Historic
District, desiring to protect their investments from redevelopment activities and to become eligible for financial
programs available to historic properties. Owners of four properties are in opposition to the district, preferring to not
have additional restrictions placed on their properties, including review of exterior alterations or demolitions.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
At the April 11, 2012 Landmark Preservation Commission meeting, Mr. Kevin Murray formally submitted an application
for the Whitcomb Street Historic District, on behalf of himself and other property owners within the proposed district.
Subsequently, the Commission held hearings to consider the proposed district on August 8, 2012 and on October 10,
2012.
At its October 10, 2012 hearing, the Landmark Preservation Commission found that the area proposed for designation
forms a cohesive unit; that a large percentage of the primary historic resources within the district are contributing to
the district; that the district contains a preponderance of integrity, and that the district is historically and architecturally
significant to Fort Collins under all three Standards. The Commission voted 7-0 to adopt Resolution No. 3, 2012,
recommending that Council approve the designation of the Whitcomb Street Historic District as a Fort Collins
Landmark District.
All of the properties comprising the Whitcomb Street Historic District, with the exception of a new residence at 122
South Whitcomb Street, currently under construction, qualify for designation under Standards 1 and 2
(social/developmental history and significant people). Under Standard 3 (architecture), all of the properties qualify
except for 122 South Whitcomb and the dwelling at 113 South Whitcomb Street, significantly altered through a pop-up
addition circa 1994.
FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Recognition of the Whitcomb Street Historic District as a Fort Collins Landmark District enables owners of the thirteen
contributing properties to qualify for federal, state and local incentive programs available only to designated properties.
Additionally, based upon research conducted by Clarion Associates, and the experience of the Sheely Drive Historic
Landmark District, it is likely that all property owners, including the owners of the new residence at 122 South
Whitcomb Street, would see an increase in property value following landmark district designation. Clarion Associates
attributed this increase to the fact that future owners also qualify for the financial incentives; the perception that
designated properties are better maintained; the appeal of owning a recognized historic landmark; and the assurance
of predictability that design review offers.
December 18, 2012 -2- ITEM 25
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
At its October 10, 2012 hearing, the Commission by a vote of 7-0, adopted Resolution No. 3, 2012, recommending
that Council designate the Whitcomb Street Historic District as a Fort Collins Landmark District.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Staff has held several meetings with owners of the Whitcomb Street District properties and interested citizens,
including two Neighborhood Meetings, on August 30, 2012 and October 8, 2012, and numerous individual and small
group meetings. Meetings were also hosted by Whitcomb Street property owners, including two attended by Historic
Preservation staff, on May 15, 2012, and in June, 2012. Additionally, an email list of all property owners and interested
citizens was maintained, and all were copied on pertinent emails and correspondence.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Landmark Preservation Commission Resolution No. 3, 2012
2. Nomination for Landmark District Designation of the Whitcomb Street Historic District
3. Staff Report, October 10, 2012
4. Memorandum from Sherry Albertson-Clark, CDNS Interim Planning Director, dated October 2, 2012
5. Letters presented to LPC at its October 10, 2012 Hearing
6. Letter of Support from Senator John Kefalas
7. “What is a Historic District?” Informational sheet prepared by Historic Preservation staff
8. Minutes of October 10, 2012 Landmark Preservation Commission Hearing
9. Powerpoint presentation
ATTACHMENT 1
Revised 09-2004 Page 1
Fort Collins Landmark District Designation
LOCATION INFORMATION:
District Name: Whitcomb Street Historic District, consisting of the following properties:
105 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
108 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
112 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
113 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1 and 2)
117 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
118 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
121 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
122 South Whitcomb Street (Not Contributing)
125 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
126 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
129 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
130 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
601 West Mountain Avenue (Individually Designated Fort Collins Landmark, and Contributing
to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
612 West Oak Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
Legal Description: See attached Boundary Discription and Exhibits for the legal description of the
proposed district. The District includes all primary residences and secondary buildings located within the
described district boundary.
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: Kevin Murray, Owner, Empire Surveys
Address: PO Box 245, Bellvue, Colorado 80512
Phone: (970) 493-3499 Email: empire@verinet.com
Relationship to Owner: Owner of 117 South Whitcomb Street
Planning, Development & Transportation Services
Community Development & Neighborhood Services
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
ATTACHMENT 2
Revised 09-2004 Page 2
TYPE OF DESIGNATION and BOUNDARIES
Individual Landmark Property Landmark District
Explanation of Boundaries:
The boundaries of the area being proposed as the Whitcomb Street Historic District correspond to the
legal description attached to this document. This Fort Collins Landmark District will encompass fourteen
properties, which together form a cohesive unit historically, architecturally, and developmentally
associated with the 100 block of South Whitcomb Street. The proposed district is generally bound on the
north by Mountain Avenue, on the south by Oak Street, and by alleys on the east and west sides.
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 Whitcomb Street Historic District is historically significant under Fort Collins Landmark Standard
Number 1, for its association with the development and social history of Fort Collins. Research into the
property owners and tenants indicate that this block is particularly reflective of historic upper middle class
residential life in Fort Collins. Its association with prominent residents, such as County Commissioner
Aaron Kitchel, brothers Judge Horace I. Garbutt and Attorney Newton C. Garbutt, City Constable William
T. Shortridge, Representative Thomas J. Montgomery, and Deputy Assessor (later County Assessor)
Stewart C. Case, for whom Stewart Case Park is named for, makes the district significant under Fort
Collins Landmark Standard 2. Additionally, a prevalence of the residential dwellings within the district,
including the individually designated Queen Anne residence at 601 West Mountain Avenue, are
architecturally significant under Fort Collins Landmark Standard 3.
The proposed landmark district provides a representative collection of Late 19
th
and Early 20
th
Century
one- and two-story residences and historic outbuildings, with a mix of Queen Anne, Craftsman and
Minimal Traditional architecture. The period of significance dates from the oldest construction, in 1889, to
the newest built in 1940 on the last subdivided lot. During this span of dates, especially between the
period from 1900 to 1930, the city experienced unparalleled growth and prosperity, which necessitated a
rapid expansion in land annexation and residential construction. The builders of the Whitcomb Street
residences designed these homes for upper middle class families. Many of these homes were inspired by
the high-style architectural details of adjacent houses on Mountain Avenue, but they understood that
modesty in size and style did not mean loss of comfort or individualistic details. The residents, too, as they
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moved in and out of the neighborhood, perhaps also looked at those houses and aspired to a corresponding
higher socio-economic standard. The range of occupants is reflective of the social and demographic
changes during the first decades of the 20
th
century. Many of the early residents were locally prominent,
including Aaron Kitchel, Horace and Newton Garbutt, and Stewart C. Case, while later residents were a
mix of owners and renters who had a variety of occupations, such as salesmen, clerks, butchers,
mechanics, and students. The changes continue today, as most of the original homes have now been
restored to single-family, owner-occupied dwellings, prized once again for their historic character and
their proximity to the traditional center of the city. The proposed district is an important example of a
residential neighborhood in the core of Fort Collins that has evolved with the times, yet managed to retain,
nearly intact, its historic character.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The period between 1881 and 1909 was a time of significant growth for Fort Collins, with population
increases of 48.3% between 1880 and 1890, 51.8% between 1890 and 1900, and 168.9% between 1900
and 1910. Smart real estate investors saw the possibilities and rushed to plat new additions to the original
town site. One of these early annexations was the Loomis Addition of 1887, platted by pioneer
businessman Abner Loomis and his future second wife Malinda Maxwell. Bounded by Laporte avenue to
the north, Mulberry street to the south, Whitcomb street to the east, and Washington avenue to the west,
the 88-acre subdivision occupied a large area adjoining the western edge of the growing city. A significant
feature of the area is the Fort Collins Irrigation Canal, which curves through the east-central section of the
subdivision, crosses, and re-crosses Whitcomb Street at different points in its course. The Loomis
Addition was prime real estate, and sales agents of the time ran advertisements touting affordability and
easy payment terms. As an added incentive, potential buyers were promised the ultimate raffle prize of a
“$3,000 residence, with a full sized lot . . . . to purchasers of lots in the Loomis addition.” This
promotional house was located at 121 North Grant Street, and at the draw in May 1888, a newcomer from
Nebraska won the house (now down-graded to a value of $2,500) with all its modern conveniences. In
July 1887, the Fort Collins Courier reported that eighty lots had been sold since the beginning of June,
and by 1894, about fifteen houses dotted the northern and eastern edges of the addition.
The man who created the Loomis Addition was Abner Loomis, born December 17, 1829. His parents
moved the family from New York to Ohio in 1833, then to Iowa in 1840. Enticed by the gold rush in
California, young Loomis set out for the Pacific Coast in 1850 and remained there for the next decade. He
was one of many opportunists who relocated to Colorado during the Pike’s Peak excitement; he reached
the Rocky Mountains in early 1860, and moved again in June of that year to the Cache la Poudre valley.
Loomis, who prospected, freighted, farmed, and established a cattle ranch during the 1860s, was a
contemporary of Antoine Janis, and searched for gold in Colorado with Janis in the 1860s. Loomis made
enough at mining to buy land in Pleasant Valley, where he and his first wife Isabelle farmed and sold
surplus food to hungry – but distant – mining camps. He entered the cattle business in 1867, and became a
wealthy and successful rancher, eventually selling out in 1882 to concentrate his efforts on building up the
city of Fort Collins.
Loomis had become a Larimer County commissioner when the county was organized in 1864, and he held
that position for the next 11 years. An astute businessman, he was one of the founders of Poudre Valley
Bank, and became its president when W. C. Stover retired in 1894. Loomis held this position until his
sudden death in 1904 while in Denver taking a Turkish bath asthma cure. Loomis’ funeral was a day of
mourning in Fort Collins: the Fort Collins Weekly Courier reported that businesses all over town closed so
owners could pay homage, and no other funeral in Fort Collins had been attended by so many people. A
measure of Abner Loomis’ prominent position in city life is that not only did he have a subdivision named
Revised 09-2004 Page 4
after him, he also had a street. City streets running east-west typically bore names of trees or shrubs, while
streets running north-south bore names of prominent residents, including Whitcomb, Sherwood, Meldrum,
Howes, Mason, Remington, Matthews, Peterson, Whedbee, Smith, Stover, and Cowan. In the Loomis
subdivision, the trees and shrub streets remained the same, but the local names changed to those of
national significance: Lincoln, Grant and Washington. In 1900, Fort Collins City Council approved
Ordinance No. 3-1900 whereby Lincoln Avenue became Loomis avenue. This change may have been the
city’s solution to remove confusion with Lincoln Avenue on the east side of the city, but it may also have
been a gesture of respect for Loomis, the progressive pioneer and avid city booster.
Abner Loomis never lived in his subdivision, for his own substantial house was on desirable Remington
Street. Early advertisement campaigns suggest that the Loomis addition promoters had two sets of target
buyers: wealthy citizens or developers who could buy several lots for investment purposes, and
individuals seeking to build single houses on affordable land. While the 1887 advertisement for the
subdivision touted the area as the “Capitol Hill of Fort Collins,” the actual offer was more down to earth
and practical: “Lots will be offered cheap, and very easy payments.” Thus, wealthier citizens such as ex-
Alderman Peterman could buy many parcels and plan to “erect several cottages” on his properties, while
someone of more modest ambitions could buy a single lot, build a house on it, and either re-sell it or live
in it. The 100 block of South Whitcomb Street originally had 8 lots, and the building records for most of
them do not show who built or owned the houses and lots. However, the neighborhood -- at least in the
early years -- clearly had a mix of residents ranging from prominent men such as Commissioner Aaron
Kitchel (601 West Mountain), Judge Horace I. Garbutt (121 South Whitcomb) and Deputy Assessor (later
County Assessor) Stewart C. Case (117 South Whitcomb), to insurance agent F. A. Isbell (125 South
Whitcomb) and carpenter A. R. Klure and his milliner wife Ella (130 South Whitcomb). The presence of
local notables may have attracted other minor dignitaries to the street: Attorney Newton C. Garbutt
apparently lived next door to his brother the judge at 125 South Whitcomb; City Constable William T.
Shortridge owned and occupied 117 South Whitcomb briefly, before selling the “pretty brick cottage” to
Stewart C. Case; Representative Thomas J. Montgomery lived at 129 South Whitcomb until his wife
Helen’s suicide in 1904.
The 100 block of South Whitcomb housed respectable middle-class people in neat, stylistically
contemporary homes. Although the model house at 121 N. Grant had a value of $2,500 to $3,000, the
buildings on Whitcomb were smaller and more modest. Sidney J. Milligan, a prolific contractor during
the first years of the 1900s, built many frame and brick houses throughout the growing city, including 129
S. Whitcomb. Many houses Milligan built between 1902 and 1906 were 4 room frame cottages that cost
around $800, but he also built bigger 5 to 6 room houses with an average cost of around $1,300. The one
house that seems to have been an anomaly for him was the $3,500 “modern 10 room brick residence” he
built for Mr. and Mrs. S. Batterson at 402 East Oak, with a $700 brick barn on the property. 129 South
Whitcomb was one of Milligan’s $900 5-room frame cottages, and is representative of other dwellings on
the block. They were comfortable homes with abundant character and detailing with individualistic
touches inspired, perhaps, by grander houses on Mountain Avenue.
The notable citizens that originally occupied the block largely moved out during the first decade of the
20
th
century, and the block settled into a rhythm of family occupancy – some new owners, many more
renters – moving in and out at regular intervals. Also, the reconfiguration and subdivision of the original
large eight lots began early: the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of 1906 show secondary structures at 118 ½
South Whitcomb and 122 ½ South Whitcomb, and later (sometime during the 1910s) 113 South
Whitcomb was carved from the west end of the lot belonging to 601 West Mountain. The period between
1900 and 1910 saw Fort Collins population grow from 3,053 to 8,210, so perhaps the owners of the
Mountain Avenue property thought the demand for housing would continue. However, the city population
grew by just 545 people between 1910 and 1920, and there were no new annexations that decade; by
Revised 09-2004 Page 5
1918, both 118½ and 122½ South Whitcomb were gone. The 1920s were a growth period again, with
some “oil boom” years due to the establishment of Fort Collins and Wellington oil fields. The city added
twelve new subdivisions, and on the 100 block of South Whitcomb, property owners subdivided their own
lots. The owner of 601 West Mountain sold off another piece of the western end of the property, and it
became 105 South Whitcomb. Similarly, 112 South Whitcomb came out of the west side of 529 West
Mountain avenue, 612 West Oak was created from the north end of 129 South Whitcomb, and 520 West
Oak was carved from 130 South Whitcomb. The last subdivision on the 100 block took place around
1940, with 108 South Whitcomb built on another west side piece of 529 West Mountain. Many houses
have undergone additions and remodels, with most retaining their original character; one original house
(122 South Whitcomb) was demolished in the spring of 2012 and its site awaits construction of a new
residence. Today, after a period when many of the houses were rentals with high tenant turnovers, most of
the homes are now owner-occupied.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
The district contains houses that average middle class citizens would have lived in during the early 20
th
century in Fort Collins. These are not vernacular houses but planned structures with distinctive and careful
architectural styling. Stylistic details such as the decorative brickwork, windows, and imbricated shingles
show inspiration taken from the houses on Mountain Avenue, directly to the north of the Whitcomb
neighborhood.
The predominant architectural style is the Queen Anne, which was very popular between 1880 and 1910.
In Colorado neighborhoods these houses varied wildly from the very modest to the highly ornate. The
typical Queen Anne structure has a steeply-pitched hipped roof with one or more lower cross gables, at
least one of which is front-facing and one that is side-facing. Instead of the classic spindle work or
patterned masonry in the front-facing gable, the houses on the 100 block of South Whitcomb have
patterned imbricate shingles as decoration. The houses also have differing wall textures, a hallmark of the
style, and partial or entry-only one-story porches. Final elements include simple window and door
surrounds and dormers.
The oldest homes in the Whitcomb district are the Queen Anne houses, and they all have significant
character defining features that differ from house to house. The brick Queen Anne houses are 117, 121,
125, and 129 South Whitcomb, and 601 West Mountain on the northwest corner of the designation area.
Two of the brick homes (129 & 125) are covered with wood siding at present. Across the street on the east
side are three wood frame Queen Anne homes at 118, 126, and 130 (122 has been demolished, but was
also a similar frame Queen Anne style building). These houses share various combinations of the
following architectural elements:
Decorative brickwork
Sandstone foundation or sills
Hipped roof with lower cross gables
Multiple chimneys
Arched windows and/or paired windows
Imbricated shingles
The craftsmanship and distinctive patterns of the imbricated shingles and windows provide plentiful
variation, and help give each house its own unique character. Although the four brick and four frame
Queen Anne homes appear similar with offset front doors, prominent living room windows, decorative
upper windows, and 12/12 pitched roofs, each also has differences that define space and line, such as an
Revised 09-2004 Page 6
extended living room on one, or a lowered or raised roof line on another that shrank a room or allowed an
upstairs apartment.
Other residences on the block are constructed in the Craftsman Bungalow architectural style. The design
of the Craftsman home stressed comfort and utility, with the use of natural materials, open floor plans, and
bands of windows to take advantage of natural light. Craftsman homes were not elaborate or heavily
decorated but rather well adapted to the families that lived in them. Open living rooms with a fireplace
were common and made casual living easy. Typically, they were one or two story homes featuring low
gabled roofs (single or double gabled) with deeply shaded porches. Occasionally, art glass and beveled
glass was featured in select windows and doors.
In Colorado, this style commonly features:
Exposed rafter ends
Clipped gables
Knee brace at eaves
Half timbering
Large porch columns
Overhang eaves
A third type of residence on the block is the Minimal Traditional. Based loosely on the Tudor Revival
style that was popular during the 1920s and 30s, these simple homes were built in large numbers
immediately preceding and following World War II. They were economical choices for large tract-
housing developments and represent a transition from the established construction periods of the
Bungalow style and period cottage forms to early ranch homes. Characteristically, in this style, the narrow
deep footprint of the bungalow was transformed to a square, boxy plan with small rooms situated around a
core.
According to the Colorado Office of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, the Minimal Traditional style
is a relatively small, one-story building often with a predominant front facing gable section or gabled
covered entry, echoing Tudor features. Rather than the steeply pitched roof of its Tudor predecessor, the
Minimal Traditional roof pitch was low or intermediate with closed eaves and rake. A hallmark of the
style is the simplified façade featuring few architectural details other than decorative shutters. Typical wall
materials include cementitious and fiber shingles in an assortment of colors, brick (usually striated), wood,
or metal siding, typically a replacement material.
Some of the houses on the 100 block of South Whitcomb Street have been altered or modified over the
years. These modifications are usually limited to porch enclosures, rear additions, window alterations, and
dormer additions. As a whole, the alterations do not detract from the historic integrity of the individual
residences, nor the group as a district. The set of four brick Queen Anne homes all had dormer windows
that gave the illusion of a second floor, although they were in fact only attic spaces. Over the years, all
four attics have been remodeled into actual living spaces; the last remodel was in 2002 at 117 South
Whitcomb. All frame Queen Anne houses also had similar dormers, and they too have been remodeled
into living spaces. (See individual building descriptions for details).
ADDITIONAL DISTRICT INFORMATION
The 100 block of South Whitcomb Street lies between West Mountain Avenue to the north and West Oak
Street to the south. To the west is South Loomis Avenue and to the east is South Sherwood Street. South
Whitcomb Street is approximately 100 feet wide, typical of many early streets that were designed to
accommodate the wide turning radius of horse-drawn carriages. The physical street is bordered by curbs,
grassy mediums with trees or bushes, and four to five feet wide sidewalks. Abner Loomis must have
decided that north-south sidewalks did not need to be as wide as they had been, probably because they
Revised 09-2004 Page 7
were “feeder” sidewalks to the major east-west sidewalks that went downtown, or to the cemetery.
Because of this, the sidewalks on the west side of Whitcomb (in the new addition) were only four feet
wide, while the sidewalks on the east side (part of the original town plat) were five feet wide.
Additionally, the city blocks encompassing the 100 Whitcomb Street addresses have unpaved alleys. On
the east side of the 100 block, an alley runs north-south behind the lots. Another alley runs east-west,
between 113 South Whitcomb and 117 South Whitcomb, and is bisected by a north-south alley from West
Oak Street that runs behind the lots on the west side of Whitcomb.
Lots in the south portion of the block are approximately 50 feet wide and vary in length from 100 feet to
190 feet. Structures in the north section of the district are situated on irregularly shaped lots. The narrow
but deep lots of the 100 block allow for many facades in a small area with plenty of space behind each
house. Few properties have enclosed front yards, but many have privacy fences surrounding back or side
yards. All of the houses have front porches or porticos, with the exception of 129 South Whitcomb and
112 South Whitcomb, which simply have front stoops with roof covers. The houses follow a similar
setback from the street, which creates a pleasing uniformity. Similar house heights in the south section
also add to the visual rhythm. While the houses to the north of the district do not match in form, style, or
material, the street nevertheless has a pleasant, unifying feel and appearance, while maintaining individual
character and historic integrity.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. Pages 263 – 287.
Amick, Denise. Historic Landmark Designation Nomination Form: Park Street Historic Neighborhood.
July 8, 2009.
Fort Collins Building Permit Files. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/
Fort Collins Building Record Files. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/
The Fort Collins Express, p 1, January 1, 1888, “Two residences in the Loomis addition.”
Fort Collins City Directories. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/
Historic Photographs. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/
405 Remington Street, H11696, black and white photograph of the Abner Loomis House located at 405
Remington Street being destroyed, April 26, 1980
Fort Collins Population Trends, 1880-2000. Fort Collins History Connection: An Online Collaboration of
the Fort Collins Museum and the Poudre River Public Library District. 2009. 9 July 2012.
<http://history.fcgov.com/archive/cityhistory.php>
Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection:
Fort Collins Courier, page 8, February 9, 1888
Fort Collins Courier, page 2, Thursday, June 1, 1893
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 5, May 26, 1887
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 1, June 2, 1887
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 1, July 28, 1887
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 1, May 17, 1888
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 2, May 31, 1900
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 3, January 2, 1902, “Fort Collins’ Splendid Building Record”
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 9, April 2, 1902
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 5, June 25, 1902
Revised 09-2004 Page 8
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 8, July 16, 1902
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 8, November 26, 1902
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 8, February 18, 1903
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 8, June 10, 1903
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 5, June 17, 1903
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 8, February 24, 1904
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 7, March 16, 1904
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 12, April 27, 1904
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 1, August 24, 1904, “Fort Collins in Mourning.”
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 4, Wednesday, August 31, 1904, “Revered in Life, Lamented in
Death.”
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 9, September 7, 1904
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 1, January 4, 1905, “New Homes for New People”
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, page 3, October 22, 1906, “Supreme Necessity of Experience in the
County Assessor’s Office.”
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, pages 1, 3, December 27, 1905, “A Seson of Great Prosperity for Fort
Collins Home Builders”
Cress, Dudley, Fort Collins Coloradoan, February 19, 1963, “Street Names Recall Early History.”
Colorado OAHP, Minimal Traditional, http://www.historycolorado.org/oahp/minimal-traditional
Fort Collins Time Line Pre-1860; Fort Collins Detailed Time Lines
Queen Anne, Styles, Colorado’s Historic Architecture & Engineering – Web Guide, History Colorado:
http://www.historycolorado.org/archaeologists/colorados-historic-architecture-engineering-web-guide
The Railroad Era, Colorado Agricultural College, and the Growth of the City, 1877-1900; Fort Collins
History and Architecture; Historic Contexts
Sanborn Map Company, Fort Collins, Larimer Co., Colorado, Sheet 6 [map], 50 ft to an inch. New York:
Sanborn Map Company, 1906. From the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries, University of
Colorado Digital Library, Building Colorado Story by Story: The Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
Collection. http://libcudl.colorado.edu:8180/luna/servlet/UCBOULDERCB1~21~21
Revised 09-2004 Page 9
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 105 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: SOUTH 25 FEET OF NORTH 105 FEET OF LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK 270,
LOOMIS, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Crow Residence and garage
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Daniel Chester Lane Trust
Phone: (970) 407-1093 Email:
Address: 301 South Loomis
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The residence at 105 South Whitcomb first appeared in city directories in 1922, with student Homer R.
Crow, his wife Marvela, and another student named Frank C. Berry. The couple stayed until 1925 when
they moved to 705 Stover. Lloyd Regal, a stockman, and his wife Jennie moved in that same year.
Soloman Deines and his wife Lydia replaced the Regals in 1927, and in 1929, Ivan Johnson moved in with
his wife Grace. Mr. Johnson was a baker at the well-known Damm's Bakery, located in the Colorado
Building at 133 South College Avenue. In 1931, the Johnsons moved to 427 Canon Avenue and Mrs.
Grace E. Kennedy moved into the house. Widow of Charles Kennedy, Grace was a saleswoman for JC
Penney. Mrs. Kennedy moved to 130 West Laurel in 1933 and was replaced by Lucille H. Hankins, an
operator for Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Company. Three years later Ervin W. Stewart, a
mechanic for Andrews Auto Company, moved in with his wife Ruby. When the Stewarts moved to 417
West Myrtle in 1938, the Harts moved in to the house and became the longest residents to date. Thomas, a
deliveryman for Ricker Brothers, secured a permit from the city to enclose the front porch. In 1948,
Colorado A & M student Millard W. Ickes and wife Ivy were the owners, and they lived at the house with
three children. Otis Kilgore, a butcher at Fletcher’s market, moved into the house in 1952 with his wife
Elizabeth. Mr. Kilgore was listed as owner of 304 Park as well. New residents appeared again in 1954,
as John Q. Munro, a drilling crewmember for General Geophysical Company, moved in with wife
Revised 09-2004 Page 10
Marjorie and child. Two students replaced the Munros in 1956: Lourie G. and wife Jane W. Gaschke.
Just one year later William Lajaie, an agent with Rio Grande National Life Insurance, moved in with his
wife Doreen and their child. In 1959, Mrs. Alva G. Keithly took over ownership. Clara was a widow, and
stayed in the house until 1964, when city directories listed Goldie Waterhouse as the resident. Harry
Waterhouse was listed in 1966; this may represent a relation or may be a misprint. In 1968, John Janis
appeared, and then the house was vacant until 1976 when Dawna Fellows and Muriel Lewis moved in.
The next year Dawna Fellows moved to 324 Park and Pam Moore moved into the house. A year after that,
Emily Baker took over residence at 105 South Whitcomb, but was replaced by James Conley in 1979.
The house remained a rental but was owned by a Conley until 2011, when the current owner bought the
house.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1921
Architect/Builder: L. O. Bement
Building Materials: Wood Frame
Architectural Style: Bungalow
Description:
Constructed in 1921, this Craftsman Bungalow is a rectangular, one-story, front-gabled wood frame
building clad in white asbestos shingles, and sits on a concrete foundation. Roof features include wide,
overhanging eaves, exposed rafter ends, and sheet asphalt designed to look like individual shingles. A
brick interior chimney is located on the gable ridge. The primary (east) elevation features two triangular
knee braces, one on each end of the main gable. The primary elevation is broken into three bays and
contains a central entrance. The one-story, enclosed porch has a moderately pitched front gabled roof
mimicking the main gable, and has six craftsman-style multi-light windows on either side of the front
door. These windows feature three small lights over two tall lights, all vertical, and the middle window of
each set of three is a casement window, with the other two fixed. The north and south sides of the porch
contain windows identical in size, function, and number to those on the east. Two double-hung windows
flank the central door, which has three narrow, vertical lights in the upper half as well as a metal storm
door. A narrow concrete path ends in two concrete steps up to the porch.
The north elevation features two one-over-one double-hung windows with screens. The south elevation
has three distinct windows. From east to west, the first window is one-over-one double-hung, similar to
those on the north side, the second is a three vertical light hopper window, and the third is a single pane
fixed rectangular window. The rear (west) elevation features decorative triangular knee brackets identical
in appearance and location as those on the east elevation. The three windows are a four-by-four sliding
bathroom window, a three light vertical hopper, and a rectangular, single-pane fixed window.
A driveway on the north side of the house leads directly to a one-story, front gabled detached garage with
vertical wood plank barn doors. To the south, a three-foot, slatted-wood fence encloses a side yard and
attaches to the neighbor’s white picket fence. To the north is a short six-foot wooden privacy fence
connecting the house to the garage. The front lawn is grass with one large tree, and the perimeter
landscaping consists mainly of low shrubs and flowerbeds.
This 1921 house is characteristic of the Craftsman style and bungalow form, popular in Colorado between
1900 and 1930. Overlapping features of both the form and style are its front-gabled roof, wide eave
overhang, exposed rafter ends, and single story. Other Craftsman elements include the triangular knee
braces at eaves, distinct gabled porch roof, and divided upper window lights. Alterations include the porch
enclosure in 1938, cement basement in 1938, and a reroof in 2000. The front porch has gained historic
significance despite being an alteration due to its early construction. Overall, the house has maintained
good integrity and represents the simplicity of popular building forms appealing to the middle classes.
Revised 09-2004 Page 11
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form. November 2005. Recorders: Connie Barnett, Chris Case, Beryl Gabel
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. Building Permit Files.
11/5/1921; permit #864; owner: Bement, L. O.; permit for three-room frame bungalow
7/12/1938; permit #5356; owner: Hart, Thos M and Rachel; permit to enclose front porch
9/9/1938; permit #5451; owner: Hart, Thomas M.; permit for cement basement;
10/15/1990; permit #0901991; owner: Conley, Mike; contractor: Kahar Plumbing & Heating; permit to
install new water heater
12/08/2000; permit #B0017363; owner: Conley, Michael R; subcontractor: Atlas Roofing Systems; permit
to reroof
05/02/2011; permit #B1101841; owner: Trout, Sharon K; subcontractor: Benton Electric, LLC; permit for
service change (same amps)
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. City Directories.
1922 R. L. Polk Directory Co’s. Fort Collins, Loveland and Larimer County Directory: p. 18: Berry Frank
C student
1956 Fort Collins (Colorado) City Directory, p. 45: Ganchke Lourie G (Jane W-student) student
1957 Fort Collins (Colorado) City Directory, p. 98: Lajoie William (Doreen C) agt Rio Grande Natl Life Ins
Fort Collins History and Architecture: Post World War I Urban Growth, 1919-1941
“The number of building contractors had expanded to thirty-six…Contractors included…L.O. Bement…”
History Colorado, "Architecture and Engineering Guides: Bungalow." Accessed June 14, 2012.
http://www.historycolorado.org/archaeologists/bungalow.
History Colorado, "Architecture and Engineering Guides: Craftsman." Accessed June 14, 2012.
http://www.historycolorado.org/archaeologists/craftsman.
Revised 09-2004 Page 12
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 108 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: SOUTH 10 FEET OF WEST 55 FEET LOT 5 & WEST 75 FEET OF NORTH 1/2
LOT 6, BLOCK 71, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Walsh Residence and garage
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Veronica and Jason Lim
Phone: (970) 377-0642 Email: vlim@earthlink.net
Address: 108 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
Teach Piano/
Accordion lessons
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The lot for 108 South Whitcomb was carved from a lot on Mountain Avenue. The home was historically
occupied by middle-class families and individuals. The earliest record of residence in this home is that of
Kenneth Walsh and his wife Eva in the 1948 Fort Collins City Directory. Kenneth and Eva were important
members of the community and owned the "Palace Grocery and Market." Kenneth and Eva Bell
contracted the Deines Brothers to build the house in 1940. The pair resided at this address until at least
1966, during which time one of their mothers lived with them in the south bedroom. Kenneth was drafted
during World War II and was present at the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he served as a butcher at
Steele’s Market on Mountain Avenue. Eva Bell worked at Gas Public Service of Colorado on Mountain
Avenue, where the Rio Grande Restaurant is now located. Eva Bell turned 100 on May 8
th
, 2012 and still
resides in Fort Collins at The Sterling House at Lemay Ave and Harmony. A widow named Grace Fortune
resided with the Walsh’s between 1952 and 1960. From 1968 to at least 1979, Arnold, an equipment
salesman, and Lucille Groth lived in the house. In 1980, the house was not listed in the city directories and
for the years following, the house saw a high turnover of occupants. In 1981 and 1982, Christopher and
Judy Mills were listed as occupants. From 1984 until 1988, a building contractor named Robert Moore
lived in the house. In 1989, David, a CSU employee, and Judy Ambrosich moved in and occupied the
house until at least 1992. The house was not listed in the 1992-93 city directories but was owned by Curtis
Gaddis Amason. The house was occupied by Paul Simpson from 1994 until1997. The house served as a
Revised 09-2004 Page 13
rental from 1999 through 2007. In 2008 the house was purchased by Veronica Lim, where she teaches
piano and accordion.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1940
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Wood Frame
Architectural Style: Tudor
Description:
This 1940 Minimal Traditional style residence is a rectangular, one-story, wood frame building with a
side-gabled roof covered in asphalt shingles. Roof features include a west-facing intersecting gable on the
south end. It has a concrete foundation and green cementitious shingle clad exterior. The primary
elevation is broken into five bays and contains an off-centered entrance to the south. The single-story,
portico style porch has three cement steps with iron railings on either side that lead to the front door. A
narrow concrete path leads from the sidewalk to the steps. Windows on the west elevation include one
large single pane picture window on the south side of the front door. This window shows markings of
replacing two double hung windows, in the same space. There is one pair of six-over-six double hung
windows adorning the other side of the entry and two smaller windows farther north of the entrance. The
interior ridge chimney is brick and located on the north side of the structure.
The south elevation contains three six-over-six double-hung windows and two one-by-one
basement windows with vertical panes. The east elevation has four six-over-six double-hung
windows, three one-by-one basement windows with vertical panes, and a patio with a 5’x 2’
escape window. It opens into the basement and is partially below ground, with a wooden
barrier built around the underground section. The 10’x 20’ cement patio has three iron posts
with scrollwork supporting the awning and covers about two-thirds of the east façade. The
north elevation has three six-over-six double-hung windows, a door with a single pane in the
upper half and wood storm door, and a small porch with three cement steps with an iron
railing on the east side leading to the door. There are 2’x 1’ rounded attic intake windows on
the north, west, and south elevations.
The garage measures 20’x 12’ and is situated to the northeast of the house, facing west,
accessed by a concrete driveway. Its exterior mimics that of the residence in both material
and color. It is one-story with an asphalt shingle, front-gabled roof and a large garage door
with twelve fixed panes in the upper half. There is extensive landscaping around the house aside
from the grassy front lawn, installed in 2008-09.
The Minimal Traditional style was popular immediately around the time of World War II as
an economical choice for families and a transition away from the bungalow to the ranch
home. The residence contains many elements typical of the form, including its single story,
small massing, and predominant front facing gable section with steep roof pitch and closed
eaves. Alterations include a reroof in 2001.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, November 2005, Recorders: R Koehler, R Morrow, L Westphal
History Colorado, "Architecture and Engineering Guides: Minimal Traditional." Accessed June 14, 2012.
http://www.historycolorado.org/archaeologists/minimal-traditional.
Revised 09-2004 Page 14
City of Fort Collins. http://citydocs.fcgov.com/?vid=2&cmd=search&scope=doctype&dt=PERMITS&dn=
Neighborhood+%26+Building+Services%2FZoning&q=108+WHITCOMB. Building Permits.
04/03/2001; permit #B0101672; owner: Amason, Curtis Gaddis, Jr.; contractor: Drennen Custom
Contracting; permit to reroof 9 squares
Revised 09-2004 Page 15
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 112 S South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: WEST 135 FEET OF SOUTH 1/2 OF LOT 6, BLOCK 71, FORT
COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Lyons Residence and gargage
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: T. Scott Hickman
Phone: Email:
Address: 505 N. Big Spring Ste. 105
Midland, TX 79701
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The residence at 112 South Whitcomb first appears in two separate building permits on February 18,
1924. The first was a permit to build a four room frame house and the second to build a frame garage,
both listed under owner John W. Lyons. John was not listed after 1938, but Mrs. Inez Lyons still lived at
the residence and she filed a permit to reshingle the house on July 11, 1944. However, city directories
list L.R. and Helen Stewart at the residence in 1940. L.R. was a meat cutter at Wolfer Cahill Grocery. In
1952, Robert and Mabel Wright, both retirees, were listed as occupants. From 1954 to 1959, Mr. H.A.
McHone, another retiree, was listed at the residence with wife Beulah A. McHone. In 1960, Diana Lee
Deane, a student at CSU, was added as an occupant and the McHones were listed again in 1962. From
1970 to 1972, Beulah was listed as the only occupant. From 1975 onwards, the house was primarily
occupied by students. From 1990 to 1997, Elizabeth Johnson was listed as resident; she was also a co-
owner of the house. At the end of 2003, tenant Susan Ring received a home occupation permit for The
Animal Healer’s Quarterly, a professional office for art and writing in the production of a quarterly,
periodic journal. Another permit was filed on May 23, 2008 by Walter Hickman (Elizabeth (Libbie
Johnson) Hickman’s husband) to tear down the roof to the decking and reroof. Libbie (Johnson)
Hickman ran in long distance competition, in the Olympics, for the United States, in 2000. The current
owner is T Scott Hickman, Walter Hickman’s father, but the house serves as a rental. Libbie & Walter
now reside on Grant Street.
Revised 09-2004 Page 16
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1921
Architect/Builder: J. W. Lyons
Building Materials: Wood Frame
Architectural Style: Minimal Traditional
Description:
This early Minimal Traditional style residence is a rectangular, one-story, wood frame structure with an
asphalt shingle, side-gabled roof. Roof features include closed eaves and cornice returns on the gable
ends. It has a cement foundation and gray wooden horizontal siding. The primary elevation is broken
into three bays and contains an entrance on the north end. The front stoop has two cement steps and a
brick border that lead to a wooden front door and an aluminum screen door. Above the door is a hood
supported by brackets with a bracket console and triangular-filled gable with rounded arch. Windows
include two one-over-one. There are two chimneys: the first is a partially interior slope brick chimney
located on the west-facing slope on the northwest end of the house and partially exposed on the north
elevation, cutting through the roof. The second is an interior slope brick chimney, located on the east-
facing slope on the southeast end of the house.
The north elevation features two six pane windows, two basement windows, two six-over-one windows,
and one 2’x 3’ boarded-up window. The east elevation has two six-over-one windows. The south
elevation has two one-over-one windows, one six-over-one window, one nine pane window, and three
basement windows. This elevation also features one brown wooden door and an aluminum screen door.
The garage is located to the southeast of the residence, facing west, accessed by a cement driveway. It is
a single-story structure with an asphalt shingle, front-gabled roof and exposed rafter ends. There are two
wooden doors on the north side and one large garage door on the west side for vehicle access. There is
minimal landscaping, including a grassy front lawn and a flower bed on the southwest corner of the
residence.
The minimal traditional architectural style was popular immediately around the time of World War II as
an economical choice for families and a transition away from the bungalow to the ranch home. Common
elements of the style used at 112 South Whitcomb include its small massing, boxy appearance, single
story, rectangular plan, moderately pitched side-gabled roof, and closed eaves.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, November 2005, Recorders: R Koehler, R Morrow, L Westphal
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Building Permits.
2/18/1924; permit #270; owner: Lyons, J. W.; permit to build four-room frame house
2/18/1924; permit #274; owner: Lyons, J. W.; permit to build frame garage
7/11/1944; permit #7870; owner: Lyons, Mrs. J. W.; permit to reshingle
12/19/2003; Home Occupation permit; owner: Susan Ring, co-owner: Laura Inman; business name: The
Animal
Healer’s Quarterly (professional office for art/writing in production of a quarterly, periodic journal
5/23/2008; permit #B0803212; owner: Hickman, Walter; contractor: Affordable Roofing & Rmdl; permit
to tear down to decking and reroof
Revised 09-2004 Page 17
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. City Directories.
1959 Fort Collins Directory, page 117: McHone H. A. (Beulah A) retired
1960 Fort Collins Directory, page 71: Deane, Diana Lee studt CSU
1962 Fort Collins Directory, page 119: McHone H. A. (Beulah A) retired
History Colorado, "Architecture and Engineering Guides: Minimal Traditional." Accessed June 14, 2012.
http://www.historycolorado.org/archaeologists/minimal-traditional.
Revised 09-2004 Page 18
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 113 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: SOUTH 75 FEET OF LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK 270, LOOMIS, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Jones Residence and garage
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Dylan and Catherine Rogers
Phone: Email:
Address: 113 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
This residence first appears in Fort Collins City Directories in 1902 under Amos and Della Jones, with
Amos teaching at Colorado Agricultural College. The directories list no one again until 1908 when
Thomas T. Brunton, a stone quarry worker, and his wife Gertrude are occupants. Directories list the next
new owner, Clara Van Slyke, in 1913, but she is soon replaced by the Remeles in 1917. In a 1909 issue
of the Fort Collins Weekly Courier, Mr. G. H. Remele of St. Paul was recognized for accepting a
position with the State Mercantile Company’s department store as a general salesman. The article
described him as an expert dry goods man, very pleasant to meet, and a fluent speaker of German,
Swedish, and other foreign languages. He later worked at Dodge Brothers Autos and Service Station.
Mrs. Elma Remele was highly active in the Fort Collins social scene, member of and sometimes hostess
to clubs such as the Semper Fidelis Club, the Golden Circle, and the Crepe Paper club. In addition to his
activities as a salesman, George was a member of the Commercial Club. In 1917, George and Elma were
living at 113 South Whitcomb and by 1919 they were residing at 222 Magnolia Street. Another two
years later, they had moved from Magnolia to 1121 West Mountain Avenue. W. B. Garrett is listed as
the owner on a permit to reshingle the house and add a new porch in June of 1925. Mr. Garrett was an
attendant at Northern Garage. He and his wife Allie were residents from 1919 until1948. During that
time, the house may have served as a rental. In 1929, William Tracy, the owner of 900 Elizabeth, was
listed as a resident. In 1936, both W.B. and Mrs. Catherine Stephens are listed. Just two years later,
Revised 09-2004 Page 19
W.B. is listed with George and Hazel Goldsberry. George was a salesman at Fort Collins Nash Motors,
and in 1940 he and his family moved to 616 West Olive. That same year, W.B. is listed with Dewey and
Delma Seaman. Dewey was a salesman at Pump Company and Delma was a clerk at the Meyer Store.
By 1948, Alex and Martha E Frank had moved to Whitcomb. He was listed either as a janitor or a
maintenance man at Colorado A&M and she was a food clerk at Safeway. The couple stayed until 1959
and then moved to 30 Circle Drive. Lloyd R. and Lulu B. Gillett replaced the Franks in 1960. Lloyd was
retired. In 1963, Mrs. Amelia Blehm took over ownership until 1979 when she took in two boarders,
Marlene Souders and her daughter Teresa. The next year Ardell and Merle Bush moved in, while
Marlene is listed as the owner of Ted’s Place at 6511 North US Highway 287. In 1981, Dan Briggs
moved in and took in boarder Jeff Olesen in 1985. Briggs is replaced by Susan J. Ferguson in 1986. In
1988, Susan sold the house to Kerry and Kirsten Howard. Kerry Howard was the building’s owner until
2005, during which time he replaced the furnace in 1991, added a full second story addition in 1994 with
three bedrooms, a full bath, and a family room, and installed a new air-conditioning unit in 2003. Sharon
Randazzo and Steve Skudler operated a musical CD production business from the home beginning in
2004. Current owner Dylan Rogers replaced the water heater in 2005, remodeled the kitchen in 2008,
and reroofed the garage in 2011.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1910 / remodel addition 1994
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Wood Frame
Architectural Style: Hipped roof box
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.)
This Hipped-Roof Box style residence is a square, two story, wood frame building with a composition
shingle, hipped roof. Roof features include central intersecting gables on the west and east elevations,
two intersecting gables on the north and south elevations, and overhanging eaves. It has a concrete
foundation and is clad in horizontal vinyl siding. Historic photographs of the building show a central hip
chimney, but no evidence of the chimney remains. Each cross gable exhibits diamond-shaped imbricated
shingles of contrasting blue. The one story, full width enclosed porch matches the form of the historic
porch, evident in a 1925 photograph, with similar window and door placement but a hipped roofline
instead of a shed orientation. The single-light glass storm door is asymmetrically placed between seven
windows; the three to the south are casement windows of equal size and to the north are two smaller
casement windows and two casement windows identical to those to the south. There are three casement
windows on each side of the porch.
There are modern Palladian windows beneath four of the six cross gables, one on each elevation. Below
the window on the north elevation are two asymmetrically placed narrow casement windows,
approximately six feet tall. On the far west end of the north elevation is another slender casement
window two feet in height with a rectangular awning window just under the overhang of the second
story. Above these two windows is a small, square casement window under a small gable dormer. The
south side has three asymmetrically placed slender casement windows below the Palladian window: one
separate from the other two to the west, side by side. Farther to the west is a sliding one-by-one window
below a small cross gable and window identical to the north side. The west elevation features a one-by-
one window to the north of a slim half-light back door, both asymmetrically placed beneath the
Palladian window.
A narrow concrete path accesses the three concrete steps to the front porch. Flowerbeds surround the
porch foundation and one wooden trellis is located at each end of the porch. There is a three-foot white
picket fence connecting the north side of the house to the garage, extending east from the front of the
garage and north to the neighboring property. On the west property line is a six-foot slatted wood
Revised 09-2004 Page 20
privacy fence perpendicularly attached to the picket fence and running south to the alley and east to the
house, with a gate by the back door and shed. The privacy fence is situated next to the driveway of 609
West Mountain Avenue, creating a very small back and side yard for 113 South Whitcomb. Tall, thick
bushes run along side the south elevation and the alley and there are substantial trees in the front, side,
and back yards. The garage has a moderately-pitched, front-gabled roof with overhanging eaves and
exposed rafter ends and sits northwest of the house. It has asbestos shingles on the front (east) elevation
and horizontal plank wood on all other elevations. There is a small utility shed outside the rear door,
approximately eight feet tall and painted to match the residence and garage.
Due to extensive alterations to the original bungalow, the house retains no historical or architectural
significance. The house still exhibits its original floorplan and the front porch from 1925, but a recently
constructed second story diminishes most of the original one-story Craftsman Bungalow form.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Building Permits.
6/22/1925; permit #1134; owner: Garrett, W.B.; permit to reshingling house and new porch
10/11/1991; permit #0912776; owner: Howard, Kerry; contractor: Foothills Service; permit for furnace
replacement
2/21/1994; permit #0940495; owner: Howard, Kerry; permit for second story addition of 3 bedrooms full
bath and family room
09/12/2003; permit #B0306023; owner: Howard, Kerry Dana; subcontractor: Climatech Heating & A/C,
Inc.; permit to install AC
12/01/2004; Home Occupation License: Steve’s Musical Experience; owner: Sharon Randazzo and Steve
Skudler; business: producing musical CD’s
05/16/2005; permit #B0502280; owner: Dylan, Roger; permit to replace water heater
2/11/2008; building permit application #B0800798; owner: Dylan Eric Rogers; contractor: Sudbeck
Company Inc; subcontractor: Ray Electric, Northern Colorado Air, and Sudbeck Company.; permit to
remodel kitchen, adding approx 22 S.F. by adding a 2’ cantilever to south side of rear entryway. Moving
appliances and all new cabinets and finishes
03/21/2008; permit #B0800798 owner: Rogers, Dylan; contractor: Sudbeck Company; subcontractors:
Cleaver Electric, North Colorado Air; permit for kitchen remodel and addition of 22 sq ft to south side of
rear entryway
11/17/2008; letter of completion for building permit #B0800798: kitchen remodel & addition of 22 sq ft
(by adding 2’ cantilever) to south side of rear entryway install new cabinets and relocate appliances;
owner: Rogers, Dylan
10/14/2010; letter of completion for building permit #B1102614: tear off existing shingles to decking and
reroof garage only with Owens Corning Duration Shingles – 6 squares – provide required attic ventilation
– work performed by Duran Roofing; owner: Rogers, Dylan
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. City Directories.
1917 Courier’s Larimer County Directory, p 75: Remele, George H (Elma), slsmn
1919 Courier’s Fort Collins, Loveland and Larimer County Directory, p 18: 222 Magnolia, Remele G H
1948 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 54: Frank, Alex (Martha E) Janitor military Colo A&M
1950 Fort Collins City Directory, p 80: Frank, Alex (Martha-checker Safeway) jan Military Science Bldg
Colo A&M; Frank, James L.
1954 Fort Collins City Directory, p 49: Frank, Alex (Martha E-food clk Safeway) jan Colo A&M
1957 Fort Collins City Directory, p 74: Frank, Alex (Martha E clk Safeway) mtce Pub Sch
1959 Fort Collins City Directory, p 76: Frank, Alex (Martha clk Safeway) custdn Physical Plnt CSU
1960 Fort Collins City Directory, p 89: Gillett, Lloyd R (Lulu B) retired
1960 Fort Collins City Directory, p 84: Frank, Alex (Martha E checker Safeway) mtceman CSU, 30
Circle Dr.
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Historic Photographs.
Revised 09-2004 Page 21
Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection. http://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org.
“Mr. and Mrs. George Remele have moved from 222 West Magnolia to 1121 West Mountain.” Fort
Collins Courier, p 3, 09 23 1921.
“Mr. G.H. Remele of St. Paul…” Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p 17, 05 12 1909.
“New Members Taken Into Commercial Club.” Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p 6, 04 12 1918.
Revised 09-2004 Page 22
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 117 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: LOT 12, BLOCK 270, LOOMIS, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Woods Residence and ancillary buildings
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Kevin and Suzanne Murray
Phone: (970) 484-6966 Email: kevinsuz@wildmail.com
Address: 117 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Willits Map (1894) shows this house as one of four homes on the west side of South Whitcomb
street, although the first listing did not appear until the 1902 city directory with Frank T. Woods, of the
Larimer County Marketing Association, and his wife Rose. In April 1902, city constable William T.
Shortridge and his wife were in residence after renting out their home on Remington street. In June, the
Shortridges sold their house to chief deputy assesor Stewart C. Case. Two years later, F.K. Gifford and
his wife Maude were listed at the address. Mr. Gifford was a pastor for Unity Church and the couple
remained in the house until 1908. That same year William H. Randall, a member of the real estate
department of Northern Colorado Securities, moved in with his wife Florence. They only stayed one
year. In 1909, William H. and Amy Chipps moved into the house where they stayed until they relocated
to 1102 Mathews Street in 1917. That same year George E. Graham, a painter, moved into the residence
with his wife Mary. According to city directories, Graham retained ownership of the house until at least
1940, and by 1948 he is listed at 516 Mathews Street. George did some work on the front porch in 1925,
re-roofed the house in 1939, and is most likely the painter that moved his storefront from North College
Avenue onto the property. The other outbuildings were used for storage of the painter’s ladders and
other gear at this time, as told by an old employee to the Owner in 2002. During Graham’s stay, Harold
F. Bowen of Evans Bookstore is listed at the home in 1917 and George Graham is not. Two years later,
Mr. Graham appears again, and Mr. Bowen has moved to 9 Long Apartments with his wife Frances. In
1948, Guy M. Dedrick took over ownership. He and his wife Grace resided in the home with their four
Revised 09-2004 Page 23
children until at least 1957. Guy worked as a clerk at Steele's Cash Market then as a butcher for AJ
Market, while Gracie worked as a binder for Don-Art Printing. L. Verellen, a custodian at CSU, moved
in with his wife Clara in 1959. The 1975 directory lists Catherine E. Chismer along with the Verellens.
Catherine is absent in 1976, but is listed again in 1977 without the Verellens. In 1978 the house is listed
under Sara L. Bennett and N.M. Feddersen. In June of 1977, Caroline Urvater sold the home to Timothy
S & Janelle Allen. The next year Tim & Janelle Allen took up residence in the home and remained until
1981. In March 1981, Timothy & Janelle Allen turned the property over to Janelle Allen and her mother,
Elanor Wheat, of Trinidad, CO. Elanor Wheat then deeded the house to Janelle. The 1982 directory lists
Janelle Allen as residing. Kurt Tidmore of AM Project Management rented from Janelle Allen while
trying to purchase the house, and stayed until 1985 when David Swartz moved in for one year. The
house had two new tenants named Lane Dukart and Scott Sommers in 1987. Kevin Murray bought the
home from Janelle Allen in 1987. Kevin rented the home to different people till 1997, when he took up
residence. No one is listed again until Debbie Buchelle and David H. Collins in 1989 and they stayed
until 1991 when they are replaced by Wendy Sanem, one of three female renters. The 1993 directory
lists both W. Sanem and J. Anderson. Larimer County Assessor Property Information online lists Kevin
and Karen Murray on the deed to the house by that same year. In 2002, Mr. Murray remodeled the
home, retaining ownership to the present day. The house is now owned by Kevin & Suzanne Murray.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1894
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Brick, Stone, wood
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Description:
This Queen Anne style residence is a central block plan with intersecting gable wing. It is a one and one
half story, wood frame structure with an asphalt shingle, hipped roof. Roof features include a tall central
hip and with two intersecting gable wings. It has a stone foundation and sandblasted, common-bond, red
brick exterior with patterned cream-colored shingles in the gables. The main façade is broken into two
bays and contains a northern entrance. The single story, partial-width and slightly inset porch is located
on the northeast corner of the house and is screened-in with textured wood shingle siding. The four
chimneys are brick: one ridge chimney on the central hip, one ridge chimney on the western gable
addition, one end chimney on the north elevation, and one end chimney of the south elevation. On each
of the end chimneys are decorative concrete corner pieces. To the south of the porch is an arched
window consisting of a single pane lunette over a single pane fixed window. A segmental pediment of
brick and concrete surrounds the window. Directly above the arched window is a 16-light fixed,
multicolored, stained glass window, framed in wood with corner blocks at its top corners. This window
was part of an older house and included in the original construction of the residence at 117 South
Whitcomb. Imbricated fishscale patterned wood shingles decorate the gable along with corner blocks at
the apex and ends. A skylight sits on the central hip.
The north elevation features a gable intersected by an end chimney, which was originally a windowless
dormer. This feature was changed in the 2002 remodel by increasing its height to match that of the
central hip. The brickwork of the chimney confirms this alteration with an inlaid cross pattern identical
to its neighbor at 121 South Whitcomb. On either side of the end chimney and under the gable are single
pane casement windows, both crowned with a wooden sunburst pattern. Imbricated diamond-shaped
wooden shingles surround the windows and fill the gable. On the east sides of the gable is a single
skylight and on the first level of the residence, on either side of the chimney, are two narrow one-over-
one double-hung windows. They have external storm windows and arched, pattern brick lentils and
stone sills. Beneath these windows are two basement windows, one of which is boarded up and the other
resting below a concrete repair. Farther to the west are two more windows: a one-over-one double-hung
window with a storm window and concrete sill and a single pane casement window with a stone sill.
Revised 09-2004 Page 24
The south elevation has an end chimney at the intersection of the front gable and the central hip which
cuts through the overhanging gable eave. The brick above the roof failed and previous owners reinforced
it with concrete stucco. Below the roof, decorative brickwork surrounds the chimney, including a large
square outlined in raised brick and filled in with alternating smooth and raised brick ends. To the west of
the chimney is an intersecting gable at a lower height than the central hip with similar decorative work
as the front gable. A pair of one-over-one double-hung windows is located beneath this gable with
screens and arched, pattern brick lentils and stone sills identical to those on the north elevation. The
south elevation continues westerly and is recessed from the central hip. A gabled dormer addition
intersects the south side of the rear gable, located beside a skylight, and features a one-by-one sliding
window. The gabled dormer features the same corner blocks and imbricate, diamond-shaped wood
shingles as the other gables. Under this rear gable is a partially enclosed mud porch with a hipped roof,
seemingly original. The porch extends around the corner to the west elevation and is clad in textured
vertical wood paneling with a single one-over-one double-hung window to the west.
The west elevation was altered in the 2002 remodeling. A rear hip that sat lower than the central hip was
changed to a pent-roof gable, featuring alternating plain shingles and imbricate diamond-shaped shingles
around a one-over-one double-hung window. An addition extended the historic rear porch. The addition
includes a single pane fixed window, horizontal wood siding, and a stone foundation that differs from
the original foundation. Four windows, all one-over-one double-hung, sit just below the eave and
another identical window is located on the north side.
The original Ice House resides in the back yard. The rectangular brick building faces east with two
doors, to allow ice removal. The drains are still noticeable in the bottom of the west wall.
An old storefront from College Avenue resides in the back yard too. This wood square faced store still
shows the lettering “WALLPAPERING AND PAINTING” under the correct light. The original
location is believed to be from the 200 block of North College Avenue, and moved to its present
location in 1947.
The ornate Queen Anne, a subset of the Victorian period, was popular in Colorado between 1880 and
1910. Typical elements of the Queen Anne style evident in this property include the central hipped roof
with intersecting gables, sunburst detailing, patterned shingles underneath the gables, textured siding,
and asymmetrical massing.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, November 2005. Recorders: C. Barnett, C Case, B Gabel
City of Fort Collins Building Permit Files. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/
City of Fort Collins City Directories. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p9, 2 April 1902
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p5, 25 June 1902
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p3, 22 October 1906
History Colorado Engineering and Architectural Guides: Queen Anne.
Revised 09-2004 Page 25
Larimer County Cterk records: Bk1777 pg 0226 -0229 (Deed of Trust); Bk 1880 Pg 312-313 (Note & Deed of
Trust Modification); Bk 2105 Pg582 Warranty Deed; Bk2105 Pg 583 (Quit Claim Deed).
Kevin Murray, Owner, recollections
Revised 09-2004 Page 26
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 118 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: NORTH 1/2 OF LOT 7, BLOCK 71, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Pierce Residence and ancillary buildings
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Lane C Kaley
Phone: (970) 420-6392 Email: laneckaley@yahoo.com
Address: 118 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Whitcomb Street Historic District is historically significant under Fort Collins Landmark Standard
Number 1, for its association with the development and social history of Fort Collins. Research into the
property owners and tenants indicate that this block is particularly reflective of upper middle class
domestic life in Fort Collins. This association with early prominent residents, such as Aaron Kitchel,
Horace Garbutt, and Stewart C. Case, makes the district significant under Fort Collins Landmark
Stnadard 2. Additionally, a prevalence of the residential dwellings within the district, as well as the
individually designated Queen Anne residence at 601 West Mountain Avenue, are architecturally
significant under Fort Collins Landmark Standard 3. 118 South Whitcomb is a good example of the
Queen Anne style with its sunburst detailing, patterned shingles underneath the gables, textured siding,
and asymmetrical massing. The house exhibits sufficient architectural significance to qualify
individually for Fort Collins Landmark Designation. It may also qualify as a contributing building in the
surrounding district, if locally designated, due to its exemplification of social trends. The house has
undergone alterations recently, yet they serve as an example of well-executed design compatibility.
Even with these alterations, the house is a well-preserved model of Queen Anne architecture with
patterned and multi-colored shingles underneath gables, spindlework in the porch frieze, multiple
gables, and asymmetrical massing.
Revised 09-2004 Page 27
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The house was built in 1903 but not listed in the city directories until 1908. Initially, the house was
occupied by middle-class families until the mid-1950s. Since then it has been occupied primarily by
students, however, periodically, the house seems to have been unoccupied. The house has usually been
occupied by more than one person and/or family at a time. In 1908, the house had three separate
occupants. From 1919 to 1939, the house was owned and occupied by John (a teamster for Rocky
Mountain Grain and C. Co.) and Jennie Pierce. Jennie was responsible for reshingling the house in 1936
and repairing the porches and foundation in 1939. Since approximately 1956 until the present, the
residence has been occupied by multiple renters and has been listed in the directories as student housing
and apartments. It was briefly listed as La Grange Apartments in 1957. Otherwise, the resident turnover
is very high, owing to its status as a rental. In 1965, Dorothy Jennings installed new plumbing and
heating. Lane C. Kaley, commencing in 1980, began extensive projects to renovate the house. In 1980
and again in 2004, he reroofed the house. Three skylights were installed in 1996. In 2005, Kaley poured
a new beam for the front porch, and reframed, re-decked, and reroofed the entire house. In 2007, he
removed the lath and plaster from the lower half of the house. The entire house was rewired and
plumbed in 2007, involving new insulation, sheetrock, painting and trim, new kitchen and bathrooms,
and reframing of the office window. Later the same year, a 27.25’ x 22’ detached garage was
constructed.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1903
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Wood Frame
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Description:
This Queen Anne style residence is a rectangular, one and one half story, wood frame structure covered
by an asphalt shingle, hipped roof with intersecting gables. Roof features include lower cross gables and
cornice returns on the primary gable. It has a concrete foundation and wooden siding with multi-colored
shingles of beige, green, blue, and purple in the gables of the western elevation. The primary elevation is
broken into three bays and contains a southern entrance. The single story, partial-width porch is inset on
the southwest corner of the residence and has a hood with console and three ornamental wooden posts
and spindle ornamentation in a frieze suspended from the porch ceiling. The second story window is
located directly above the first story window and both are one-over-one double-hung with simple
wooden surrounds. Another window is located south of the entrance and is also one-over-one double-
hung with an unadorned surround.
Windows on the northern elevation consist of six one-over-one double-hung and one single pane
window with wooden frames and aluminum screens. There is a centered cross gable with cornice
returns. The eastern elevation has six one-over-one double-hung windows and a 17' x 10' wooden patio
with two wooden steps on both the east and south sides of the patio. There is a red-painted wood entry
door to the patio as well. The southern elevation has ten one-over-one double-hung windows and one
single pane window. The south side has a red-painted wood door and one wood step leading to the door.
There is a rectangular cement patio 8' x 15' in dimension in front of the door and a hood with brackets
over the door. The patio is surrounded by an unpainted wood fence.
The 8’ x 12’ one-story storage shed is located southeast of the residence. The shed is made of wood with
a hipped roof and exposed rafter ends of milled lumber. A boarded-up window is located on the west
side and the door is particle board. Landscaping consists of several trees and low plants around the
Revised 09-2004 Page 28
perimeter of the residence. A wooden fence extends south from the residence. There is also a recently
constructed two-stall garage/barn situated to the rear of the property.
The ornate Queen Anne architectural style, a subset of the Victorian period, was popular in Colorado
between 1880 and 1910. Typical elements of the Queen Anne style evident in this property are its
central hipped roof with intersecting gables, patterned and multi-colored shingles underneath gables,
spindlework in the porch frieze, multiple gables, and asymmetrical massing.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, November 2005. Recorders: R Kohler, R Morrow, L Westphal.
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Building Permits.
7/13/1936; permit #4324; owner: Pierce, Jennie; permit for reshingling
10/3/1939; permit #5967; owner: Pierce, Jennie; permit for repairs on porches and foundation
4/1/1965; permit #8977; owner: Dorothy Jennings; permit for plumbing and heating
6/20/1980; permit #02277owner: Lane C. Kaley; Contractor: John Hickman; permit to reroof
11/6/87; permit #28054; owner: Lane Kaley; contractor: Ted’s Electric; permit to change out old 60 amp
service to one 100 amp service and new panel
11/28/1994; permit #0943782; owner: Kaley, Lane; contractor: Glanz Electrical Contractors; permit to
upgrade electrical service to 125 amps and install dryer receptacle in basement
54/9/1996; permit #14270; owner: unintelligible; permit to install three skylights
5/28/2003; permit #B0303059; owner: Kaley, Lane C/Ann E; permit to replace existing sewer line
7/08/2003; permit #B0304157; owner: Kaley, Lane C/Ann E; permit to replace water line from meter to
house
8/2/2004; permit #B0404945; owner: Kaley, Lane C/Ann E; permit to tear off re-deck and shingle with 23
squares; double permit fee on owner for starting work prior to permit
1/24/2005; permit #B0404925; owner: Kaley Lane C/Ann E; permit to pour new grade beam for front
porch, re-frame and re-deck, re-roof entire house with 19 squares; stop work order issued – double fee
(roofing only) for starting prior to permit
2/8/2005; permit #B0500557; owner: Kaley, Lane C/Ann E; permit to replace furnace and water heater
3/23/2007; permit #B0701721; owner: Kaley, Lane C; contractor: Kaley Contracting Services; permit to
remove lath and plaster from lower half – house per electrical 2005 NEC
4/25/2007; B0702495; owner: Kaley, Lane C; contractor: Climatech Heating & A/C, Inc.; permit to
install 75K BTU 80% furnace, a 50K BTU 80% furnace, tankless water heater and electronic air cleaner
4/26/2007; permit #B0701720; owner: Kaley, Lane C; contractor: Kaley Contracting Services;
subcontractors: Liberty Electric, RPM Mechanical, LLC; permit to rewire and plumb entire house,
insulate, sheetrock, paint, trim, new kitchen and baths, reframe office window
12/18/2007; permit #B0707492; owner: Kaley, Lane C; contractor: Kaley Contracting Services;
subcontractors: Liberty Electric, Lane C. Kaley; permit for 27.25X22 detached garage
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. City Directories.
1917 Courier’s Larimer County Directory, p 72: Pindell Bert (Alice), firemn, and Pindell, Nellie
1952 Fort Collins City Directory, p 90: Mize Mary wtrs George’s Place (apt)
1954 Fort Collins City Directory, p 19: Joseph Russell Jr student Colo A & M
P 69: William B (Elaine M) slsmn Mont Ward
P 70: George Thomas student Colo A & M
P 71: Kledt Harold August student Colo A & M
1956 Fort Collins City Directory, p 17: Barnews Ronald E student (side entr)
P 33: Davidson William E student (side entr)
P 75: McFarlane Glen L student
1957 Fort Collins City Directory, p 12: La Grange Apartments
1960 Fort Collins City Directory, p 127: McKelvey Paul M (Nancy M) trk drvr
Revised 09-2004 Page 29
1968 Fort Collins Colorado City Directory, p 254: Macedo Ronald P student CSU
P 271: Mills Merle N retired
1969 Fort Collins Colorado City Directory, p 234: Martinez John Y retired
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Historic Photographs.
History Colorado Architectural and Engineering Guide: Queen Anne.
Virginia and Lee McAlester, A Field Guide to American Houses, (New York City: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1984),
262-287.
Revised 09-2004 Page 30
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 121 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: LOT 13, BLOCK 270, LOOMIS, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Garbutt Residence and garage
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: David and Catherine Costlow
Phone: (970) 484-8423 Email:
Address: 121 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
This property first appears in the 1900 Census under Horace I. Garbutt and his wife Lucy. Horace was a
Civil War veteran in the Union army, and a member of the Garbutt family of the town of Garbutt,
Monroe County, New York. He and his brother Newton were partners in Garbutt & Garbutt Attorneys
at Law until late 1903, when Newton left the firm. It became Garbutt & Clammer Attorneys at Law and
served as the county firm. Horace was eventually elected judge. Mrs. Garbutt died unexpectedly in
1902, and Judge Garbutt and his daughter Lucy moved across the street in mid-1903. Spencer Farmer, a
local and prominent businessman, moved in from 1906 until 1962. He owned and operated a store at 104
East Moutain Avenue specializing in cigars, confections, stationary, books, and soft drinks, depending
on what was popular at the time. Eventually he opened a café at the site, around 1940. He lived at the
house until he passed away in 1962 and during his residency made several improvements and
alterations. He insulated the structure, built a garage, and built an addition to the house in 1947 and in
1948, he reshingled the porch. Both Farmer and Garbutt were founding members of Elks Lodge #804. In
1990, Dave Costlaw reroofed the structure. In 2004, he built a substantial two-story addition with
basement to the rear of the existing two-story house, and remodeled the kitchen.
Revised 09-2004 Page 31
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1894 / remodel 2004
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Brick/Stone
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Description:
This Queen Anne residence is a roughly square, one-and-one-half story, wood frame structure covered
by asphalt shingled centrally hipped roof with intersecting front and side gables. Roof features include
intersecting cross gables and a gable situated on the central hip, along with varying shingle and siding
patterns underneath the cross gables. It has a concrete foundation and an exterior of stone covered in
stucco and shingles or siding in the upper half. The primary elevation contains an entrance to the south.
The one story, full width, enclosed porch has screen windows and a single door with a large pane glass
window and storm door, flanked by sidelights. The north side of the porch has three screened in
windows.
The exterior of the east elevation is covered in pink stucco and the gable is covered in two tone fish
scale wood shingles. The roof of the porch is in bad condition and looks to be currently covered in tar
paper. The front facing gable is covered in dark and light green fish scale shingles and features two half
arched windows with blue glass and decorative molding. The cornice is painted white with some
decorative molding on the top.
The exterior of the north elevation is pink and olive green stucco. The rest of the house has three one
over one pane double-hung windows with stone sills. The attached garage has four two pane fixed
windows on the north side. The cross gable is topped with a decorative end-wall chimney, which
exhibits decorative brick work in the shape of a cross and dentils. The rear addition has one four pane
fixed window and two half arch windows with decorative molding in the side gable. The side gable has
dark and light green fish scale shingles. The cornice line in the side gable is painted white with some
decorative molding at the top.
The exterior of the west elevation is olive green stucco. There are two gables each with decorative olive
and dark green fish scale wood shingles. There are two doors on this side: the first has a single large
fixed pane glass window and the second is a double door with each side consisting of four fixed glass
panels (eight total), and the upper section has an arched transom. Both doors access stone porches. There
are two nine paned hinged windows on the west side of the garage. The main building has two one-
over-one double-hung windows that flank the double doors. It appears that there will be one large
window with an arched transom along with one four over one pane double-hung window on the second
floor.
The south elevation is olive green stucco. Windows include: two six paned, wood frame fixed windows;
two ten paned hinged windows in wood frames with overhead transom set in a side gable; four one-
over-one double-hung windows in a bay; and four two-over-two hopper windows. All these windows
are on main floor of the building. The second floor has two one-over-one double-hung windows in
aluminum frames set in a side gable. The side gables have decorative wood and stucco work along with
white decorative cornices. There are two more chimneys, one end-wall and one interior. In addition to
the attached one stall garage, there is a detached one stall concrete garage, with a parapeted roof,
situated at the rear of the property and is accessed by the alley running along the rear of the property.
Revised 09-2004 Page 32
The ornate Queen Anne, a subset of the Victorian period, was popular in Colorado between 1880 and
1910. Typical features of this style shown in the residence are central tall hipped roof with intersecting
gables, patterned shingles, asymmetrical massing, and multiple gables.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, October 2005. Recorder: Ryan Graham
Bureau of the Census, 1900 Census. Washington, DC: Bureau of the Census. (accessed June 01, 2012).
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. Building Permit Files.
4/14/1947; permit #9785; owner: Farmer Spencer; permit to insulate
5/24/1947; permit #9886; owner: Farmer Spencer; permit to build garage
12/11/1947; permit #10306; owner: Farmer Spencer; permit to build addition to house
3/27/1948; permit #10400; owner: Farmer Spencer; permit to reshingle porch
9/18/1980; permit #03675; owner: Mustain; permit to install wood stove
6/23/1987; permit #26892; owner and contractor: R. A. Mustain; permit to install new water service
9/23/1992; permit #0984050; owner: Costlaw, Dave; contractor: B & M Roofing; permit to reroof
4/26/2004; permit #B0307517; owner: Costlow, David/Catherine; subcontractors: Harris Electric,
American Services, Inc., Shelter Roofing, Pro Fab Framing, Inc., Irish Plumbing Renovations,
Commercial 1 Concrete; permit to build two story addition to back of house to include den on main level,
master bedroom on 2nd floor and unfinished basement, also remodel kitchen
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, 27 February 1902
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p5, 17 June 1903
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, 8 July 1903
Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p11, 25 November 1903
History Colorado Architectural and Engineering Guide: Queen Anne.
http://history.poudrelibraries.org/archive/chamber/farmer.php
Revised 09-2004 Page 33
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 125 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: LOT 16, LESS WEST 50 FEET OF SOUTH 36 FEET, BLOCK 270, LOOMIS,
FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Isbell Residence
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Daniel and Heather Manier
Phone: (970) 416-5848 Email: hmanier@frii.com
Address: 125 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Second in a series of four brick Queen Anne homes built in a row, this house was first occupied by F. A.
and Laura Isbell in 1902. Isbell was an insurance man. Newton Garbutt most likely lived at 125 South
Whitcomb after the Isbells. Horace Garbutt, Newton’s brother, lived next door at 121 South Whitcomb
until he moved across the street in 1903. Newton was one of the founders of the Garbutt & Garbutt law
firm. He made a new home in 1905 at 703 West Mountain, contracting J. B. Hall to build a six room,
modern frame cottage. By 1906, William C., a Civil War veteran, and Ella Dayton were residents.
William died before 1917 and Ella continued living at the house after becoming a widow. She
sometimes held “parlor meetings” of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union at the residence. In
1922, George, manager of Forrest Lumber Company, and Julia Johnson were listed. In 1925, residents
included George Douthitt, Nellie Tailor, and W. R. Shields. In 1927, Andrew and Sarah Wylie were
listed. Between the years 1923 and 1940, the Olivers made various alterations to the house. The Olivers
were possibly the actual owners while all others listed were merely renters. Alterations included repairs
to the house in 1923, a reroofing in 1927, glassing-in the porch in 1929, building an addition to the
porch in 1932, and another reroof in 1940. By 1929, Rebecca Oliver was a widow but continued living
at the address at least until 1940. Mattie Creed was listed in 1948. In 1954, the Church of Christ
occupied the house and was used as the pastor’s home. Two years later, Eugene and Peggy Stroh were
occupying the residence. Eugene was a truck driver for the cement factory north of Fort Collins. In
Revised 09-2004 Page 34
1957, P. R. and Elizabeth Smith were listed. Mr. Smith was a reverend and an inspector at the
Woodward Governor plant. Pastor Tom Coffee and Nancy moved in by 1960. The Coffees moved by
1962 to an address on Mulberry and the new residents were Alfred, a carpenter with Eagle Construction,
and Mary Mitchell. In 1963, Barry Trent of CSU Printing Services was listed. From 1964 until 1971, C.
W. and Helen Vest were residents. In 1969, Mrs. Freda Copper reroofed the house. Ralph and Gertrude
Osborn moved in soon after and in 1980, they reroof the front porch. In 1981, Paul and Pat Barker are
residents. Paul was an engineer for Engineer Resource Consultants and they stay until 1992. Tom
Deines and Laura Muat move in the following year. From 1995 to 2002, the home was used as a duplex
and then reverted back to a single-family residence. In 2005, Christine S. Hardy reroofs. In 2009, after
veterinarian students rent for several years, the Maniers move into the house. In 2011, Daneil J. Manier
added 360 square feet to the second floor, containing a bedroom and bathroom.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1894 / remodel 2011
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Wood, stone, concrete
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Description:
This Queen Anne residence is a roughly square, one-and-one-half story, wood frame structure with an
asphalt shingle, hipped roof and intersecting front gable. Roof features include an east-facing cross gable
and overhanging boxed eaves with some guttering along the rear. It has a stone foundation with parge
coat and horizontal wood siding exterior. The primary elevation is broken into three bays and contains
an off centered entrance to the north. The front door, with a single pane of glass and four horizontal
panels, is reached by three cement steps with iron railings on either side. Windows include three one-
over-one single pane sliding windows, two on the first floor and one on the upper half-story. The interior
slope chimney is aluminum and located on the northwest slope of the roof.
The north elevation has a single one-over-one tub window with a double-hung window and two single
pane fixed windows, and one nine pane fixed window with aluminum frame on the first story. The west
elevation has three two-by-two sliding aluminum windows, five one-over-one double-hung windows,
and one door with a single fixed pane window. The south elevation is clad in yellow stucco, similar to
the rest of the house. There are two one-by-one sliding aluminum windows.
The south side of the residence has the remnants of a wrought iron fence. There is a stone masonry
retaining wall a couple feet high with vegetation planted next to the house. The sidewalk leading to the
residence is flanked by vegetation. The wooden storage shed has both horizontal and vertical wood
planking, painted yellow. Windows include two fixed pane on the west side, one with four lights and the
other a single pane. The gabled roof with exposed rafters has overhanging eaves.
The ornate Queen Anne, a subset of the Victorian period, was popular in Colorado between 1880 and
1910. Typical features of this style shown in the residence are multiple gables and asymmetrical
massing. Historic and architectural integrity is somewhat compromised. The front porch was enclosed in
1929, added on to in 1932, and reroofed in 1980. In 2011, a substantial addition was constructed on the
second floor, consisting of 360 square feet and containing a new bedroom and bathroom.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, October 2005. Recorder: R Graham.
Bureau of the Census, 1900 Census. Washington, DC: Bureau of the Census. (Accessed June 01, 2012).
Revised 09-2004 Page 35
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. Building Permit Files.
1901; owner: Garbutt, N.C.; architect: Fuller; builder/contractor: Mellinger, James (builder); permit to
build six room frame on West Mountain
1905; owner: Garbutt, N.C.; permit to build frame barn at 703 West Mountain
5/10/1923; permit #108; owner: Oliver, Mrs.; permit for repairs to frame house
6/30/1927; permit #1734; owner: Oliver, Mr.; permit to reroof
3/8/1929; permit #2314; owner: Olivers, Mrs. R. J.; permit to glass in porch
5/24/1932; permit #3307; owner: Mrs. Rebecca; permit to build addition to porch
7/1/1940; permit #6254; owner: Oliver, R. J.; permit to reroof
8/18/1969; permit #13813; owner: Mrs. Freda Copper; contractor: Don Bridwell; permit to reroof
6/12/1980; permit #92109; owner: Mrs. Ralph Osborn; contractor: Sherry the Roofer; permit to reroof
front porch
6/8/2001; permit #B0103502; owner: Cole, Lester L./Ann M.; subcontractor: Courtesy Plumbing, Inc.;
permit for sewer line
9/19/2003; permit #B0306040; owner: Cole, Lester L./Ann M.; contractor: Mimm General Contractors:
permit to repair wall and foundation
10/5/2005; permit #B0505795; owner: Hardy, Christine S.; subcontractor: Schroder Roofing Company;
permit to reroof
9/1/2011; permit #B1102273; owner: Manier, Daniel J.; contractor: Char Construction, Inc.;
subcontractors: Lighten Up Electric Svcs., RPM Mechanical, LLC., Char Construction, Inc., Rocky Mtn.
Roof/Gtr., Valencia Construction; permit for addition of 360 square feet for a second floor addition to
existing 1124 square foot residence, consisting of a new bedroom and bathroom
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. City Directories: 1902 through 2004
Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection. http://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org
“City and Country.” Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p 5, 06 17 1903
“Fort Collins’ Splendid Building Record.” Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p 3, 01 02 1902
“From Tuesday’s Daily.” Fort Collins Weekly Courier, p 7, 01 10 1906
Revised 09-2004 Page 36
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 126 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: NORTH 1/2 OF LOT 8, LESS PART LY EAST OF DITCH, BLOCK 71, FORT
COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Cunningham Residence and garage
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: John and Amy Volckens
Phone: (919) 225-9881 Email: jv@volkens.com
Address: 126 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The first residents listed at 126 South Whitcomb are John and Rosanna Cunningham in 1904. In 1910,
bookkeeper Clarence Moody was listed at the residence. J. E. and May Kircher were residents in 1913.
By 1917, students of Colorado Agricultural College move in to the residence. In 1922, Professor
William L. Burnett moves in with Eva, Raymond, Lois, and Grandma Rose. They stay until 1938.
Burnett would become State Entomologist and the Curator of the Colorado Agricultural College
Museum. He is responsible for a remodel in 1927 and a frame garage in 1932. In 1940, the Luggs are
listed but a permit to reroof is filed by W. E. Schlect for the residence. Schlect was listed as the owner
but may have simply been the contractor for the project. George, a carpenter, and Martha Earley are
residents for 20 years. In 1946, George enlarged the chicken house. The Wallace family moves in from
1964 to 1966. From 1968 until 1980, Dorothy Jennings and her children are listed, and she reroofs the
house in 1973. From 1980 until 1983, the house was used as an engineer’s office. Primarily, students are
residents until the current owners bought the house. At different times, there are apartments listed on the
main floor, the second floor, and in the basement. In 2002, Marc L. and Mary E. Teets reroofed the
house and replaced the furnace in 2005.
Revised 09-2004 Page 37
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1893
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Wood Frame, stone
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Description:
This Queen Anne residence is a roughly square, one and one half story, wood frame structure with an
asphalt shingle, hipped roof. Roof features include intersecting cross gables, cornice returns on the
gables, wide overhanging boxed eaves, and some guttering over the porch. It has a stone foundation,
parged over, and asbestos siding. Wood fishscale shingles are found underneath the gable. The main
façade is broken into three bays and contains an entrance to the south. The one story, partial-width inset
porch has overhanging eaves, two columns, and a wooden railing. The door is a modern aluminum door
flanked by a non-historic hexagonal window, and there is a large fixed pane picture window to the north
under the prominent front-facing gable. In the upper part of the gable is a single one-over-one double-
hung window.
The south elevation had two one-over-one double hung windows and a single one-over-one double-hung
window in the cross gable, which is clad in wood fishscale shingles. The east elevation features two one-
over-one double-hung windows, one with six lights and one with four lights. The back entryway has a
pyramidal shed porch with two four-by-four support posts. There is a modern aluminum door with a
fixed six-light window and two skylights in the roof. The north elevation has four one-over-one double-
hung windows. A shed dormer is covered in wood fishscale siding and features two one-over-one
double-hung windows. There are two chimneys present. A small front gabled one stall garage is situated
to the rear of the northern elevation. It has lapped wood siding and hinged solid doors.
The ornate Queen Anne, a subset of the Victorian period, was popular in Colorado between 1880 and
1910. This residence features typical hipped roof with cross gables, overhanging eaves, and pattern
shingles.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, October 2005. Recorder: R Graham
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. Building Permit Files.
10/3/1927; permit #1826; owner: Burnett, W.L.; permit to remodel
10/8/1932; permit #3390; owner: Burnett, W.L.; permit to build frame garage
9/3/1940; permit #6325; owner: Schlect, W.E.; permit to reroof
6/14/1946; permit #9244; owner: Early, George; permit to enlarge chicken house
5/31/1973; permit #20067; owner: Dorothy Jennings; contractor: Frank Neckel; permit to reroof
9/16/2002; permit #B0205812; owner: Teets, Marc L/Mary E; subcontractor: R&T Roofing; permit to
reroof
2/14/2005; permit #B0500664; owner: Teets, Marc L/Mary E; subcontractor: Yeti Mechanical; permit to
replace furnace
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. City Directories: 1902 through 2004.
History Colorado, "Architecture and Engineering Guides: Queen Anne." Accessed June 14, 2012.
http://www.historycolorado.org/archaeologists/queen-anne.
Revised 09-2004 Page 38
Revised 09-2004 Page 39
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 129 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: EAST 123 FEET OF LOT 17, BLOCK 270, LOOMIS, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Montgomery Residence and garage
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Ginny Cross
Phone: (970) 221-4457 Email: ginnycross@mail.com
Address: 129 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The residence at 129 South Whitcomb first appears in the 1900 census. T. J. Montgomery is listed with
his wife Helen and her brother, Charles Lunn, at the address. In Fort Collins Building Records, the
residence is first listed in a 1901 permit to build a five room, one story frame structure, under owner J.
A. Rutledge and builder S. J. Milligan. Thomas Jefferson Montgomery is listed as the owner until 1904.
He was born in 1849 in Illinois and moved to Colorado in 1866 at the age of 16 to live with his uncle,
W. A. H. Loveland. Montgomery was a skilled telegraph operator, supervising posts in areas such as
Fort Sedgewick, Colorado Junction, and Laramie. He moved to Fort Collins on October 22, 1875 to
serve as telegraph operator of the railway station. In 1881 and 1883, he was elected County Clerk and he
filled a vacancy as a State Representative from 1902 to 1903. A blacksmith named Simmons moved in
from 1908 until 1911, living with his family, who were from England according to the 1910 Census. By
1913, A. D. and Alice Jillson were listed. From 1917 until 1919, an oil man by the name of E. T.
Williams resided at the address with his wife Edna. C. M. Smith was a resident in 1928 and was
responsible for building a garage on the lot in November of that year. Gordon J. Poe is the owner staying
more than a couple of years, moving in by 1944. Poe remodeled in 1944 and 1945 and reshingled the
house in 1947. From 1952 to 1956, a professor of Horticulture at Colorado A&M named Winnifred
Holley moves in with his wife Jennie. Richard Smith moves in around 1959 and stays until 1964. Smith
was a state patrolman and his wife was a bookkeeper. William Darveau and his wife made
miscellaneous repairs in 1975 and reshingled the garage in 1976. Mostly students of the university were
Revised 09-2004 Page 40
residences until the current owner, Virginia E. Cross, bought the house in 1977. Virginia enlarged the
upstairs dormer in 1979, reroofed in 2001, and replaced the water heater in 2002.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1896
Architect/Builder: SJ Milligan
Building Materials: Brick, Stone
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Description:
This Queen Anne residence is a square, 1 ½ story, wood frame structure with an asphalt shingle, hipped
roof. Roof features include a forward-facing intersecting cross gable with molded cornice line and
overhanging eaves. It has a stone foundation and wooden eight-inch horizontal siding. The main (east)
façade is broken into two bays and contains an off-centered entrance to the east. The front stoop consists
of four concrete steps leading to a single panel front door and screen door with a shed roof overhang.
Windows include a pair of wood frame six-over-one double-hung with storm windows and an aluminum
one-over-one double-hung window underneath the gable containing an air-conditioning unit.
The north elevation has three windows: one single-pane fixed window and two wood framed six-over-
one double-hung with storm windows. The west elevation has three single-pane fixed windows and a
central panel door with a single-pane fixed window. A flat roof covers the rear enclosed porch. The
south elevation has two wood frame, single-pane fixed windows with storm screens and a shed dormer
with a single one-by-one aluminum frame sliding window.
A two stall garage is present to the west of the residence. The building mimics the residence in
materials, style, and detailing, as it features a front gabled roof, exposed rafter ends, and multi-light
windows.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, October 2005. Recorder: R Graham.
Bureau of the Census, 1900 Census. Washington, DC: Bureau of the Census. (accessed June 01, 2012).
Bureau of the Census, 1910 Census. Washington, DC: Bureau of the Census. (accessed June 01, 2012).
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. Building Permit Files.
1901; owner: Rutledge, J.A.; builder/contractor: Milligan, S.J. (builder); permit to build five room, one
story frame
11/1/1928; permit #2255; owner: Smith, C.M.; permit to build garage
8/31/1944; permit #7967; owner: Poe, Gordon; permit to remodel
6/2/1945; permit #8365; owner: Poe, Gordon; permit to remodel
8/12/1947; permit #10067; owner: Poe, Gordon J.; permit to reshingle house
6/23/1975; permit #23576; owner and contractor: William Darveau; permit to repair?, support beams,
electric service, repair plumbing under pipe
5/14/1976; permit #25419; owner and contractor: Mrs. Wm Darveau; permit to reshingle garage
1/16/1979; permit #63264; owner: Virginia E. Cross; permit to enlarge present dormer window in upstairs
bedroom to approx. 50” X 24”
1/4/2001; permit #B0100053; owner: Cross, Virginia; subcontractor: CJ Roofing Company; permit to
reroof
7/29/2002; permit #B0204718; owner: Cross, Virginia; subcontractor: Allen Plumbing & Heating; permit
to replace water heater
Revised 09-2004 Page 41
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. City Directories: 1902 through 2004.
History Colorado, "Architecture and Engineering Guides: Queen Anne." Accessed June 14, 2012.
http://www.historycolorado.org/archaeologists/queen-anne.
History of Larimer County Colorado by Ansel Watrous. Pg 271.
Revised 09-2004 Page 42
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 130 S South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Legal Description: WEST 100 FEET OF SOUTH 1/2 OF LOT 8, BLOCK 71, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Klure/Williams Residence and garage
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Agnes York and Patricia Wilbarger
Phone: (970) 482-4852 Email: nyork@verinet.com
Address: 130 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The residence at 130 South Whitcomb first appears in city directories in 1904 with A.R. and Ella Klure,
a carpenter and milliner, respectively. The residence did not appear again until 1909, when Clark J.
Sarchet and his wife Rosetta are listed. Sarchet was a cigar salesman at the Northern Hotel Newsstand.
The Sarchets would move to 801 Laporte Avenue. William F. Dunham, a machinist, replaced the
Sarchets in 1913 wit his wife Catherine. Dunham switched to mining by 1917 and the couple moved to
1006 Laporte Avenue in 1922. The next resident at 130 South Whitcomb was Robert M. Strang, a
secretary for the Moody-Warren Commercial Company. Born in Glasgow, Scotland on December 23,
1887, Strang moved to Timnath in 1896 with his family. He later married Dora M. Willis. He was an
important member of the Fort Collins commercial scene as the founder of the Strang Grain Company at
157 North Mason, a major supplier of Fort Collins' sheep-producing industry. In 1920, he was listed on
a building permit as constructing a garage at the property. In 1931, he purchased a grain elevator from
Moody-Warren which was the tallest building in the city until the advent of the high rise. This elevator
occupied the land that is now the parking lot of the current courthouse on Mason Street. Strang sold the
structure in 1969 and it was razed in 1983. Strang moved from the property on Whitcomb to 507
Mathews Street, where he lived until his death at the age of 87. His daughter-in-law Annie, widow of
James, remained as householder from 1936 until1940, during which time she installed fencing and re-
shingled the house.
Revised 09-2004 Page 43
In 1940, the Williams family moved to Whitcomb. Andrew was the press room foreman of the Express
Courier, and he lived with his wife Lillias and three children, Patricia, Agnes, and Archibald. Mr.
Williams was responsible for some house remodeling in 1947 and the porch enclosed the following year.
Andrew became a carpenter that same year, and Lillias would become the receptionist for Dr. Anderson
in 1952. William A. Robinson, a student at Colorado A&M, was listed at the residence in 1954, possibly
a tenant in the converted garage. He moved two years later to a property on Locust. The Williams’ still
own the residence today.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1889
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Wood Frame, Stone, Concrete
Architectural Style: Queen Anne
Description:
This quaint Queen Anne house is located just north of the intersection of South Whitcomb Street and
West Oak Street. It is a one-and-a-half-story hipped roof central block with intersecting gable wing
resting on a concrete foundation. The house is covered with off-white horizontal wood siding,
surrounded by eaves boxed with cream beveled wood paneling. Each gable features the same beveled
paneling and enclosing pent-roofs intersected by one-over-one double-hung windows as well as
imbricated fish scale patterned shingle decorations sandwiched between alternating plain shingles in
matching cream color. There is one chimney at the rear of the house above the kitchen. The front facade
features an asymmetrically placed spindlework porch that extends off the south side and rests on a
concrete slab foundation. The ceiling of the porch is made of the same paneling as the beveled areas
around the gables and eaves. It is painted a sky blue color in accordance with superstitious beliefs
dictating that the color would keep ghosts from entering the home. The spindlework porch support to the
right of the front door has been replaced with a plain white post. A screen door has been added and the
front door appears to have been replaced. To the north of the porch there is a one-over-one double-hung
window with an exterior screen symmetrically placed below the gable. There is a modern skylight in the
hipped roof above the front porch and to the south of the gable. The north elevation features a shed
dormer addition in the gable end with an overhanging eave and exposed rafter ends. There are two
windows, side-by-side, that appear to have been originally identical. The right window has an eight light
awning panel over a two-over-two horizontal paned double-hung window. The left window appears to
have lost its eight-light awning panel, revealing the two-over-two double-hung interior window, with a
single pane screen sitting in front of the lower half of the double-hung window. Below the shed dormer
is a one-over-one double-hung window with an exterior storm window and a decorative stained glass
panel hung inside. To the east is a six-by-six awning window. Further to the east is a six-over-one
double-hung window.
The south elevation features a distinct stained glass parallelogram window just east of the front porch.
Placed symmetrically below the gable is a three- sided bay with its own roof. There is three-over-one
awning window flanked by two one-over-one awning windows, all with exterior screens. In between the
three windows is the same paneling as the porch ceiling, beveled eaves, and gables, only diagonally set.
To the east of the bay is a window of four lights, irregularly shaped and placed, under a sheet metal
awning, put in circa 1947. There is another skylight in the central hip to the east of the gable. The east
elevation features a closed-in mud porch and a shed dormer addition above. The dormer has an
overhanging eave with exposed rafter ends, similar to the dormer on the north side, with two one-over-
one double-hung windows and exterior screens set side-by-side. The mud-porch has an exterior screen
door and an interior half-light wooden door. To the south of the door is a two-over-two sliding window.
To the north of the screen door is a wooden door leading to the coal cellar. On the north side of the mud-
porch is a one-over-one fixed window. There is a two stall front gabled garage to the rear of the
residence that mimics the main building in materials and style.
Revised 09-2004 Page 44
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Survey, November 2005. Recorders: C Barnett, C Case, B Gabel.
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Building Permits.
5/10/1920; permit #515; owner: Strang, Robert; permit for frame garage
9/22/1936; permit #4465; owner: Strang, Annie R.; permit for reshingling
4/15/1935; permit #3915; owner: Strang, Anna; permit to build fence
4/7/1947; permit #9774; owner: Williams, A. C.; permit for remodeling
8/24/1948; permit #10763; owner: Williams, A. C.; permit to enclose porch
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org. City Directories.
History Colorado, "Architecture and Engineering Guides: Queen Anne." Accessed June 14, 2012.
http://www.historycolorado.org/archaeologists/queen-anne.
Revised 09-2004 Page 45
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 601 West Mountain Ave.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Legal Description: NORTH 80 FEET OF LOTS 1 & 2, BLOCK 270, LOOMIS, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): The Kitchel Residence
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Susan Walker
Phone: (303) 710-1526 Email: suewalker@gmail.com
Address: 601 West Mountain Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The house at 601 West Mountain Avenue originally housed a prominent pioneer of the Fort Collins
community. Aaron Kitchel was born April 23, 1842, in Lake County, Indiana. In August, 1862, he
enlisted as a volunteer in the 23rd Iowa Infantry and served all through the war in many battles, being
wounded at Millikens Bend, serving in Sherman's March to the Sea, and receiving an honorable
discharge July 26, 1865, at Galveston, Texas. Mr. Kitchel married Mary Hart at Indianola, Iowa, in
1868. He came with his family to Colorado in 1879 and located on a homestead situated six miles east
of Fort Collins (at Highway #14 and east of I-25, the land is now the site of the Kitchel Farms
Subdivision). Mary Hart died in 1895 and Kitchel sold his farm and moved to Fort Collins. He remarried
in 1900, to Mrs. Mary Hamilton, who died in 1908. He was a successful farmer, served as a
Commissioner for Larimer County for three years, and was always one of its foremost and highly
respected citizens. Kitchel died November 6, 1910 of pneumonia at the age of 68. In the real estate
transfers listed in the Fort Collins Weekly Courier on Thursday, March 10, 1910, A. Kitchel transferred
his property, parts 1 and 2, block 270, Loomis add., for $4,000 to C. S. McCormick. George McCormick
is listed at the residence in 1917, although his name has been abbreviated significantly, appearing as
“Cormick G C”. George was a prominent member of business circles in Fort Collins as president and
general manager of the Express-Courier Publishing Company and a member of the Chamber of
Commerce committee. His wife Carrie was popular in the social scene, being a member of such clubs as
the Current Event Club, the Columbian Club, the M.Y.O.B. Club, and the Eastern Star Club, for which
she served as a delegate at a national convention in 1919. Beginning in 1919, Carrie is the sole resident
Revised 09-2004 Page 46
listed until at least 1939, due to what appears to be a nasty divorce, charging “extreme and repeated
cruelty,” in the spring of 1918. Carrie was awarded custody of the couple’s two children, Paul and Ruth,
monthly alimony, attorney fees, and ownership of the Mountain Avenue property. During her twenty
years at the residence, Carrie had a garage built and remodeled the porches. George McCormick
remarried less than one year later, on Friday, March, 28, 1919, to Mrs. Gertrude L. York of Denver. The
pair moved into 941 West Mountain Avenue, only a few blocks from his ex-wife. Mrs. Edith Coffman
was living in the residence as early as 1947. She filed a permit to enclose the porch and build a fence in
October of that year. A G. D. Graham, listed as the owner, also filed a permit, to remodel, in January
1947. Graham was either a resident between Mrs. McCormick and Mrs. Coffman or the contractor for
the remodeling project. A G. Graham, G. D. Graham, or George Graham is listed on no less than thirty
remodels, reshingling projects, repairs, additions, garages, and porch enclosures between 1924 and 1950,
one can assume he was a contractor for Fort Collins who also worked on 601 West Mountain Avenue. In
1950, students are listed at the residence. In 1969, an Evan Meloney is the sole resident of the property.
Owner Philip Risch hired a contractor for miscellaneous repairs in October 1980, including the
replacement of three doors and repairs of rotted woodwork, damaged screening, hardware, cabinetry,
and drywall. In 1983, Judy Purdue reroofed the property and in 1991, Ken Stacey replaced the water
heater. Susan M. Walker began extensive home renovations in 2001: she reroofed in 2001; repaired
interior water damage in 2004; rebuilt the south end of the main floor bedroom floor to include a full
bath two months later; built a new 244 square foot front porch in 2005; and demolished a wood shed at
the rear of the lot in 2011.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1890 / remodel 1992
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Brick, Stone
Architectural Style:
Description:
The Kitchel House is a vernacular masonry Queen Anne dwelling, built of brick with rough-cut stone
foundation, sills and lintels. The 11/2 story house is a good example of the eclecticism of the late
Victorian era, with many interesting stylistic characteristics. Although the basic plan is rectangular, this
house has an irregularly shaped appearance due to the hipped roof with another hip roof projecting from it,
dormers on three elevations, a substantial brick bay window on the east elevation, a wood projecting
entry on the west elevation, and a main entrance at the northeast front corner of the house that is
unusual in Fort Collins. Matching dormers on the north and west elevations are historic through-the-roof
dormers, while the east elevation dormer was added before 1948. Also, by 1948, the historic front porch
had been removed from the house and an overdoor and concrete stoop had been added to the front door at
the northeast corner entrance. In addition to the windows with rough-cut stone sills and lintels, other
windows have stone sills and brick segmental arches in the Victorian style. Houses situated on corners
were of higher design, importance, and detailing. This comer house retains its charm as a pioneer home of
Queen Anne design.
601 West Mountain Avenue exhibits the Queen Anne style characteristics in a steeply pitched hipped
roof of irregular shape; patterned shingles, bay windows, patterned masonry lintels, (and other devices
used to avoid a smooth-walled appearance); an asymmetrical fa9ade; and rough-cut stone and brick
masonry construction. Its smaller size warrants the "Cottage" definition.
The hipped roof has an intersecting elongated hipped roof extending from the rear elevation.
Dormers on the north and east elevations are through-the-roof, sharply pitched, and gabled, each with
narrow one-over-one double-hung windows with stone sills. A newer (existing in 1948 tax card)
gabled roof dormer sits on the east elevation with paired double hung window and no lintel or sill.
Revised 09-2004 Page 47
All dormers have patterned octagonal shingles. The entrance is located on the northeast corner with a
non-historic paneled door with carved ship. There are two doors on the south elevation. To the
southeast is a non-history, multi-light wood door and to the northeast is a wood door with four
panels and a segmental brick arch. The door on the west elevation is multi-light and non-historic.
On the north elevation are two cottage style check-rail windows with operable lower sash, stone sills
and brick segmental arch lintels. On the west elevation are two one-over-one windows with stone sills
and brick segmental arch lintels and a pair of windows with identical window surrounds. There is a
fixed glass window bisecting with an applied wood bar in the west entry addition. The south elevation
features two one-over-one windows with stone sills and brick segmental arch lintels at different heights.
The east elevation exhibits a single one-over-one window with stone sill and brick segmental arch
lintel. There is a square bay window with paired double-hung windows with rough-cut sandstone flat
sills and lintels and a steep hipped roof.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Building Permits.
7/7/1928; permit #2125; owner: McCormick, Carrie; permit for garage
7/6/1943; permit #7433; owner: McCormick, Carrie; permit to remodel porches
1/6/1947; permit # 9617; owner: Graham, G. D.; permit to remodel house
10/6/1947; permit #10190; owner: Coffman, Edith; permit to enclose porch; build fence
10/10/1980; permit #03923; owner: Philip Risch; contractor: William Warren; permit for miscellaneous
repairs: replacing 3 doors, repair rotted woodwork, repair screening, replace hardware, repair cabinetry,
repair drywall
8/17/1983; permit #11403; owner: Judy Purdue; contractor: FM Roofing; permit to reroof
6/14/1991; permit #0911573; owner: Stacey, Ken; contractor: Ladd Plumbing & Heating; permit for
water heater replacement
1/7/2001; permit #B0400046; owner: Walker, Sue; subcontractor: Advanced Roofing Tech; permit to
remove existing laminated shingles. Install new underlayment and 22 squares of class A laminated
shingles
2/20/2004; permit #B0400827; owner: Walker, Sue; contractor: A Custom Craftsman, LLC;
subcontractor Delaney’s Electric & Gibson heating & A/C, Inc.; permit for interior demo of water
damage – non structural only
4/6/2004; permit #B0401563; owner: Walker, Sue; contractor: A Custom Craftsman, LLC; subcontractor:
Delaney’s Electric, Gibson Heating & A/C, Inc.; permit to rebuild south end main floor bedroom floor
including full bath. Update ceiling joist above bedroom area
4/18/2005; permit #B0501360; owner: Walker, Susan M.; contractor: A Custom Craftsman, LLC;
subcontractor: ACC Roofing, Inc.; permit for new 244 sq ft front porch
3/21/2011; permit #B1100535; owner: Walker, Susan M.; permit to demolish existing 14’ X 12’ wood
shed at rear of property
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. City Directories.
1917 p 20: Cormick G C
1919 Courier’s Fort Collins, Loveland and Larimer County Directory, p 74: McCormick Mrs. Carrie
1933 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 47: McCormick Carrie Mrs.
1938 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 52: McCormick Carrie (wid Geo)
1939 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 52: McCormick Carrie (wid Geo)
1948 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 177: Cuffman Edith Mrs. T
1950 Fort Collins City Directory, p 124: Pusvaskis Eulalia stdt; p 53: Anzick Joyce, stdt
1969 Fort Collins Colorado City Directory, p 366: Meloney Evan
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Historic Photographs.
Revised 09-2004 Page 48
Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection. http://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org
“Chamber of Commerce committee member.” Fort Collins Courier, pg. 8, 11 30 1921.
“Columbian Club.” Fort Collins Courier, pg. 1, 02 09 1920.
“Eastern Star Honors Mrs. Carrie McCormick.” Fort Collins Courier, pg. 8, 07 03, 1919.
“Findings of Face in McCormick Divorce.” Fort Collins Weekly Courier, pg. 2, 04 19 1918.
“George McCormick Ventures Upon The Matrimonial Sea.” Fort Collins Courier, pg. 8, 03 28 1919.
“Mr. and Mrs. McCormick Back From Long Auto Trip.” Fort Collins Courier, pg. 1, 06 17 1922.
"Mrs. Carrie McCormick Gust of the Current Event Club." Fort Collins Courier, pg. 4, 03 05, 1919.
“Officers and Committee of Semi-Centennial Association.” Fort Collins Weekly Courier, pg. 28, 07 02 1914.
“Real Estate Transfers: A. Kitchel to C.S. McCormick.” Fort Collins Weekly Courier, pg. 16, 03 10 1910.
“The Wednesday afternoon meeting of the M.Y.O.B. Club held at the home of Mrs. Carrie McCormick.” Fort
Collins Courier, pg. 4, 02 20 1920.
Historic Landmark Designation Form, February 2004. Author: Carol Tunner
Landmark Preservation Commission Staff Report, February 15th 2004. Author: Carol Tunner
Virginia and Lee McAlester, A Field Guide to American Houses, (New York City: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1984),
262-287.
Revised 09-2004 Page 49
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Address: 612 West Oak St.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Legal Description: WEST 67 FEET OF LOT 17 AND WEST 50 FEET OF SOUTH 36 FEET OF LOT
16, BLOCK 270, LOOMIS, FORT COLLINS
Property Name (historic and/or common): Van Sickle Rsidence
OWNER INFORMATION:
Name: Ginny Cross
Phone: (970) 221-4757 Email: ginnycross@mail.com
Address: 129 South Whitcomb St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The 1906 Sanborn Map shows that the lot for 612 W Oak St was carved from the original lot of the
house at 129 S Whitcomb St. The residence first appears in the city directories in 1936. It appears to
have been built in 1930 for Sybil Van Sickle, the widow of Thomas Jefferson Van Sickle, a carpenter.
Mrs. Van Sickle was highly active during the 1910s and 1920s in the Women’s Relief Corps, serving as
assistant guard, senior vice president, and president. Previously, the Van Sickles resided at 114 South
Loomis in 1910, 315 East Magnolia in 1917, 409 Mathews in 1919, and 404 Whedbee in 1922. A
building permit filed was for a residence on August 21, 1930 under owner Sybil Van Sickle. However, a
Richard Standage was listed at the 612 W Oak address in 1936. Standage was a mechanic at Hall Motor
Co. and relocated to the house from 218 Remington Street. Mrs. Van Sickle is listed at 612 W Oak from
1938 to 1948, now a widow to Jefferson. Van Sickle was responsible for reshingling the house in 1945.
Also listed at the residence in 1948 was Mrs. Beulah F. Wright, a stenographer for Alden T. Hill. From
1954 until 1956, Alex R. Jarrett is listed at the residence. Jarrett was a tax consultant with an office at
109 East Mountain Avenue and an executive secretary at the Don-Art Corporation. In 1957, Louis J.
Prieskorn, an office manager, bookkeeper, and accountant at Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association,
Inc. moved in with his wife Elsie E. Poudre Valley REA, still in operation today, was founded in 1939
following an executive order to electrify rural America from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Elsie was
a secretary, first at Lincoln High School and later at Lesher Junior High School. In 1960, the Prieskorns
Revised 09-2004 Page 50
are listed at the residence along with previous resident Alex Jarrett. The Prieskorns relocated to 1204
Pitkin Street in 1963. Today, the home is a rental owned by Virginia Cross, who also owns 129 South
Whitcomb Street. During Mrs. Cross’ ownership, the residence has been reroofed, the water heater
replaced, and electrical work done.
ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
Construction Date: 1930
Architect/Builder:
Building Materials: Wood Frame, Concrete
Architectural Style: Craftsman Bungalow
Description:
This Craftsman style residence is a roughly rectangular, one-story, wood frame structure with an asphalt
shingle, gable roof. Roof features include brown shingles, overhanging eaves, along with exposed rafters
and gutters. It has a concrete foundation and four inch, tan wooden siding. The main façade is broken
into five bays and contains a western entrance, which is a solid ten panel wooden door with an
aluminum storm door. The single story, partial-width porch has a front-facing gable roof and eight-by-
eight square columns with one-by-one square rails. Windows include two central large single pane
pictures windows, a single one-by-one sliding aluminum frame window to the east, and two six-over-
one double-hung windows with wooden frames and storm screens on either side of the primary door. A
second door, a wooden four panel door with a fixed single pane window and aluminum storm door, is
located at the southeast corner.
On the eastern elevation are a single one-by-one aluminum frame window and three six-over one
double-hung windows with wooden frames, one of which contains an air conditioning unit. On the
northern elevation, there are three doors: one wooden door with a single pane fixed window and two
aluminum doors. There are four six-pane fixed windows, a single six-over-one double-hung window,
and two one-by-one aluminum sliding windows. There are also three porches, two wooden with steps
descending to ground level and one poured concrete with no hoods. A large shed wall dormer is found
on the northeast corner. On the western elevation are four windows: one three pane casement window
with wooden frame and screen; a single one-by-one aluminum sliding window with screen; and two six-
over-one double-hung windows in wooden frames with screens.
The house maintains good integrity. The only alterations have been two re-roofings, first in 1945 and
again in 2001. Also, it appears as though an attached garage on the eastern portion of the building has
been enclosed and still reads as the former location of a garage. Otherwise, the house remains much like
it was when it was first built in 1930.
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION
Architectural Inventory Form, October 2005. Recorder: R Graham
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Building Permits.
8/21/1930; permit #2710; owner: Van Sickle, Mrs. Sybil; permit for residence
5/22/1945; permit #8341; owner: VanSickle, Sybil; permit for reshingling
11/06/2000; permit #B0015466; owner: Cross, Virginia; subcontractor: Allen Plumbing & Heating;
permit for water heater replacement
1/04/2001; permit #B0100052; owner: Cross, Virginia; subcontractor: CJ Roofing Company; permit to
reroof; remove 2 layers asphalt shingles and reroof with 25 year Tamko Heritage asphalt shingles
1/19/2001; permit #B0100255; owner: Cross, Virginia; subcontractor: Alger Electric Co.; permit for new
100 AMP panel and meter socket
Revised 09-2004 Page 51
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. City Directories.
1910-1911 Fort Collins City Directory, p 61: Van Sickle, Thos J (Sybil) carp 114 S Loomis
1917 Courier’s Larimer County Directory, p 87: Van Sickle Thomas J (Sybil) 315 E Magnolia
1919 Courier’s Fort Collins, Loveland and Larimer County Directory, p 102: Van Sickle Thos J (Sybil)
409 Mathews
1922 R. L. Polk’s Directory Co’s. Fort Collins, Loveland and Larimer County Directory, p 69: VanSickle
T Jefferson (Sybil) 404 Whedbee
1931 Polk’s p 77: Standage Harland S floormn Hall Motor Co 218 Remington
1936 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 70: Standage Richd mech Hall Motor Co.
1938 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 76: VanSickle Sybil (wid Jefferson)
1948 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 148: VanSickle Sybil (wid Jefferson)
1948 Polk’s Fort Collins City Directory, p 158: Wright Beulah F Mrs. Sten Alden T Hill
1954 Fort Collins City Directory, p 66: Jarrett Alex R Tax Consultant-Exec Secy the Don-Art Corp
1956 Fort Collins City Directory, p 59: Jarrett Alex R Acct & Sec Don Art Corp; office at 109 E
Mountain
1957 Fort Collins City Directory, p 121: Prieskorn Louis J (Elsie E) ofc mgr Poudre Valley R E A
1959 Fort Collins Directory, p 135: Prieskorn Louis J (Elsie E sec Lincoln High Sch) ofc mgr & bkpr
Poudre Valley
1960 Fort Collins City Directory, p 145: Prieskorn Louis J (Elsie E sec Lesher Jr High) accountant REA;
Jarrett, Alex R acct
1963 Fort Collins City Directory, p 177: Prieskorn Louis J (Elsie secy Lesher Jr High Sch) acct REA
1204 Pitkin
City of Fort Collins. http://history.poudrelibraries.org/. Historic Photographs.
Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection. http://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org.
"New Officers of the W.R.C.." Fort Collins Courier, pg. 3, 01 15, 1915.
"Women's Auxiliary to the G.A.R.." Fort Collins Courier, pg. 4, 01 26, 1922.
"Women's Relief Corps." Fort Collins Courier, pg. 5, 01 1, 1920.
"Women's Relief Corps Held Regular Meeting." Fort Collins Courier, pg. 2, 07 15, 1921.
"W.R.C. Honors Retiring President Mrs. Sybil Van Sickle." Fort Collins Courier, pg. 12, 12 16, 1921.
"W.R.C. Installs New Officers." Fort Collins Courier, pg. 6, 01 11, 1923.
Revised 09-2004 Page 52
Community Development & Neighborhood Services
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
970.416.2740
970.224.6134- fax
fcgov.com
Planning, Development & Transportation Services
LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION
October 10, 2012
REVISED STAFF REPORT
PROJECT: Proposed Whitcomb Street Historic District – Findings and Recommendation of
the Commission
STAFF CONTACT: Karen McWilliams and Josh Weinberg, Preservation Planners
APPLICANTS:
Daniel Chester Lane Trust, Owner, 105 S. Whitcomb Street
Veronica Leigh Lim, Owner, 108 S Whitcomb
Kevin M. Murray and Suzanne M. Murray, Owners, 117 South Whitcomb Street
Lane C. Kaley, Owner, 118 South Whitcomb
Daniel J. Manier and Heather M. Manier, Owner, 125 S. Whitcomb Street
John Albert Eggers Volckens and Amy Marie Miles Volckens, Owners, 126 S. Whitcomb
Virginia E. Cross, Owner, 129 South Whitcomb
Agnes E. York, Patricia Williams Wilbarger, et al, Owners, 130 S. Whitcomb Street
Susan M. Walker, Owner, 601 W. Mountain Avenue
Virginia E. Cross, Owner, 612 W. Oak Street
REQUEST: Official action on the proposed Historic Landmark District Designation
for the Whitcomb Street Historic District, consisting of the following properties:
105 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
108 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
112 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
113 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1 and 2)
117 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
118 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
121 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
122 South Whitcomb Street (Not Contributing)
125 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
126 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
129 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
130 South Whitcomb Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
601 West Mountain Avenue (Individually Designated Fort Collins Landmark, and
Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
612 West Oak Street (Contributing to the District under Standards 1, 2, and 3)
ATTACHMENT 3
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This is a request for the Commission to take official action on the proposed Whitcomb Street
Historic District, and to make a recommendation to City Council on the Commission’s findings.
The area being proposed as the Whitcomb Street Historic District contains fourteen properties,
which together form a cohesive unit historically, architecturally, and developmentally associated
with the 100 block of South Whitcomb Street. The proposed district is generally bound on the
north by Mountain Avenue, on the south by Oak Street, and by alleys on the east and west sides.
The period of significance dates from the oldest construction, in 1889, to the newest built
seventy-two years ago in 1940, on the last subdivided lot.
The Whitcomb Street Historic District is being nominated for Landmark District status under
three of the four Landmark Designation Standards. The nomination states that the Whitcomb
District is historically significant under Fort Collins Landmark Standard Number 1, for its
association with the development and social history of Fort Collins. Research into the property
owners and tenants indicate that this block is particularly reflective of residential middle class
and upper middle class history in Fort Collins. The District is additionally being proposed for
recognition under Standard 2, for its association with several early prominent Fort Collins
residents, including Aaron Kitchel, Horace Garbutt, and Stewart C. Case. Furthermore, a
prevalence of the dwellings within the district, including the individually designated Queen Anne
residence at 601 West Mountain Avenue, are architecturally significant under Fort Collins
Landmark Standard 3. The proposed landmark district provides a representative collection of
Late 19
th
and Early 20
th
Century one- and two-story residences and historic outbuildings, with
Queen Anne, Craftsman and Minimal Traditional architecture.
BACKGROUND: On April 11, 2012, an application for this Landmark District designation
was submitted by Mr. Kevin Murray, on behalf of himself and other property owners within the
proposed district. At that meeting, the Commission passed a resolution directing staff to
investigate the benefits of landmark district designation for this area. Staff then contacted all
property owners of record with information on the reasons and effects of this District Landmark
designation. The owners of ten of the fourteen properties have consented in writing to
establishment of the Whitcomb Street Historic District. Owners of four properties have also
responded, and have stated their opposition to the district.
At its August 8, 2012 meeting, the Landmark Preservation Commission held a hearing to
consider the proposed district. The Commission found that the proposed district is eligible for
Landmark District recognition, and scheduled the Designation Hearing to further consider
formation of this district. After the Commission scheduled the Designation Hearing, staff
provided notice pursuant to Municipal Code Section 14-22, “Notice of Hearing.” Staff also
prepared the attached report, reviewing the proposed designation according to Municipal Code
Section 14-23, “Department of Community Development and Neighborhood Services Review.”
In addition to LPC hearings, Historic Preservation Staff met individually with neighbors,
interested citizens, and residents of the proposed historic district. Staff also held formal
advertised neighborhood meetings, as well as communicated with interested parties through
email.
Tonight, at this Designation Hearing, the Commission may vote to recommend approval of the
district, in whole or in part, may reject the district in whole or in part, or may modify the
proposed district. The Commission’s recommendation will then be forwarded to City Council.
The final decision on establishing a district is made by City Council.
RELEVANT CODE PROVISIONS:
Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins, Landmark Preservation, provides the policies
and procedures regulating the Commission’s actions. Section 14-2, “Declaration of policy,” and
Section 14-3, “Purpose,” provide clear direction on the intent that Fort Collins protect, preserve
and enhance significant historical, architectural and geographical properties as a matter of public
policy.
Sec. 14-2. Declaration of policy.
(a) It is hereby declared as 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.
(b) 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.
Section 14-25, Hearing, states: “(a) At least five (5) members of the Commission shall conduct
the hearing. If at least five (5) members are not present, the members present may adjourn the
meeting to another date within two (2) weeks. If at least five (5) members are not present at such
adjourned meeting, the hearing shall be canceled and the designation procedure terminated. If
any hearing is continued, the time, date and place of the continuation shall be established and
announced to those present when the current session is to be adjourned. Such information shall
be promptly forwarded, by regular mail, to the owners of record as established and addressed
pursuant to Section 14-22.
(b) Reasonable opportunity shall be provided for all interested parties to express their opinions
regarding the proposed designation or designations. However, nothing contained herein shall be
construed to prevent the Commission from establishing reasonable rules to govern the
proceedings of the hearings or from establishing reasonable limits on the length of individual
presentations. The hearings shall be recorded and minutes provided to each City Council
member. Written presentations, including the report of the Department of Community
Development and Neighborhood Services, shall be included in the record of the hearing.”
STAFF ANALYSIS: Section 14-23 of the Municipal Code requires that the Department of
Community Development and Neighborhood Services review proposed local historic district
designations and provide written recommendations to the Landmark Preservation Commission in
regards to zoning ordinance, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and the effect on the surrounding
neighborhood. Sherry Albertson-Clark, Interim Planning Director, has prepared this report as an
attachment.
Staff has also further investigated the application’s boundary justification and finds it is valid and
congruent with national standards for determining boundaries of historic districts. In determining
the boundaries for the proposed historic district, the defined area included one recently
constructed non-contributing property. The non-contributing property is located in the middle of
the district boundary. As outlined in the National Park Service’s Bulletin on Defining Boundaries
for National Register Districts, “When such areas are small and surrounded by eligible
resources, they may not be excluded, but are included as noncontributing resources of the
property. That is, do not select boundaries which exclude a small noncontributing island
surrounded by contributing resources; simply identify the noncontributing resources and include
them within the boundaries of the property.”
Furthermore, all of the properties within the proposed district boundary, except for 122 South
Whitcomb, historically relate to the 100 block of South Whitcomb Street within its stated period
of historic significance, from the late 19
th
century to the late 1930s and early 1940s. The period
of significance stated in the application coincides with properties historically associated with
South Whitcomb Street, even though they might now be addressed on other streets. For example,
the application explains that the property currently addressed as 601 West Mountain was
originally much larger and addressed on Whitcomb Street. After being subdivided, the current
corner lot was addressed to face Mountain Avenue. Similarly, the application states that the lot at
612 West Oak was once part of 129 South Whitcomb Street.
This period of significance also encompasses three distinct construction periods, beginning with
Queen Anne style residences, continuing with Craftsman style homes, and concluding with the
Minimal Traditional style, which was popular before and during World War II. The property at
529 West Mountain, or the property outside the northeastern portion of the proposed district
boundary, was excluded from the district because it was constructed nearly ten years after the
last Minimal Traditional residence on the block. Before its recent demolition, the building was a
distinctive Ranch style home, representing the building period following WWII. For a variety of
reasons, the Ranch style was a significant departure from the preceding architectural styles of the
20
th
century.
The applicants have continued to investigate the history of their homes since the Commission
made its first resolution on the proposal in April, 2012. They have uncovered information that
purports to further connect the early homes of the proposed district to premier architect of early
Fort Collins History, Montezuma Fuller. See the attached document for more details.
COMMISSION ACTION: Municipal Code Section 14-26, Findings and recommendations of
the Commission, states: “The Commission shall act officially on each proposed designation
within thirty-five (35) days of the hearing. The Commission may approve, reject or modify any
proposal, but no proposal may be extended beyond the boundaries of the land described in the
original resolution unless the initiation and hearing procedure is repeated for the enlarged
boundaries. The Commission shall set forth in its records the findings of fact which constitute the
basis for its decision. If the Commission fails to act within the thirty-five-day period, the
designation shall be deemed to have been rejected and the designation procedure shall thereby be
terminated.”
Additionally, Section 14-27, Transmittal to City Council, states:(a) Within fifteen (15) days after
reaching its decision, the Commission shall transmit to the City Council its recommendation on
the designation of a landmark or landmark district, including the description of the property
involved and the findings upon which the recommendation was based. (b) If more than one (1)
property is involved in the designation procedure, the Commission may approve in part and
terminate in part. Each part shall then be treated as a separate action. In no event may any
property be added to the area described in the initiation resolution without instituting a new
designation procedure.
The Commission should approve, reject or modify the district proposal. The Commission, then,
shall state its findings of fact for the decision. Following official action, the Commission shall
transmit its recommendation on to City Council for Council’s consideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Application for Landmark District Designation of the Whitcomb Street Historic District,
with photographs and attachments
2. Draft Resolution
3. “The Influence of Montezuma Fuller on the Block of 100 South Whitcomb” –
information provided by applicants
4. Memorandum RE: Municipal Code Section 14-23 – Sherry Albertson-Clark, Interim
Planning Director
1
MEMORANDUM
TO: Landmark Preservation Commission
FM: Sherry Albertson-Clark, Interim Planning Manager
RE: Proposed Whitcomb Street Historic District
DT: October 2, 2012
Section 14-23 of the City Code requires that the Department of Community Development and
Neighborhood Services review proposed local historic district designations and provide written
recommendations to the Landmark Preservation Commission. The specific criteria from the Code for
this review are addressed below.
1. Relationship to Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan of the city: All of the 14
properties in the proposed Whitcomb Street Historic District are zoned N-C-M Neighborhood
Conservation Medium Density. This zone district is intended to preserve the character of areas
that are predominantly single-family and low-to-medium density multi-family housing. While there
are building design standards in place for this zone district, as well as general development
standards in the city’s Land Use Code, these standards have not always resulted in designs that
are perceived to be “in character” with the neighborhood. Also, they do not address smaller areas
within the larger zone district that may have their own unique character, such as in the proposed
Whitcomb Street Historic District.
In the City Structure Plan, the land use designation for the area is Low Density Mixed-Use, which
is primarily an area for “low density housing, along with other uses that serve the neighborhood
and are in harmony with the residential character”. The Vision of City Plan includes support for
the preservation of existing housing stock, with a particular emphasis on buildings or areas of
historic value. The Community and Neighborhood Livability Principle LIV 16 states that “the
quality of life in Fort Collins will be enhanced by the preservation of historic resources and
inclusion of heritage in the daily life and development of the City and community” and Policy LIV
16.5 states “Actively encourage property owners to designate their properties as historic
landmarks”. Principle LIV 17 notes that “Historically and architecturally significant buildings
Downtown and throughout the community will be valued and preserved” and Policy LIV 17.1
states “Preserve historically significant buildings, sites and structures throughout Downtown and
Planning, Development and
Transportation Services
Current Planning
281 North College Ave.
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
970.221.6750
970.224.6134 - fax
fcgov.com/currentplanning
ATTACHMENT 4
2
the community. Ensure that new building design respects the existing historic and architectural
character of the surrounding district by using compatible building materials, colors, scale, mass,
and design detailing of structures”.
2. Effect of the designation upon the surrounding neighborhood: The area proposed for district
designation appears to be historically, architecturally, and developmentally a cohesive unit. It is
representative of Late 19th/Early 20th Century residences of Fort Collins and their associated
outbuildings. The proposed district includes structures of Queen Anne, Craftsman and Minimal
Traditional architecture and construction was between 1889 and 1940. Several of the structures
are architecturally significant. The proposed designation of this area as a local historic district is
expected to have a positive effect on the surrounding area, as other property owners, residents,
and the community as a whole benefit from the retention of the character of this area and see the
value of the protections offered by local historic district designation. There does not appear to be
a negative effect on the surrounding neighborhood, since this district designation is limited to a
specific area and is proposed with a vast majority of property owners supporting the designation.
3. Other planning considerations that may be relevant: As you know, Planning staff is working
on the East Side/West Side Character Study. This study was triggered by concerns of residents
in both areas that some new construction and remodels in these neighborhoods were not always
perceived as being in character with the neighborhood. Historic district designation for the
properties within the proposed historic district will provide a level of protection for the character of
the buildings and structures that does not currently exist for this area.
In summary, the proposal to designate this area along South Whitcomb Street (including 601
West Mountain and 612 West Oak) as a local historic district appears to be consistent with the
underlying zoning of N-C-M and the land use designation of the City Structure Plan. The
Principles and Policies of the City Structure Plan provide further support for landmark designation
and the preservation of historic buildings, sites, and structures. The proposed designation is
expected to assist in the retention and enhancement of the existing character and provide a
positive effect on the surrounding neighborhood and the community. Therefore, we recommend
that the Landmark Preservation Commission recommend approval of the proposed South
Whitcomb Street Local Landmark District.
ATTACHMENT 5
State Representative Member:
JOHN KEFALAS Finance Committee
Colorado State Capitol Health & Environment
200 E. Colfax Ave, Room 271 Committee
Denver, CO 80203
Capitol: 303-866-4569
Home: 970-221-1135
COLORADO
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
State Capitol
Denver
80203
October 10, 2012
Fort Collins Landmark Preservation Commission
Dear Commission Members,
As a long time resident living in Old Town West, I applaud my neighbors on the 100 block of South
Whitcomb for being pro-active in seeking historical designation. As I ride my bicycle around Old Town,
I have always admired the classic homes along that street.
Establishing this historic district honors the craftsmanship of those builders at the turn of the 20th Century
as well as these homeowners who are dedicated to preserving the history of Old Town West. I
respectfully encourage you to approve this district application.
Thank you for your public service.
.Sincerely,
John Kefalas
State Representative
House District 52
ATTACHMENT 6
Community Development & Neighborhood Services
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
970.416.2740
970.224.6134- fax
fcgov.com
Planning, Development & Transportation Services
WHAT IS A HISTORIC DISTRICT?
A historic district is a defined grouping of buildings united historically by past events or
people, or by architecture and physical development, which are officially recognized by City
Council. Because of growth and change, it is unlikely that every house in a district will be
significant. Buildings within a district are described as being individually eligible, contributing,
or non-contributing:
Individually Eligible - Properties that have significance (historical and/or architectural)
and substantially retain their exterior integrity can not only contribute to a historic district, but
can apply for individual designation as a Fort Collins Landmark as well, if so desired.
Contributing - Buildings that would contribute to a district are architecturally and/or
historically significant resources that have experienced some alterations, which, while not
seriously damaging the historic character of the building, have notably altered its appearance.
These buildings and structures retain enough exterior integrity to contribute to a group of similar
resources (a district) but are not typically eligible for landmark designation on their own.
Non-contributing - Buildings or structures with little or no historical or architectural
significance, or that have endured numerous exterior changes, or both, are not eligible for
landmark designation. Although they are located within a historic district, they do not contribute
to the historic nature of the district.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LANDMARK DESIGNTION?
Landmark designation does not change the use of your property, which is established
by its zone district.
Further, designation does not require any alterations or changes to be made.
Landmark designation provides financial benefits to designated residential properties:
- The State Tax Credit program gives owners a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of 20% for all
approved costs, for both labor and materials. The work can also be interior and/or
exterior. Any designated building qualifies, including garages and outbuildings. This
program will cover nearly everything, including structural, electrical, plumbing and
wiring, porches, window repairs, storm windows, roofing, new furnaces and appliances,
and even the costs of finishing an unfinished basement. The 20% credit can be used over
ten years.
- The City’s Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program is a zero-interest matching loan of
up to $7,500 each year. It is for exterior work. Rehabilitation Loans and the State Tax
Credit funds may be used for the same work; for instance, a homeowner who is adding
storm windows could receive both a Rehabilitation Loan and State Tax Credits for the
windows.
- For the design of alterations, additions, or new construction, the City has implemented
a new program, the Design Assistance Program (DAP). If the owner selects a
professional from the DAP Master List, the owner can be reimbursed for up to $2,000 of
the costs for consultation and developing plans (but not actual construction costs). This
assistance is currently available to all Eastside/Westside Neighborhood owners,
regardless of the residence’s age or its eligibility for designation.
ATTACHMENT 7
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Historic Preservation staff will assist you with preparing applications for the financial
programs.
Owners of designated properties receive free, no-obligation consultations with
architects, preservation contractors, structural engineers, and designers, on any issues
affecting your historic property, from lead paint, to stained glass windows, to options for
a failing foundation.
Landmark designation provides greater flexibility in meeting building codes and
development requirements.
Designation generally results in increased property values, by providing an element of
predictability and by ensuring that your neighbor does not affect your property value by
dramatically altering the character of his property.
Landmark designation does require the review of exterior alterations, demolition and new
construction within the district, using the national Secretary of the Interior Standards to
ensure compatibility. Nearly all residential work fits under the Standards for
Rehabilitation, which is defined as “the act or process of making possible a compatible
use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those
portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.”
The benefits and obligations of landmark designation stay with the property when it is
sold.
WHAT IF MY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE IS NON-CONTRIBUTING TO THE
DISTRICT? Buildings and structures that are non-contributing are able to take advantage of
many of the same benefits as individually eligible and contributing properties. Exterior
alterations, demolition and new construction to non-contributing buildings and properties are still
reviewed for their affect upon the other properties within the District.
HOW IS WORK REVIEWED? WHO REVIEWS IT?
Depending upon the extent of the work proposed, either staff or the Landmark Preservation
Commission (LPC) reviews the work. Staff consists of Historic Preservation Planners Josh
Weinberg and Karen McWilliams, and Community Development and Neighborhood Services
Director Laurie Kadrich. The LPC consists of nine members appointed by City Council, with
interest or experience in historic preservation or related fields. The criteria for approval are
found in Chapter 14, http://www.colocode.com/ftcollins/municipal/chapter14.htm#articleIII.
These criteria reference the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, which may be located at
http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguide/index.htm. Most work falls under the Standards for
Rehabilitation. While most alterations and additions are readily approved, the Standards could
affect the size and design of proposed work.
IS INTERIOR WORK REVIEWED? Work on the interior is reviewed only if the owner is
asking for financial incentives for that work. If so, the work is reviewed using the Secretary of
Interior’s Standards.
HOW LONG DOES THE REVIEW TAKE? LPC review occurs at its Regular Meetings (2nd
Wednesday of each month); staff reviews generally take only a few days.
HOW DOES DESIGNATION AFFECT RESALE VALUE? WILL MY PROPERTY
TAXES INCREASE? Property taxes reflect property value, and designated properties typically
increase in value. An example is the increased valuation of the homes in the Sheely Drive
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Neighborhood Historic District, designated in 2000. Additionally, studies of historic districts in
Denver, Durango and Fort Collins, conducted by Clarion Associates, found that each time,
property values remained the same or increased after designation. This was attributed to the fact
that the future owners also qualify for the financial incentives; the perception that designated
properties are better maintained; the appeal of owning a recognized historic landmark; and the
assurance of predictability that design review offers.
WHAT IMPACT DOES DESIGNATION HAVE ON CONSTRUCTION?
Are additions and alterations allowed? Yes. While new construction may not qualify
for the financial programs, it is still allowed. Nearly all residential work fits under the
Secretary of the Interior’s Standard of Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is defined as “the
act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair,
alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its
historical, cultural, or architectural values.”
Am I required to make changes? No, there is no requirement that owners do work on
their building, unless it is in danger of becoming a hazard or significant architectural
features are in danger of being lost – what is commonly called “demolition by neglect.”
If this is the case, the city has minimum maintenance requirement, which requires that
buildings meet basic building code standards.
Will there be new architectural guidelines? There are no new architectural guidelines,
with one exception -- color, explained below. Staff and the LPC would review new
construction, additions or alterations on the exterior of the buildings using the Secretary
of the Interior’s Standards, http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguide/index.htm. These
are the same criteria used for the Demolition/Alteration Review process, which reviews
new construction, additions or alterations to the exterior of all buildings or structures 50
years old or older.
What’s up with color? Because the codes apply to commercial as well as residential
properties, and the commercial Old Town District is very adamant that color be
regulated, paint colors are reviewed in a streamlined process. This process consists of
binders filled with a very large variety of paint materials and palettes. If the color is in
the binder and is not something egregious such as polka dots or all black, then the color is
approved by staff. If you want polka-dots or all black, then the decision is referred to the
LPC.
What if I want to tear down my house and build a new one? If your house was
determined to be contributing to the district, it is not likely that the LPC would approve
its being torn down without a very good reason.
What if it is damaged in a fire or flood? If the building is condemned, then it may be
demolished without any historic preservation review. If it is damaged extensively, the
LPC would consider how much of the historic building would remain after repairs. If
substantial repairs are needed, the building’s historic integrity of materials, design,
workmanship, feeling and association could be affected, and the building’s historic value
would be lost. If that’s the case, it is the owner’s decision to repair or build new.
Can the financial incentives be used to modify or add on square footage? Yes. All
of the incentives can apply to work modifying, or rehabilitating, already existing space.
While most of the incentives do not go towards “adding on” square footage, the State Tax
Credits for Historic Preservation can be used to add considerable usable square footage
through paying for 20% of the costs of finishing or renovating a basement or attic.
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Will this affect zoning? Are there different building codes? Landmark designation
does not change zoning or building codes except to add greater flexibility, through
exceptions for designated buildings in the International Building Codes, and the ability
for designated properties to utilize the Uniform Codes for Building Conservation.
Is there a new floor area ratio (FAR) requirement? No. FARs, and similar building
requirements are dictated by the zoning district your home is in.
Are landscaping projects affected by the historic designation? It depends. Only
landscaping projects that would significantly or “permanently” change the appearance of
the property would typically be reviewed, at either the administrative (staff) level or by
the Commission. Examples of a change that could need Commission review would be
adding a structure, such as a greenhouse; building a front driveway where one never
existed, or building large berms in the front yard that hide a portion of the house. Work
that would typically be reviewed at the administrative (staff) level would be adding a
fence or a drive in the rear yard. It’s often a matter of degree: while building a new
walkway using “less permanent” materials, such as stepping stones, might need staff
review, adding decorative stepping stones to a garden would not. Other examples of
work that wouldn’t normally be reviewed are planting or removing trees or shrubs,
building raised flower beds or planter boxes, or digging up the back yard for a garden.
WHAT NEW REQUIREMENTS SHOULD WE BE AWARE OF?
Interim Control: Interim control is a period of time during which a hold is placed on
building permits for demolition, alterations or construction on properties under
considered for landmark designation. This delay only affects work requiring a building
permit. The hold ends with Council’s decision on the designation or after 180 days,
whichever occurs first. The interim period for the proposed Whitcomb Street District
began on April 11, 2012, and will expire in October.
Please contact Historic Preservation staff with any questions or for additional information:
Karen McWilliams Josh Weinberg
kmcwilliams@fcgov.com jweinberg@fcgov.com
970-224-6078 970-221-6202
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ATTACHMENT 8
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Request for Designation of the Whitcomb
Street Historic District as a Fort Collins
Landmark District
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Vicinity Map
ATTACHMENT 9
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3
Whitcomb Historic District
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Historic Districts in Fort Collins
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5
6
4
7
8
127 S Whitcomb
129 S Whitcomb St
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9
Why Want Designation?
• Financial Benefits
• Increased Property Value
• Predictability – Requires Review of
Exterior Alterations and Demolition
• Additions and Alterations are
Allowed
• Size and Design Can Be Affected
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Consenting & Not Consenting
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Summary of Landmark Preservation
Commission Action
• 4-11-12: Application for Landmark District
Designation
• 4-11-12: Adopts Resolution to Further
Investigate District
• 8-8-12: District is Eligible, Application Should
Proceed
• 10-10-12: Designation Hearing; Resolution
Recommending Council Approve District
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Landmark Preservation Commission
Findings and Resolution
• The Boundary is Appropriate
• 13 of 14 Properties Eligible
• The District is Historically and Architecturally
Significant under 3 of 4 Designation Standards
LPC Adopted (7-0) Resolution Recommending
Council Approval of the Whitcomb Street Historic
District as a Landmark District
ORDINANCE NO. 153, 2012
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
DESIGNATING THE WHITCOMB STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
AS A FORT COLLINS LANDMARK DISTRICT 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 and landmark
districts within the City; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution dated October 10, 2012, the Landmark Preservation Commission
(the "Commission") has determined that the Whitcomb Street Historic District forms a cohesive
unit; that a large percentage of the primary historic resources within the district are contributing to
the district; that the district contains a preponderance of historical integrity; and that the district is
historically and architecturally significant to Fort Collins under Landmark Designation Standards
1, 2 and 3; and
WHEREAS, the Commission has further determined that said district meets the criteria of
a landmark district as set forth in Section 14-5 of the Code and is eligible for designation as a
landmark district, and has recommended to the City Council that said district be designated by the
City Council as a landmark district; and
WHEREAS, the owners of ten of the fourteen properties comprising the district have
consented to, and desire such landmark designation; and
WHEREAS, such landmark designation will preserve the district’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 properties as a landmark district.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the Whitcomb Street Historic District, consisting of the following
properties located in the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado:
105 South Whitcomb Street; 108 South Whitcomb Street; 112 South Whitcomb
Street; 113 South Whitcomb Street; 117 South Whitcomb Street; 118 South
Whitcomb Street; 121 South Whitcomb Street; 122 South Whitcomb Street; 125
South Whitcomb Street; 126 South Whitcomb Street; 129 South Whitcomb Street;
130 South Whitcomb Street; 601 West Mountain Avenue; and 612 West Oak Street
and described as follows, to wit:
A TRACT OF LAND LOCATED IN THE SOUTH HALF OF SECTION 11,
TOWNSHIP 7 NORTH, RANGE 69 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL
MERIDIAN; CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COUNTY OF LARIMER; STATE OF
COLORADO; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF BLOCK 270 OF THE
LOOMIS ADDITION, AND CONSIDERING THE EAST LINE OF SAID BLOCK
270 TO BEAR SOUTH, WITH ALL BEARING CONTAINED HEREIN
RELATIVE THERETO;
THENCE IN A SOUTHEASTERLY DIRECTION ACROSS THE RIGHT OF
WAY OF WHITCOMB STREET TO A POINT ON THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY
OF WHITCOMB STREET, SAID POINT LYING 10 FEET NORTH OF THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 6, BLOCK 71 OF THE ORIGINAL PLAT OF
THE TOWN OF FORT COLLINS; THENCE PARALLEL TO THE NORTH LINE
OF SAID LOT 6, EAST, A DISTANCE OF 55 FEET;
THENCE PARALLEL TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WHITCOMB
STREET, SOUTH, A DISTANCE OF 10 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH
LINE OF SAID LOT 6;
THENCE ALONG SAID NORTH LINE, EAST, A DISTANCE OF 20 FEET;
THENCE PARALLEL TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WHITCOMB
STREET, SOUTH, A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH
LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF SAID LOT 6; THENCE ALONG SAID NORTH
LINE, EAST, A DISTANCE OF 60 FEET;
THENCE PARALLEL TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WHITCOMB
STREET, SOUTH, A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH
LINE OF LOT 7 OF SAID BLOCK 71; THENCE ALONG SAID NORTH LINE,
EAST, A DISTANCE OF 55 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID
LOT 7; THENCE SOUTH, A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF SAID LOT 7; THENCE ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT
7, EAST, A DISTANCE OF 7 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE LINE OF THE
ARTHUR DITCH; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID LINE OF THE
ARTHUR DITCH TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF
OF LOT 8 OF SAID BLOCK 71, SAID POINT BEING 126 FEET MORE OR LESS
EAST OF THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WHITCOMB STREET;
THENCE ALONG SAID NORTH LINE, WEST, 26 FEET; THENCE PARALLEL
TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WHITCOMB STREET, SOUTH, A
DISTANCE OF 50 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE
OF OAK STREET AND THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 8; THENCE ALONG
THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 8, WEST, A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET TO
THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 8; THENCE CONTINUING WEST,
A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET ACROSS THE RIGHT OF WAY OF WHITCOMB
STREET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF BLOCK 270 OF THE LOOMIS
ADDITION; THENCE CONTINUING WEST, A DISTANCE OF 190 FEET TO
THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 17 OF SAID BLOCK 270; THENCE
ALONG THE WEST LINE OF LOTS 17, 16, 13, AND 12 OF SAID BLOCK 270,
NORTH, A DISTANCE OF 200 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF
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SAID LOT 12; THENCE ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 12, EAST,
A DISTANCE OF 110 FEET; THENCE ALONG THE WEST LINE OF LOT 2 OF
SAID BLOCK 270 AND ITS EXTENSION, NORTH, A DISTANCE OF 200 FEET
TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 2; THENCE ALONG THE
NORTH LINE OF LOTS 2 AND 1 OF SAID BLOCK 270, EAST, A DISTANCE
OF 80 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; CONTAINING 3.037 ACRES
MORE OR LESS
be designated as a Fort Collins Landmark District in accordance with Chapter l4 of the Code of the
City of Fort Collins.
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
within the boundaries of the above described district 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 18th day of
December, A.D. 2012, and to be presented for final passage on the 15th day of January, A.D. 2013.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 15th day of January, A.D. 2013.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
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