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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMCINTYRE HOUSE (137 & 143 MATHEWS ST.) - PDP/APU - PDP120007 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVESLOT SUBDIVISION PLANNING OBJECTIVE 137-143 MATHEWS By RAYNO & PATTY SEASER The home located at 137-143 Mathews has sat in disrepair for many years. Built in 1879 by John McIntyre, a general in the Civil War who had retired to Colorado, the once -fine brick building was a derelict in the neighborhood. The interior had been remodeled several times, most recently into four separate apartments. Building materials used were of poor quality, as was the workmanship and functionality. The previous owner was obviously trying to create maximum rental income while taking little care to appreciate or protect the history or structural integrity of the home. A ramshackle addition, probably done in several stages early in the century, was uninhabitable but had been the kitchens and bathrooms for the two main floor apartments. It was demolished in this remodel due to many code violations and dangerous conditions. The exterior had been neglected due to lack of even the most minimum maintenance: several layers of paint were haphazardly applied over much of the brick; weeds sprouted in the front and back; cracked concrete and grout were common on the porch, entry steps, sidewalks, and foundation; dead or dying trees begged attention; vagrants were frequent "residents", both inside and out; liquor bottles and trash were evident We have created two single-family attached dwellings separated by a two-hour firewall. Each side features a master suite, guest bedroom and bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, powder bath, built-in office, mudroom and a separate garage with parking for each unit We feel this is the best use for this building. To attract downtown residents, we felt it was incumbent to design living accommodations for people who understand and appreciate the "technique" of living in a downtown area. Because this home is bordered on all sides by a variety of structures, it is somewhat an island unto itself. To the south is Community of Christ Ministry, to the north is the former Food Locker Building (vacant on the main floor with small apartments on the second floor), across the street sits an apartment building and Ft Collins Mennonite Church, and directly behind (west), the city parking structure and a commercial alley. The challenge in bringing this home back to life was in thinking whom we could interest as potential residents. The home was too large to logically think that a family would be attracted to urban living on this particular block. There are few, if any, single-family residences in the surrounding neighborhoods on Mathews, Mountain, and Oak and none on this block, per se. The reality of luring a family to this somewhat isolated residence made it clear that the house needed to be remodeled to make it relevant to urban living. Clearly, two side -by -side single- family attached dwellings on separate lots will be the best and highest fit for this historic home. A single person or a couple would thrive in this urban environment; the long-term sustainability of this home actually may depend on it. The future of this brick structure can be happy and proud if this use is adapted. The home, the neighborhood, and the downtown community will be enriched with this best use reality.