History, culture, and architectural character protected in perpetuity.
Brooke Keith
Established in 1965, The Colorado Historical Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, originally conceived to enhance and complement other Colorado entities' efforts to commemorate, preserve, document, and interpret our state's rich history.
Large white historic barn with red roof in rural mountain valley.
Beckwith Ranch, Westcliffe in Custer County. Built 1870s -1890s.
The spirit of statewide collaboration and support guides our Historic Preservation Easements Program.
What is a Historic Easement?
An easement is a legal agreement between a property owner (the grantor) and the holder of the easement (the grantee), which governs the current and future owners’ treatment of the property.
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
Craftsman-style lodge in mountain setting.
Wink's Panorama, Pinecliffe in Gilpin County. Built from 1925-1928. Photo courtesy of the Denver Public Library Special Collections.
The Colorado Historical Foundation's easements collections includes the following property types:
Art centers and playhouses, banks, camps and lodges, churches, temples, and places of worship, commercial and industrial buildings, working lands, fraternal, social, and labor organizations.
Plus, hotels, theaters and opera houses, cultural landscapes, municipal buildings, private residences, railroad buildings, schools, a hospital, and an armory.
What motivates an individual or an organization to convey an easement?
Protect their legacies
Receive public financial support
Access tax benefits
Section 106 compliance; Section 106 process ensures historic preservation is considered in federal project planning
Three-story historic brick building with construction occurring on first level.
Tabor Opera House, Leadville in Lake County. Built in 1879.
Partnerships That Keep Colorado's History Alive
Learn how historic conservation easements are key to historic preservation.
Rustic lodge with small green and yellow ornamental accents.
Historic Easements Basics
Typically, owners of a property with an easement agree to relinquish partial development rights, maintain the property, and obtain prior approval from the easement holder for any exterior alterations or additions.
Historic sandstone building on a city street with mountains in the background.
Mutual Benefits
In exchange, the easement holder ensures compliance with the terms of the easement, protecting the property for future generations.
Large gray art deco building with open-air, vertical columns in front.
Places to Live, Work, or Visit
We work creatively with property owners not only to preserve their properties' historic character, but to make it safe, economically viable and desirable place to live, work or visit.
In 2020, the Colorado Historical Foundation reached a milestone with the addition of its 100th historic conservation easement property.
Through this program, Colorado's treasured historic buildings and landscapes are protected, preserved, rehabilitated, and revitalized for future generations.
Historic white church with a bell in the steeple and a pine wreath on the front door in a snowy, mountain setting.
Our 100th easement property: Former Methodist Church, Silver Plume in Clear Creek County. Built in 1880.
Tour Our First 100 Historic Conservation Easement Properties
Explore the diverse and dynamic historic properties we've helped protect since 1981.
All easement properties are historically designated at the national, state or local level. Their "stories" or "Areas of Significance", are included here as available and as they appear on the original nomination forms. That said, beyond traditional documentation methods, most properties hold meaningful social and cultural import, often overlooked, and perhaps, still untold.
Properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are automatically placed in the Colorado State Register. They may also be nominated separately to the Colorado State Register without inclusion in the National Register. Some properties are located within historically designated national districts.
201-205 N. Santa Fe Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado 81003
39. San Rafael Presbyterian Church
39. San Rafael Presbyterian Church. Click to expand.
4849 County Road 9, Antonito, Colorado 81120
40. Hayden Ranch
40. Hayden Ranch . Click to expand.
5801 US Highway 24, Leadville, Colorado 80461
41. First Congregational Church, Silverton
41. First Congregational Church, Silverton. Click to expand.
1070 Reese Street, Silverton, Colorado 81433
42. Perry-Mansfield (Main Lodge)
42. Perry-Mansfield (Main Lodge). Click to expand.
40755 Routt County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80487
43. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
43. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Click to expand.
30 West Dale Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903
44. First Congregational Church, Colorado Springs
44. First Congregational Church, Colorado Springs . Click to expand.
20 E. St. Vrain Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
45. Hotel de Paris
45. Hotel de Paris. Click to expand.
409 6th Street, Georgetown, Colorado 80444
46. San Francisco Morada
46. San Francisco Morada . Click to expand.
County Road J2, San Pablo, Colorado 81152
47. Temple Israel
47. Temple Israel. Click to expand.
201 W. 4th Street, Leadville, Colorado 80461
48. Russell Gates Mercantile
48. Russell Gates Mercantile . Click to expand.
24223 Eccles Street, Elbert, Colorado 80106
49. Brush Public Service Company Building
49. Brush Public Service Company Building. Click to expand.
218 Clayton Street, Brush, Colorado 80723
50. First Baptist Church of Denver
50. First Baptist Church of Denver. Click to expand.
1373 Grant Street, Denver, Colorado 80203
51. Colorado Springs Day Nursery
51. Colorado Springs Day Nursery . Click to expand.
104 E. Rio Grande Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
52. Gallegos House
52. Gallegos House . Click to expand.
234 Main Street, San Luis, Colorado 81152
53. Shoenberg Farm
53. Shoenberg Farm . Click to expand.
73rd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, Westminster, Colorado 80031
54. Page Building
54. Page Building. Click to expand.
123 N. Fourth Street, Victor, Colorado 80860
55. Montezuma Valley National Bank Building
55. Montezuma Valley National Bank Building. Click to expand.
2-8 E. Main Street, Cortez, Colorado 81321
56. Union Block/Lincoln Hotel
56. Union Block/Lincoln Hotel. Click to expand.
365 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado 80537
57. Reynolds Block
57. Reynolds Block . Click to expand.
300 S. Third Street, Victor, Colorado 80860
58. Armory Building
58. Armory Building. Click to expand.
1301 Arapahoe Street, Golden, Colorado 80401
59. Engle House
59. Engle House. Click to expand.
208 E. Mantz Avenue, Rico, Colorado 81332
60. Alamosa Masonic Hall
60. Alamosa Masonic Hall . Click to expand.
630 Main Street, Alamosa, Colorado 81101
61. Perry-Mansfield (Main Studio)
61. Perry-Mansfield (Main Studio). Click to expand.
40755 Routt County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
62. Wright Opera House
62. Wright Opera House . Click to expand.
472 Main Street, Ouray, Colorado 81427
63. Stanley/Montclair School
63. Stanley/Montclair School . Click to expand.
1301 Quebec Street, Denver, Colorado 80220
64. Turner Farm
64. Turner Farm. Click to expand.
829 W. Main Street, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211
65. Hamill House
65. Hamill House. Click to expand.
305 Argentine Street, Georgetown, Colorado 80444
66. South Park Hotel
66. South Park Hotel. Click to expand.
17 6th Street, Como, Colorado 80432
67. Bayfield Town Hall
67. Bayfield Town Hall. Click to expand.
11 W. Mill Street, Bayfield, Colorado 81122
68. First Congregational Church of Loveland
68. First Congregational Church of Loveland. Click to expand.
800 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado 80537
69. Wink's Panorama
69. Wink's Panorama. Click to expand.
213 Winks Way, Pinecliffe, Colorado 80471
70. Midland Depot at Divide
70. Midland Depot at Divide. Click to expand.
11500 W. Highway 24, Divide, Colorado 80814
71. Old Homestead House
71. Old Homestead House. Click to expand.
353 E. Myers Avenue, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
72. First Presbyterian Church/Sterling
72. First Presbyterian Church/Sterling. Click to expand.
130 S. 4th Street, Sterling, Colorado 80751
73. Emperius Building
73. Emperius Building . Click to expand.
529 Main Street Alamosa, Colorado 81101
74. Englewood Depot
74. Englewood Depot. Click to expand.
675 W. Dartmouth Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80110
75. Monte Vista United Methodist Church
75. Monte Vista United Methodist Church. Click to expand.
215 Washington Street, Monte Vista, Colorado 81144
76. Como Depot
76. Como Depot. Click to expand.
17 6th Street, Como, Colorado 80432
77. Hannah Barker House
77. Hannah Barker House. Click to expand.
800 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80302
78. Nomad Playhouse
78. Nomad Playhouse. Click to expand.
1410 Quince Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80304
79. D&RG Railroad Depot/Westcliffe
79. D&RG Railroad Depot/Westcliffe. Click to expand.
102 Main Street, Westcliffe, Colorado 81252
80. Loveland Feed & Grain
80. Loveland Feed & Grain. Click to expand.
130 W. 3rd Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537
81. Molly Brown House
81. Molly Brown House. Click to expand.
1340 Pennsylvania Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203
82. Tabor Opera House
82. Tabor Opera House. Click to expand.
308 Harrison Avenue, Leadville, Colorado 80461
83. Fruitdale School
83. Fruitdale School. Click to expand.
10803 W. 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80034
84. Crested Butte Hardware
84. Crested Butte Hardware . Click to expand.
331 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, Colorado 81224
85. Teller House
85. Teller House. Click to expand.
120 Eureka Street, Central City, Colorado 80427
86. Telluride Transfer
86. Telluride Transfer. Click to expand.
201 S. Fir Street, Telluride, Colorado 81435
87. Colona School
87. Colona School. Click to expand.
206 County Road, Montrose, Colorado 81403
88. Greeley Masonic Temple
88. Greeley Masonic Temple. Click to expand.
829 10th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631
89. West/Fox Theatre
89. West/Fox Theatre. Click to expand.
421-423 West Main Street, Trinidad, Colorado 81082
90. Arrow Tire Sales Building
90. Arrow Tire Sales Building. Click to expand.
104 E. Front Street, Florence, Colorado 81226
91. Highlands United Methodist Church
91. Highlands United Methodist Church. Click to expand.
3131 Osceola Street, Denver, Colorado 80212
92. Spur Movie Theater
92. Spur Movie Theater. Click to expand.
216 S. Main Street, La Veta, Colorado 81055
93. Loveland Elks Lodge #1051
93. Loveland Elks Lodge #1051. Click to expand.
103 E. 4th Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537
94. The White Spot Restaurant
94. The White Spot Restaurant. Click to expand.
601 E. Colfax, Denver, Colorado 80203
95. Holy Trinity Church
95. Holy Trinity Church. Click to expand.
135 Church Street, Trinidad, Colorado 81082
96. Ponderosa Lodge
96. Ponderosa Lodge. Click to expand.
6145 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908
97. 1882 Chaffee County Courthouse
97. 1882 Chaffee County Courthouse. Click to expand.
506 E. Main Street, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211
98. Grace & St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
98. Grace & St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Click to expand.
631 N. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
99. Jaquez House
99. Jaquez House. Click to expand.
137 N. Church Place, San Luis, Colorado 81152
100. Former Methodist Church/Silver Plume
100. Former Methodist Church/Silver Plume. Click to expand.
455 Hancock Street, Silver Plume, Colorado 80444
1. Daniels & Fisher Tower
1601 Arapahoe Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
County: Denver
Year Built: 1911
Easement Date: 1981
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Fredrick J. Sterner and George H. Williamson
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Commerce
2. New Sheridan Hotel
231 W. Colorado Avenue, Telluride, Colorado 81435
County: San Miguel
Year Built: 1895
Easement Date: 1982
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Hotel
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial/Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Gus Brickson and Max Hiple
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Mining, and Exploration/Settlement
3. Oxford Hotel
1612 17th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
County: Denver
Year Built: 1891
Easement Date: 1982
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Hotel
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial/Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Frank E. Edbrooke
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Commerce
4. Butters House
1129 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, Colorado 80203
County: Denver
Year Built: 1890
Easement Date: 1983
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Private Residence
Architectural Style: Queen Anne & Colonial Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Frank E. Edbrooke
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce, and Politics/Government
5. The Stanley Hotel: Manor House
333 Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
County: Larimer
Year Built: 1912
Easement Date: 1983
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Hotel
Architectural Style: Georgian Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): F. O. Stanley, T. Robert Weiger, and Henry "Lord Cornwallis" Rogers
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Commerce
6. Seventeen Mile House
8181 S. Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
County: Arapahoe
Year Built: 1860s
Easement Date: 1984
Historical Use: Working Land: Farm
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Wood Frame Vernacular
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Transportation
7. Stanley Hotel Open Space
333 Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
County: Larimer
Easement Date: 1984
What is an Open Space Conservation Easement?
The goal of an open space conservation easement is to protect the open space, water, and wildlife habitat associated with a particular property. Each easement is unique, but the main objective is to help ensure that the benefits of the land remain intact such as the scenic views from the Stanley Hotel properties.
When F.O. Stanley designed and built the Stanley Hotel in 1909, one of the reasons he specifically chose the location was the spectacular views. This easement helps to protect the views and land attached to the hotel properties.
8. Stanley Hotel: Main Building
333 Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
County: Larimer
Year Built: 1909
Easement Date: 1985
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Hotel
Architectural Style: Georgian Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): F. O. Stanley, T. Robert Weiger, and Henry "Lord Cornwallis" Rogers
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Commerce
9. The Ice House
1801 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
County: Denver
Year Built: 1903
Easement Date: 1986
Historical Use: Industrial
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Industrial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Gove and Walsh; Mountjoy and French
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Industry
10. The Strater Hotel
699 Main Avenue, Durango, Colorado 81301
County: La Plata
Year Built: 1887
Easement Date: 1995
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Hotel
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial/Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Henry Strater
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce, Community Planning, Exploration/Settlement, and Transportation
11. The Ice House Annex
1899 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 81301
County: Denver
Year Built: 1980
Easement Date: 1997
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s):
Historic Designation:
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance:
12. Market Center
1624-1664 Market Street & 1320-1380 17th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
County: Denver
Year Built: 1872
Easement Date: 1997
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Various
Historic Designation:
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance:
13. Iron Building
516-522 Harrison Avenue, Leadville, Colorado 80461
County: Lake
Year Built: 1893
Easement Date: 2000
Historical Use: Commercial and Residential
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Commerce and Industry
14. REI Denver Flagship Store
1416 Platte Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
County: Denver
Year Built: 1904
Easement Date: 2001
Historical Use: Railroad
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century/American Round-Arch
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Transportation and Engineering
15. Smiley Building
1309 E. 3rd Avenue, Durango, Colorado 81301
County: La Plata
Year Built: 1926
Easement Date: 2001
Historical Use: School
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Mission Revivial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Charles Thomas
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Education
16. Mancos Opera House
136 W. Grand Avenue, Mancos, Colorado 81328
County: Montezuma
Year Built: 1910
Easement Date: 2003
Historical Use: Opera House
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): A.J. Ames and George Woods
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Social
17. Northern Hotel
172 N. College Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80524
County: Larimer
Year Built: 1879
Easement Date: 2003
Historical Use: Historic Use
Current Use: Affordable Housing
Architectural Style: Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Agriculture, Commerce, and Politics/Government
18. Old Golden High School
710 10th Street, Golden, Colorado 80401
County: Jefferson
Year Built: 1924
Easement Date: 2003
Historical Use: School
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Eugene G. Groves
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture
19. 213 Harrison Avenue, Leadville
213 Harrison Avenue, Leadville, Colorado 80461
County: Lake
Year Built: 1908
Easement Date: 2004
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Commerce and Industry
20. American National Bank Building
500 State Avenue, Alamosa, Colorado 81101
County: Alamosa
Year Built: 1909
Easement Date: 2004
Historical Use: Bank
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Italian Renaissance
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Commerce
21. Routt County National Bank Building
802-806 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80487
County: Routt
Year Built: 1919
Easement Date: 2004
Historical Use: Bank
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Charles Howelson
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Commerce
22. John P. Dickinson House
306 3rd Street, Hugo, Colorado 80821
County: Lincoln
Year Built: 1888
Easement Date: 2005
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Private Residence
Architectural Style: Late Victorian
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
23. Cleveholm Manor/Redstone Castle
58 Redstone Boulevard, Redstone, Colorado 81623
County: Pitkin
Year Built: 1903
Easement Date: 2005
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Hotel
Architectural Style: Tudor Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Theodore Davis Boal
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Social
24. Armstrong Hotel
259 S. College Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
County: Larimer
Year Built: 1923
Easement Date: 2005
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Hotel
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Lester L. Jones
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Transportation, Entertainment/Recreation, and Architecture
25. First Presbyterian Church - Georgetown
812 Taos Street, Georgetown, Colorado 80444
County: Clear Creek
Year Built: 1874
Easement Date: 2005
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: 19th Century Gothic Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Exploration/Settlement
26. CF&I Steel Works Office Complex
1612 E. Abriendo Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado 81004
County: Pueblo
Year Built: 1901
Easement Date: 2005
Historical Use: Commercial/Industrial
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Mission Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Frederick J. Sterner, William W. Stickney, Walter DeMordaunt, and William A. Robb
Historic Designations: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Industry
27. Huerfano County High School
415 Walsen Avenue, Walsenburg, Colorado 81089
County: Huerfano
Year Built: 1920
Easement Date: 2006
Historical Use: School
Current Use: Library
Architectural Style: Collegiate Gothic
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Issac Hamilton Rapp and William Mason Rapp
Historic Designations: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Education
28. Hoverhome
1309 Hover Road, Longmont, Colorado 80503
County: Boulder
Year Built: 1914
Easement Date: 2005
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Robert S. Roeschlaub
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Agriculture and Architecture
29. Marble Town Hall
407 W. Main Street, Marble, Colorado 81623
County: Gunnison
Year Built: 1908
Easement Date: 2006
Historical Use: Municipal
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Dutch Colonial Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Not Listed
30. Old First National Bank Building/The Nugget Building
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Agriculture and Architecture
38. Holden Block
201-205 N. Santa Fe Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado 81003
County: Pueblo
Year Built: 1883
Easement Date: 2007
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Delos Holden
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Commerce
39. San Rafael Presbyterian Church
4849 County Road 9, Antonito, Colorado 81120
County: Conejos
Year Built: 1895
Easement Date: 2007
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Adobe
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Rev. Alexander Darley
Historic Designation: State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
40. Hayden Ranch
5801 US Highway 24, Leadville, Colorado 80461
County: Lake
Year Built: 1872
Easement Date: 2007
Historical Use: Working Lands: Ranch
Current Use: In Development
Architectural Style: 19th Century Wood Frame
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Francis Hayden and John Weir
Historic Designations: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Agriculture and Architecture
41. First Congregational Church, Silverton
1070 Reese Street, Silverton, Colorado 81433
County: San Juan
Year Built: 1881
Easement Date: 2007
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Gothic Prairie
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Exploration/Settlement
42. Perry-Mansfield (Main Lodge)
40755 Routt County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80487
County: Routt
Year Built: 1918
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Performing Arts Camp Lodge
Current Use: Performing Arts Camp Lodge
Architectural Style: Rustic
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Portia Mansfield and Charlotte Perry
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Performing Arts, Education, and Entertainment/Recreation
43. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
30 West Dale Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903
County: El Paso
Year Built: 1936
Easement Date: 2009
Historical Use: Fine Arts Center
Current Use: Fine Arts Center
Architectural Style: Art Deco
Architect(s)/Builder(s): John Gaw Meem
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Philanthropy
44. First Congregational Church, Colorado Springs
20 E. St. Vrain Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
County: El Paso
Year Built: 1889
Easement Date: 2009
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Richardsonian Romanesque
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Henry Rutgers Marshall
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Social History
45. Hotel de Paris
409 6th Street, Georgetown, Colorado 80444
County: Clear Creek
Year Built: 1875
Easement Date: 2009
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Eclectic
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Louis Dupuy
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce, Social Life, and Mining Town
46. San Francisco Morada
County Road J2, San Pablo, Colorado 81152
County: Costilla
Year Built: 1908
Easement Date: 2009
Historical Use: Sacred/Religious
Current Use: Sacred/Religious
Architectural Style: Adobe
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
47. Temple Israel
201 W. 4th Street, Leadville, Colorado 80461
County: Lake
Year Built: 1884
Easement Date: 2009
Historical Use: Temple/Church
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Carpenter Gothic
Architect(s)/Builder(s): George E. King
Historic Designation: National, State, andLocal
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Commerce and Industry
48. Russell Gates Mercantile
24223 Eccles Street, Elbert, Colorado 80106
County: Elbert
Year Built: 1906
Easement Date: 2009
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
49. Brush Public Service Company Building
218 Clayton Street, Brush, Colorado 80723
County: Morgan
Year Built: 1923
Easement Date: 2010
Historical Use: Municipal
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
50. First Baptist Church of Denver
1373 Grant Street, Denver, Colorado 80203
County: Denver
Year Built: 1938
Easement Date: 2010
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Georgian Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): G. Meredith Musick
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Religion
51. Colorado Springs Day Nursery
104 E. Rio Grande Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
County: El Paso
Year Built: 1922
Easement Date: 2010
Historical Use: School
Current Use: School
Architectural Style: Tudor
Architect(s)/Builder(s): William White Stickney
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Social History, and Art
52. Gallegos House
234 Main Street, San Luis, Colorado 81152
County: Costilla
Year Built: 1863
Easement Date: 2010
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: In Development
Architectural Style: Adobe
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Exploration/Settlement, Religion, and Cultural
53. Shoenberg Farm
73rd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, Westminster, Colorado 80031
County: Adams
Year Built: 1911
Easement Date: 2010
Historical Use: Working Lands: Farm
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Argricultural Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
54. Page Building
123 N. Fourth Street, Victor, Colorado 80860
County: Teller
Year Built: 1899
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce, and Industry
55. Montezuma Valley National Bank Building
2-8 E. Main Street, Cortez, Colorado 81321
County: Montezuma
Year Built: 1908
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Bank
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Stroehle & Lemmon
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Commerce
56. Union Block/Lincoln Hotel
365 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado 80537
County: Larimer
Year Built: 1905
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Mixed Use
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial/Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Commerce
57. Reynolds Block
300 S. Third Street, Victor, Colorado 80860
County: Teller
Year Built: 1899
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial/Queen Anne
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce, and Industry
58. Armory Building
1301 Arapahoe Street, Golden, Colorado 80401
County: Jefferson
Year Built: 1913
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Military
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Military Industrial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): James H. Gow
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Military
59. Engle House
208 E. Mantz Avenue, Rico, Colorado 81332
County: Dolores
Year Built: TBD
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Private Residence
Architectural Style:
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
60. Alamosa Masonic Hall
630 Main Street, Alamosa, Colorado 81101
County: Alamosa
Year Built: 1887
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Fraternal Organization
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): James H. Windrim
Historic Designation: State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
61. Perry-Mansfield (Main Studio)
40755 Routt County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
County: Routt
Year Built: 1922
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Dance Studio
Current Use: Dance Studio
Architectural Style: Rustic
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Portia Mansfield and Charlotte Perry
Historic Designation: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Performing Arts, Education, and Entertainment/Recreation
62. Wright Opera House
472 Main Street, Ouray, Colorado 81427
County: Ouray
Year Built: 1888
Easement Date: 2011
Historical Use: Opera House
Current Use: Theater
Architectural Style: Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Francis Carney
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Industry
63. Stanley/Montclair School
1301 Quebec Street, Denver, Colorado 80220
County: Denver
Year Built: 1891
Easement Date: 2012
Historical Use: School
Current Use: School
Architectural Style: Late Victorian
Architect(s)/Builder(s): John J. Huddart
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Education
64. Turner Farm
829 W. Main Street, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211
County: Chaffee
Year Built: 1891
Easement Date: 2012
Historical Use: Working Lands: Farms
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Late Victorian
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
65. Hamill House
305 Argentine Street, Georgetown, Colorado 80444
County: Clear Creek
Year Built: 1867
Easement Date: 2012
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Carpenter Gothic
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Social/Humanitarian
66. South Park Hotel
17 6th Street, Como, Colorado 80432
County: Park
Year Built: 1897
Easement Date: 2012
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Hotel
Architectural Style: Railroad Industrial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Transporation
67. Bayfield Town Hall
11 W. Mill Street, Bayfield, Colorado 81122
County: La Plata
Year Built: 1914
Easement Date: 2012
Historical Use: Municipal
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
68. First Congregational Church of Loveland
800 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado 80537
County: Larimer
Year Built: 1915
Easement Date: 2013
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Late Victorian/Gothic Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
69. Wink's Panorama
213 Winks Way, Pinecliffe, Colorado 80471
County: Gilpin
Year Built: 1928
Easement Date: 2013
Historical Use: Lodge
Current Use: In Development
Architectural Style: Craftsman
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Obrey Wendall “Wink” Hamlet
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Ethnic Heritage/Black, Architecture, Social History, and Archaeology/Historic Non-Aboriginal
70. Midland Depot at Divide
11500 W. Highway 24, Divide, Colorado 80814
County: Teller
Year Built: 1903
Easement Date: 2013
Historical Use: Railroad
Current Use: In Development
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Railroad
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation:
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance:
71. Old Homestead House
353 E. Myers Avenue, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
County: Teller
Year Built: 1896
Easement Date: 2013
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial/Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Exploration/Settlement
72. First Presbyterian Church/Sterling
130 S. 4th Street, Sterling, Colorado 80751
County: Logan
Year Built: 1919
Easement Date: 2013
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Neoclassical
Architect(s)/Builder(s): J.C. Fulton
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Religion
73. Emperius Building
529 Main Street Alamosa, Colorado 81101
County: Alamosa
Year Built: 1908
Easement Date: 2013
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Mixed-Use
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
74. Englewood Depot
675 W. Dartmouth Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80110
County: Arapahoe
Year Built: 1915
Easement Date: 2014
Historical Use: Railroad
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Mission Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
75. Monte Vista United Methodist Church
215 Washington Street, Monte Vista, Colorado 81144
County: Rio Grande
Year Built: 1922
Easement Date: 2014
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Collegiate Gothic
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Charles J. Anderson
Historic Designations: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Social History
76. Como Depot
17 6th Street, Como, Colorado 80432
County: Park
Year Built: 1879
Easement Date: 2015
Historical Use: Railroad
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Railroad
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce, and Transportation
77. Hannah Barker House
800 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80302
County: Boulder
Year Built: 1875
Easement Date: 2015
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Private Residence
Architectural Style: Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): John A. Skinner (Mason)
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Social History
78. Nomad Playhouse
1410 Quince Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80304
County: Boulder
Year Built: 1952
Easement Date: 2015
Historical Use: Playhouse
Current Use: Playhouse
Architectural Style: Quosnet Hut
Architect(s)/Builder(s): James Hunter
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
79. D&RG Railroad Depot/Westcliffe
102 Main Street, Westcliffe, Colorado 81252
County: Custer
Year Built: 1901
Easement Date: 2015
Historical Use: Railroad
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Craftsman
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Transporation
80. Loveland Feed & Grain
130 W. 3rd Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537
County: Larimer
Year Built: 1892
Easement Date: 2015
Historical Use: Industrial
Current Use: Mixed Use
Architectural Style: Agricultural Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
81. Molly Brown House
1340 Pennsylvania Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203
County: Denver
Year Built: 1892
Easement Date: 2016
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Classic Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque
Architect(s)/Builder(s): William Lang
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture
82. Tabor Opera House
308 Harrison Avenue, Leadville, Colorado 80461
County: Lake
Year Built: 1879
Easement Date: 2017
Historical Use: Opera House
Current Use: Mixed Use
Architectural Style: Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Horace Tabor
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Commerce and Industry
83. Fruitdale School
10803 W. 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80034
County: Jefferson
Year Built: 1927
Easement Date: 2017
Historical Use: School
Current Use: Affordable Housing
Architectural Style: Art Deco
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Temple Buell
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Education, and Social History
84. Crested Butte Hardware
331 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, Colorado 81224
County: Gunnison
Year Built: 1883
Easement Date: 2018
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Wood Frame
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce, Ethnic Heritage/European, Industry, and Social History
85. Teller House
120 Eureka Street, Central City, Colorado 80427
County: Gilpin
Year Built: 1872
Easement Date: 2018
Historical Use: Hotel
Current Use: Mixed Use
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Newton D. Owen
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce, and Landscape Architecture
86. Telluride Transfer
201 S. Fir Street, Telluride, Colorado 81435
County: San Miguel
Year Built: 1906
Easement Date: 2018
Historical Use: Warehouse/Railroad
Current Use: Arts & Cultural Center
Architectural Style: Railroad Industrial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Mining, and Exploration/Settlement
87. Colona School
206 County Road, Montrose, Colorado 81403
County: Montrose
Year Built: 1915
Easement Date: 2018
Historical Use: School
Current Use: Grange/Community Center
Architectural Style: Mission Revival Variation
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
88. Greeley Masonic Temple
829 10th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631
County: Weld
Year Built: 1927
Easement Date: 2019
Historical Use: Fraternal Organization
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Colonial Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): William N. Bowman
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Social History
89. West/Fox Theatre
421-423 West Main Street, Trinidad, Colorado 81082
County: Las Animas
Year Built: 1908
Easement Date: 2019
Historical Use: Theater
Current Use: In Development/Theater
Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Issac Hamilton Rapp and William Mason Rapp
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Performing Arts, Education, and Entertainment/Recreation
90. Arrow Tire Sales Building
104 E. Front Street, Florence, Colorado 81226
County: Fremont
Year Built: 1890s
Easement Date: 2019
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Late 19th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builders(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Commerce
91. Highlands United Methodist Church
3131 Osceola Street, Denver, Colorado 80212
County: Denver
Year Built: 1922
Easement Date: 2019
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Gothic Revivial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Arthur S. Wilson
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A
92. Spur Movie Theater
216 S. Main Street, La Veta, Colorado 81055
County: Huerfano
Year Built: 1930s
Easement Date: 2019
Historical Use: Theater
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: N/A''
93. Loveland Elks Lodge #1051
103 E. 4th Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537
County: Larimer
Year Built: 1913
Easement Date: 2019
Historical Use: Fraternal Organization
Current Use: Mixed Use
Architectural Style: Early 20th Century Commercial
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Commerce
94. The White Spot Restaurant
601 E. Colfax, Denver, Colorado 80203
County: Denver
Year Built: 1967
Easement Date: 2019
Historical Use: Commercial
Current Use: Commercial
Architectural Style: Googie
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Louis L. Armét
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture
95. Holy Trinity Church
135 Church Street, Trinidad, Colorado 81082
County: Las Animas
Year Built: 1885
Easement Date: 2020
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Charles Innes
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Aboriginal - Historic, Architecture, Commerce, and Urban Planning
96. Ponderosa Lodge
6145 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908
County: El Paso
Year Built: 1928
Easement Date: 2020
Historical Use: Lodge
Current Use: Conference Center
Architectural Style: Rustic
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Jules Jacques Benois Benedict
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture
97. 1882 Chaffee County Courthouse
506 E. Main Street, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211
County: Chaffee
Year Built: 1882
Easement Date: 2020
Historical Use: Municipal
Current Use: Museum
Architectural Style: Italianate
Architect(s)/Builder(s): George E. King
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture, Education, Law, and Politics/Government
98. Grace & St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
631 N. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
County: El Paso
Year Built: 1926
Easement Date: 2020
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Church
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
Architect(s)/Builder(s): E. Donald Robb
Historic Designation: National and State
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Architecture and Religion
99. Jaquez House
137 N. Church Place, San Luis, Colorado 81152
County: Costilla
Year Built:
Easement Date: 2020
Historical Use: Private Residence
Current Use: Private Residence
Architectural Style:
Architect(s)/Builder(s):
Historic Designation:
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance:
100. Former Methodist Church/Silver Plume
455 Hancock Street, Silver Plume, Colorado 80444
County: Clear Creek
Year Built: 1880
Easement Date: 2020
Historical Use: Church
Current Use: Community Center
Architectural Style: Wood Frame Ecclesiastical
Architect(s)/Builder(s): Unknown
Historic Designations: National, State, and Local
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Exploration/Settlement
The future of historic preservation is bright.
The Colorado Historical Foundation is Colorado’s largest historic preservation conservation easement holding organization, with a portfolio of over 100 properties statewide.
Since 2020, we have added many more buildings to our growing list of protected historic conservation easement properties.
Oxford Hotel, Denver in Denver County. Built in 1891.
Historic Designation: National Register of Historic Places District; contributing to the 'Historic Resources of the Santa Fe Trail' Multiple Property listing.
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Agriculture, Transportation, Commerce/Trade, Domestic, Landscape & Education
115. Leadville Odd Fellows Building
721 Harrison Avenue, Leadville, Colorado 80461
County: Lake
Year Built: 1891
Easement Date: March 2023
Historic Use: Odd Fellows Hall/Commercial
Current Use: Odd Fellows Hall/Commercial
Architectural Style: Italianate
Historic Designation: Contributing building within the Leadville National Register Historic District
National Register of Historic Places' Areas of Significance: Social, Commerce/Trade
Beyond the Buildings
Large group of men in suits and jackets stand in front of an adobe building.
Members of the La Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores
Unidos (S.P.M.D.T.U.) Concilio Superior in Antonito pose on the south side of the building in 1938. Photo courtesy of Dr. Antonio Esquibel.
Although we're deeply committed to Colorado's treasured buildings and cultural landscapes, we're also drawn to the diverse people who lived, worked, and worshipped within our historic conservation easement properties.
Statue of a man with a mustache in front of an adobe building.
Two African American men wearing newsboy caps pose on the bumper of a car.
A young woman wearing round glasses and a dress with a lace collar poses for a portrait.
Two women with a black poodle sitting between them pose on a front porch.
From left to right:
Statue of Celedonia Mondragón, who foundedthe La Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (S.P.M.D.T.U.) in 1900.
Wendall “Wink” Hamlet (left), architect and owner of Wink's Panorama, and his brother, Clarence, in the 1950s. Photo courtesy of Denver Public Library Special Collections.
Minette Miller, born in Leadville, Colorado in 1894, worshiped at Temple Israel and is buried in Leadville's Hebrew Cemetery. Photo courtesy of Temple Israel Museum Collection.
Charlotte Perry (left) and Portia Mansfield founded the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp in 1914. Photo courtesy of Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp.
Featured Historic Conservation Easement Property:
Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A row of female dancers pose with their hands raised in the air on a screened-in porch of a rustic building.
Perry-Mansfield students strike a pose on the Main Lodge patio.
A Routt County Creative Legacy
Two women dance outside wearing white flowing dresses and wreaths on their heads.
Camp founders Charlotte Perry (left) and Portia Mansfield dance in the style of Isadora Duncan. Photo courtesy of thePerry-Mansfield Archives.
Perry and Mansfield met while students at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and were both well versed in the arts. Mansfield's main interest was dance. As an affluent young woman, she attended Broadway shows and plays in Chicago and New York. Perry's first love was drama. A Denver native, Perry was raised in a prosperous railroad and mining family and attended nationally known theater productions before heading east for college.
Upon graduation, neither woman was interested in the typical high-society path of their peers. Perry invited Mansfield to visit Colorado in the fall of 1912. During the visit, Perry's father asked the two young women to join him on a bear hunt in the remote mountains, where they rode horses and camped under the stars. This experience inspired their shared dream to open a summer arts camp in the Rocky Mountains.
Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp is located near Steamboat Springs in Routt County.
01 / 05
The History of Modern Dance
Founded in 1914 by Perry and Mansfield, the camp is located outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Today Perry-Mansfield is the oldest continuously operating performing arts school and company in the country.
The camp is frequently credited as the birthplace of modern dance.
Male and female dancers leap in the air backward on a dance floor with large floor-to-ceiling windows behind them.
At One with Nature
Perry and Mansfield purposely designed the properties to help incorporate the natural surroundings into teachings and performances.
"The Ladies" were also known to never move a tree or shrub to build a cabin.
The camp is located in a:
"V-shaped agricultural valley, receiving its name from the abundant strawberries raised during the early part of the century. The valley is surrounded on the north and east by foothills of the Park Range and Zirkel Wilderness Area of the Routt National Forest."
Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
A female ballet dancer poses on a small bridge next to a pond in a mountain valley.
High-Country Creativity
Perry and Mansfield built a creative haven when there were few opportunities for professional performing artists or students in the early twentieth century.
Campers learned ballet and modern dance and experimental theater
techniques.
Numerous influential dance and theater pioneers attended and taught at Perry-Mansfield, including Doris Humphrey, Agnes DeMille, Jose Limon, Julie Harris, Dustin Hoffman, and Lee Remick.
Two smiling young women leap in the air holding hands with legs crossed in a mountain setting.
The Main Lodge
Designed by Perry and Mansfield, the Main Lodge was built in 1918 by carpenters from the local Oak Creek coal mines.
The Main Lodge was also used for dance classes and plays. For the first ten years of the camp, light was provided by candles, lanterns, and kerosene lamps.
In the early days, water was obtained from a spring 200 feet below the camp. A pump, started by hand, forced the water up to a tank on the hillside.
It was often necessary for Perry or Mansfield to run out of a class when the dining staff called for water, climb down the embankment to Soda Creek, and prime the pump.
The Main Studio
The Main Studio was built in 1922. Perry and Mansfield used a cruciform plan and designed the masonry fireplace that runs along its west wall.
"All of the buildings are designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings—rustic log for the wilderness-like milieu. The weathered logs of the cabins blend with the bark of the trees, and the warm browns create a relationship to the earth. The simplicity of design establishes an intimacy with nature."
Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
“Creative practice through art and nature manifests in an insightful, compassionate, and courageous life."
- Charlotte Perry and Portia Mansfield
Three females wearing plaid shirts and cowboy hats ride horses under a large ranch entrance sign.
Various outdoor activities, including horseback riding, have been camp traditions for decades.
Watch this short video to discover a place where innovation and imagination have been soaring since 1914.
Perry and Mansfield’s early vision for the camp, and their own lives, continues to inspire.
A group of children in red and white t-shirts yell with one of their hands raised above their heads in a mountain setting.
Young campers rehearse for the Fourth of July Parade held in downtown Steamboat Springs.
Perry and Mansfield fostered individuality, creative experimentation, and an appreciation of nature that lives on today in the buildings they designed and built over a hundred years ago.
Become an active participant in Colorado's story.
Support the study and preservation of Colorado’s unique history and historic sites like Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp and many others.
Your support of the Colorado Historical Foundation helps sustain the financial, legal, and technical resources needed to archive, protect, care for, and commemorate Colorado’s diverse, complex, and inspiring history.
Beckwith Ranch, Westcliffe in Custer County. Built 1870s -1890s.
Wink's Panorama, Pinecliffe in Gilpin County. Built from 1925-1928. Photo courtesy of the Denver Public Library Special Collections.
Tabor Opera House, Leadville in Lake County. Built in 1879.
Our 100th easement property: Former Methodist Church, Silver Plume in Clear Creek County. Built in 1880.
Oxford Hotel, Denver in Denver County. Built in 1891.
Members of the La Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores
Unidos (S.P.M.D.T.U.) Concilio Superior in Antonito pose on the south side of the building in 1938. Photo courtesy of Dr. Antonio Esquibel.
Perry-Mansfield students strike a pose on the Main Lodge patio.
Camp founders Charlotte Perry (left) and Portia Mansfield dance in the style of Isadora Duncan. Photo courtesy of thePerry-Mansfield Archives.
Various outdoor activities, including horseback riding, have been camp traditions for decades.
Young campers rehearse for the Fourth of July Parade held in downtown Steamboat Springs.
