Design Critics From The Road II - Historic Boulder
Dec 7th, 2007 by rlsorbe
Boulder’s past is a key component to understanding it’s current and future growth. After researching elements of Boulder’s history at the Carnegie Library, I uncovered some of our city’s architectural, environmental and cultural details that encompass 10 historic districts and 100 plus individual landmarks.
I wanted to share some interesting information I found from the Colorado Historical Society about the Squires-Tourtellot House in the Mapleton Hill Historic District.
The Squires-Tourtellot House, located at 1019 Spruces Street, was the first building to be landmarked in Boulder. It is one of Boulder’s earliest, and now oldest surviving house – built in 1865. Constructed of local river rock and fieldstone with 20 – inch thick walls, this house is Boulders only example of New England rural architecture. Other architectural features from this house include double-hung windows, six over six wood lintels, louvered shutters, and a steep gable roof with chimneys at each end.
This home was originally built as a joint residence for the families of Frederick A. Squires and Jonathan A. Tourtellot, who were amongst the first to arrive to the area. The Squires and Tourtellot families came to Boulder in 1860 and operated a general store, hotel and boarding house. After Squires death in 1893, dormers and alterations to the chimney were added to this house. The one and two story wood structures and porch that were originally connected to the building were removed prior to 1941. This building has had total of five different owners, and is office space today.
All of our Boulder historic buildings and streets have stories to unfold, as does everywhere we live and impact. Our development today is creating stories for tomorrow. What does our current and past developments provide for the future of our city?
Join us on Thursday, December 13th for an evening of discussion based upon Historic Boulder’s design and development of today.
Design Critics From The Road II – Historic Boulder
When: Thursday, December 13th; 6:30 pm
Where: 520 Pearl St. (West Pearl Historic District)
Contact: Rebecca Lewis; 720.771.0528; rl [at] sorbelivig dot com; boulderspace