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CONTENTS
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[iislary of Castle IIR.ocIIV( �IPac e 25
I m llr cl lir of Il Domir�rri�owir�rl Page
Neighbarhoods
Gods, Pdlcies, Page 49
aInI d Stiralegies
Coiniseirvaliarii Areas Page 55
IIDIIIoIIGIIrnlrv! Stainidairds IIPac e 63
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Town Councill
Resolution
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R so IIL..........U 1 III0
RESOLUTION NO.2007- 72
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK HISTORIC
PRESERVATION PLAN
WHEREAS, Vision 2020 and the 2020 Comprehensive Master Plan express the
importance of preserving our historic buildings,and
WHEREAS, Town Council directed staff to prepare a Historic Preservation Plan to
establish goals,policies,and strategies related to the preservation of the Town's resources;and
WHEREAS, significant public outreach and input was obtained in formulation of the
Historic Preservation Plan; and
WHEf RE,AS,the Historic Preservation Board held a public hearing on April 4,2007, and
recontmended approval to Town Council by a vote of 7-0 with the condition that a mechanism be
created to allow the addition of future conservation areas;and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Advisory Commission, at its April 5, 2007 meeting,voted
5-3 to recommend approval of the Historic Preservation Plan;and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, at its April 12, 2007 meeting voted 5. toy
recommend approval of the Historic Preservation Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Adogtion. The Town of Castle Rock Historic Preservation Plan, in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit I is hereby approved and adopted by the Town Council for the
Town of Castle Rock,Colorado.
PASSED,APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of June 2007, by
the Town Council of the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado-,on first and final reading by a vote of
6 for and o against.
ATT T: FAST EROCK—,
AvAkown Clerk Randy A.R�eed,' yon
Sal y A.Mis"IT
,.Approvep as to form- Approved as to content:
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Robe- .. le z,Town Attorney Mark Stevens„ own Manager
Fvvla g gi5tolic Piesemfion\ff?Plan 2006\Public Headngs=qIP Plan Reso 5-8-07.do�
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Summary
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The development of the Town's first Historic
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Preservation Plan is the culmination of years of interest
by the The goals and policies conta protectingunity in d witresources.
this Plan expand
upon the goats and policies set forth within the Vision 2020
Statement and the Comprehensive Master Plan.The Historic kyr
Preservation Plan is intended to serve as a policy guide for
all other Town-wide plans and decisions as they relate to P
identified historic resources.
The Historic Preservation Plan has three primary objectives:
1. To identify important historic trends and character
� I tl
elements of the community that are worthy of I I��r7 I`<,�rtrG���l�:�ti��r7 �Ar�7r�`
preservation.
2. To establish goats and policies to guide the community In order for the Plan to accurately represent the desires of the
with future decisions that could impact the Towris historic community,while at the same time acknowledge the realities
resources. of individual interests,it was important that a wide variety
3. To establish a work plan to guide future preservation of affected stakeholders participated in the process.Over 80
activities. individuals with diverse interests participated in the formulation
of this Plan.In order to obtain adequate public input,5 public
The Plan identifies four main goats for the community.These workshops,3 sub-committee meetings,and various discussions
goats are based upon the broad concepts of identification, were held with the Historic Preservation Board,the Downtown
preservation,protection and restoration of the Town's historic Advisory Commission and the Planning Commission over the
resources. The goats seek to ensure compatibility of new span of 7-months prior to the drafting of the Plan.
structures within the historic context of our existing structures,
encourage preservation activities through incentives and The main focus of public outreach occurred at monthly
develop partnerships and programs to promote the Town's workshops.For the first two months,all property and
history. The Plan's goats are: business owners in the downtown area,as well as interested
organizations were invited to participate at the workshops.The
• Goat 1: Safeguard and preserve the heritage of the Town by mailing list was reduced over time to people who had attended
historical designation of those buildings,districts,objects, at least one previous meeting.Additionally,members from
sites,and structures that reflect significant elements of the the Historic Preservation Board,Planning Commission,and
Town's history. Downtown Advisory Commission have regularly participated.
• Goat 2: Ensure that new development preserves or Each month,a different aspect of historic preservation was
enhances the character of the Downtown and Craig and discussed,which eventually led to the formulation of the Plan.
Gould neighborhoods. Subcommittees were formed to address more complex topics
such as character,history,goats,policies,and design standards.
• Goat 3: Develop and provide incentives for the Overall,there were three sub-committees for this process:a
preservation,restoration,and adaptive re-use of historic character sub-committee,a history sub-committee,and a policy
properties. sub-committee.
• Goat 4: Promote the Towris history and foster public The character sub-committee consisted of workshop
support,appreciation,and understanding of historic and participants who walked throughout the downtown area and
archeological resources through public education and photographed what they believed were character defining
partnerships. elements.This group then shared their photos and ideas
with the participants in the following workshop.The larger
The Plan is also meant to provide clarity in the development workgroup further refined the character descriptions for each
process as it relates to historic preservation through refined downtown neighborhood.
policies on demolition,historic designation,documentation of
historic resources outside the downtown area,and contextual The history sub-committee consisted of workshop participants
infill design. who helped with historical research for the Plan.Individuals
were assigned events or people to research.Once the research
The Executive Summary provides brief summaries of the Plan was done,it was used to compile the history section of the Plan.
formulation process and the Plan organization including goals
and important implementation concepts of conservation areas The policy sub-committee consisted of property and business
and design standards. owners,members of the Downtown Advisory Commission,
Historic Preservation Board,Planning Commission and
Councilmen Ryan Reilly and Ed Rusch.The purpose of this
committee was to discuss and provide feedback on the draft
goats and policies,the concepts of conservation areas and
the design standards,prior to proceeding with larger public
conversations of these items at the workshops.
Finally,additional outreach occurred once a draft of the Plan
was complete.Letters were sent to all property owners within
the historic downtown area seeking comments and informing
them of the Plan details and public hearing dates. Property
owners within the proposed conservation areas received letters
1! ' with information explaining how the Plan might affect them.
The Plan was posted on the website for download and comment.
A notice was published in a newspaper of general circulation
informing the general public of scheduled hearing dates.
...... 11
IIL IIL III IIL IIIA
The Plan is organized into seven distinct sections. The
following summary of each section provides a good overview of
the Plan,its contents,and important concepts.
1. Introduction
The Introduction section of the Plan includes all the
background information on historic preservation in general, �1 y
why historic preservation is important to the community,
and the public involvement process utilized to formulate �� f
the Plan. It also details the economic benefits of historic
preservation and the role it plays in successful planning
efforts.
2. History 3. Character of the Downtown
This section provides the historical context for decisions This section defines important historic character elements
related to historic preservation.The history of the Town of the downtown area that the workgroup considered
is separated into seven distinct periods of significance. A significant for preservation or enhancement.The
period of significance is a span of time where shared events, Downtown is broken up into four distinct neighborhoods:
activities,or patterns in our local history shape the people North Wilcox,Central Downtown,South Wilcox,and Craig
and architecture within the community.The seven periods and Gould(Figure 1). Each neighborhood has distinctive
of significance for the Town are: characteristics that make it unique.For example,building
setbacks in North Wilcox are historically much different
• Prehistory-prior to 1860s than the zero setbacks in Central Downtown.North Wilcox
• 1860s to 1875-Early Settlement also has a more established tree canopy than Central
• 1875 to 1900-Establishment of a Town Downtown.The workgroup determined that South Wilcox,
• 1900 to 1920s-Early Growth for the most part,is not considered historic and should not
• 1920s to 1940s-The Depression and War Years be treated as such.
• 1940s to 1980s-Small-Town Life
• 1980s to Present-Growth and Development 4. Goats,Policies,Strategies
Goats are the guiding vision of any plan. As such,this
section is probably the most important.The goals explain
the overall objectives of the community as it relates to the
subject of the Plan.For example,the Comprehensive Plan's
goats serve as the foundation for physical development in
ft the community.The goats of the Historic Preservation Plan
provide the basis for success for the community,relative to
protecting the Towns historic resources.The following goats
have been developed for the Plan:
• Goat 1:To safeguard the heritage of the Town as
Nor represented by those buildings,districts,objects,sites,
i and structures that reflect significant elements of the
Towns history throughout the entire community.
• Goat 2:Ensure new development preserves or enhances
J the character of the downtown and Craig and Gould
neighborhoods.
u
• Goat 3:Provide incentives to property owners for the
preservation,restoration,and adaptive re-use of historic
properties.
Y, • Goal 4:Foster public support and a greater appreciation
and understanding of historic and archaeological
resources through public education and partnerships.
The goats are very broad statements that set forth and detail
the importance of protecting the historic resources of the
community,ensuring that new development is compatible
with the Towns historic architecture and character,
providing incentives to carry out the preservation of the
Towns resources,and developing partnerships with like-
minded organizations to better educate the community on
/ the Towns heritage.
Each goal is supported by a set of policies and strategies
designed to ensure fruition of the goats.The following
are brief highlights of the more significant policies and
strategies:
Figure 1 • Develop further documentation through surveys of the
downtown area and outlying areas.
•
Develop a historic district formation process.
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IIL IIL III IIL IIIA
• Focus historic preservation activities on properties built The conservation area concept was proposed to identify
prior to 1945(technically properties built after 1945 geographic areas where significant numbers of historic
could be considered historic). buildings are still intact and maintain a high degree of
• Strengthen landmark designation criteria so that only historic integrity and context.The areas identified are:
truly significant buildings are protected Courthouse Square,Wilcox School,and Perry Street.The
• Develop conservation areas within the downtown to Craig and Gould neighborhood was also a candidate;
focus on contiguous areas of historic properties that however,the participants believe that there may be enough
are significant to the Town and retain a high degree of support from the residents to form a Historic District.A
context and integrity. Historic District is an area where all contributing properties
• Develop infill design standards for conservation areas. are treated as historic landmarks.
The Downtown Plan will guide development outside of
the conservation areas.
• Refine the Historic Preservation Board's review
authority to focus on conservation areas within
downtown and the Craig and Gould neighborhoods,
rather than the downtown as a whole.
• Define demolition requirements for contributing
properties within downtown conservation areas,
landmark structures,and other significant structures
identified through the survey process.Applicants 2it1 =
would be required to demonstrate that no alternatives
to demolition exist,before a historic property is1
demolished.
• Prohibit demolition of designated structures,unless a
hardship can be demonstrated. '
• Require streetscape tree replacement for trees within
the public right-of-way.(This was identified as a
significant character element,especially along North
Wilcox,that the community felt strongly about
preserving and replacing). '
• Re-zone the Craig and Gould neighborhood from R-2
(duplex)and R-3(apartments)to some form of historic
-
residential district,with limited commercial and higher
densities along Front Street. m :t .
• Initiate landmark designation and identification of
important features owned by the Town and located
outside the downtown area(quarries,CCC camps,etc.).
5. Conservation Areas m
Conservation areas are being proposed as a tool to further
preservation within the downtown area.Figure 2 shows Figure 2
the proposed conservation areas in relation to the entire
downtown area.At the public meetings,it was pointed out � m
that there were large concentrated areas of relatively"new"
development located within the Downtown area of historic The Conservation Area section of the report shows these
significance.The Downtown area of historic significance areas in much greater detail.It also includes reasoning as to
is the area over which the Historic Preservation Board has why the areas are historically significant and provides detail
design review authority. on when the structures within the areas were built and
whether the structure is contributing or non-contributing.
A non-contributing structure is a modern structure that
does not share history or characteristics with the historic
structures within that particular area.
At the public meetings other potential conservation areas
were discussed,such as Perry Street north of Fourth
Street.Currently,little is known about the history of the
rr , buildings located here.If,after historic surveys are done,it
is determined that this area would make a good candidate
for a conservation area,then the Plan or Preservation
Ordinance could be amended following discussions with
the property owners.
The conservation areas are proposed to operate as follows:
The Historic Preservation Board will have review
,H�l approval authority for alterations and new construction
ra within the conservation areas and the Craig and Gould
neighborhood.
. Non-contributing structures can be demolished
without public review.When a contributing building is
proposed to be demolished,the applicant must explore
alternatives to demolition(alternatives are clearly
defined in the policies).
. All contributing structures within conservation areas
will be eligible for landmark incentives(such as grants)
even if they are not designated landmarks.
III III,,,„C,U......III S IA
13
II
Each conservation area will have its own designs
standards based upon the historic character of
the area.Infill development must be designed in
accordance with these standards and the remaining
downtown design guidelines.
The overall goals of the conservation areas is to work with
individual property owners to restore their facades using
incentives and ro designate the properties as landmarks,or ��" `' "
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to form a historic district. ✓ .7� ,.,;,-
6. Design Standards
No specific design standards are being proposed with �af
the actual plan document When design standards are Towns design guideline book,will be updated to include
developed they will be developed with the philosophy the various standards that are developed.However,it may
described in the Plan and summarized below. be more appropriate to incorporate the standards in an
overall downtown zoning plan that will be developed in
Each conservation area has a unique character.For example, conjunction with the Downtown Plan.This is the thought
Courthouse Square primarily consists of traditional on the Craig and Gould neighborhood as well.
flat-roofed buildings set up to the property line.These
buildings are constructed primarily of brick and stone.In 7. Implementation
contrast,the Wilcox School area has modest front yards
and primarily consists of one-story,wooden residential Many of the proposed concepts and policies within the
-,--- .... -®®- -®-®_®®- Plan require further action.Examples include
l� changes to the Municipal Code,implementation
of conservation areas,and development of design
standards.The Implementation section details
the action that is required by the Plan and the
anticipated timeline.
Other key implementation items of the Plan include
�n changes in the Historic Preservation Ordinance to
create demolition criteria for historically significant
properties,revisions to strengthen the landmark
designation criteria,establishment of procedures
for historic district formation,and initiation of
approval n aesi
db the Historic Preservation Board
g Y
within conservation areas. The Plan also suggests
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a g� comprehensive rezoningof the Craig and Gould i P neighborhood to eliminate zoning as a barrier to
historic preservation activities.
structures.Different design standards will be proposed for
the various conservation areas.
C: r7<.;Iu<k)n
The workgroup believed that certain design standards were
necessary;however,they did not want the standards to be The concepts and ideas developed in the Plan,through
too restrictive as to limit creativity or make it too difficult to public input and debate,are described in greater detail in the
design proper infill development.The workgroup also stated document. Each concept is meant to be a tool to preserve the
that there should be no absolutes.If a proposed project Towns historic resources. The policies presented will serve to
does not meet the standards,there should be a way to vary ensure that the Town is focusing on truly historic properties and
from the standards,as long as the project meets the overall resources because of significance and integrity,rather than age
objectives of appropriate design. alone. Implementation of these concepts will take place over
a six to twelve-month time frame and will involve additional
The group was introduced to a design concept called input from the community. Some of the implementation
F.R.E.S.H.;which stands for footprint,roof shape,envelope, strategies,such as public education and partnerships,will
skin(facade materials),and holes(windows and door become ongoing activities within the community.
openings). This concept focuses on designing proper
infill buildings that reflect the character of - - --
their historic neighbors,but also allow enough
flexibility to be creative.Proper infill design has
footprints,roof shapes,building envelopes,skin,
and holes that are similar to other buildings -
within the historic neighborhood.Design
standard topics,based on the F.R.E.S.H.concept, P
were presented to the group for discussion and
consensus. If infill development is designed y
with the existing design guidelines adopted by
the Town,in addition to the proposed design
standards,compatible infill design will occur.
This section of the Plan discusses the F.R.E.S.H.
design concepts only.No specific design
standards are being proposed at this time.This
is to ensure that implementation of the design
standards occurs using the right mechanism.The
r�
current thought is that Castle Rock Design,the
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Acknowledgements
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III III L.... L..... L... L..... S ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
I'owinii Cotjlinclillll DeborahO'Kelly
Starr Oberlin
Randy Reed,Mayor Derald Hoffman
Jack Hurd,Mayor,Pro Tem James O'Hern
Mitchell Dulleck
Katie Kruger Character Coinninrmlil't111ee
Doug Lehnen
Ed Rusch Fred Cruz
Ryan Reilly Mike Hesse
Hank Lacey Barb Nylander
FfistoiricIlPIIreseir atliani IlBoard Mlaini IPairllilciip)aint
Shawn Dempsey,Chair Penny Burdick
Fleta Nockels,Vice Chair James O'Hern
Leann Breitkreutz Roberta Moore
Rob Christopher Derald Hoffman
David Hieronymus Karyn Schwarz
Tim Neely David Mitchem
Lionel Oberlin Robert Cheney
Claudia Weimer
Downtown Advisory sur Carnunnissioini Dorothy Kelly
Phyllis Turney
Wayne Bennington Starr and Lionel Oberlin
Judy Crenshaw Bobbie VanHorn
John Delay Bob Terwilleger
Ernie Fazekas II Ken Jones
Hermann Li Ben and Teri Cox
Randy Mikelson Ann Aviles
Chip Wilson Paul and Nancy King
KC Neel Mike and Toni Hesse
Ryan Reilly Erin Hause
Judy Woodley Steve and Beverly Williams
Jeff Samuelson Kent and Deborah O'Kelly
Pam Ridler Michael Searcy
David Mitchem Bob Kuehster
Tim Neely Steve Ramsour
Steve Bo and Annette Gray
Jim Christensen Fred Edison
Greg Mickells Declan O'Donnell
Katie Kruger Lucia McConnell
Mlaininlilong Coinninnissioini Karl Konrad
Nancy Wilt
Barbara Dash,Chair Margaret Anderson
Clark Hammelman,Vice-Chair Lowell Bush
Carroll Hood Dick and Sandra Bracken
Michael Johaneson John C.Clark
Bill Shaneyfelt John and Cindy Gilbreth
Rachel Scarborough Margaret Scott
Peter Bohling Jennifer Crumm
Austin Latchford
RcAicy CoIinniInnlil'1111ve Paula Freeman
Aaron Barrick
Ernie Fazekas II
Mike Johaneson Staff
Rita Gerou
Ryan Reilly Mark Stevens,Town Manager
Fleta Nockels Art Corsie,Director of Development Services
Ed Rusch Rita Marie Gerou,Deputy Director,Development Services
Fred Cruz Jeff Brasel,Long Range Planning Manager
Barbara Dash Judy Hostetler,Real Property Specialist
Steve Williams John Olson,Planner
Sandy Vossler,Development Technician
Ffistoiry Reea r6hi CoIinniInnlil'tillee Angela Copeland,Community Relations Specialist
Kellie and Scott Roughen Fabby Hillyard,Downtown Coordinator
Michael Searcy
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IN'TRODUCTION
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III IIIA IIIA IIL III IIIA
Standards,and Implementation.The Introduction includes
a summary of the Plan,past preservation efforts and other
/i
k3bibackground information.The History section provides a broad
6
rf1 �4f1�r1 11(l context of the town's history,significant events and important
people.The Character portion defines the general character of
the four distinct neighborhoods found in the Downtown area
was MEMOIR of historic significance(Downtown area). It also identifies
important historic character elements that should be protected
0 ver the past 125 years,the Town of Castle Rock has and expanded The Goats section details the future policies
constantly evolved and been shaped by the broad and strategies for the town. The fifth section explains the
patterns of our collective experiences;our history.It is concept of Conservation Areas as preservation tools and
these experiences and events from our past that provide context identifies potential conservation areas in the Downtown area.
for the community's built environment.These experiences, The Development Standards section details the elements of
most unique to Castle Rock,some shared with all of society,are F.R.E.S.H.,an approach to infill design.The final portion,
important reminders of who we are and help guide us in our Implementation,establishes an action plan for completion of
future actions.It is therefore important to the residents of our the various components of the Plan,including adoption of
community that we preserve,embrace,and share our history conservation areas and development of design standards.
with the rest of society. Other key highlights of the Plan include changes in the
The development of the towns first Historic Preservation Plan Historic Preservation Ordinance to create demolition criteria
is the culmination of years of interest by the community in for significant properties,strengthen landmark designation
protecting our historic resources.The goats and policies in this criteria,establish procedures for historic district formation,
Plan expand upon the goals and policies of the Vision 2020 and design approval by the Historic Preservation Board within
Statement and the Comprehensive Plan.They are intended to conservation areas. The Plan also suggests a comprehensive
serve as a policy guide for other town-wide plans as they relate rezoning of the Craig and Gould neighborhood to eliminate
to identified historic resources.
zoning as a barrier to historic preservation activities.
The Historic Preservation Plan has three primary objectives: These concepts and ideas,developed through public input and
debate,are described in further detail in this document. Each
1. To identify important historic trends and character concept is meant to be a tool to preserve the towns historic
elements of the community that are worthy of preservation. resources. The policies presented will serve to ensure that the
2. To establish goats and policies to guide the community town is focusing on truly historic properties and resources
with future decisions that could impact the towns historic because of significance and integrity,rather than age atone.
Implementation of these concepts will take place over a six to
resources. twelve-month time frame and will involve additional input
ac
3. activities.establish a work plan to guide future preservation from the community. Some of the implementation strategies,
asuch as public education and partnerships,will become ongoing
The Plan identifies four main goats for the community.These activities within the community.
goats are based upon the broad concepts of identification,
preservation,protection and restoration of the towiAhistoric
4 4'7<:t is l lisi���i<
resources. The goats seek to ensure compatibility of new Historic preservation is the practice of creatively maintaining
structures within the historic context of our existing structures, the historic built environment and controlling the landscape
encourage preservation activities through incentives and component,of which it is an integral part. The Secretary of the
develop partnerships and programs to promote the towns Interior of the United States government defines the historic
history. The Plans Goats are: environment as districts,sites,buildings,structures,objects
Goat 1: Safeguard and preserve the heritage of the town by and landscapes which are significant to local,state or national
historical s designation of those buildings,
g ,
districts,objects,sites,and structures that The Town of Castle Rock is giving you a voice In shaping
reflect significant elements of the towns
history. the Town's Historic Preservation Plan,You are invite
Goat 2: Ensure that new development to attend the Historic Preservation Plan filch-off meeting,
preserves or enhances the character of
the Downtown and Craig and Gould
neighborhoods. Monday,August 21,2006
Town Hall Council Chambers
Goat 3: Develop and provide incentives for the 100 N.Wilcox Street
preservation,restoration,and adaptive re-use
of historic properties. 5:30 p.m.refreshments
6 to 7:30 p.m.discussion
Goat 4: Promote the towns history and
foster public support,appreciation,and Qu Lions?CJ1720-733 2205,
understanding of historic and archeological
resources through public education and
partnerships.
The document is organized into seven distinct Phao y fCastle Rode Mae
sections:Introduction,History,Character,
Goats,Conservation Areas,Development The Historic Preservation Plan kicked off with a public meeting in August 2006.
III III l 1 IIIIII, 21
history,architecture,archeology,engineering and culture. . Educational-Historic preservation provides a medium
Properties that retain their historic significance and integrity are for teaching local history and past culture and values to the
usually the best candidates for historic preservation. Historic community.
preservation is a well-established discipline with standard . Community Development-Preservation programs
evaluation and designation techniques,as well as standards contribute to a well-defined planning approach for future
for restoration,rehabilitation,and reconstruction of historic growth and development,while respecting and protecting
properties. Most of the techniques and evaluation methods the community's historic resources.
are derived from the National Register Program administered
by the National Park Service.
This program,and its
principles and procedures,was
authorized by the National
Historic Preservation Act of
1966. Even though most of
the techniques and procedures
were developed at a federal
level,most local and state �
reservation ordinances,
including Castle Rock's,are
t � �r He r t�fir uGTr r y,��r�
based upon these standard
practices. � r �Ari���lar H���� �I r `'d�,'y""� V��"'�' � cr"Air�'DJ
ISI�")IIC `'I�i,i�C \f�"MIIOYI is
Historic preservation in Castle
Rock has been included in the
towns Comprehensive Plan
since the early 1990s.The
community further expressed
its desires to preserve and
enhance historic structures The Keystone Hotel,at 403 Wilcox Street,was constructed in 1901. The Town of Castle Rock
within the community in the contributed to the building's restoration through the use of a matching-grant program. Today the
Vision 2020 Statement and building is home to the Castle Cafe.
the 2020 Comprehensive
Plan.Surveys conducted in 2004 reaffirmed the community's
commitment with 86 percent of those surveyed stating that it
was either essential,very important or somewhat important The revitalization of downtown is an important objective
for the town to protect its historic resources. In 1994,the town of the community.White much more detail regarding the
passed its first Historic Preservation Ordinance that established revitalization strategy is included in the Downtown Plan,
the Historic Preservation Board and set the legal framework historic preservation is a key component of that strategy.
for historic preservation within the community. In 1998,
the Federal Government and the State of Colorado officially Many studies have been conducted on the economic impacts
recognized the town as a Certified Local Government. During of historic preservation.One of the most comprehensive
the 1990s the town established a matching-grant program, studies includes a recent report on the economic benefits of
which among other things,helped restore the Keystone Hotel, preservation in Colorado.The report,prepared by the Colorado
a long-neglected building in the heart of downtown,currently Historical Foundation,titled The Economic Benefits of Historic
known as the Castle Caf6.Millions of dollars have been invested Preservation in Colorado was released in 2002.This report
in infrastructure and enhancements to the Downtown and focused on the statewide impacts associated with heritage
Craig and Gould areas over the past 20 years. tourism,rehabilitation of historic buildings,and impacts to
residential neighborhoods.The Foundation updated the original
More recent preservation activities include updating the towns report and included new information in regards to preservation
walking tour brochures,completing intensive historic surveys impacts to commercial districts and an update to other data
on 50 properties in the Downtown area,and creating three contained in the original report.The following is a summary
new historic preservation incentive programs.Clearly,historic of the findings included in the Colorado Historical Foundation
preservation has been important to the entire community for document and other reports:
some time.
. Since 1981,rehabilitation activities in Colorado have
In addition to meeting the expectations of the community, created almost 29,000 jobs and over$2 billion in direct and
historic preservation has several other benefits including: indirect economic impacts.
. Historic preservation rehabilitation activities create more
• Cultural-The tangible presence of history provides for a jobs than highway construction,computer/data processing,
richer cultural environment and community pride when semi-conductor manufacturing,and oil/mining industries.
citizens share a mutual concern for the protection of the . Recently,heritage tourism in Colorado created$3.4 billion
historic fabric of a community. in direct and indirect impacts and approximately 61,000
• Economic-Historic preservation has proven economic jobs in a single year.This does not include the$1.1 billion
benefits including increased property values,sates tax in additional household earnings as a result of the increased
revenues and the attraction of heritage tourists. job creation.
• Social-Prominent historic resources that are elevated to . Heritage tourists stay longer and spend twice as much
community treasures become gathering places and focal money as typical visitors.
points for social interaction of residents and non-residents. . Property values,average cost per square foot,and median
22
III IIIA IIIA IIL IIIIIIA
sales prices in historic residential districts usually out and culture,to avoid the dependence on automobiles.
perform comparable non-designated neighborhoods.At Young professionals and couples are also relocating to these
minimum,they are generally equivalent to non-designated areas because of the active street life and lifestyle.These are
neighborhoods. characteristics that are typically found within vibrant historic
Property value appreciation in the historic commercial areas and not suburban style shopping developments dependent
district(721%)in Fort Collins,Colorado has greatly on the automobile.While historic preservation is not the only
surpassed property value appreciation of similar non- strategy for economic revitalization,it is an important one.
designated areas(422%)over a
24-year period
In the recent recession,the three
historic destinations of Lower
Downtown Denver,Pearl Street
Mall,and Old Town Fort Collins, " r"
were the sales tax leaders when
compared to other shopping
destinations in the community.
Many new creative and imaginative
business start-ups are choosing to
locate their businesses in historic
areas because they are relatively
more affordable than corporate
office campuses.
Because of economic benefits,
reservation activities serve as an
important strategy to economic
revitalization.Additionally,as the
population ages,many older citizens
are looking to relocate to areas that are
walkable,have a wide variety of uses,
and contain venues for entertainment Members of the public identify key issues and concerns to be addressed in the Historic
Preservation Plan.
ss � ,
23
III IIIA IIIA IIL III IIIA
There are many factors that can affect historic preservation
efforts within the town.These factors include political, ARCHITECTURAL
economic and private activities.Successful planning recognizes TRENDS BY DECADE
these influences and provides guidance for resolving conflicts
between various interest groups by establishing policies that
seek to balance the interests of these diverse groups.Historic
preservation planning is necessary for the following reasons:
• To clearly state the goats of historic preservation in the
community.
• To create certainty in the development process as it relates
to historic preservation.
• To assure consistency among various government policiest ;
� a
tt
that affect the community's historic resources.
• To educate and inform residents about the towns heritage , f
and its value to the community.•
To create an agenda for reservation activities and create
methods to measure progress in protecting historic
resources.
• To comprehensively address issues relating to tourism,
�.�
zoning,traffic patterns,development patterns and design
that affect historic resources. xisTpiiIc PRESERvwTION M c d
0
• To encourage economic development through the / sEPrEMSER 18TH,zoos
preservation of historic resources.
To strengthen the political understanding of and support
for historic preservation policies.
To strengthen the legal basis for historic preservation.
The Historic Preservation Plan committee reviewed various
architectural trends throughout Castle Rock's history.
e
/
24
III IIIA''ll",IIIA IILUC11111III IIIA
P't�9.kli.; Ir7v<:Ivc,�ric::r7t Commission,Historic Preservation Board,Town Council and
property owners within the Downtown area.The committee was
The Plan was developed over the course of six months with presented with a draft list of goats and policies,the concept of
input from more than 80 individuals,participating in various conservation areas,and the F.R.E.S.H.infill design philosophy.
public workshops. The first meeting introduced the public to The committee discussed,debated,and modified what staff
the planning process and identified concerns and issues related presented.This discussion served as the basis for preparing a
to historic preservation.The issues identified were wide ranging draft of the goats and policies which were presented at the third
and the ensuing discussions can be divided into six distinct public workshop.
categories:
At the third workshop the group discussed,in detail,the
1. Ensure appropriate regulations are in place for the proposed goals,policies and potential design standards. In
preservation of historic resources and the unique character addition,the group was introduced to the F.R.E.S.H.concept
of the Downtown area. of proper infill design as preparation for the discussion on
2. Identify important people and events in the town's history. design standards.The participants were separated into four
3. Expand the focus of preservation to include historic sites workgroups. Each group discussed one of the four goals and
outside the Downtown area. its related policies and strategies. The individual groups then
4. Ensure new development complements the historic presented the outcomes of their discussions and additional
character of the area. comments were recorded. Input from these discussions was
5. Promote the towns history more effectively. incorporated into the draft"Goats,Policies,and Strategies"
6. Balance the individual interests with those of the section of the Plan.
community.
The fourth public workshop focused on identification and
The first public meeting also led to the creation of two refinement of the conservation areas and specific design
subcommittees;one on history and one on character.The standards for each of the areas.Four specific areas were
history committee focused on providing background research discussed: Wilcox School Area,Courthouse Square Area,
on events and people who shaped the history of the town.Much Perry Street Area and Craig and Gould Neighborhood.The
of the research provided by the history committee is included in participants identified critical design elements for each of these
the"History of Castle Rock"section of the Plan.The character areas.
committee photographed various features of the Downtown
area and identified elements,both good and bad,which Finally,a draft of the completed Historic Preservation Plan was
contribute to the character of the neighborhoods. presented and discussed at the fifth public workshop. The Plan
was then referred to the Downtown Advisory Commission,
The second meeting had two purposes;to discuss and identify Planning Commission,Historic Preservation Board and Town
historic trends within the community and to discuss the Council for additional public input,review and action.
character of the Downtown area. Town staff
red their initial
d ngs on the significant t ends in he town's history illustrated Did WW
.. ,� � you finIIS IISK)W .�
through events,census research and architecture.The members
of the character committee shared their photographs and p v
observations with the participants. From there,the participants r� Y
identified the good and bad character elements found in the
four neighborhoods that make up the Downtown area.Those i�
conclusions are included in the Plan and serve as the basis for ' 'fllllJy� 4 01
� 'er/�0"56",
rry
determining what should be Preserved and enhanced and what �
could be changed. '
Between the second and third workshops,the preservation Colorado was still a territory when the Town
policy committee was formed.This committee consisted of
members of the Planning Commission,Downtown Advisory of Castle Rock was formed in 1874.
25
i
mr
v
rj rrou
1N � �luu➢o�m� /'I��,� 71r
fl%�f�f%%i ,'� % ii` ✓�enr%�
HISTORY
CASTLE ROCK
m�uau✓�!'wb�Ja r�wy'o
f%J////l N0711Glliir�ionir
I ✓ 1 rap �� ✓
fl(Dr�GD�
fJff,
i
r Dpi/, / /IJ�J ' ,�✓wnrmadvr�i/ro� ,,,
/
ij�,r IM1tSt✓i�rrmr�Uori Gyi
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I'
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' 111111DJ)JJl//,,
r
I
26
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
he unique and colorful history of Castle Rock can be
divided into seven distinct periods of significance. The ki
first period,prior to the 1860s,encompasses the time '
before the region was permanently settled This was an era of
great upheaval consisting of a variety of geologic events that
ultimatelyresulted in the formation of a unique building stone
q g
called rhyolite,which would have a profound impact on what / - ,i� '
was to become the Town of Castle Rock. Native Americans,
explorers in search of treasure,fur trappers and traders passed
through the area toward the end of this period. During the
g p g
second period of significance,1860s to 1875,settlers began to
pour into the region seeking fortune and farmland. A railroad
was constructed,new communities cropped up along the way
and a rhyolite quarry opened for business. During the third
period,1875 to 1900,a new county seat was formed and later
incorporated as the Town of Castle Rock. A rhyolite courthouse
was constructed on the town square,and development occurred
with a frenzy. Businesses,churches,schools and a cemetery
seemed to appear overnight. The fourth period,1900 to 1920s, Millions of years ago,the Castle Rock area was a rainforest.
was marked by modernization-automobiles,telephones,
water and sewer,a high school and a library. This small town dinosaurs became extinct,and the region became a tropical
continued to grow from the 1920s to the 1940s,during the rain forest. Thirty-seven million years ago,a distant volcano
fifth significant period. A Christmas star was lit on top of The erupted,sending a dense cloud of volcanic ash through the area
Rock,a tornado ripped through downtown and a marshal was where Castle Rock is now located. As the ash hit the ground,it
murdered in a local caf6. This thriving community sported an hardened into volcanic rock known as"rhyolite;'which is Greek
interstate highway,a drive-in theater and a racetrack during for lava. A million years later,floods created rivers and formed
the sixth period,1940s to 1980s. The last and final significant canyons that cut into the rhyolite. As a result of this erosion,
period,1980s to present,
changed the course of
i w
history forever for what
had once been a sleepy ,
little ranching community.
Developers came to the i � �
area and purchased many �' too a
of the ranches. Housing ' ' '�°
developments and
nw ) rrnwaoua
commercial areas began 04Aft"WO
WOOOHOW to appear everywhere,as , 9 �-——---- M3 p as�1
Castle Rock became one (t6O )
of the fastest low060 i
communities in the
nation. The following
is an in-depth overview -QUA Y Ion
of this fascinating trip %°�.x M ' / -, P""
through time. .i (ME MEAGM� WOW
.
1
! 4AWL1491
erx
(t4O (160
18 0s a w4 ata
00 AM&)
According to scientific
060
estimates,the earliest (CASTLE HIGHLOOS).
known history of Castle % 1e74
tq
Rock began about 300 '���������� 1
060 Aaft)
SP84M 0"DAMN
million years ago when Iwo _I the entire area was under gimps ) mum r
water,and no plant or '�r I �,
, s"
Is"S") AImt75 fi. (000+0 C�k1 )
animal life existed. It a g ''m°�" �)'
took another 150 million �' �——— WWTW
- — —�-——-
sm rmase
years for vegetation to (NA AOSS) (160 )
appear and dinosaurs to
evolve. Again,the seas
invaded the area,creating ---— - -—— —�--——
)
numerous changes over
the next 100 million
I�,���� � Com )
years. Foothills and awer �rsdgr �/ , �s, a
rock outcroppings were � !�'� 11low
*016
formed,and the Rocky y ) � 040 A40100 '
Mountains erupted, f a g `'WO NOW-"
creating what is now
known as the Colorado lr�
"" (r �
iFront Range. After that, «v e �w,
e.
27
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
sediment known as Castle Rock Conglomerate was deposited By the end of the century,after repeated military battles,the
throughout the area. Over the next few million years,continued Utes,Cheyenne and Arapaho were removed from the area and
flooding wiped out all plant and animal life again. Eventually, relocated on reservations.'
the area became re-vegetated,and the animals returned. The
first human beings appeared in the region over 11,000 years Among the first white men to travel through the area were
ago.' explorers,and the Stephen H.Long Expedition was one of the
earliest groups to come face to face with the Native Americans
The earliest Native Americans to inhabit the area were nomadic who had made their homes here for thousands of years. The
tribes,later named the Utes. By the 1500s,the Ute tribes were Long Expedition traveled the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails in
traveling about in small family units,wandering through the 1819 and 1820 in search of gold. Long is often credited with
area gathering seeds,grasses and berries and following the naming the huge rock formation that looms over the Town of
migration of deer,elk and antelope. By the 1700s,the Utes had Castle Rock,but it was actually first named"Poundcake Rock"
discovered horses,and this discovery had a major impact on in 1843 by an explorer named John Fremont. It was renamed
their way of life,making it possible for them to hunt buffalo, "Castle Rock"in 1859 by another explorer named David
which became the mainstay of their survival. The Cheyenne Kellogg. The William Green Russell Company was another
and Arapaho invaded the Ute territory when they migrated important group who traveled the Cherokee Trait in 1858 and
to the area several years later,and this became a source of struck gold five miles south of present-day Franktown at a spot
great conflict. These two Plains Indian tribes were both that came to be known as Russellville. Major Daniel C.Oakes,
mild-mannered and got along well,but the Utes became very from Iowa,was a member of the Russell Company who wrote
aggressive and warlike toward them when they were forced to a guidebook outlining a route to the gold fields of the Pikes
share horses and hunting and camping grounds. There were Peak region. His book enticed many gold seekers to the area,
also racial tensions between the dark-skinned Utes and the most meeting with great disappointment when they arrived
two lighter-skinned tribes. When white settlers came to the in search of fortune and came up dry. Major Oakes returned
region in the 1800s in search of precious metals and farmland, in 1859 with a party of his own and the equipment needed to
the newcomers found themselves caught in the middle of this establish a sawmill in the area that is now known as DanieFs
conflict. Competition for food and living area created great Park. Oakes'Mill became the county seat briefly after Douglas
animosity between the Native Americans and the new settlers. County,named for politician Stephen A.Douglas,was created
in 1861. Douglas was
„
one of original 17
4"WAVA
counties established by
the Colorado Territorial
.0 iia ' ,' Legislature,and it
cew ,
/ SAWSW was much larger than
mar it is today,originally
.�, �..,.,._. ..�._.� ,. � tom!� �.,. � �tx�� � �' 1„�; g Y
q U u' G extending to the Kansas
Iborder.The seat of
government was moved
_ —I 34W
� _ ___ .�_, tri�i �� '�� to"Frankstown"later
Ix
�= that year so that it would
be closer to the various
w4a”w. L L transportation routes in
1674 U COMM — .— ` the county.s
s N corm Ad" omfto"M
/ I BgMIRdW.040AAAMN � ttl< rric-,r7t
_ � ►uru .L...„ .—
(160 S) CAAW � 5 The 1860s marked a
" " ( new era in the history
mom tr * of Castle Rock. The
maim1, ''1 aex U.S.Homestead Act was
C�ID °6° p passed in 1862,which
brought an influx of
v
white settlers to the area,
a�raw � �,
w All" t `" y% some hoping to strike it
'0 A040t
rich"out west"and others
1'
hs) q simply looking for a new
L, %i life in a place where they
-- — -- — ~ ~~ 1 could acquire land easily.
j
000may' U.S.Census records
ISO
„,"t
indicate that the majority
a wuuaww w„ as ) ( ansa 'PA ". of these newcomers
NOWSM)N '
�.. ..�- �.� �---— .,^„�. , „ -°J , "�,.' were men between the
(260 ACM) (160 A"4 (to ASM � � ` ;�z
(�ra„�w�a pal � 4W� � � ages of 26 and 45. The
two stampede increased after
" the Civil War ended in
U�. �
.� 186 ,as man veterans
�LAUMM
ID � � � � opted to take land in lieu
*Ka�j ° i
Kl 4W I of wages for their time
// %% f40 0AM* 'I °tel' �° served in the military.
INOW Under the Homestead
rW ..r � � a �a is
<�° � �'-a' r�� �r ° +„ � a �� Act,it was possible to
28
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
stake a claim and acquire up to 160 acres of land simply by The Town of Douglas(or Douglass)was laid out and platted
living on the property for five years,cultivating the ground and in 1880 by the National Land and Improvement Company.It
paying a small fee. Property could also be purchased outright had,however,existed for several years prior to platting,dating
from the U.S.Government for$1.25 an acre. The early settlers back to 1872 when the railroad had constructed a siding at
discovered that the climate and soils here were not as conducive that location upon the opening of the Madge Quarry.Douglas
to growing crops as most had experienced back home. Many was located on both sides of the track near a trading post/post
of the original settlers to the area would play important roles in office run by William Garrison,who was thought to be the
the growth and development of the future Town of Castle Rock. first known settler in Douglas County. This was in the vicinity
of what is now known as Heckendorf Ranch.
®w®® ................--------- Mail was delivered by train to Douglas and then
carried by horse and buggy to New Memphis for
distribution to the new settlers in the Castle Rock
area.The residents of Douglas were also hopeful
that their town would be chosen to be the new
county seat,as was the owner of the new railway.
Several hundred people lived there at one time,
P P
many of them being Swedes and other foreign-
born immigrants who worked in the quarries.
The census records tell us that approximately 15
percent of the early inhabitants in this area were
uborn in Canada,Europe,Scandinavia or the British
Isles. The railroad eventually built a depot and a
water tank in Douglas,as well as spurs to the top of
I
I/��� the Madge and O'Brien quarries to carry rhyolite
y/�% down to the siding. Silas Madge constructed a
011 1111110111"",
�i�j�����%%,
boarding house to provide his workers with a place
A steam engine sits beside the Denver&Rio Grande Depot. to live,and a private school was constructed so that
they could learn English. Douglas was a thriving
A few worth mentioning are Jeremiah Gould,William Cantril, community for several years but was vacated in 1899 when the
Thomas Harris,Charles Woodhouse,George Triplett and Hugh quarry industry began to decline.6
Taylor. The map on pages 26 and 27 shows the property owned
by many of the early pioneers in the Castle Rock area.' The first railway to come through the area was the Denver
and Rio Grande,which was a private line owned by General
Before Castle Rock was founded,there were several other small William Jackson Palmer,a distinguished Civil War veteran
communities that were established in the area. They all faded from Pennsylvania. General Palmer was also the founder
away after Castle Rock became the county seat,but Douglas and of Colorado Springs,the Colorado Fuel&Iron Company in
New Memphis,were important enough to warrant discussion. Pueblo and many other mines,steel mills,etc. He was a very
Both were organized by the National Land and Improvement wealthy man and known for his philanthropy. Both Palmer
Company,which was established in Philadelphia in 1866 to Lake and the Palmer Divide are named for the general. Palmer's
develop land in the Colorado Territory. This Company bought company constructed a narrow gauge railway from Denver to
and sold land in order to raise funds for the construction of the Colorado Springs in 1871,thus beginning an era that would
Denver&Rio Grande Railroad forever change the sleepy little settlement that was soon to be
known as the Town of Castle Rock. Once Castle Rock became
The Town of New Memphis was established in 1871 with a the county seat,its residents began to lobby the railroad for a
population of 50 and was located on the land where the Douglas depot. General Palmer never gave up the idea that Douglas
County Justice Center sits today. It was settled by six families should be the county seat and did not want to build a station
from Tennessee,including two brothers named Thomas and in Castle Rock. The residents eventually convinced him to do
John Harris. Thomas Harris would
become Castle Rock's second mayor
and would play an important role
in both towns. John Harris was a
carpenter,and he built a hotel for
his brother in New Memphis shortly
after they arrived there. The Harris
i
Hotel was moved to Perry Street in
/l
1877 and renamed the Castle Rock
House. It remains at its original Castle
g
Rock location and is now known as
the"City Hotel." New Memphis was
a rollicking town,sporting horse Yi
racing,gambling and saloons. Many
residents had hoped that their town
would become the county when
seat h
an election was held in 1874 to decide
which town would receive that honor.
After losing its bid to become the
county seat,New Memphis became
a ghost town,and several more of its
buildings were moved to Castle Rock.'
Miners at work at the Santa Fe rhyolite quarry.
29
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
so,however,and a rhyolite depot was constructed
in 1875 by Benjamin Hammar,who was co-owner
of the Colorado Stone Company and an owner of
the Santa Fe Quarry. The depot was located on
the west side of the tracks at the corner of Front mom.
and Third Streets on the site of the present-day fire �
station. The town was required to provide the stone
for the building and to pay for the construction of
a sidetrack. A man named E.G.Breselow became
the stationmaster and held that position for almost
50 years. The building was moved to Elbert Street in
1970 and currently houses the Castle Rock Museum.' "
By 1887,Castle Rock had two railroads. The
Atchison,Topeka and Santa Fe reached Pueblo in
1876 and ran their trains to Denver over the Rio j
Grande tracks from 1882 to 1887 before building
their own rail and telegraph lines through Douglas ''��%
County. There was fierce competition between r
the two railroads,but the residents of Castle Rock
found the Santa Fe to be a much friendlier and more The rhyolite courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1978.
generous railroad than the Denver and Rio Grande. who was of Irish descent,came to this area in 1874 from Iowa
The railroad constructed a depot shortly after the track was and established a homestead south of Castle Rock. He was a
completed and partnered with the town to build a bridge across rancher and quarrier and also worked in the clay mines. He
East Plum Creek at the end of Third Street,so the station could was a politician and school board member as well. O'Brien
be accessed from downtown. The railroad also constructed a died in 1911.The impact of the quarry industry in this area is
spur to the top of the Santa Fe Quarry in 1889. The original made apparent by the census data available for the late 1800s.
building burned,but was rebuilt in about 1910. The current In 1870,57 percent of the population was engaged in some
Santa Fe Depot is still standing,although it has been moved a type of farming. By 1880,19 percent of the wage earners were
few hundred feet from the tracks. The building was used as a employed by the quarries,and only 11 percent were farmers.
residence by the Garcilaso family for almost 50 years after the One of the most interesting quarry workers in the area was a
railroad abandoned it as a station house,and it is currently Swede named August(Gus)Nelson. Gus began his career in
owned by the Town of Castle Rock.' the O'Brien Quarry in 1893 and later took over management of
the Santa Fe Quarry,where he remained from 1896 until 1906,
Two things ensured the future of the community of Castle when the last of the quarries closed. He supervised the men,
Rock-the coming of the railroad in 1871 and the discovery and his wife,Betty,kept them fed at the boarding house. The
of rhyolite in 1872. Silas Madge was a rancher and part-time Nelsons managed to raise five children and save$4,000 during
prospector who owned the butte located within what is now this time.9
known as Crystal Valley Ranch. While looking for precious
metals on his property,he discovered a hard,pinkish stone Castle Rock rhyolite was in demand throughout Colorado,
on top of the butte,had it assayed,and was told that it would Kansas,Nebraska and Wyoming until concrete became popular
make an excellent building stone. Madge,who was known as at the beginning of the 20'century. Among Castle Rocks
the"Father of the Lava Stone Industry,"immediately began important rhyolite buildings are the Denver and Rio Grande
to quarry rhyolite,starting a business that would prove to be Depot,the original St.Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Castle Rock's mainstay for the next 35 years. Madge paid his (Old Stone Church Restaurant),the original Douglas County
immigrant employees$2.50 a day,and they worked 12-hour Courthouse,First National Bank of Douglas County(Masonic
days. Other quarries that opened soon after were the Santa Fe Lodge),the Keystone Hotel and Tivoli Saloon(Castle Caf6),
Quarry and the Plateau Quarry,located north of town,and the Christ Episcopal Church,Cantril School and the original high
O'Brien Quarry,located east of the Madge Quarry. Pleasant school(school district offices),plus several private residences.
O'Brien formed the Colorado Stone Company with Benjamin Other important buildings constructed with stone quarried in
Hammer and others and started the O'Brien Quarry. O'Brien, Castle Rock are the Molly Brown House and Union Station in
Denver,the original Colorado College
building(Cutler Hall)and the original
�a a' Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs,
Rosemount Mansion in Pueblo and
churches throughout Colorado and
elsewhere. The decline of the quarry industry was rapid,and by the early
1900s,the railroads had abandoned
their spurs,the quarries were closed
s and the stone business in Castle
Rock had come to an end. The 1920
census records show no quarry-related
q ° occupations,although there were three
clay mine laborers,and 29 percent of the
labor force was by that time involved in
�fl ., rwv gwl'YR�OWi�if�i�
ranching again.
Poo,
II�
By 1874,a number of white settlers
The First National Bank was constructed of rhyolite on the northeast corner of Third and had come to the area in search of a new
Wilcox Streets. Today it is home to the Masonic Lodge. way of life. Most had realized by this
30
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
.......................................................................... of Castle Rock,and lots were auctioned to help pay for the
Did�� � �
u IIS IIS WI mmM Wm ? construction of a courthouse on the square that was created in
the middle of town. The first courthouse was located on the
southeast corner of Fourth and Wilcox Streets. It was a wooden
structure built in 1874 by William Cantril,one of the original
settlers in the area. Cantril was born in Ohio and worked in
a sawmill until he came to Colorado in 1862. His courthouse
/
served the county well until 1890 when a large rhyolite building
was constructed across the street on Courthouse Square,as
originally planned. The Cantril courthouse now sit farther east
^f�', rd °„ua➢h�"lihii la"3�IPiv, id r hr �;d �r!1y,� �i /i/�'����i%ri/� �
facing Fourth Street and houses a retail store. Jeremiah Gould
continued to purchase land in Castle Rock and soon entered
into a partnership with a man named John Craig. In 1874,
Buildings constructed of rhyolite quarried in they platted the Craig and Gould's Addition,Castle Rock's first
Castle Rock between 1871 and 1906 can be residential subdivision. Gould left Castle Rock in 1889 and
found all over Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas went to Denver to open a hotel. He died in 1903."
and Wyoming.
Apart from his partnership with Jeremiah Gould,John Craig
made his own mark and played an important role in early
time that they were probably not going to strike it rich here, Douglas County history. He headed west from Pennsylvania in
and those who were farmers had discovered that this was a 1856 and settled in the Nebraska Territory. Shortly thereafter,
difficult place to grow crops. As mentioned previously,many the lure of gold called his name,and he headed for Pikes Peak
abandoned farming and found jobs at the new quarry. The country in 1859. He first settled in Happy Canyon but moved
settlers also began to construct new buildings,using wood from to Oakes'Sawmill soon after. Craig also claims to have founded
nearby forests and stone from local quarries. These structures Sedalia,originally named"Round Corral." He worked with
were primarily vernacular-plain and functional buildings that D.C.Oakes as an Indian agent in the 1860s and moved to the
served a practical purpose for people embarking on a simple, Castle Rock area some time prior to 1874. In addition to land
modest lifestyle. The construction boom and the railroad speculation,Mr.Craig enjoyed politics. He served as Mayor,
created many new jobs in the area. The 1870 census records Probate Judge,Justice of the Peace and State Representative.
listed only a handful of occupations,while the 1880 census He died in 1891 during his last of four terms as Castle Rocks
contained a long list of new ones,indicating that many of the mayor.13
pioneers who came here to farm were beginning to branch
out and find new ways to make a living and support their Another important figure TJIM
families. Those who remained in the area would become part in the development of early
of a new town that would be not only the county seat,but also Castle Rock is Philip Wilcox,
a very important Colorado community. Thus began a new and as his name adorns the main
important period in Castle Rock's history." street in town. His principal
contribution to the town was .
I f(,) 19O the platting of Wilcox Addition
in 1875. This plat includes The
It all started with a man named Jeremiah Gould,who had
Rock and the area surrounding
staked a claim at the foot of The Rock in 1869 after a successful it. His larger contributions;`,
career with the Union army during the Civil War(Rhode Island were to the county and state
Cavalry,3rd Regiment). Gould was an experienced farmer in several different capacities.
who acquired 200 acres from the U.S.Government and then Wilcox was a banker,lawyer
purchased additional parcels from his neighbors. He first tried and politician,and he owned
his hand at farming and then became a land speculator as well. one of the largest cattle
Gould donated approximately 100 acres to Douglas County ranches in the county(over Philip P.Wilcox
in 1874 after the voters decided to move the county seat from 2,000 acres near Frankstown). Over the years,he served as
Frankstown to its current location. Douglas County had been County Attorney for both Douglas and Elbert counties,United
divided in half to create Elbert County,and it was decided that States Marshal for the State of Colorado,and Douglas County
the seat of government should be located closer to the railway Judge and Commissioner. He was also an Indian agent and
in the center of the county. The land was platted as the Town held political positions in Denver and in the Kansas Territory.
--- Wilcox,too,came from Pennsylvania in search of gold after
settling in several other places along the way. He died in Denver
in 1911."
Gould,Craig and Wilcox are only three of the many
important people who played a part in the creation of a viable
community called Castle Rock. The early settlers learned to
adapt to existing conditions and began to take advantage of
the needs of an upstart town as it began to grow and develop.
��� Sawmills appeared on the outskirts of town,as pine woods
�" "� PP
were abundant,and firewood and lumber were in demand in
Denver. Cattle ranches and dairy farms became prevalent,
,. which led to the opening of a cheese factory and a creamery.
�r
A large percentage of the population became involved in one
of these related endeavors. S.W.Cantril opened the O.K.
Cheese Factory in 1878,and the Castle Rock Creamery opened
The Cantril Courthouse building later housed the local its doors in about 1887. Several local businessmen,including
newspaper,The.journal. William Dillon,John Craig and Charles Woodhouse,were
31
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
... is Hugh Taylor,who was also one of the original
settlers. Mr.Taylor was a druggist and postmaster. He
also served as County Judge and Assessor,Clerk of
the District Court and State Representative. The first
school in Castle Rock was built on Cantril Street in
1875 and rebuilt from rhyolite in 1897 after the original
frame building burned. Named for William Cantril,
this was a county-wide school,and it included a locally
funded high school curriculum,beginning in 1884.
The high school program was very expensive and the
parents of the students who did not live in town were
required to pay tuition.
The Cedar Hill Cemetery was also established in 1875,
and James Hackett opened the towns first funeral
parlor in 1882 on Fourth Street after coming here
from New Jersey. A number of churches were starting
The bell tower of the Cantril School holds a large bell cast in 1881. to appear as well. There was a great mix of religions
here,and most churches used circuit riders,as they could not
involved with the creamery,with Dillon acting as president of afford to hire pastors. The most famous of the circuit riders
the company. William Dillon was of Irish descent and came was John Dyer,a Methodist minister known as the"snowshoe
to the area in 1880 from New York for health reasons. He itinerant preacher."The first church constructed in town was
was an attorney,businessman and politician. He served as the Methodist Episcopal Church,which was built in 1887 on
County Attorney,co-owned a meat market and was involved the land where the Masonic Lodge sits today. The St.Francis
in real estate and insurance. His family was also instrumental of Assisi Catholic Church was constructed the next year,
in the construction of St.Francis of Assisi Church in 1888. followed by Christ Episcopal in 1906. Except for the Methodist
Charles Woodhouse was one of Castle Rock's original settlers Episcopal Church,all are still standing,although St.Francis is
and owned a 1,000-acre ranch on the northwest side of town.
Woodhouse took advantage of the clay pits that surrounded
the town and opened a brick factory on the east side. He had
learned brick making in England before he migrated to the area
in 1871. Woodhouse died in 1913.
As soon as the Denver and Rio Grande Depot was constructed
in 1875,new businesses began to appear on both sides of the
track along Perry and Front Streets,as a commercial district
began to develop along the railway. Soon there was a hotel,
boarding house,meat market,saloon and grocery store in
the vicinity of this depot.Architectural styles were beginning
to become slightly more elaborate,as two-story Italianate The Cedar Hill Cemetery with The Rock in the background.
residences and steep-roofed Gothic Revival structures began
to appear around town. The area near the railroad would now a restaurant. George Triplett,another original settler,was
remain the hub of commercial downtown until about 1900 also an important figure in the community. According to early
when most of the businesses moved to Wilcox Street around the census records,he was the towels first telegraph operator. He
new courthouse. Castle Rocks early residents finally had the also owned a ranch south of town and raised some of the finest
opportunity to use the skills and professions they brought with pedigree horses in the county. In 1890,he helped organize
them from their former homes. By the time the courthouse the first Douglas County Horse Show. This was a precursor to
was completed in 1890,there was a wealth of services in town the first Douglas County Fair,held in 1892. The fair became a
-doctors,lawyers,merchants,blacksmiths and just about tradition that has endured over time and now attracts thousands
everything else the early pioneers needed to establish and of people each year. The activities and events have varied over
maintain a good life. One early businessman worth mentioning the years,but there has always been plenty of good food,music,
................... _-- _--- animals and a great time for all who participate.
Castle Rock wasted no time becoming a full-
service,fully functioning pioneer community.16
1
Although the town was formed in 1874,it was
r
not officially incorporated until 1881. The first
mayor was Irving Morse,and the first Town
Clerk was George Triplett. Morse was a local
merchant from New York who owned stock
in the Castle Rock Creamery and became a
x partner in the Littleton Creamery in 1901 after
moving his family to Denver in 1884. He died
in 1915. When he wasrit ranching and raising
r
horses,George Triplett operated a merchandise
store in town. He was also very involved with
the Methodist Church and served as Mayor and
County Judge. The first order of business for the
new town government was to provide water to
the towns residents. A reservoir and ditch were
The first church built in Castle Rock was the Methodist Episcopal Church. constructed for this purpose to bring water from
32
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
Sellars Creek to homes and businesses throughout
town. The Town Board was very concerned about
the town's appearance,so they built a park and passed
an ordinance that created a contract with property
owners to g and Protectionantin Pe th
e encourag l
of cottonwood trees. Street maintenance was also
a bigissue,and Castle Rock hired its first Street
Commissioner,a man named Chris Schneider.
Another important concern was the towels finances.
Consequently,taxes were levied to provide money to
run the town. Various issues arose in the early years,
and one of the biggest controversies was between
members of the Womeris Christian Temperance
Union and citizens who liked to frequent saloons.
This resulted in the passage of many town ordinances
intended to regulate the liquor establishments. The
main concerns were hours of operation,license fees, George Triplett's residence in the foreground,is a 2-story foursquare design.
saloon locations,public intoxication,etc. soon have a bank,a library and a high school. Changes in
architecture became evident during this era as well. Brick
storefronts appeared on Wilcox Street,particularly in the 300
block across from the courthouse. Popular styles for residences
were one-story cottages and two-story foursquares."
The towns first official banking institution was The Douglas
County Bank,which opened in 1902 in the old Cantril
1 Courthouse at the corner of Fourth and Wilcox. This bank was
originally chartered by the state of Colorado,but was converted
to a national bank later the same year. The name was changed
to The First National Bank of Douglas County in 1903,and
in 1904,the bank constructed a large rhyolite building at the
northeast corner of Third and Wilcox. This bank served the
people of Castle Rock until 1933,when it closed permanently
due to the Great Depression. Philip S.Miller,Castle Rock's
+ largest benefactor of all time,attempted to reorganize this bank
after it failed,but was unsuccessful. Two other banks offered
competition to First National during the early part of the
century. The Peoples Bank,later called The State Bank of Castle
Rock,was opened in 1906 and closed in 1910. The Castle Rock
State Bank,was opened in 1917 in the Enderud Building at the
northeast corner of Fourth and Wilcox. In 1923,a new building
was constructed on this site,and the bank continued to operate
until 1932. The town purchased the Castle Rock State Bank
Wafer works pumping station in the foreground. building in 1936 and used it to house the Town Hall and library.
Both the town and the county became important employers as In 1939 the Board of Trustees agreed to lease the building to
more and more local government positions were created By the a group of businessmen,led by Miller,who wanted to open
end of the century,another significant period came to a close as another bank there. Castle Rock had been without a bank since
the residents of this new and bustling community approached First National closed in 1933,so this was a very popular idea.
the modern world that was headed their way." The result was The Bank of Douglas County,which existed for
almost 60 years and became one of Coloradds most successful
�. banking institutions. It was here that Mr.Miller made the
9(X) 1�:' 1})Ct ��:rly< G�<:' tV'7 fortune that would so greatly benefit the town and the county in
The onset of the 20th century brought enormous changes to years to come.
this small ranching community,making life much easier for Had it not been for Philip Miller and his wife,Jessie(known by
most. Telephone service was available by 1900,and by 1910, ...........................................................................................
Castle Rock had seven one telephone operators. The town ditch f -
W >
was replaced with an underground pipe system in 1916,and the �., °�L
town soon began to provide sewer service. As a result,residents
began to install indoor plumbing in their homes. By 1910,we
had an Irrigation Engineer,Douglas Stewart,and two plumbers,
Clarence Day and Julian White. Electricity was available by
1921,making it possible to own a truly modern home in Castle
Rock. The towris first two electricians were e Georg Oliver and
h,
0%,
Otto Schmidt. By 1920,the town had five mechanics, and most a �Iti w �o
citizens were driving cars.By 1925,the highway from Denver"
to Colorado Springs was paved,and by 1930,we had a State
Highway Inspector,William Kendall,living here. The decline
of the quarry industry had changed the town forever,but by The average lot in downtown Castle Rock
the time the quarries closed,ranches and businesses were well
established,and most citizens had found their niche providing sold at auction in 1874 for$45.
oods and services that were needed b all. Castle Rock would
g Y
33
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
went on to pursue a career in politics at many different levels.
Cole Briscoe came to Castle Rock from Illinois and was the
u
original owner of the ranch that would eventually become
the Miller Ranch(owned by Philip and Jerry Miller). He
served as Douglas County Sheriff before being elected State
Representative. The State Legislature passed the high school
bill in 1900 as a result of the perseverance and hard work of
- Briscoe and his friend,Frank Ball. Mr.Ball came to the area
from Massachusetts to be a teacher and eventually served as
the Douglas County Superintendent of Schools from 1894-
1904. Ball and Briscoe recognized the need to consolidate the
individual school districts so that a high school could be funded
at the county level by all of the districts. Once the high school
A rhyolite high school was constructed in 1910 on Wilcox Street. bill passed,state funding became available as well,and a new
consolidated high school was constructed on Wilcox Street
everyone as Jerry),Douglas County certainly would not have in 1907. The original structure burned and was replaced by a
the exceptional library system that it possesses today. It all rhyolite building in about 1910. Today this building houses the
began in 1929 when the Douglas County Womeris Club decided school district offices. Ball and Briscoe were responsible for
to open a library. This library was run by volunteers and the organization of a high school that was open to all interested
was only open one afternoon a week. It operated from many students throughout the county at no cost to their parents.As a
locations around town,including the courthouse,Cantril School result of their efforts,Douglas County would soon have one of
and Town Hall. The Women's Club disbanded in 1956,
leaving Castle Rock without a library. For the next 11
years,there was a bookmobile that traveled around
town and a"basement library"that operated out of the
librarians home. In 1967,the Millers came to the rescue
and made the dream of a Douglas County public library
a reality. Over the next 20 years,the Millers donated
more than$600,000 to help finance library buildings,
expansions,etc. The Douglas County Public Library !'
opened in 1967 on Third Street while a permanent
building was being constructed around the corner on �t
Gilbert Street. The library resided at this location from
1968 to 1987 when the new Philip S.Miller Library
building was constructed on Plum Creek Boulevard.
This building sufficed until 2003 when the library moved
to a larger facility in the old Safeway building on Wilcox
Street.'9
The people of Castle Rock have always been interested
in education and have always wanted the best for
their children. Three men from Douglas County Castle Rock's first Starligh ting took place in 1936.
were responsible for the passage of a bill that made
a free,public high school education attainable throughout the best school districts in the state. Today,it is still considered
Colorado. It was State Representative James Frank Gardner by many to be one of the best. The contributions of these two
who actually introduced the County High School Bill(HB men also created another important employer. Census records
114)to the Legislature in 1897,but it was Representative Cole indicate that 14%of the workers in Castle Rock were employed
Briscoe who made it a reality. James Frank Gardner was the by the school district in 1910. By 1930,we had our first school
founder of Frankstown(now known as Franktown)and has bus driver.21
been called the"Father of Douglas County." Gardner was the
first Douglas County Clerk and Recorder in 1863 and then 1 920s f(,) 1940s I hoz ('And W(,Air Yo'(, s
vu��� � l'uol"�'' uuuuuN iY Y7""l ffii�IYiYJ mIIl010i� i
111 6 f /Y � Pre-World War II Castle Rock represents yet another
✓� � iii°uuu i m uuuuuuui i um�m�i ���y '�
interesting period in the history of this small-town
community. Noticeable architectural additions were
one-story Bungalows and two-story Craftsman style
homes and garages. During the Great Depression and
World War II,Castle Rock residents had many of the
same experiences as everyone else in the country,but
there were a few events that took place during this time
that were unique to Castle Rock. In 1936,it was decided
r'
that a lighted Christmas star would be erected on top
i;
of The Rock in an attempt to raise the residents'spirits,
which were extremely low due to the Depression,and
to attract tourists. Everyone in town jumped on the
bandwagon and helped to make this effort a reality.
�s All the supplies were donated or paid for by various
i
6 ; organizations,and numerous people gave their time to
�j make sure this very important event took place. Men
from the Works Progress Administration,who lived at
High School graduating class of 1912. the Civilian Conservation Corps camp,in what is now
34
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
..................................................... received aid from several government agencies,and the Civilian
Did you IIQI`,,ICM? Conservation Corps lent a hand to many in need."
In 1946,another unexpected event occurred in downtown
Castle Rock. In those days,this was a small,quiet community,
i �Y, boasting a very low crime rate. The Town Marshal,Ray Lewis,
��° Y�� o did not have an office or wear a uniform or even carry a gun.
�9y Lewis was called to the B&B Cafe on Wilcox Street after a
dd �� 1 ��W�7 ✓ err oii���f�r 9y i i
/ fugitive who had murdered two Denver police officers was
�� P y���� ' spotted b some of the customers in therestaurant. Lewis
v
attempted to apprehend the criminal,but instead,Manuel Perez
The Keystone Hotel Was constructed In shot and killed the marshal. Perez was subsequently arrested,
tried for murder and lived out the remainder of his life in
1901 and Once had a dance hall on the prison in Canon City. He injured one of the men who helped
Second floor. restrain him and left a bullet hole in the tin-paneled ceiling of
Castle Rocks historic B&B Caf6. This hole in the ceiling acts
Castle Oaks,designed the star. Castle Rock volunteer firemen as a perpetual reminder of that fateful day in Castle Rock. Ray
carried everything that was needed to the top of The Rock and Lewis left behind a wife and four young children,but many
assembled the huge star that has been visible for miles around generous benefactors,including Philip Miller,made donations
for the past 70 years. The star was not lit for four years during to ensure the welfare of his family.
the World War II because of the rationing of electricity. When
the war ended in 1945,the star was converted to a"Y'as part 940s f(,) 981()s StT[(,AII (,) n L [o,
of the town's victory celebration. In 1998 and 1999,the bulbs
were changed to blue and orange in honor of the Broncos'Super Between World War II and the 1980s,Castle Rock continued
Bowl victories. The star has been repaired several times over to prosper as a small agricultural community. The towns first
the years to make it stronger and safer,and the Castle Rock tract housing was constructed along the east side of Gilbert
Fire Department still maintains it. The Starlighting ceremony Street after the war. The highway that connected Denver and
is now sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and is held Colorado Springs traveled through the middle of town along
every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It has become Wilcox Street until the 1950s. The Town Board fought to keep it
a spectacular event,complete with choirs,speakers,Santa Claus, in this location. Ultimately the town lost this battle and in 1952
reindeer,a chili supper hosted by the fire department and many the town entered into an agreement with the State Highway
other activities for participants of all ages?' Department to participate in the construction of a bypass on the
west side of town. The north portion was completed in 1954,
An event that came as quite a surprise to the residents of Castle and the south part was open by 1958. This was the roadway that
Rock was the tornado of 1937. The weather in this area is would become part of a new interstate highway in the 1960s and
often unusual,but cyclones are not what people expect to see. forever change the dynamics of this small-town community.
This one ripped through the Downtown area,wreaking havoc Interstate 25 was completed from Castle Rock to Denver in
on everything in its path. Trees were completely uprooted, 1963 and from Larkspur to Castle Rock in 1968. An excellent
garages and automobiles were totally destroyed,and there was highway system and the towns location halfway between two
extensive damage to many homes and businesses. The Christ large cities placed it in a perfect position to become home to
Episcopal Church,Douglas County Mercantile and the high many commuters in the years to come.21
school on Wilcox Street were all hit by the storm. The town
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
r�
Y
h
A 1925 aerial view of Castle Rock,prior to the construction of Interstate 25.
35
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
MAIN 51`fC.TATOR ARBA
PARK IXC- ON PANOPXMIC VIEW BLi1FF FRESS BOX, f�1R5T Ail),
OFFICE AND R�sT RW.MS—
Wa
WE
�1
,
Drag str i p co lea I,
RETURN STRIP—/
Tryry p� { LC1fFLAS}
r— ;(J ✓kC� �l �EC89[��lt JP'�V� Pi �u O}I1NGE,U51 Y.gc s %ft
�I
%i
ti
Flag,stations r..« �
� •.°°°. COLORA[lC3 5PRSr�CS'�_u.5.587�fl�N'�ER
i
tNTRANU FOR WOMI'ESThHT5, ,
MAIN PRESS,OFFIICIA1,5,AM81AANCES M
ENTRANCE CONCUSIO S,E7C__.-
6
The Continental Divide Raceway opened in 1959.
Things were still pretty quiet in Castle Rock in the 1950s,so the and sat on a hill with a view of the entire course. Additional
opening of a drive-in theater was an exciting event. The"47 spectator areas could hold many more people,and the parking
Drive-In"was built and operated by Marion Gieskieng and was lot could accommodate 30,000 cars. Many well-known racers
located on the northeast side of The Rock where Oakwood Park appeared here over the years,including Evel Knievel during the
sits today. Before the drive-in was constructed,movies were summer of 1972. This facility put Castle Rock on the map in the
shown in the auditorium at the high school on Wilcox. The days when people in Colorado were beginning to realize that it
screen at the drive-in sat in a natural bowl on the north end of was more than a fuel stop along the new highway"
the property,facing south. In those days,you could drive cars
up on The Rock,so many of the customers ventured up to the If people were surprised by the tornado of 1937,they were
high ground while movies were being shown. The driveway completely unprepared for the 20-foot wall of water that came
into Oakwood Park Professional Center is the original road into crashing down Plum Creek in the summer of 1965 and left
the drive-in,and there was a concession stand located where the Castle Rock completely cut off from the outside world. It all
office buildings are today. Children used to play in the area as started with a tornado in Palmer Lake,followed by a torrential
well. The theater was torn down in the mid 1970s prior to
the development of Oakwood Park. This area consists of
residences and medical buildings and was developed in the IV
late 1970s. This left Castle Rock without a movie theater,
but there was another form of entertainment located just
south of town that attracted patrons from all over the front ,
range."
r
tr
This was the Continental Divide Raceway(CDR),which1u rte
opened in 1959 in what is now Dawson Ridge. Originally,
a large arena,complete with hotel,airstrip and lake,was
planned for this location as a venue for most major Denver
sporting events. The deal fell through,but Colorado Motor ��"/@/§//
Raceways stepped in and financed the racetrack portion of
the project. A promoter named Sid Langsam owned the k/ .
property,and the track operated under his auspices until
he died. In 1978,the ro er was sold to another racin aP P tl' g ✓
company,and the name was changed to CDR Techtrack. 11i , 1
The raceway continued to operate until the property was
,
sold to a developer in the early 1980s. After that,the tracks
was torn up to install streets and utilities for a housing
development that has never materialized. The racing
facility consisted of a 2.8-mile closed circuit track for sports
cars,a half-mile banked oval for stock cars and a 4,200-
foot drag strip. Motorcycle races were held at this facility
as well. The grandstand could accommodate 5,000 fans The flood of 1965 shut down transportation to and from town.
36
III III IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
who were lucky enough to see it before it burned have
fond memories of the landmark that was such an
important part of the community for so many years. The
town square remains,and the county has another building
i
on the site. Many important events still take place there,
but to those who have lived here for more than 30 years,it
i will never be the same.28
rl�; r fi
In 1980,something happened that would forever benefit
both Castle Rock and Douglas County. Philip and Jerry
Miller created a perpetual trust worth more than$30
million for the benefit of several deserving entities. Philip
Miller was a shrewd businessman who knew how to turn
money into more money,yet he and his wife always lived
very simply. They never had any children of their own,
but included in their trust were two childreris hospitals
and Douglas County High School. Also included were
the library,the Town of Castle Rock,Douglas County,the
Castle Rock Fire Department,the Douglas County Fair
and the 4-H Council.
The Tyson Family were homesteaders on East Plum Creek.
Jerry Miller passed away in 1987,and Philip Miller died in 1995
rainstorm that caused the creeks to overflow. The highway and shortly before his 100th birthday. After his death,the Bank of
all the bridges between Denver
and Castle Rock were washed out.
Transportation was shut down for
weeks south of Denver. Helicopters
i
were used to bring in supplies and
transport people across Plum Creek. IiANDERSEN
Ranchers used their horses for A
KR
transportation. Homes, businesses SURNS
"N„ Y
and trailer parks suffered huge
losses. The area affected by the flood , ua
was declared a disaster area, and
Congress soon provided funding
for the Chatfield Dam, which was
constructed inthelate 1960sto control
flooding of the South Platte River.
Douglas County Libraries describes
the 1965floodas"the greatest calamity
in Colorado history," and it was i
SCO,
certainly the most devastating since EtTEWORG
the flood of 1864,which is the first
recorded flood in this area. Nineteen
people lost their lives during that " DERSO
earlier disaster, including the Tyson
family, who were homesteaders on
East Plum Creek just south of what -- , 04MAN p Tom C"
is now the Town of Castle Rock.27 ISON' CAS
ROCK MEMUMi
Tragedy struck the people of Castle
Rock, again in 1978, when their OEs,
beloved courthouse became the MOORE
victim of arson and was so badly7
damagedthat ithadtobe demolished. MILLER
This stately stone structure,with its
large clock tower, stood proudly in AKERSON Y
the center of the town square for 88
years before meeting its fate at the
hands of a teenager trying to create
confusion in an attempt to release a
friend from jail. The building had
been placed on the National Register
of Historic Places in 1976,but sadly,
the girl who was responsible for its
demise, Rose Ann Lucero,probably
had very little appreciation of the LOWELL
enormous piece of history that she so
hastily destroyed. Many wonderful
photographs of this special
building remain, and those �
r
37
IIII OIRYIIICAS I IIL.........IIL IIIA0 CIIIA
early 1980s when most of
Did you °WC ? the land that is now within
the town limits was ranch
property or undeveloped
ground that had been
r
purchased by developers.
/i r �� ��k / i� °r ' e /f The ma below depicts
�o �/� � r ���� l ,H�' P P
r r is f� �'' ��Biu" ia� l the large family ranches a
a� `�sr 1 r 1 �;� �i"��4i � 1�� that existed prior to their
%�i, ' annexation to the town.
M,, ice,'-
The old-timers who held on
Castle Rock was completely isolated se their property,some for
several generations,began
during the flood of 1965 and people to reap the rewards for their
were evacuated by helicopter. hard work and dedication,
as they sold their propertya
Douglas County was sold,and the trust funds became available. to developers who built
Mr.Miller was a kind and generous person in life,the trust he housing developments and The outlets opened in 1992.
left for the benefit of everyone in Douglas County is a legacy commercial projects.These
that will live on and continue to make this an even better place developments would serve the influx of people who would move
to live.29 here over the next 25 years.
I9},'()s 10 I'1c'ac'.r7t Qr(,)wfh (,And Many of these transplants became commuters to Denver and
Colorado Springs.Others came here to work and become
The most current chapter in Castle Rocks history began in the involved in the community.The population of the town has
quadrupled during this time,and Castle
Rock has been transformed into a bustling
1' community,with a large selection of homes,
businesses,fast food restaurants and a wealth
AM CLUE other amenities,while maintaining a low crime
rate and excellent school system.
Today's architecture is varied and represented
in numerous types of residential and
commercial styles located throughout the
town.In 1992,the Castle Rock Factory Shops
opened on the north end of town.A large
commercial district has grown up around it,
providing jobs and tax revenues to this fast-
"F 1' growing community.
While similar to many American bedroom
communities,Castle Rock is a truly special
place.It possesses an ideal location,
twoomm^ magnificent mountain views and a moderate
climate,as well as a historic downtown,
WAVE* with many exciting shops and restaurants.
Some of the original buildings are gone,but
several gems still exist in the Downtown area
and the Craig and Gould neighborhood.A
l preservation ordinance,adopted by the Town
Council in 1994,and a Historic Preservation
Board,created the same year,help to protect
these areas.In 1996,the Castle Rock Museum
opened in the old Denver&Rio Grande Depot
building on Elbert Street. As the community
continues to grow and develop,the Castle
Rock Historical Society works closely with
the board and the museum in an attempt to
help preserve the towns history for future
generations.
Present-day Castle Rock faces many of the
same issues that plagued the town when it was
first formed: growth,water supplies,housing
choices,etc.A dedicated group of people gives
° time and energy on a daily basis to the effort of
('` S solving these problems and making the Town
"Mi I �lFflr„Qa l� FWRY, „,r f „,fll_� i,//i, of Castle Rock an even better place to live and
work.”
38
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
39
CHARACTER
DOWNTOWN
NEIGHBORHOODS
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..WIIA L ...L.. L y :' IIIA ....1 40
owntown Castle Rock can be divided into four distinct House,the Douglas
areas,North Wilcox,Central Downtown,South County School District ,;1
01111
Wilcox,and the Craig and Gould neighborhood.Each administrative offices,built
area has distinct characteristics,buildings and streetscapes that as the first high school ��? ��" ��'j �i,'' IF
i
in town,and the various
cottages,bungalows
g g
and their outbuildings. '
Although located just
outside of this area, .
The Rock,Castle Rocks
namesake,is a visible
topographic and historic
Nor presence.
r Local and regional
transportation are Mature cottonwood trees can still „
dominant features of be found along North Wilcox.
this relatively small area.
Wilcox Street bisects the area,north and south.Interstate 25,
Perry Street and the railroad act as man-made barriers to other
sections of the town. In order to traverse these transportation
corridors,three major links have been constructed in this
area: the Fifth Street overpass,the Perry Street flyover and the
Wolfensberger Road bridge. The streets in this part of town are
11111 '�� generally wide and the sidewalks narrow. Overhead power lines
are evident throughout the area. The lot setbacks vary,however
large paved parking lots set in front of commercial buildings
are worthy of preservation.The South Wilcox area,although
partially included in the Downtown historic area,no longer has
historic significance to the towns early history.Conversely, the ;
Craig and Gould neighborhood is the largest geographic area
that still maintains a high degree of historic significance and
integrity.
A water fountain and flowers accent a restaurant patio.
`lol'th wil(""(,)x
are common. Residential buildings are set back by modest,
North Wilcox is the area west of the Denver&Rio Grande landscaped front yards.Traditional street lamps with acorn-
Railroad,east of Interstate 25,north of Fifth Street and south style globes line the sidewalks and some mature cottonwood
of Wolfensberger Road. An aerial view shows a triangular area trees and evergreens still remain in the street right-of-ways.
with a traditional street and alley grid system.North Wilcox is Stamped concrete crosswalks add character to the area. The
a gateway to the downtown. Historically significant buildings only examples of public art in the Downtown area are located
include the Augustine Grill,also known as the Leonard here,serving as modest gateway features.
„w The scale and placement of the signage is generally
oriented to the automobile traffic.The types of
signs include wall and window signs,freestanding
w monument signs,banners,projecting wall signs and
electric signs.Small,wooden freestanding signs are
typical in front yards of the historic houses that have
been converted to businesses.
North Wilcox is an area of mixed use with many
hidden treasures. Strip malls and small shops offer
services,retail and dining opportunities. Re-use of
existing buildings and former residences has been
successful. The former high school at 620 N.Wilcox
Street now serves as the administrative offices for the
Douglas County School District;the Augustine Grill at
519 Wilcox,built as a private residence,has functioned
The Douglas County School District office building originally functioned as a as a restaurant for more than 40 years;and many of the
high school,until Douglas County High School was constructed. modest cottage-style homes now operate as charming
II ...WRACII 14 III IV:��� II )OwIOW`S II:' IIIA II.....100II
specialty retail shops. Many businesses cater to motorists
---------
providing gaso
___-providinggasoline and convenience stations,bank drive-up
windows and strip malls with significant up-front parking.
Residential properties,in the form of single and multifamily
dwellings,still exist in the area,some clearly visible on the
primary streets,while others are situated more inconspicuously
on side streets or alleys.An observant pedestrian will find many
quaint cottages,renovated garages and flowered gardens located
off alleys and in rear lots.
Historic architecture includes Folk,Classic Cottage and
Bungalow styles from the late 1800s and early 1900s and the
prominent civic architecture of the school district offices. ,"
,.
The simple designs and small scale of the residential houses
are indicative of the modest,working-class people who built °
g p p w,r
these homes. The one-story homes often feature dormer Classic Cottages reflect a modest working class.
windows,front porches or front entry porticos,and hipped or
gabled roofs. The exterior walls are predominantly clapboard style became evident with the modest features used over the
Decorative porch and window features,as well as gable shingles previous decades. However,with this new style,the automobile
and wide eaves are distinctive elements of the architecture was accommodated with the construction of one-stall garages,
still visible in the area. In the 1930s,the Minimal Traditional generally located off of the alleyways. Many of the older
... „
structures remain today,with little or no alterations.The
outbuilding located at 519 N.Wilcox Street is an example of
Castle Rock Folk style. Well-preserved examples of the Classic
1 Cottage are found at 518 and 522 N.Wilcox Street
Commercial architecture typical of late 20th century
✓� ;j.l commercial styles has come to dominate most of Wilcox Street.
Small strip malls and office buildings,built in the 1970s and
1980s,are common. Setbacks vary,however,most have asphalt
parking lots dominating the front set back.
9
Two and three-story brick apartment buildings serve the
multifamily niche. As with the commercial structures,the
Successful re-use of a Folk style building. building style is representative of the 1970s and 1980s.
rhe ("Oharacter, Elements of North illcox
I la:irn("'Ir is to f'ira:so'lrw,
• Traditional street and alley grid system
• Natural environment: The Rock
• Northern gateway to downtown
• Public art that enhances historic preservation
• On-street parking
• Modest, landscaped front yards
• Pedestrian-oriented lighting
• Mature streetscape and private landscaping
• Decorative crosswalks
• Mixed uses
• Hidden architectural treasures: quaint cottages, renovated garages, flowered gardens
located off of alleyways and in rear lots
• Successful re-use of older buildings
• Small specialty shops
• Residential style: simple design, small scale, one-story, dormer windows, front porches,
decorative porches and window features, front entry porticos, hipped or gabled roofs,
clapboard, gable shingles,wide eaves and single stall garages generally off alleyways
I la:irn("'Ir is to HF)as("' OW
• Overhead power lines
• Large parking lots in front setbacks
• Freestanding backlit signage
• Strip mall design
• Automobile-oriented businesses: fueling stations, convenience stores, strip malls with
paved parking in front setback
• Commercial architectural style of 1970s and 1980s
• Narrow sidewalks
J
II ...WRACII 14 III IV:��� II )OwIOW`S II:' IIIA II.....100II
C F'P'M t V f Iira( f:)oP"'d C„:wn this area,but disease, �r W
�vy, p
development and natural
1
Central Downtown is the area west of the Denver&Rio Grande elements have significantly
Railroad,east of Interstate 25,south of Fifth Street and north of reduced the numbers.
replanted
Second Street. An aerial view shows an area of traditional street Trees have been re
and alley grid system. Sellars Creek enters from the southeast, along the sidewalks.
follows the southern boundary and merges with Plum Creek Traditional lampposts,also j -
just before crossing under Interstate 25. A portion of the Castle set along the sidewalks, '
lighting.
”
Rock Trail system runs parallel to Sellars Creek. The area is Provide the street g hting•
bisected north and south by Wilcox Street,which serves as a The trees and lampposts
primary traffic corridor through town. located in the public
sidewalks act to further
The Central Downtown contains significant historic areas reduce the width of the
such as the Courthouse Square,the Denver&Rio Grande pedestrian way.
Railroad right-of-way and the mixed-use development along
Perry,Jerry and Elbert Streets. Much of the early commercial, Decorative stamped
....................................................................................................�.. concrete crosswalks
highlight the pedestrian
crossings. Fabric awnings Trees and lamp posts reduce the
have been added to some of
width of the sidewalks.
the older commercial structures. Overhead power lines remain
a visible feature throughout this area.
There is no overall standard or theme for signage in the
Downtown area,therefore,signs exist in all sizes and types.
For example,there are wall signs,projecting wall signs,awning
signs,electric signs,freestanding signs,and window signs. The
scale of the signage is both
automobile and pedestrian-
oriented,but generally designed
to catch the attention of the
The Old Stone Church Restaurant,originally motoring public.
St.Francis of Assisi Catholic Church,is an
le.
example of the Gothic Revival style. I,���
p y p �� � �������V � l; The area supports a variety
economic and social history of the town of public and private mixed
developed within this area. Many historic uses,including government,
buildings and locally designated landmarkscommercial,office,retail and
are located in this section of the Downtown residential.The offices of the
area such as the Masonic Lodge,Castle Caf6, Douglas County government
Old Stone Church,B&B Caf6,1st Bank, dominate Wilcox Square in
Cantril Courthouse,Victories House,Owens The Inspiration House at 313 Third Street has an old the 300 block of Wilcox Street.
House,City Hotel,Inspiration House and west"boomtown"false front. The town Fire Department
The Barn with adjacent Grain Elevator. Headquarters is located in the
Additionally,three properties,the Denver&Rio Grande Depot 400 block of Perry Street. Retail shops and moderately priced
at 420 Elbert Street,the Masonic Lodge at 300 Wilcox Street restaurants are scattered throughout the area,many located in
and the Castle Caf6 at 219 and 223 Fourth Street,are listed historic buildings. Single-family and multi-family units are
on the National Register also located throughout the area. The single-family homes
��i�i%/ of Historic Properties. are representative of early residential development in the
� ����- //������ Downtown area and have been converted to businesses over
�/ �� This area contains the
/
g
hi hest concentration of time. Re-use of former residences has been a successful means
i
fj significant properties outside of enhancing the variety of businesses.
1 1 y of the Craig and Gould
i„
neighborhood. The architecture is as varied as the uses,with a mix of older
(% historic buildings,dating to the late 1800s,and newer
r + " North and south bound commercial structures along Perry Street,constructed in
traffic on Wilcox and Perry the late 1990s and early 2000s. The scale is generally small:
Streets,as well as the
I-25 corridor on the
western boundary of .
D
the Central
The roof form of the Grain
make the automobilen
Elevator is reflected in the newer a prominent element.
building at 200 Perry Street. Street parking is
accommodated via on-
street angle in and parallel spaces. Most off-street parking
is located behind buildings,however,some large parking
lots exist in the southern portion of this area. The public
right-of-ways consist of wide streets,narrow sidewalks
and paved alleyways. Residential lots have modest front
yards and commercial buildings are generally at a zero lot Originally Douglas County Mercantile Lumber Warehouse at 400 Third
setback. Large,established cottonwood trees once shaded Street,is re-used today as The Barn,houses 20 plus antique shops.
C� ...WRAC ��:' ��� ��.....1 ��
predominantly one and two-stories,with the exception of Reyn example of Italianate design of the late 1800s,is the Masonic
Rock Apartments,the county administration buildings and the Lodge,originally the First National Bank of Douglas County,
commercial development on Perry Street,which are five stories constructed in 1904. Again,the two-story height is typical,with
and three stories,respectively. a flat or low pyramidal or hipped roof,tall,narrow windows
with arches or rounded tops and elaborate cornices or wide roof
Residential styles are primarily vernacular wood frame,dating overhangs with decorative brackets. The 19th and 20th century
to the late 1800s,clad with clapboard,and typically one to commercial style is recognized in the 300 block of Wilcox.
two-stories.The simple residential styles reflect the working One-story brick structures are predominant,with flat roofs and
class people,with small porches,minimal ornamentation and recessed windows or entryways. The large,storefront display
windows,brick chimneys and one or two shingled gables. windows allow for natural light and make goods visible. Red
stone or brick is typical of the 19th century style,while
beige brick with red or brown brick trim is reflected in the
20th century style.
Y
Newer commercial construction,found in the 400
block of Perry Street,has drawn from existing historic
architectural features reflected in older construction,such
as roof forms,eaves and brackets,door and doorways
and windows. Although the scale is slightly larger,
the incorporation of historic elements makes the new
construction compatible with the older buildings in the
Early 20th century commercial in the 300 block of Wilcox Street. Central Downtown area.
Commercial styles include vernacular masonry,Gothic
Revival,Italianate,and 19th and 20th century commercial
reflecting different periods of significance in the towns
history. All styles used construction materials available
locally,especially rhyolite,brick and wood. Vernacular
masonry design(1860s to present)such as Castle Caf6,
originally the Keystone Hotel,was constructed in 1901
of rock-faced stone blocks or decorative carved stone,
featuring two-story height and arched windows.
The Old Stone Church,originally Saint Francis of Assisi
Catholic Church constructed in 1888,exemplifies ;,;,A
Gothic Revival style of the 1870s,with steeply pitched The scale and character elements of the Central Downtown are
roofs,two-story height and arched windows. The best reflected in the new commercial sturctures along Perry Street.
rhe ("Ohalracter, Elements of ("OeIrrh'al Downtown
I la:rirnoir is Io [11[c o'livo,
• Traditional street and alley grid system
• Natural environment: Sellars and Plum Creeks, Plum Creek Trail system
• Presence of historic and landmarked buildings
• Off-street parking located behind buildings
• Modest, landscaped residential front yards
• Remnants of cottonwood tree-lined streets
• Tree revegetation
• Traditional pedestrian-oriented lampposts
• Decorative crosswalks
• Successful re-use of older buildings
• Scale is small: One and two-story older buildings, two and three-story newer buildings
• Residential: simple styles, clapboard,single story, small porches, ornamentation, few
windows, brick chimneys, one or two shingled gables, dormers, porticos, bay windows,
decorative brackets, turned porch posts,wide eaves,wood and stone materials
• Mixed uses: private, public, retail, office, residential, service
• Commercial:zero setback, fabric awnings, brick,wood and rhyolite, decorative carved
stone, arched windows, low, pyramidal or steep pitched roofs, tall, narrow windows,
elaborate cornices,wide roof overhangs, decorative brackets, recessed windows or
entryways, storefront display windows, red stone or brick, beige, red, or brown brick trim
I la:rirnoir is Io H:Flcaso, OW
• Large paved parking lots in front setback
• Narrow sidewalks
• Overhead power lines
• Varied sign types, scales, etc.
• Freestanding backlit signage
.....
.11,1111, �,.. IHA °11 . . 1 0 W "',d "�
South Wilcox is the area west
of the Denver&Rio Grande
Railroad,east of Interstate
25,south of Second Street
L �
and north of Plum Creek r
Parkway. An aerial view shows
a significant departure from the
grid system of streets and alleys
of the Downtown area,although
remnants of the traditional grid
and alley system can be found
west of Wilcox Street. Lower-
density,larger-lot commercial
development is a predominant The South Wilcox area contains lower-density,larger-lot commercial development with large off-
feature of this area. Plum street parking in the front setback.
Creek,its flood plain and natural corridor for the towns trait system and creates a clear
associated Prebbles Mouse habitat,make up the western one- boundary line with the more historic Downtown area to the
third of the area,which remains undeveloped. north. Plum Creek,west of Wilcox Street,provides an excellent
South Wilcox is the southern gateway to downtown Castle habitat for urban wildlife and the protected Prebbles Mouse.
Rock. There are no locally designated historic properties The automobile is a dominant force in shaping the streetscape in
located within the South Wilcox area. There are,however,some this part of town. Wilcox Street bisects the area and transitions
places of some historical interest. An early reservoir,supplying travelers from the northbound off ramp of Interstate 25 into the
water for the town,was located near the confluence of Plum Downtown area.The
building setbacks vary.
yN�
There are large paved
parking lots located
;< in the front setback of
many commercial sites.
Numerous driveways
provide access to
parking and businesses.
The irrigated right-of-
"
j ways adjacent to the
sidewalks support grass,
low shrubs and young
y trees. The traditional
style of lampposts
� ry found in the Downtown
area also exist as part of
the streetscape.
�h � � � � The bridges over Sellars
,y s � rim Jf ,
V
Creek on Wilcox
ft
and Perry Streets are
nicely detailed with
Bridges accented with rhyolite stone link the South Wilcox area local rhyolite stone and provide a functional and compatible
to the Central Downtown. Landscaping accentuates the
natural features of the area. architectural link to the more historic downtown. Sellars Creek
provides a lush greenbelt A portion of the Castle Rock Nature
Creek and Sellars Creek.A local newspaper advertisement of Trail winds along the creek and is used by pedestrians and
the period touted the reservoir as a lake resort offering boating, cyclists alike.
bathing and refreshments.
Small areas for outdoor �
^
Natural features and the resulting topography are distinct public gathering and seating
are located at the library,the
elements. The two creeks,Plum and Sellars,traverse this access
gazebo and the trait acc
section of town. The greenbelt provided by Sellars Creek is a path near the bridge cc
Wilcox Street. ISI
Public and private
businesses make up the y
types of land uses in this r
"�„ �e mwdAdlwrPjq .,
part of town. Town Hall,the
Police Station,the Philip S.
Miller Library and the U.S.
Post Office are found here.
There are any automobile-
f+
oriented businesses shaded picnic fable adjacent to
The Sellars Creek floodplain creates a wildlife habitat. the pedestrian trail.
CII .. IIIA III"L L: ) ...L.. L y ............. I ) 45
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Newer construction,such
as the Police Station,
Town Hall,Walgreens and 4 ;
18 S.Wilcox Street,has
incorporated the scale, d
materials and features ' "
found in the architectural
a styles of the Central
Downtown area. The
use of brick,awnings,
window arches and
surrounds and porticos are
examples of historically ;
«mas compatible features that
have been used in the new /
KKiuiil � construction.
10,New construction incorporates traditional materials. Traditional style street fighting is
The South Wilcox area has consistent with that found in the
operating,including sales,service,parts,refueling and car wash changed dramatically over other downtown neighborhoods.
bays. Office buildings are randomly located throughout. There time,so much so that this
are very few small retail shops and residential uses are virtually part of the town is no longer considered historic. Continued
nonexistent. There are also few restaurants,with the exception change is anticipated as elements of the Downtown Plan are
of The Union and some fast food varieties.Re-use has occurred incorporated
as exemplified by the Philip
S.Miller Library,previously
Safeway,and The Union,
previously Pinds Place.
The predominant style of
architecture is typical i �0 9ao'"
yPl of O// �)!//� i r
20th century commercial as
reflected ilbuildings
strip etacenter
and The
retail buildings are set on
large footprints and set back
a significant distance from
the street. Metal warehouses
and concrete prefab tilt up
service bays are located along
South and Briscoe Streets. Retail buildings are set on(large footprints with easy automobile access. III I�lYl ILII��
ss.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
rhe (OIlli a ira cter° Elements of South Wilcox.
I I(ar'no'lnls to [11[ solivo,
• Southern gateway to downtown
• Natural environment: Plum Creek and Sellars Creek,
flood plains and urban wildlife habitat
• Lush Plum and Sellars Creeks greenbelts
• Castle Rock Trail system
• Landscaped right-of-ways
• Decorative rhyolite bridges connecting to Central
Downtown
• Newer commercial construction incorporating scale,
materials and features of the Downtown area: brick,
awnings,window arches, porticos
• Connection to the creeks
NOTE: This area is separate and distinct from the historic
Downtown area. Preservation of historic elements
is less of a priority, therefore, no elements are
identified as "Phase Out."
II ..WIIA II II IIIA IL: II )OwIOW ............. II:' IIIA II....1II 46
C sidewalks. Bulb-outs were added to the corners as traffic-
..,II"C:I II C;j and C� w6y"`.:�C::)V..0 C:
calming features and to improve pedestrian safety. Landscaping
The Craig and Gould neighborhood is the residential area was added to the street right-of-ways and traditional street
east of the Denver&Rio Grande Railroad,west of Gilbert lamps were installed throughout the neighborhood The public
Street,south of The Rock and north of the Douglas County investment in the neighborhood has encouraged improvements
Fairgrounds. This neighborhood contains more historically to private property.
7r y� 17,
The land use in this section of town is predominantly single-
family residential;however,modern multi-family units can be
found dispersed throughout the neighborhood. There have
- been several residential remodels,as well as new construction
� m •• projects,that have taken place over the last few years.
Institutional uses such as schools and churches can be found
, ., here as we1L Philip S.Miller built Castle Rocks first library in
this neighborhood. An example of a successful re-use project,
the former library building has since been converted and now
serves as a preschool. A small amount of commercial and
industrial uses exist in the area adjacent to the railroad tracks
along Front Street.
The early residents built simple homes,constructed using local
The Hommor House,above,and the Cantril School,below,are on materials and completed at a modest expense. The homes
were enera Y one or two-stories and set back on the lot.
significant e st structures,with relativeloric y
gY�i
gyp„ Vernacular wood frame and masonry
y styles featured a gabled roof,minimal
high degree of integrity,than any ornamentation and front porches.
other area in town,and likely in the
entire county.Additionally,there During the 1870s and 1880s the
are two properties that are listed on architectural designs expanded to
the National Register of Historic include Italianate,Gothic Revival and
Properties: Hammar House at 203 the Classic Cottage. The Italianate
Cantril Street and the Cantril School design is exemplified in the Holcomb
at 320 Cantril Street,although more House at 220 Lewis Street. This two-
structures are likely eligible. story home has tall,narrow windows
The original entrance to the Douglas and decorative roof supports. The
County Fairgrounds is located at Hammar House at 203 Cantril Street
the southern end of Lewis Street. The old Franktown Road, is Gothic Revival and has the characteristic steep pitched roof,
Highway 86/Fifth Street,traverses the northern section of the elaborate wood trim,window surrounds and portico.
neighborhood creating a barrier and dividing the neighborhood
in two. The Classic Cottage and the Foursquare designs date to the
late 1800s and early 1900s. The Classic Cottage,also found in
The Craig and Gould neighborhood has the characteristics of the Central Downtown area,continued to reflect the simple
an older established residential area. The streets are wide and needs and modest finances of the residents. A single-story
the structures are set back from the roadway. The landscape structure,constructed primarily with clapboard walls,it
is mature and the old cottonwoods provide abundant shade typically displayed a small front porch,flared eaves,shingled
and ample habitat for urban wildlife:squirrels,birds,etc. The gables,a dormer,brick chimneys and decorative windows.
detached sidewalks,traditional acorn-style lampposts and The Foursquare also became a popular design with its two-
modest front yards maintain a human scale and are inviting story design and full front porch. The Cantril House at 221
to pedestrians. Picket fences parallel the sidewalks in many Cantril Street is an example of the Foursquare design,although
places. Garages are generally removed from the streetscape and additions have somewhat lessened the appearance of the
Foursquarecitecture
/�""J J�J����,�iii%/J�i�/r(/r✓%/G///%�q��,�,
-
l�n,
u
The roads are wider in the Craig and Gould neighborhood,
with most structures set back farther from the road.
�. r p iI4IS � ppCl�yy' � mVIII�WVV�
set off the alleyways. Nicely maintained landscaping and home �C��
improvement projects reflect a pride of ownership and enhance
the charm of the area.
The town recently completed major infrastructure The Holcomb House at 220 Lewis Street is a good example of
improvements to the water and sewer lines,the streets and Italionate style architecture.
II ..WIIA II II IIIA IL: II )OwIOW ............. II:' IIIA II....1II 47
ID icl You
9, fk
lG���
f
/
Q%
wr /����//r�/� ; //IN/A
li
In 1890, newcomers to Castle Rock resorted
to living in tents due to the housing shortage.
A Classic Cottage with dormers,hipped roof and small porch. In the post-Depression and post-war 1940s and 1950s
During the period from 1910 through the 1930s,the Bungalow modernism began to appear. Styles remained simple,but
and Craftsman styles were introduced. The modest one-story designs began to accommodate the automobile. Synthetic
Bungalow and the two-story Craftsman featured low-pitched siding was introduced. Architectural features continued to
gabled roofs,dormer windows,eave brackets,decorative porch include small front porches,porticos,dormers,wide eaves,
brackets,brick chimneys and full front porches. New building gable shingles,brick chimneys and turned porch posts.
materials were introduced in the 1920s,including stucco and m
brick,but clapboard remained prevalent. A,
wr
u✓
w, ,m' U@�GBI&ViWwtui mm
The Foursquare design,as seen in the Cantril House,was popular The one-story Bungalow style homes were often built with stucco
at the turn of the century. and brick,but clapboard remained popular.
rhe ("Oharacter, Elements of ("A'aig aIrld Gould
I IC:Irr("'Irtls to f'Ira:so'llw,
• Traditional street and alley grid system
• Many historically significant structures
• Original entrance to Douglas County Fairgrounds
• Wide streets
• Modest to generous setbacks
• Mature landscaping, shade trees providing habitat for urban wildlife
• Detached sidewalks/boulevards
• Traditional acorn-style lampposts
• Human scale, pedestrian friendly
• Picket fences
• Garages off alleyways
• Resurgence of pride of ownership
• Predominantly single-family residential with some multi-family
• Residential: simple designs, local materials (wood and stone), one to two-stories, gabled
roofs, minimal ornamentation, front porches, tall, narrow windows, decorative roof
brackets,steep pitched roofs,window surrounds, porticos, clapboard,shingled gables,
dormers, and brick chimneys
• Public uses interspersed (schools/churches)
I IC:Irr("'Irtls to Pl:lcaso' OW
• Large scale commercial and industrial uses inconsistent with the neighborhood character
48
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49
r
GOALS,
AND STRATEGIES
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his section will serve as the blueprint for decision Strategy 1.3.3-Establish conservation areas within
making,action items and projects the town needs the downtown for areas not designated a Historic
to accomplish.The foundation of the Plan is a set of District,but display a high degree of context and
four goats based upon the broad concepts of identification, integrity.Contributing structures in these areas should
preservation and protection of the towels historic resources. receive additional protection from demolition. Design
The goats seek to ensure compatibility of new structures within review shall be required for new development within
the historic context of our existing structures,encourage these areas and local incentive programs for restoration
preservation activities through incentives and develop and rehabilitation shall be available for contributing
partnerships and programs to promote the towels history. structures,making future designation possible.
Each goat is supported by a set of policies and strategies. The Strategy 1.3.4-Work with the school district to
policies will help guide future decisions made by the town designate important educational buildings within the
as related to the towns historic and cultural resources. The community.
strategies function as implementation steps that identify
projects and tasks that must occur in order to achieve the Strategy 1.3.5-Pursue historic designation for all
overall goats of the Plan. If there are no strategies associated appropriate publicly owned historic properties,such as
with a policy,that policy is meant to stand alone and guide quarries and CCC camps.
the town when making decisions regarding future projects,
activities or capital improvements with the potential to impact Strategy 1.3.6-Explore the desirability and feasibility
historic resources. of land acquisition for an historic park within Castle
Rock. As an alternative to demolition, historic
Goal 1 -To safeguard and preserve the heritage of structures may be relocated to the park,where they
the town by historical designation of those buildings, could remain in a contextually sensitive setting.
districts,objects,sites and structures that reflect
significant elements of the town's history. Policy 1.4-The town shall focus its preservation efforts and
resources on properties built or established in or prior to 1945.
Policy 1.1-Identify and inventory all historic resources within
the Town of Castle Rock through historic surveys. Policy 1.5-Public dollars shall not be used to cause the
demolition of a property deemed to be historically significant
Strategy 1.1.1-Leverage town funds with available and/or eligible for local,state or national registers if a physically
grants to survey all properties within the Downtown and financially feasible alternative exists.
area.
Policy 1.6-Alternatives to demolition of buildings and objects
Strategy 1.1.2-Identify,map and survey key historic to accommodate private or public-sector proposals must be
resources outside the Downtown area including considered for structures either located in a conservation area,
quarries,former town sites,homesteads,Civilian found to be historically significant through a historic survey
Conservation Corps camps(CCC),trails,territorial inventory,or otherwise deemed to be eligible for the local,state
roads,etc. or national registers.Examples of alternatives,in order of
descendingpreference,include:
Policy 1.2-Prior to development of properties outside of the
downtown historic core,historic and archeological sites,areas Redesigning the project to minimize the impact,if physically
and resources within such properties shall be identified and and financially feasible;
surveyed.
Incorporating the structure or site into the overall design of a
Strategy 1.2.1-Revise the zoning and subdivision project;
regulations to require the submittal of a Historic
Inventory and Impact report as part of the development Encouraging adaptive re-use of the structure or site;
review process.If historic resources are identified,
they should be documented and integrated into the Relocating the structure(s)on the property;
project,if feasible.
Relocating the structure(s)on another property with similar
Policy 1.3-Significant historic resources(buildings,sites,etc.) context;
shall be protected through landmark designation.Resources
should only be designated as a landmark if they are historically Relocating the structure(s)to an historic park;
significant and retain a high degree of integrity,either existing
or after restoration. Areas within the town that maintain a Encouraging and permitting salvage of the structure and/or
high degree of context should be preserved as a whole through significant architectural features;
historic districts and be eligible for the benefits and protections
of historic designation. Documentation(pictures and text)of the site prior to
demolition.
Strategy 1.3.1-Revise the Historic Preservation
Ordinance to strengthen the designation criteria so that Strategy 1.6.1-Revise the Historic Preservation
only truly significant resources receive protection. Ordinance to permit adequate time to evacuate
Structures or sites should meet multiple designation alternatives to demolition.
criteria.
Strategy 1.6.2-Revise the Historic Preservation
Strategy 1.3.2-Revise the Historic Preservation Ordinance to prohibit demolition and relocation of
Ordinance to provide a procedure for the formation historically designated buildings or objects prior to the
of historic districts.Work with owners of properties issuance of a building permit for new development.
to establish historic districts where appropriate.
II , IL: IL.....II II IL IL's II II IIIA II IL II IL 51
Strategy 1.6.3-Revise the Historic Preservation Strategy 1.8.1-The town shall develop and maintain
Ordinance to require owners or developers to submit a list of contributing and noncontributing structures
an affidavit demonstrating proof of construction within the Downtown area.Such list will be on file with
financing prior to demolition or relocation of Development Services.
historically designated buildings or objects to ensure
that structures are not prematurely compromised if Policy 1.9-The downtown's historic landscape should be
funding or other approvals are not obtained. protected in conjunction with new development and public
projects.If trees are lost,the property owner or the town should
Policy 1.7-Properties listed on the local,state or national immediately replace them with an appropriate street tree.
register shall not be demolished or relocated,unless economic or
physical hardship is demonstrated. Strategy 1.9.1-Incorporate a street tree replacement
requirement or program within the towns Landscape
Strategy 1.7.1-Revise the Historic Preservation Regulations.
Ordinance to incorporate demolition hardship criteria
for designated structures. Strategy 1.9.2-Develop a list of recommended trees to
be used for revegetation. New street trees should
Policy 1.8-Structures or sites that have been identified as require less water than the historic cottonwoods,but
noncontributing to the town's history shall be allowed to be should possess similar characteristics to provide shade
demolished without public review. and comfort.
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Goal 2-Ensure new development preserves or Strategy 2.4.1 -Evaluate the current zoning in the Craig
enhances the character of the Downtown and the and Gould neighborhood.Conduct public outreach to
Craig and Gould areas. examine the existing zoning and determine the
appropriateness of industrial,multi-family and duplex
Policy 2.1-Infill development within identified conservation zoning in the neighborhood. Amend the Zoning
areas,the Craig and Gould neighborhood,established historic Regulations to update uses by right and uses by special
districts,or adjacent to individually designated structures review.
shall be designed to respect the context and design of their
neighboring structures. Strategy 2.4.2-Evaluate a transition zoning for
office use along portions of Front Street that would
Strategy 2.1.1-Develop design standards,to be used maintain residential character.
in conjunction with existing guidelines,for the
conservation areas based upon the F.R.E.S.H.design Policy 2.5-The historic streetscape in the entire Downtown
concepts for proper infill design.Design standards area shall be restored through public and private investment,as
should include build-to lines,minimum transparency new development occurs.
requirements,etc.
Strategy 2.5.1-Revise the Landscape Regulations to
Strategy 2.1.2-Revise the Historic Preservation require the replacement or planting of appropriate
Ordinance to require design approvals by the street trees.
Historic Preservation Board within designated
conservation areas,historic districts and the Craig Policy 2.6 -Civic projects must not destroy or detract from the
and Gould neighborhood historic fabric of the Downtown area.
Policy 2.2-Signage in the Downtown area should be Strategy 2.6.1 -Coordinate with Capital Improvement
pedestrian-oriented and reflect the architectural styles of the Project Managers to ensure projects do not adversely
buildings,freestanding monument signs are not appropriate impact identified historic resources. Develop
for traditional commercial building design,but may be alternatives,where feasible.
approvedfor residential front yards at an appropriate scale. ...........................................................................................
IW
Historic,nonconforming signage should be allowed,if it can be �� mW
demonstrated that the signage existed on the building during f.. ' ; " u u
the building's period of significance.
Strategy 2.2.1-Revise the towns Sign Regulations to 4jiirJ �"
allow for the proper types of signs within the
�i�r cul Zri r rl� r uw rR �J � �%r o
Downtown area. 1 l
Policy 2.3-Infill development on predominantly historic blocks
with residential building character shall maintain a residential
appearance.
Cows ran at-large in downtown until
Policy 2.4 -Revise zoning in the Downtown area and Craig outlawed In 1898.
and Gould neighborhood so it is not a deterrent to preservation.
...........................................................................................
53
Goal 3-Develop and provide incentives for the Preservation Board,Castle Rock Historic Society,
preservation,restoration and adaptive re-use of and the Douglas County History Research Center to
historic properties. continue to document local history.
Strategy 3.1.1-Explore and implement other Strategy 4.1.4-Work with local newspapers,DC8
innovative incentives such as use-tax waivers for and other media outlets to feature stories about historic
rehabilitations,transferable development rights, preservation,successful renovation projects and
property tax freezes,or other appropriate incentive increase overall awareness of the history of Castle Rock.
programs.
Strategy 4.1.5-Sponsor workshops and speakers to
Strategy 3.1.2-Work with Douglas County or private inform the public about restoration techniques and the
institutions to implement joint programs,such as towels history.
property tax freezes and no-interest loans for historic
districts. Strategy 4.1.6-Create a partnership between the
school district and the town to create more educational
Strategy 3.1.3-Designate town staff as a point of opportunities regarding the history of Castle Rock.
contact that will assist property owners with grant
applications,building permits and other improvement Strategy 4.1.7-Inform property owners of the
options. significance of their property once researched.
Strategy 3.1.4-Develop comprehensive incentive Strategy 4.1.8-Educate the public on the economic
packages,utilizing existing programs,for property benefits and incentives of historic preservation.
owners to restore building facades.
Strategy 4.1.9-Work with the Chamber of Commerce
Goal 4-Promote the town's history to foster public to promote Castle Rock as a heritage tourism
support, appreciation and understanding of historic destination.
and archeological resources through public
education and partnerships. Policy 4.2-Develop,support and promote methods to educate
and communicate local history to residents and visitors.
Policy 4.1-Partner with local businesses,public entities,
service organizations and schools to provide information and Strategy 4.2.1-Create a comprehensive signage
educational resources related to the town's history and historic program throughout the community for buildings,sites
resources. and geological features.
Strategy 4.1.1-Continue to update the existing Strategy 4.2.2-Create a Web site that promotes the
Downtown area walking brochures and create new history of the community.
tours for the remainder of town.
Strategy 4.2.3-Continue to fund the Castle Rock
Strategy 4.1.2-Establish a historic preservation Museum.
speaker series for educational workshops.
Strategy 4.2.4-Support the formation of an advocacy
Strategy 4.1.3-Work with the Douglas County group to promote and implement historic preservation.
54
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55
� f
CONSERVATION
AREASf
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L.. L IIIA S
56
he Downtown area has significantly changed over the
last 30 to 40 years.Before the large annexations of the
1980s,most of the community's growth was directed in �
and around the Downtown area.This resulted in the demolition
of some of the towns significant buildings and sites and disrup- Js
tion in the historic fabric of the Downtown area.Excluding s
the Craig and Gould neighborhood,the Downtown area has
little historic context left.However,there are distinct pockets
within this area that still maintain a degree of context.These
,µ
areas have been identified as locations where the town needs
to concentrate its energy to ensure that historic structures and
neighborhood character are maintained.Conservation areas are
the smaller geographic areas within the larger downtown that
have a substantial amount of congruous historic structures that
maintain a high degree of historic significance and integrity.
A landmark plaque identifies the Jacob Kroll House.
Conservation areas have several purposes:
. To insure compatible building design for new construction
• To focus the efforts and authority of the Historic within these areas through existing guidelines and new
Preservation Board on design and demolition review. standards.
• To work with property owners to rehabilitate and restore . To work towards cooperative landmark designation or
historic facades utilizing a variety of historic incentive historic district status of all significant structures within
programs. these areas.
Downtown Castle Rock Within a conservation area
Age of Existing Structures there are contributing and
I�egerr�c� noncontributing structures.
Local Landmark A contributing structure
Or watamau RegYslar retains a high degree of
a C�nhar,,e Square historic significance and/or
integrity,as well as meeting
South Perryage requirements. A
" oft'° "' "Area noncontributin structure is
Year Bulld
g
J uarand generally newer,has no historic
j dsa-iee relevance to the area,or has
been altered to an extent that
all historic elements have
NVMlP7S °h ria°"'��� PP
disc eared and cannot be
/ kllll i�RU���l�ua�m o /
reconstructed.
xa .
� tVM"NIRIl11U r „ " .
"""""""""�,m�� Conservation areas will be
�
used as a tool to protect and
1 enhance the historic character
of these areas over time,with
#i
the cooperation of property
I� 2
owners through public
WINand private partnerships.
" Contributing structures within
these areas will be allowed
to take advantage of local
historic preservation incentive
programs,regardless of
designation status in exchange
for rehabilitating,restoring and
protecting historic facades.
s.
i
r Three conservation areas
have been identified in the
Downtown area.They are the
«e. Wilcox School Area,located
u000i��i on North Wilcox Street,the
wal Courthouse Square Area,
" located around the present day
Douglas County administration
building,and the Perry Street
Area,located between Second
and Third Streets along Perry
y Street.Each of these areas is
significant for unique reasons
and represents different periods
within the towris history.
co�'' IL ]I 'VA 0 AIIIA S
57
Ma,ox �,ro, old north downtown ?. .... .... .... .... ....
4;'�C;'.7C;'.7 � C;7tV.>
a C:!';'"VC�LC;:7f.V �`m"C.'M'C:I
residential
This area includes and surrounds the Wilcox School building, neighborhood
now occupied by Douglas County School District and used as The remaining
administrative offices.In the 1900s,the building was enlarged residential structures
with the construction of a brick expansion that wraps around include examples
3 sides of the of one-story Classic
structure. The Cottages, modest
tel {ii, 11 6 , i
original
a two-story building as yolit ssevegand
Bungalows
o her
h
building with a vernacular styles.
hipped roof.The old Today many of
school building can these buildings
still be seen from are occupied by The Augustine Grill,formerly the Leonard
Perry Street. businesses as House at 519 Wilcox Street.
1 successful re-use
V Surrounding the projects. The structures maintain a high degree of integrity,
The Classic Cottage,at 522 Wilcox Street, Wilcox School is especially pertaining to context,landscape and unaltered
was built in 1912. the remains of the structures.
Boundaries of the Wilcox School Conservation Area
1 � r i y yrN 3rr/�r ✓ � �� 734 t iY � ��1
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wuN a ���N 'u !��7'1911�1i>� r ✓�,�� 718 �17�3 I � 2,3
� n /�" � V TOR b ,� � �� DAY� I cn� '✓'�I
1 I
w --
i
i
i� imoi �, dig �� r� ��� a � S�VENI�FR,STREET X618
t O /
203 � i
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����✓ „�//� ���� !1°r'" ��%f/'� 9�� ��5� � o�i %%/i i f� 504'
FIFTH'STREET ti f � '
LA i a
I I
See color legend on page 56.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vv'III<,OX.;<.;I l001 C:'O. ,l.;l I�` A I41 O: � !4M A PROM R11H S
lDddfe:s:s C'eaf lliu:ulkd C;;rrudflbafin g ll De:signz dea:fl ll,andrnafk Ni°okmiial ll,andrnafk
315 Seventh St. 1970 No No No
317 Seventh St. 1922 Yes No Research Needed
518 N. Wilcox St. 1936 Yes No Yes
519 N.Wilcox St. 1870,1902 Yes,Yes No Yes
522 N.Wilcox St. 1912 Yes No Yes
620 N.Wilcox St. 1911 Yes No Yes
704 N.Wilcox St. 1897 Yes No Yes
706 N.Wilcox St. 1939 Yes No Yes
co�''�&L1111111]I 'VA
L.. IIIA ,„ 58
The Courthouse Square Conservation
Area is the heart of downtown
Castle Rock.The area consists of 30
properties built between the 1880s
and 1890s.White a significant amount
of historic structures have been lost
�, Y ✓ M
overtime,including arguably the
most important building,the olds
rhyolite County Courthouse,this area
x r
remains significant because of the
wide variety of architecture.
The architecture includes vernacular
residential structures such as 213 / i�r,tF q , i �i
Fourth Street,originally Hackett
Funeral Parlor,and 305 Jerry Street.
�; Ir
One of two remaining false front
�!j i �r �llh✓,`ll/fid %t l/(y/ r/�/ n� ( i� v� i X rel'��
structures located at 313 Third Street
reflects the style of the old west boom
towns.
The stately County Courthouse stood at the center of the Courthouse Square. Ifs architects,
Early 20th century commercial W.R.Parsons&Sons,designed many turn of the century courthouses throughout the U.S.
architecture,characterized by brick,
one-story buildings with large display windows,is located along including the Keystone Hotel,the Masonic Lodge and the Old
Wilcox Street,and some of the most significant stone structures, Stone Church,are located on the Square.
Boundaries of the Courthouse Square Conservation Area
/iy rli I ( F flr , r�y J Y Zvi rr.
419
418 4 A r....m IYi1YM;l 1 � �1,°rRIY,1�d�/, "3YX�rmVrm �i NIWG, J� 414
316
W
41@ 434 0 2'01 .211 213 215 '217 � ��
�316
333
ori
310
101
moll
,. l�/ � 3C11 „ I /�����/,.l k���4lf✓Yf �y f i�� V '�",� �%.307 311
l
Y
I
See color legend on page 56.
co�'' &L1111111]I 'VA
L.. AIIIA AS
59
The character of this area includes one and two-
/ / story brick and stone commercial structures with
decorative cornices and brickwork constructed at
zero setbacks.The residential buildings have small
front yards and simple one to two-story gabled
roof lines.The Douglas Count
g Y administration
building has a large front yard that faces Wilcox
Street,with some of the oldest cottonwoods in the
' area.
y, 7711
r
tr
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1
Hackett Funeral Home �i//////� ��rr�/�;/� /i✓ �j�
213 Fourth Street
lllllffi � i hip iidi li r'� w
The Square also remains the center of Douglas
County government. The first Douglas County
courthouse,known as the Cantril Courthouse,
is located at 324 Wilcox Street,and the modern
Douglas County Administration building is
located in the middle of the Square.
Holcomb&Whitney Hardware Store
312 Jerry Street
<.;(X.fl�lI K.DU1;1 I�` AI41 O. � l4M A PROM IIIA ;
IDdduess C'eaf lli fifi C;;rrudflba ing llDesign',uded ll,andrn afk Ni°okqui al ll,andrnafk
210 Third St. 1880 Yes No Yes
211 Fourth St. 1885 Yes No Yes
216 N.Wilcox St. 1969 No No No
221 N.Wilcox St. 1976 No No No
223 Fourth St. 1908 Yes Yes N/A
240 N.Wilcox St. 1970 No No No
300 N.Wilcox St. 1904 Yes Yes N/A
301 Jerry St. 1940 Yes No Yes
301 N.Wilcox St. 1981 Yes No No
302 N.Wilcox St. 1938 Yes Yes N/A
305 Jerry St. 1902 Yes No Yes
306 N.Wilcox St. 1941 Yes No Yes
307 Third St. 1920 Yes No Yes
308 N.Wilcox St. 1909 Yes No Yes
309 Jerry St. 1940 No No No
309 Third St. 1920 Yes No Yes
310 N.Wilcox St. 1993 No No No
312 N.Wilcox St. 1923 Research Needed No Research Needed
313 Jerry St. 1958 No No No
314 N.Wilcox St. 1948 No No No
316 N.Wilcox St. 1908,1921 Yes,Yes No Yes
319 Jerry St. 1887 Yes No Yes
321 Jerry St. 1975 Research Needed No Research Needed
324 N.Wilcox St. 1875 Yes No Yes
330 Third St. 1900 Research Needed No Research Needed
402 N.Wilcox St. 1922 Yes No Yes
406 Jerry St. 1924 Research Needed No Research Needed
407 Jerry St. 1960 No No No
407 N.Wilcox St. 1952 No No No
co�'' &L1111111]I 'VA
L.. AIIIA AS
60
I'Ie'll"II""/Slireel (.;oP"VseivaHon Airea The building now ppq+v'�
houses The Barn
Perry Street was the original main street of the community. and has many
adjacent PerryStreet was mixed-use from its origins,with both rY
residential and business uses. Today this area retains structures buildings,including
grain
g ina
dating from the 1800s to the turn of the century. Vernacular the ori
residential structures are found on the west side of the street elevator.The newer
Castle Rock Feed
and a variety
of historic and Western Wear
�at 200 Perry
f r
� and modern Y
industrial style Street,complements
buildings are� the b lumber building
Y t
located on g
the east side. monitor roof form. 1
Douglas County
The west side of
Mercantile,later the 200 block of
Richardson Perry features two ! t
Lumber was landmarked historic
located at 400 houses,the Owens Grain Elevator
207 Perry Street Third Street. House and a church. 420 Third Street
Boundaries of the Perry Street Conservation Area
�i � � 300 N�iu, /// ; �I";�✓
THIIRDS�TR�ET �
f, l
!pC
See color legend on page 56.
I�` AI41 O. � l4MA f'RON RIIH S
lDddfess C'eaf Mfi i. C;;rrudflbafin g llDesignzdedll.,andrnafk Ni°okmiial ll,andrnafk
200 N.Perry St. 2000 No No Research Needed on
Outbuildings
203 N.Perry St. 1887 Yes Yes N/A
207 N.Perry St. 1871 Yes Yes Yes
213 N.Perry St. 1880 Yes Yes N/A
221 N.Perry St. 1925 Yes No Yes
221 N.Perry St. 1925 Yes No Yes
317 Third St. 1908 Yes No Yes
400 Third St. 1905 Yes No Yes
420 Third St. 1905,1967 Yes,No No Yes,No
co�,, &L1111111]I 'VA
L.. L IIIA S
61
CI"Callg and Gould N6s°jhbol"hoC;d A historic district is a formally recognized area where all
contributing structures are treated as designated landmarks
The Craig and Gould neighborhood meets the criteria of a and protected as such.A significant period of time may elapse
conservation area,however the area may also meet the criteria between the adoption of this Historic Preservation Plan,the
for designation as a historic district. During the public outreach approval of legislation that allows for the formation of historic
process associated with the development of this Plan,there was districts,and the submittal of an application for district
considerable interest expressed in pursuing district designation designation by the residents. For that reason,the Craig and
for this historic neighborhood. Gould neighborhood will be subject to regulations pertaining to
design review by the Historic Preservation Board
Craig and Gould r ,
y x�
Neighborhood
Landmarked
Y"
SIMMONS
Properties
Droll House Hammcar House
110 Lewis Street Ati 203 Cantril Street
Circa 1887 1881
Upton Treat Smith House
Sellars House Cantel School
22 Lewis Street 403 Cantril Sleet 300 East Cantril Block
Circa 1876 192 1897
P
µ
�
Christ's Episcopal Church Kirk House Hunter House
615 Fourth Street 620 Second Strut 418 Lewis Street
1906 1882 1917
,P�ro� not
I „
/ r Y
f
i
Maxwell House Dyer House Doepke House
15 Lewis Street 208 Cantril Street 20;Cantril,Stteet i
1898 1875 1904
/
/
Hammond/Remley;House Bruess House Richardson House
111 Cantril Street 312 Lewis Street 310 Front Street
1888 1924 1883
62
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63
DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS
RX
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II II II II IL: II IIS IL. II ILS II. IIIA II 64
rotecting the historic character within
conservation areas is paramount. An
improperly designed infill building could
significantly compromise the character of an area
and detract from their historic neighbors. The
town adopted comprehensive design guidelines
in 2002 with Castle Rock Design. A similar
design guideline book,Castle Rock Style,focuses
on historic buildings. New construction that
is designed in accordance with the guidelines
will complement the historic character of
the Downtown area,however guidelines are
voluntary in nature.Throughout the public ���
participation process,the concept of design
a„
standards was discussed. A design standard is a
mandatory requirement that must be followed
when designing a building.The public voiced
concern that design standards not be overly The new building on the right is a F.R.E.S.H design because if incorporates all of
burdensome to property owners and must not the elements for proper infill design.
stifle creativity. As such,the concept of F.R.E.S.H.infill design building measuring 50 feet by 20 feet has a 1,000 square foot
philosophy was introduced to the work group. The concept footprint. In historic neighborhoods,footprints are generally
includes and illustrates all of the necessary elements needed to compatible. New construction in older areas sometimes creates
ensure contextually sensitive infill buildings. incompatible footprints. This awkward relationship between
the buildings can create unpleasant aesthetic conditions and
�' � III '"„IIS„III,,, „�'„� adversely affect the integrity of the smaller structure,as the
larger footprint may consume multiple lots or overshadow
neighbors. To combat these issues,F.R.E.S.H.infill projects
The F.R.E.S.H.philosophy was developed by the staff of have footprints,which are compatible to surrounding buildings.
Colorado Historical Society as a way to remember and explain
the most basic components of proper contextual infill design. 00'd”
F.R.E.S.H.is an acronym meaning:
Roofs come in many shapes and sizes. In downtown Castle
F=Footprint Rock gabled,hipped,and flat roofs are the most common
R=Roof
E=Envelope roof forms. The introduction of a roof form with a different
S=Skin
H=Holes
Collectively,these components can create compatible buildings n 4
for historic downtowns and neighborhoods. F.R.E.S.H.
concepts encourage new and creative design,white safeguarding
the context and integrity their historic neighbors.
oof p idr.W.I.
The footprint is the outside dimension of a building which
describes the amount of space it occupies on the ground.This
figure is usually expressed in square footage.A one-story
raSignificantly differing building envelopes cause awkward
�,���/i✓/� relationships with their neighbors.
i
size and Y g shape may be incongruent with the context of the
neighborhood. F.R.E.S.H.emphasizes the construction of
new buildings with compatible scale and roof forms within
existing neighborhoods. New and old roofs should be similar
in pitch,complexity and orientation. F.R.E.S.H.concepts
r, discourage vertical additions to existing structures,known as
Pop-tops,since they require the removal of the original roof
to accommodate the addition of multiple floors. Pop-tops
i often result in changes to the original roof style and scale of
...: .::..:�.(�� � .................. the building,which can adversely impact adjacent historic
Differing footprints between buildings cause awkward properties. Pop-tops that employ the original roof form,
relationships and completely overwhelm their neighbors. however maintain the character of the neighborhood.
II II II II IL II II IIII IL" II: IIIA II 65
F
101e s
Holes are defined as the pattern of doors or
windows on a building. F.R.E.S.H.design concepts
recommend that the doors,windows and other
i openings should imitate the style and pattern
used on surrounding structures. As with the
other components of F.R.E.S.H., the holes of a
new structure should be compatible to those of its
neighbor as measured by the solid to void ratio,the
ratio between a building's walls(the solid)and the
openings in the walls(the void).
Since each conservation area has its own unique
character elements,each area will have specific
standards tailored to enhance its overall character.
Through the implementation strategies of this Plan,
F.R.E.S.H.based design standards will be developed
and integrated into Castle Rock Design to create a
While these two buildings have similar envelopes,their skin,roof shape and comprehensive design document.
solid to void ratio result in incompatible designs.
The envelope is the outside of the building. If you could
shrink-wrap a building and then remove everything
but the shrink-wrap,you would be left with the shell or
envelope. The envelope is the first thing many people
see when they look at a building. Consequently,if infill
buildings look out of place,the envelope is often to
blame. When the envelope is too large,the infill structure
overwhelms the smaller buildings in the area. F.R.E.S.H.
design concepts suggest that the envelope should be Mil
similar in projections,height,bulk,height-width ratio as
the existing buildings.
Skin mi
J
A building's skin is its outer membrane,such as brick or
wooden walls,glass,steel cladding,stone and concrete.
In Castle Rock the typical skin materials are brick, ratio,acre represented /
g
compatible between the three b oo
rhyolite stone,glass and wood. A buildings skin has a p ted b the doors and windows,are
profound visual impact,therefore,inappropriate skin p buildings above.
can be significant detriment to
a buildings compatibility,even .
when other F.R.E.S.H.elements
are reasonably incorporated into M
the design. F.R.E.S.H.stresses P
that new structures should be
clad in a material that is visually
and physically similar to the
surrounding buildings.
B
ilii h ��r✓l�J//'�� IIIIII
�h�5 f �i�j i ��r
(yrrui
The new commercial development in the 400
block of Pe Street left is a good example of
RY (left) g h
�11r the application of F.R.E.S.H.in-fill design concepts.
When compared to the 300 block of Wilcox Street
(above),the new construction reflects similar
and compatible footprints,roof shape,building
envelops,skin and holes.
66
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67
IMPLEMENTATION
I'TEMS
I '
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NN,jY mof;16i i
1%
iii 1((fiffffo rr/,;,
n
f o�w,m»9w�ry �nGl 9 /oiri;,
imoo�omv U �AO1rp/N9//�j
/
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n
68
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II II II IL: L II IL.. II II IL" II II IL; 69
m„ iiia u�u u�u iiia hill � t urI II atel Courrilplk�iiioini II ate"
Revisions to the Historic Preservation Ordinance May 2007 September 2007
a. Conservation Area Implementation
b. Historic District Process
C. Stronger Landmark Designation Criteria
d. Design Review Process Revisions
e. Demolition Criteria
Implementation of Design Standards Dependent upon No later than March 2008
(This will occur either as a revision to Castle Rock implementation method
Design or integrated with overall downtown zoning scheme)
Revisions to Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations May 2007 September 2007
a. Historic Surveys for new development.
Downtown Historic Inventory Survey May 2007 December 2008
Streetscape Replacement Regulations In conjunction with Landscape
Regulation Revisions
Revisions to Craig and Gould Zoning July 2007 March 2008
(This should be done in conjunction with the
Downtown Plan)
Incentive Program September 2007 September 2008
a. Building Use Tax/Permit Waiver
b. Property Tax discussion with county
C. Other programs
Sign Code Revisions In conjunction with
a. Provision for non-conforming historic signage the Downtown Plan
b. Sign Regulations for conservation areas
Historic Signage Program In Process
a. Design Templates May 2007
b. Sign Content and Installations July 2008
Educational Programs Ongoing
70
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71
ILS II IL's II L
'Denver Museum of Nature&Science,Ancient Denvers Web site
'Josephine Lowell Marr,Douglas County,A Historical Journey,Encarta;Southern Ute Indian Tribe website;Colorado
Department of Personnel&Administration
'Robert L.Lowenberg,Castle Rock,A Grass Roots History
'Bureau of Land Management-General Land Office Records;Castle Rock Journal;U.S. Census,1870
'Lowenberg;Susan Consola Appleby,Fading Past,The Story of Douglas County,Colorado
'Marr;Lowenberg;Appleby;Alice M.Thompson;Walk With Our Pioneers-A Collection, U.S.Census,1870 and 1880
'Lowenberg;Thompson;Appleby;The Castle Rock Writers,Douglas County, Colorado,A Photographic Journey,Denver and Rio
Grande Web site
'Marr;Lowenberg;Thompson;Castle Rock Journal,April 20,1892
9Marr;Lowenberg;Thompson; U.S. Census,1870 and 1880
''Marr;Lowenberg;Schmidt Construction Web site;Friends of Union Station Web site;U.S.Census,1920
"Town of Castle Rock,Castle Rock Style,A Guide to Preserving Our Architectural Heritage,U.S. Census,1870 and 1880
12 Marr;Lowenberg;Appleby;Denver Daily News,June 9,1903
13Lowenberg;Marr;Thompson;Castle Rock Journal
"Lowenberg;Castle Rock News Press,June 1981
''Marr;Lowenberg;Thompson;Castle Rock Journal;Castle Rock News Press,November 1980;Douglas County Historical Society
Our Heritage:People of Douglas County,Bureau of Land Management;Castle Rock Style
"Marr;Lowenberg;Appleby;Castle Rock Journal; U.S. Census,1880 and 1900;2006 Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Castle
Rock, Colorado,Town of Castle Rock Historic Preservation Board
"Marr,Lowenberg;Town of Castle Rock Minutes and Ordinances;Castle Rock Journal,May 21,1884;Littleton Independent,
July 2,1915; U.S. Census,1900
"A Douglas County History Timeline,Douglas County History Research Center,Douglas County Libriaries,Castle Rock Style;
Castle Rock Journal,September 28,1900;U.S.Census,1900,1910,1920 and 1930
19Debbie Buboltz-Bodle,Philip Simon Miller:Butcher,Banker and Benefactor
2'Marr;Lowenberg;Kathleen McCoy and Marjorie Meyerle,A Photographic Journey, Castle Rock Journal; U.S. Census,1910
and 1920
2'Douglas County History Research Center,Douglas County Libraries,Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce Web site
22 Daily News Press,May 28,1937
"Daily News Press,February 15,1946;Biography file,Douglas County Libraries;Castle Rock Style;SteveMandich.com
"Town of Castle Rock,Town Board Minutes;Highways of Colorado Web site
"Judy Crenshaw;Fabby Hillyard;Fred Edison
26Colorado Motorsport Web site;Douglas County History Research Center,Douglas County Libriaries;Fred Edison;
Arapahoe Herald,December 19,1956;Sports Cars Inc.,September 1958
27 Douglas County History Research Center,Douglas County Libriaries,Douglas County News
"Lowenberg;Appleby
29Bubolz-Bodle
30Marr;A Douglas County History Timeline,Douglas County History Research Center,Douglas County Libriaries
72
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caas,fllle" Il crack museluirri
IIS°aau�u�ar�� Iiirl�u�;u�llu�;uur�aaur°iiillgliiiaauuru '�ur°u�;uaalaaur°�°'�'� uuruu�;uur.
Cover Bottom Bank of Douglas County Unknown
20 300 Block of Wilcox Street Unknown
u.uuurive"ur°Museluirri of IlMaaluuru.0 aauuroa ciiieuuurom;aell,
IIS°aau�u�ar�� Iiirl�u�;u�llu�;uur�aaur°iiillgliiiaauuru '�ur°u�;uaalaaur°�°'�'� uuruu�;uur.
26 Castle Rock Rain Forest Jan Vriesen
*ALL RIGHTS RESERVED,IMAGE ARCHIVES,DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE&SCIENCE
u.uuurive"urIIP'uallhrallliiiaa IlLiiilbiraaur 'a, Wellstelirini II iiistaaur aauuroa Geliuruu.uaalllaa '
IIS°aa ���u�ar�� Iiirl����ur°'II ��;u,ar�aaur°iiillqliiiaauuru '�ur°���uaalaaur°r°'�� uuru���uur° Il ���u��, ��„�.
31 Castle Rock Cemetery M.King X-6844
aaulllaas Counity, hliiiarrlaaur ' Il e"Iselaaura ill ceuuuruleuur
p'aa e"(s) Iiirl�u;u�ll u;uur�aaur°iiillq'liiiaauuru ur°u;uaalaaur°r' ' uuruu;uur° uu,la ll
Cover Top The City Hotel Frank Reistle 678.002
Cover Middle Holcomb&Whitney Hardware Frank Reistle 678.011
10 D&RG Depot Frank Reistle 678.004
10,29 Douglas County Courthouse Unknown 678.115
11 Christ's Church Episcopal Unknown 678.025
12,23 Summer View of the Rock Unknown 678.033
13 AT&SF Depot Frank Reistle 678.005
13 Owens House Unknown 97032
13,28 Train leaving D&RG Depot Louis C.McClure 678.031
23,58 1889 Douglas County Courthouse Frank Reistle 678.001
28 Santa Fe Quarry Workers Unknown 678.100
29 Main Street Castle Rock Frank J. Duca 678.118
30 1874 Douglas County Courthouse Frank Reistle 678.003
31 Castle Rock Public School Frank Reistle 678.006
31 M.E. Church Unknown 678.024
32 Water Works Pumping Station Frank Reistle 678.007
32 Residence of G.A.Triplett Frank Reistle 678.008
33 D.C.High School on Wilcox Esme Harcourt Couch 678.104
33 DCHS Class of 1912 Unknown 678.105
33 Christmas Star at Castle Rock Unknown Local
History
Collection
34 Castle Rock View from the Rock Frank J. Duca 678.034
35 Flood Damage Fred LaPerriere 2001.51.01
36 Tyson Family Unknown 95066
57 Residence of H.C.Wood Frank Reistle 678.022
59 J.B.Hackett Undertaking Parlors Frank Reistle 678.017
59 Holcomb&Whitney Store Unknown 678.108
aallhraeuurl IIS„ IlLaa er'uurullhraelir
p'aa e"(sIiirl�u;u�ll u;uur�aaur°iiillq'liiiaauuru Source",
30 Philip P.Wilcox Sketch Castle Rock,A Grass Roots History
Copyright 1980,Page 10
„ar�iiilllllWruaaua�,ul„aaaaura��r°'ura��aalaaur ur�llgaaur°lr°`lur°aaaalllaur�r°'aaaa uuruliiiuuruu�;r'uuru
IIS°aau�u�ar�� Iiirl�u�;u�llu�;uur�aaur°iiillq'liiiaauuru '�ur°u�;uaalaaur°r°'�'� uuruu�;uur.
35 Continental Divide Raceway Unknown
All other photographs and graphics used in this Historic Preservation Plan,and not listed above,are the
property of the Town of Castle Rock.
All Archivists listed above retain any and all copyright,including derivative and reproduction rights,where
applicable. The use of any image noted above,for any purpose,requires the written permission of the
Archivist.
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