Hidden in Plain Sight: Aurora's Historic Preservation Program by Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites

Hidden in Plain Sight

AURORA’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM

Take a trip around Aurora and you’ll This exhibit chronicles the stories of see a lot of new development. In Aurora’s historic landmarks, districts spite of the growth, there are true and Cultural Heritage Site Program. historical treasures to behold tucked Explore the exhibit to gain a deeper away within our neighborhoods. appreciation for the physical links to Reminders of Aurora’s agricultural, our city’s unique history. Learn more military and residential past. about the sites that helped define Structures that tell the stories of Aurora’s community. Whether industry, community gathering places discovering something new about and art centers. Since 1985 the city Stanley Aviation, early homesteads, of Aurora’s Historic Preservation early 20th century architecture or the Commission has been working to Trolley Trailers that once ran along save and highlight the town’s Colfax Avenue – there is historical significant buildings and properties. wonders hidden in plain sight.

The neon marquee of The Aurora Fox Arts Center. The theater was the fifth landmarked historic site in Aurora. The Catholic Church at the St. Therese Parish Historic District. The site was designated a local historic district in 2012.

Members of the Historic Preservation Commission and members of the public at the dedication of the Smoky Hill Trail marker in 2003.

History OF AURORA’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM

The city of Aurora’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was formed in the fall of 1985 when the City Council appointed the first commission. The first landmarked building in the city was the Melvin School House, landmarked in 1986. Over the years, the commission has worked to identify and preserve Aurora’s historically significant structures and properties for the educational, cultural and economic benefit of the city’s citizens. As of 2019, the city has 29 historic landmarks, two historic districts and a cultural heritage site. The HPC continues to try and save as many qualifying sites as possible, and three additional sites are profiled in this exhibition that are under landmark consideration (Melvin Lewis Cemetery, Carlson–Holzer House and Strait Lumber).

How Do I Landmark My House?

Citizens of Aurora can preserve The Cultural Heritage Site their property through one of Program was created by the two official historic designations: city’s Historic Preservation an Aurora Local Historic Commission to recognize Preservation Landmark or a historically significant sites, Cultural Heritage Site. The buildings, or structures that are programs build community not eligible for listing on the awareness of the value of local, state or national historic historic places in Aurora, it may registers. enhance the buildings prestige and it may influence the

If you are interested in conditions and property values recognizing your property, an in surrounding neighborhoods. application is available online and through the Historic Sites

The Landmark Program was and Preservation Office. Staff established in 1985 as a way to are always happy to help honor structures associated with homeowners with the application people or events significant to process. local history, master builders or that represent architecturally significant styles.

The original school had a dividing wall down the center, a stage on one end for plays and graduation, no running water and had no electricity until 1945.

Melvin Schoolhouse

4950 S. Laredo St.

Smoky Hill Region

In the 1860s, a small farming

After 17 years of use as the The Cherry Creek Valley community formed southeast of Emerald Isle Tavern, the Cherry Historical Society maintains Denver named Melvin after a local Creek Valley Historical Society exhibits in the building and family. In 1922, the Melvin worked with the Cherry Creek opens the school for Schoolhouse was built to serve School District to save the appointment visits. Melvin the growing population of building and moved it to the Schoolhouse is listed on the school-aged children. In 1949, the grounds of Smoky Hill High National Register of Historic building was moved to the current School. In 1982, the restored Places. intersection of Parker Road and building was dedicated as the Quincy Ave to make way for the Melvin Schoolhouse Cherry Creek Reservoir. Museum-Library.

State archaeologist examining the Toll Gate site in 1993.

Toll Gate Creek Archaeological Site

In 1982, two Aurora They discovered that the boys found a Native grave site dated to 670 American grave A.D. The human remains containing a man and and other associated child along the banks of materials found at the site West Toll Gate Creek in were re-interred by the Horseshoe Park. The Colorado Native American city of Aurora brought Heritage Council in an in an archaeological undisclosed location. team from the University of Denver to fully excavate the site for other findings.

SMOKY HILL REGION 2141 S. KITTREDGE WAY

Members of Aurora’s Historic Preservation Commission at the landmark dedication in 2003.

Smoky Hill Trail Historic Marker

The sign was refabricated and moved from its original location to the adjacent shopping center in 2019. Posing with the new sign is the city of Aurora’s Historic Preservation Specialist, Drake Brownfield. SMOKY

HILL REGION 23890 E. SMOKY HILL ROAD

Starting in 1859, many western settlers traveled from Kansas to the potential gold fields of Colorado via the Smoky Hill Trail. The route followed the Smoky Hill River into Colorado but the trail forked into three different sections closer to Denver. The north and south branches of the trail followed stagecoach stops. Along the way, “Mile Houses” would provide travelers with places to rest and resupply during the westward journey. The middle route was known as the “Starvation Trail” because it lacked food and water stations for a 22-mile section. Since it was the most direct route of the three options, many settlers attempted to push through, gambling that the shorter distance would make up for less supplies. They were not always successful. Abandoned and broken property and unmarked graves accumulated along the trail. The Kansas-Pacific Railroad connected Denver to the eastern states in 1870 and travelers eventually stopped using the overland trail in favor of the quicker and safer trains.

Guests can explore

The site is currently under consideration as a city of

Melvin-Lewis Cemetery

5600 PARKER EAST TRAIL

SMOKY HILL REGION

Melvin-Lewis Cemetery derives its community became known as family allowed the continued name from two important local Melvin. Between the 1860s and burial of people at the families, Melvin and Lewis. The 1880s, Melvin community cemetery and buried several Melvin family relocated from residents began to bury their of their own until 1910. Connecticut to Colorado in 1859. relatives on the hill southeast of Their parcel was located near the their homes. Other unknown Later, in 1957, the Regents convergence of the Smoky Hill travelers along the Cherokee and of the University of Colorado Trail and the Cherokee Trail. The Smoky Hill Trails were buried at were deeded the property for Smoky Hill Trail was a major what was unofficially known as burial of the ashes of thoroughfare for settlers heading Melvin Cemetery. individuals who donated their to Denver. The Melvin family bodies to science. The house eventually gained the The Lewis name came into play University continued to bury moniker of “Twelve Mile House,” when John and Emmaretta Lewis their cremated remains until named for their distance from homesteaded land and built a 1986 when plans of a Denver along the route. farmhouse just went of the shopping center was built cemetery. In 1883, the Lewis’s nearby. The cemetery As the area surrounding the purchased property that included remains adjacent to the Melvin family grew, the resultingthe Melvin Cemetery. The Lewis shopping center.

Aurora Historic Landmark.

DeLaney Farm is located across Chambers Road from the Aurora Municipal Center.

DeLaney Farm Historic District

170 S. CHAMBERS ROAD

The DeLaney Farm Historic District consists of 158 acres of open space and is home to buildings that date from 1866 to 1945. The Gully and DeLaney families immigrated to the Colorado in 1862 from Ireland. After living in Black Hawk, Silver Plume and Central City, Thomas and Temperance Gully moved to Arapahoe County in 1866. Four years later John DeLaney, married to the Gully’s oldest daughter Bridget, followed his father-in-law and purchased property within a mile of the Gullys.

The DeLaney family raised horses, cattle and other livestock on the property until it was sold to the state of Colorado and the Toll Gate Reservoir Company in 1910. The state leased the land for farming until Charles Bresnahan bought it in 1946. Bresnahan grew alfalfa and hay and restored some of the original buildings – most notably the Round Barn. He also purchased additional outbuildings located on property that later became Buckley Air Force Base. The city of Aurora bought the land and now maintains the area as open space. The DeLaney Farm was designated as a local historic district in 1989.

DELANEY ROUND BARN

Around 1900, John DeLaney, Jr. commissioned a carpenter to build a round barn for the use as a grain silo. The Round Barn is notable for its exceptional engineering and construction. It is likely the last surviving round barn in Colorado and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

COAL CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE

In 1902, a one room schoolhouse was built on John Lessig’s land as part of the Arapahoe County School District No. 12. The original building burned down in 1927 and residents rebuilt the school on the same site. The schoolhouse remained on private property near Tower Road and Colfax Avenue until it was moved to Springhill Park in 1976 and again moved to the Delaney Farm Historic District in 2011.

GULLY HOMESTEAD HOUSE

The Gully Homestead was originally limited to what is now the kitchen, built in 1866. The rest of the house was added in 1877. In 1976, a development company bought the Gully Homestead and sold the house to the city of Aurora. After an initial move near the Central Library, the city relocated the buildings to the newly restored DeLaney Farm Open Space in 1983. The Gully house was restored and is now used for educational interpretation for the Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

(Photo courtesy of Brian Molitoris)

19th Century Galena Street

Galena Street was originally named Hathaway Street and was changed in 1897. This residential road was part of the new speculative community east of Denver incorporated as the town of Fletcher in 1891. The town later changed its name to Aurora in 1907. Galena Street features some of the original homes in Aurora.

The Centennial House is the oldest of the remaining houses built as part of the town of Fletcher. This Queen Anne Victorian style home was originally owned by M.W. and Blanche Wilson. The Centennial House was converted into a duplex in the 1930s and underwent renovations. The city of Aurora was able to purchase the home in 1990. Restoring the house for Aurora’s 1991 centennial involved a coalition of the Aurora Historic Society, the Aurora Centennial Committee, city staff, as well as Aurora community businesses and individuals.

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

H.M. Milliken was mayor of Fletcher from 1891 to 1894. Early town meetings were held in his home at 1638 N. Galena St. The home was built in 1891 in the Queen Anne Victorian style, common among the original Fletcher homes. The wrap-around porch was added in 1910. It is currently a private residence.

The original owner of this Fletcher home was Granville Fuller, who was president of the New England Investment Company. Fuller's house is a beautiful example of the Queen Anne Victorian style architecture that the early town of Fletcher favored – the contrasting use of brick and wood, fish-scale shingled gables, and arched windows. The house has also retained the original rhyolite window and door sills as well as front porch steps.

CENTENNIAL HOUSE 1671 N. GALENA ST. MILLIKEN

1638

HOUSE

N. GALENA ST.

FULLER HOUSE 2027 N. GALENA ST.

(Photo courtesy of Brian Molitoris)

19th Century Galena Street

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

Originally called Hathaway Street and changed to Galena Street in 1897. This residential road was part of the new speculative community east of Denver incorporated as the town of Fletcher in 1891. The town later changed its name to Aurora in 1907. Galena Street features some of the original homes in Aurora.

20th Century Galena Street

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

The historic core of the 1600 block of Galena Street demonstrates successive waves of Aurora’s residential growth. Population booms during the 1890s, 1910s, and 1970s are all represented in the street’s architecture. Two homes, the Robidoux House and the McMillian House are exemplary of 1910s Craftsman style construction.

McMILLAN HOUSE 1629 N. GALENA ST.

Built in 1911, this home was owned by John M. McMillan. McMillan was an early mayor of Aurora in the 1910s and 1920s. During both tenures as mayor, McMillan lived in the house at 1629 N. Galena Street. The house is a hybrid of Victorian and Craftsman architectural styles which give the home a unique aesthetic.

The house was commissioned by Mary Jane Lavina Girard Robidoux, the widow of Albert Robidoux, a successful wheat farmer and rancher from Kansas. After her husband’s untimely death in 1912, Mary Jane Robidoux moved to Aurora and invested in the design and construction of one of the finest Craftsman style homes on Galena Street. Detailed brickwork provides a decorative architectural element on the exterior and the interior of the house reflects the craftsman influence in the quarter-sawn oak woodwork and built-in cabinetry. The stained glass windows in the living room are designed with a prominent letter “R” for the original owner.

ROBIDOUX HOUSE 1615 N. GALENA ST.

Members of the Smith family continued to live in the house until 1983, when Smith’s oldest daughter, Margaret, passed away. The William Smith home is still a private residence and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

William S

mit

412 N. OSWEGO C

OURT

h Ho

use

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

William Smith moved to Denver in Arapahoe County created the It is the only Foursquare-style 1878. By 1882, Smith saved Arapahoe County District No. 28. house remaining in Aurora. The enough money to purchase his By 1892, the district built Central Foursquare-style is characterized own farm near 6th Avenue and School, a larger one-room school by its square plan, hipped roof, Peoria Street along the High Line on a parcel of land loaned by broad overhanging eaves with Canal in what is now the Del Mar William Smith. He served as decorated brackets, two-story bay neighborhood. Smith raised sheep, secretary of the school board from window and wrap-around porch. alfalfa, barley, corn, wheat, sugar 1885 to 1935. beets and ran a small dairy on this farm. Smith campaigned to His home was the second house consolidate the many small built on the Smith farm. He community schools in the area, commissioned architect Joseph which came to fruition when Wilson to build this house in 1910.

William Smith School

10000 E 13TH AVE.ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

The first multi-room school in town was built in 1913 and served all ages of students. In 1931, due to population growth of Aurora, a new building was constructed named William Smith High School. The school was named after the founder of District No. 28 in 1885, now known as Aurora Public Schools. The school’s gymnasium was built in a dome shape and served as a community center. The hallways and gym ceiling were painted with murals by Albert Christen. The front door features stained glass windows and the exterior brick is decorated with red tile accents. Structurally reinforced during initial construction, the school building was designated as a fallout shelter during World War II. Throughout its history the building has served as a high school, a middle school and an elementary school.

Currently, the school is home to the Aurora West College Preparatory Academy, yet the building still bears the name of William Smith.

Aurora Fox Arts Center

After World War II, Lt. Col. Homer Preston lobbied the U.S. Army for building materials to construct a movie theater in Aurora. Using military surplus, he was given a Quonset hut to reuse. The Fox Inter-Mountain Amusement Corporation took on the development of a 670-seat theater, successfully opening the “Theater of Tomorrow” in 1946. The building front was designed by architect Charles Strong in the Art Moderne style with a 61-foot tall marquee sign. The Fox operated as a movie theater until 1981 when a fire forced it to close. The theater remained unoccupied until local businesses and arts associations rallied to convince the city of Aurora to purchase the building and renovate it as a performing arts theater. The Aurora Fox Arts Center opened in March of 1985. It currently has a 225-seat main theater, visual arts gallery, 50-seat black box theater and numerous backstage work areas.

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

9900 E. COLFAX AVE.

The Aurora Fox Arts Center as seen from East Colfax Avenue looking east. Members of a color guard performing in front of the Fox during the Gateway to the Rockies Parade in 1956.

Italian Villa

1785 N. HANOVER ST.

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

The Italian Villa was originally Little is known about the By 1938, Dr. Henry Blank, the built as an Italian restaurant in building during the first five most notable owner, acquired 1925. To stand out from the years of its history, however, the home. Dr. Blank was a neighbors it was designed in during Prohibition there were well-known local tuberculosis the Spanish Colonial Revival rumors of gambling. In the specialist. After his death in style with wrought-iron metal early 1930s the building was 1954, his wife continued to live work, a red tile roof and stucco sold as a private residence.in the home until 1982. It is sheathing on the exterior walls. currently a private residence.

The Italian Villa became a city of Aurora landmark in 1988.

Gilligan’s “All Electric Display Home” was an attraction in Aurora. An official grand opening was held in September, 1925. In a broadcast on KOA radio, it was estimated that over 15,000 people visited the Gilligan home during the gala including Governor Clarence Morley.

Thomas Gilligan House

1455 N. BEELER ST.

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

Thomas Gilligan was the

After the First National Bank In 2008, the Gilligan House president of the Aurora of Aurora crashed in 1933, underwent a large historic Chamber of Commerce and the Gilligan family moved out restoration project to bring the Aurora First National Bank. An of Colorado. Dr. Arthur Cluff facade back to its original 1925 ardent supporter of the purchased the home in the appearance. The Spanish blossoming suburb, he worked late 1930s and over the next Mission style architecture is with designer O.J. Grisier, 15 years remodeled the evident in the decorative General Electric, and interior of the home in order wrought-iron work, arched-top Westinghouse to build the “All to treat and house his doors and windows with Electric Display Home” for his patients in the Cluff decorative stone voussoirs over family. The home became a Sanitorium. In the 1950s, the them. The two-story brick show piece with the most building’s address changed house is covered in stucco advanced electrical features from 9100 E. Colfax to 1455 sheathing and has a red tile that existed in the 1920s, Beeler Street. The building gabled roof. including fluorescent and continued to be used as a recessed lighting, plus 125 nursing home for the next 40 electrical outlets for “every years and today houses a known appliance.” residential healthcare facility.

Marshall Cowing House

1580 N. DALLAS ST.

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

Class divisions were apparent even Marshall Cowing bought this Acacia Pharmacy on E. Colfax in a small town like Fletcher. house in September of 1898 Ave. until his death in 1928. Homes built along Galena and for about $1,500 Harry’s wife Helen continued to Dallas Streets reflect the economic (approximately $39,000 live in the home. While they differences of their owners. The today). Many of the original were both working at her Dallas Street homes are still of the Fletcher homes on Dallas father’s pharmacy, Miriam, Queen Anne style, but they are Street sat on large lots with Harry and Helen’s daughter, smaller and much less ornate than enough property to keep met William Hawkins, whom their Galena counterparts. Most of animals such as chickens and she later married. Hawkins the residents on Galena Street pigs. Early maps show several became the first paid fire chief were physicians, merchants and out-buildings existed on the of the city of Aurora in 1956. engineers. Dallas Street property. They moved into the home homeowners were more likely to after her mother’s death in be trolley workers, carpenters Harry McDowell bought the 1951 and sold the home and masons. house in 1916 and ran thein 1957.

The Marshall Cowing House was landmarked by the city of Aurora in 2004.

The Hornbein Building has been in continuous use by the city of Aurora since its dedication on May 23, 1954. The site was landmarked in 2005.

Hornbein Buil

1580 N. DALLAS ST.ORIGINAL A din URORA REGION g

Prominent Denver architect Victor Hornbein

In 2009, the city of Aurora restored major designed this building to be Aurora's first library elements of the building. The roof was repaired, building. Previously, the library was housed in outdated and broken mechanical systems were Sarah Wood’s home at 1536 Dallas Street. replaced and the historic clerestory windows were Hornbein favored Frank Lloyd Wright's “Usonian” repaired and restored to their original style of architecture – a one-story building with character-defining condition. Most obvious to the open interior space and many natural materials public, the exterior fascia trim was painted the such as wood beams. original historic color – teal blue.

stanley Marketplace

2501 N. DALLAS ST.

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

The Stanley Marketplace currently throughout its history in Aurora Aviation manufacturing facility houses an innovative commercial even after Robert Stanley's death into a thriving marketplace. The venture that pays homage to the in 1977. Production gradually company purchased the history of this industrial site and slowed at the plant into the early property during the summer of its founder, Robert Stanley. A 21st century. By the summer of 2014, and construction began ground breaking test pilot and 2014, Flightline Ventures, from soon after. The first businesses engineer, Stanley established the the Denver – Aurora – Stapleton opened in late 2016, and a Stanley Aviation manufacturing neighborhood, acquired the grand opening was held in plant in northwest Aurora in 1954, former manufacturing site with 2017. which eventually became the plans to redevelop it into a joint, city’s largest employer. The mixed-use urban environment. The Stanley Marketplace is Stanley Aviation plant produced a Working with both private and significant for its founder, for its number of ejection seats and public partners, including the contribution to military history other jet aircraft components, Aurora Urban Renewal Authority, and for its architecture as an primarily used by the U.S. Air Flightline Ventures embarked industrial example of the Force. Stanley Aviation was a upon a $30 million project to International style. leader in aerospace manufacturingrenovate the former Stanley

The modern exterior of the Stanley Marketplace. A deteriorated exterior Stanley Aviation sign before the renovation in 2014. A Douglas A-1E Skyraider equipped with the Stanley YANKEE Extraction System outside of the manufacturing facility in 1967.

Strait Lumber

11150 E. COLFAX AVE.

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

Strait Lumber is the oldest excess construction grade lumber. local sign vendor, the backing of family-owned and –operated Straits Mill and Lumber Company which still stands today. business in Aurora. The Strait officially opened in Aurora on May family moved to Colorado from 7, 1937.

Strait Lumber, in its third South Dakota during the Great generation of Strait family Depression. In 1934, the Straits The post-World War II population ownership, is Aurora’s oldest established a small lumber influx in Aurora led to increases in continuing privately-owned business including a portable retail sales at the Strait family business. For over 70 years, the saw mill near Deckers, Colorado. business. During this retail boom, storefront at 11150 E. Colfax Ave. Their primary contracts were for construction of the new Strait has sold building materials for cutting mining shore timbers Lumber office, attached warehouse Aurora’s residential and and railroad ties. Soon after, and lumber yard was started in commercial properties through they acquired land in Aurora at March 1947. At this time an iconic numerous growth booms. Strait 11300 East Colfax Avenue that neon sign was constructed by Lumber has played an inextricable was used to dry and store Hanger Neon & Sign Company, a role in the broad history of the city.

The site is currently under consideration as a city of Aurora Historic Landmark.

A moderately-slung roof and full front porch are seen on the Carlson-Holzer House, both which are characteristic of the Craftsman style.

Carlson-Holzer House

1287 CHESTER ST.

ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

The Carlson-Holzer House troubled roots. It had shed the Due to its exemplary architecture embodies the Craftsman appellative link to Donald Fletcher and historical significance as the architectural style that was and had been officially known as residence of a town mayor, the popular in 1910s and 1920s. “Aurora” for four years. Albert J. Carlson-Holzer House is currently The home was built south of Carlson and his family, the original being considered as a city of East Colfax Avenue in 1911 and owners, occupied the home from Aurora landmark. was a part of Aurora’s growth 1911 until 1923. In 1925, Charles spurt of the era. By the time the F. Holzer moved into the home. Carlson-Holzer House was built, Holzer served on City Council and Aurora had risen from its served three terms as mayor.

St. Therese Parish Historic District

1200 N. KENTON ST. ORIGINAL AURORA REGION

Aurora's first Catholic church

The new church was

During the first few years, opened in 1926 near E. 14th completed, but growth the school held classes for Ave. and Dayton Street. continued and by 1954 there grades one through four. World War II and the rapid were nearly 300 children School enrollment grew so expansion of the military attending catechism classes fast that 100 new students bases nearby caused a surge every Saturday. The new were being accepted every in Aurora’s population, which priority became the year. By 1960, four years resulted in an increase in the construction of a school. after the school opened, the needs of this small church. By Once again, the church building needed to be 1951, the parish grew to the commissioned John Monroe doubled in size. That same point that they commissioned to begin work on designing year, the school announced architect John Monroe to the school, as well as new that they would now be build a new larger church. convent building. On accepting students for grades Monroe served as principal September 23, 1956, the one through eight. A architect for the Archdiocese school and convent were gymnasium, attached to the of Denver and in that dedicated during a unique original school building by a capacity designed hundreds ceremony that included a hallway, was added in 1970. of churches, schools, and flyover from four Colorado Air other structures throughout National Guard F-80 jets northern Colorado. flying in a cross formation as a salute.

The St. Therese School circa 1950. The St. Therese Parish Historic District is comprised of five buildings: church, K-8 grade school, convent, rectory and four-car garage. Of those, the St. Therese School was individually landmarked as a historic site in 2007.

Bicentennial Art Cent

er

13655 E. ALAMED

A AVE.MILITARY REGION

The Bicentennial Art Center, of the Art Moderne style that convey a sense of “speed.” The formerly known as Lowry Air was influenced by the designs Bicentennial Art Center building Force Base Building No. 1600, of ships, planes and was a key component in the is recognized for its role in automobiles. This style city’s celebration of the country’s Aurora’s military and features smooth walls, round bicentennial in 1976. It was community history as well as its corners, curbed glass, flat during this time the building was distinctive architecture. The roofs and aluminum or rehabilitated into Aurora’s first building is an excellent example stainless steel, details that community art center.

The building was originally built in 1938 and landmarked in 2012.

Throughout the years Building 880 has served as a warehouse, office space and as the Lowry Air Force Base museum.

Lowry building 880

1016 N. BOSTON ST.

MILITARY REGION

Building 880 is one of the Designated as Lowry Air

The Air Force Academy was fourteen surviving “temporary” Force Base in 1948, the base formed after the designation of buildings constructed in the housed the developing U.S. the U.S. Air Force as a separate early 1940s during the Air Force Academy (USAFA) branch of the military in 1947, pre-World War II mobilization in while a permanent campus recognizing the increasing Aurora. These temporary was constructed in Colorado importance of air power in the buildings were only meant to Springs. Building 880 served Cold War. This building currently last for five to seven years but as the headquarters of the serves the City of Aurora as an have survived for almost 70 Cadet Wing and housed the intergenerational center and is years. Building 880 is a rare offices of Maj. General Robert on the National Register of example of this type of World Stillman, first Commandant Historic Places. War II era military construction.of Cadets for the USAFA.

Red Cross Building & Memorial

12862 E. MONTVIEW BLVD.

MILITARY REGION

Red Cross House, as it was originally known, was built in 1918 as one of the first 48 structures constructed at the newly formed the US Army General Hospital #21 in Aurora. The building was located at the center of the new hospital grounds and was easily reached by the patients and staff. Like all the original construction on base, the Red Cross building was designed in the Mission Revival style and was even built in the shape of a cross.

Most of the soldiers sent to the hospital for treatment were classified by the military as no longer fit for duty due to their injuries or illness. Many patients convalesced for a long period of time before they could return to active duty or, in some cases, be discharged from the service. The Army realized they needed to keep soldiers’ morale high to aid their recovery period. The Red Cross Building served as the hub of all recreational and social activities for patients and their families. It provided a place for

soldiers to visit with their families, On July 4, 1923 a new gather to play games such as monument was dedicated just cards and pool with fellow patients outside the Red Cross Building and relax in a comfortable place. to honor the medical personnel The building housed a large who perished in the First World auditorium to host nightly War. The memorial is unusual entertainment such as movies, for its beehive shape and plays and performers. It also cobblestone construction. In the provided educational classes for center is a bronze plaque soldiers to keep their minds sharp.describing the honorees.

The Red Cross Building was demolished in 2015. The monument known as the “Beehive Memorial” still stands on the grounds today.

Fitzsimons Army Hospital

GUARDHOUSES AT GENERAL’S PARK COLFAX AVENUE & PEORIA STREET

MILITARY REGION

The two guardhouses were built in 1918 as the main entrance to U.S. Army General Hospital #21. The guardhouses and metal gate on the northwest corner of East Colfax Avenue and Peoria Street were constructed in the Mission Revival architectural style to match the other buildings on the base.

The entrance is no longer in use. In 2010, the city of Aurora restored the buildings and gates to their original 1918 appearance. A 1970s-era concrete masonry unit wall and planter were replaced with hand-crafted wrought-iron gates and tapered piers based on historic photographs. A local artist reconstructed historic medallions, which originally hung on the two buildings, to reflect the original eagle and Red Cross design. These Fitzsimons-era guardhouses are ready to welcome new patients to the redeveloped medical campus.

The Waterfowl Preserve is one of the few surviving elements of the Gutheil Park Nursery. A.H. Gutheil operated a large nursery until 1918 on the site that is now the Fitzsimons medical complex. He originally built this pond as a scenic feature for his visitors and invited people to drive through his property as a respite from the dusty city.

In the 1920s, the medical base commander launched a beautification project to improve the living conditions and appearance of the post, including landscaping around the pond. In 1927, Fitzsimons Hospital was issued a permit from the U.S. Biological Survey that recognized the one-acre pond as an official wildfowl preserve – the smallest in the nation.

AMERICAN WAR MOTHERS NATIONAL MEMORIAL HOUSE

1601 N. PEORIA ST.

WATERFOWL PRESERVE

AT GENERAL'S PARK 1561 N. QUENTIN ST.

The American War Mothers National Memorial House provided room and board for the many wives and mothers who came to visit the wounded soldiers at Fitzsimons Hospital. In 1925, the American War Mothers (AWM) organization bought a 5-acre square block of land within walking distance of the hospital. The property included a partly finished 9-room house and cottage that was renovated and furnished by donations from various state chapters of the AWM. The front walkway was paved with plaques to honor the many donors from all over the country who contributed to the construction funding.

In 1925, its first year of operation, the home served over 150 women. For $1.00 a night, women received a place to sleep and two meals. The home was a welcome respite for the women who spent their days at the hospital.

The home served women until 1960 and is now privately owned.

2001.

koa bUILDING

18500 E. COLFAX AVE.

EASTERN AURORA REGION

The first radio station in Colorado used the call building has a vertical emphasis with a linear letters KOA and called itself the “King of bisymmetry. The multi-colored, bas relief, decorative Agriculture.” In 1934, the Denver-based station terra cotta tiles are evident in the image of a moved offices to this new building in Aurora and microphone with radio waves at the top of the two built their 660-foot transmitter which enabled pilasters flanking the main entry, as well as a scene the station to broadcast over 50,000 watts. above the front door depicting the KOA Building Once the new tower powered up, the KOA signal itself against a mountain sunset. The polished could be heard throughout the Rocky Mountain stainless steel front doors have glass inserts region, from Canada all the way to Mexico. covered with decorative wrought-iron grille work. Today, the Art Deco building is owned by the Many of the building’s original Art Deco details Colorado Department of Transportation. remain intact. The geometric composition of the

The KOA Building was landmarked by the city of Aurora in

Trolley Trailer No. 610

15051 E. ALAMEDA PARKWAY

EASTERN AURORA REGION

Aurora’s Trolley Trailer No. 610 To raise money and empty their After sitting empty for many was built in 1913 by the Woeber storage facilities, in 1950, the years the trolley car bedroom Brothers Car Company in Denver. Denver Tramway Co. sold many was discovered in the abandoned The Denver Tramway Co. car old trolley cars and trailers for home in 2006. Dr. Perrott’s son weighed 18,300 lbs. and held 50 $50 each. Dr. Edwin Perrott agreed to donate the trailer to people seated or 100 people purchased Trolley Trailer No. 610 the city of Aurora if it was standing. This trolley trailer was and moved it to his farm at the removed from the property. After actually pulled as an additional northwest corner of Colfax two years and 4,300 work hours car behind motorized electric Avenue and Airport Boulevard in by Aurora Museum Foundation trolley cars during rush hour to eastern Aurora. Eventually he volunteers, Trolley Trailer No. increase the number of riders. built a house around the trailer 610 is now housed in the Ruth The trolley trailer ran between and used the car for his Fountain Gallery at the Aurora Denver and Aurora until 1932. master bedroom. History Museum.

Guests can explore the inside Trolley Trailer No. 610 when visiting the Aurora History Museum’s Ruth Fountain Gallery. (Photo courtesy of Brian Molitoris) A crew carefully guides the landmark into its permanent home at the Aurora History Museum. A team of volunteers working on the restoration of the historic trolley trailer.

The Victory Grange is a Cultural Heritage Site. The Cultural Heritage Site program was designed by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission to recognize historically significant sites, buildings or structures that are not eligible for listing on the local, state or national historic registers.

Victory Grange

The Victory Grange began in 1939 as an effort Victory Grange Hall opened in 1951. The name by local citizens to bring together rural and “Victory” is a reflection of the desired outcome of nearby city neighbors in what later became World War II and the war’s impact on the northeastern Aurora. Victory is a member of the community that gave birth to this Grange. Victory Colorado State Grange, a community service Grange continues to provide a social and community oriented fraternal organization. Fundraising focus to Aurora residents and their members. In efforts during World War II, and during the later addition to the Victory Grande organization, the 1940s helped acquire the property and have the building is used by a variety of community building erected. organizations and personal use.

CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE

2025

N. TOWER ROAD