Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2009 09 21

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STAFF COMMENTS: This house was very likely constructed in the period between 1909 and 1915. The Assessor's records state the home was built in 1915, even though the 1909 Drumm's Wall Map of Louisville at the Museum shows a building in that location in 1909. In researching the social history there is a possibility the structure was built in 1904, which was the year the Fiori's, the original owners, were married. The subdivision in which 712 Lincoln is located is the Pleasant Hill Addition. This addition was platted and recorded with Boulder County in 1894 by Orrin T. Welch. Orrin Welch was the half brother of Charles C. Welch, the prominent Colorado businessman who played the major role in the founding of Louisville and the opening of its first coal mine, the Welch Mine, back in the 1870s. In the 1890s, Charles Welch was still involved in the development of the town, in this case through the transfer of property to his half brother, Orrin, in 1893. It is not known if Orrin paid Charles for the property that would become Pleasant Hill, or if it was a gift from Charles as a family member. The family of Giacomo (later James) Firoi owned the property from 1904 to 1938. Giacomo was an Italian emigrant who came to the US in 1893. Maddalena, his wife, was also born in Italy. Arlo and Daisey Wilson owned the house from 1938 to 1990. Arlo was a coal miner and a longtime resident of Louisville, having moved her in 1870 prior to incorporation of the City. The Wilson's raised 9 children in this house; one boy and eight girls. Please see attached historical research for a complete detailed history of the property. The following research materials are attached for your review: . Demolition permit request . Copies of letter to the applicant . Building site historical research . 2009 assessor's Information & Arial Map STAFF RECOMMENDATION: In reviewing the property, the reviewers were not taken as much by the social history as they were the existing structure. It was discussed that there was quite a bit of architectural materials and elements that were reflective of the original structure. Even thought he windows appeared to have been modified and the porch appeared to have new materials, the reviewers believed this structure projected the original architectural design elements and was a good representation of turn of the century architecture. Because of this, staff recommends the HPC place a stay on the permit. COMMISSION ACTION: The Commission may vote to either release the demolition permit or hold the permit for the remainder of the 180-day period. In this case, the 180-day period will expire on March 12,2010. In that 180-day period, the Commission and applicant may work to find an alternative to demolition. If no alternative is found by March 12, the applicant is free to demolish the building.