616 LaFarge Ave Historic Survey - Laserfiche WebLink

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Resource Number: 5BL7977 Temporary Resource Number: 157508436004 At an unknown date between 1941 and 1977, based on Boulder County Assessor photographs, the northern half of the open entrance porch was enclosed, porch trim and wood picket railing removed, and the window opening on the west elevation was reduced in size. The fireplace and exterior red brick chimney on the south elevation were added in 1980. In 1982, a two-story addition was constructed to the east of the 1963 addition. In 2006, 50% of the exterior siding on the house was replaced, 10 new windows were installed (some in new or enlarged openings), and all of the garage siding was replaced. At this time, an attempt was made to make the house appear more "historic". The elevation along LaFarge was altered by the additions of synthetic horizontal siding, non -historic synthetic fish scale gable siding, a turned wood corner post at the front porch, shutters, faux divided light windows, a fixed octagonal window, and a curved brick entrance walk flanked by a pair of coach lamps. The faux stone siding noted in the 2000 inventory was removed in 2006. All of the siding is now light tan synthetic siding, with light gray/green synthetic fish scale gable siding. Trim is dark reddish brown. The roofing consists of brown asphalt shingles. The primary entrance door has been replaced with a clear finish wood door with an oval glass light and decorative scrollwork. The garage has the same siding and roofing as the house. The garage door has been replaced with a tan paneled overhead door with four glass lights. Landscape or special setting description: Jefferson Place Subdivision is a historic residential neighborhood adjacent to downtown Louisville. The subdivision is laid out on a standard urban grid of narrow, deep lots with rear alleys. Houses are built to a fairly consistent setback line along the streets with small front lawns, deep rear yards and mature landscaping. Small, carefully maintained single-family residences predominate. Most of the houses are wood framed, one or one and one-half stories in height, featuring white or light-colored horizontal wood or steel siding, gabled or hipped asphalt shingled roofs and front porches. While many of the houses have been modified over the years, many character -defining features have been preserved. 616 LaFarge is consistent with these patterns. Although its integrity has been compromised by extensive modifications and a large addition, the addition is in the rear. As viewed from the street, the house retains the scale of the neighborhood. 9. Changes in Condition: The property is in excellent condition, having undergone extensive construction in 2005. 10. Changes to Location or Size Information: None. 11. Changes in Ownership: The house was sold in 2005 to Stuart Bray, who resold it to current owner Brad Seago 12. Other Changes, Additions, or Observations: The following history gives information about the ownership and residents of 616 La Farge Avenue that is more extensive than that contained in the 2000 Architectural Inventory Form. It was recently found that members of one family, the Wilson family, owned this property for 101 years. The property at 616 La Farge is made up of Lot 8 and Lot 9, Block 1. According to the Boulder County online property records, which give the dates when documents were recorded, Lewis Wilson acquired Lot 8 and Lot 9 in separate transactions in 1904. Lot 8 had been owned by Albert Gredler, who acquired it from the subdivision developer, Charles C. Welch, in 1893. Lot 9 had been owned by J.H. Gilfillan. Information on exactly when Gilfillan acquired Lot 9 could not be located. According to Lewis Wilson's obituary from 1950, he was born in 1870 and was believed to have been the first white child to be born in the area that was to become Louisville. His parents were Robert and Josephine Wilson, who were Irish immigrants. Robert Wilson was said to have drilled for coal veins all over Colorado. Lewis' mother, Josephine Wilson, built and owned the first hotel in Louisville, which was originally called the Wilson House and was located on the southeast corner of Pine and La Farge (just two buildings away from 616 La Farge). The building is no longer 2