Attendees are invited to explore five notable homes and two significant city services buildings at their own pace throughout the duration of the event. At each site, guests will be guided by trained volunteers, who will point out architectural features, share historical stories about the former residents, and explain details about how each property has been preserved and carefully upgraded over the years.
Take advantage of the rare opportunity that these properties will be open to the public — with paid admission, of course. This curated collection of homes and utility buildings represent a range of architectural styles and each one tells a unique story as it relates to Fort Collins’ fascinating past.
Historic Buildings Open During the Tour
Let’s take a look at the seven private and public properties open during the 2023 Fort Collins Historic Homes Tour!
1029 Laporte Avenue
This charming five-bedroom California-bungalow style home was built in 1898 and is one of only two private homes on the tour. Notable features include the stone exterior, screened-in porch, cozy fireplace, clawfoot tub, and finished basement.
220 South Sherwood Street
Also known as the Snook/Hale House, this Craftsman-style cottage home was built in 1916 and was designated as a local landmark in 2005. It is the second private home on this tour.
308 Cherry Street
The Thomas House was built in 1918 and became the first Fort Collins landmark designation in 2021 due to the role it played in the city’s Black history. It was once the home of Virgil Thomas, who is believed to be the first Black graduate of Fort Collins High School. Today, it houses the Immigration Law Office of Kimberly Baker Medina.
425 10th Street
This 1927 adobe home was originally the home of John Romero and his family. Today, it serves as the
Museo de las Tres Colonias, a museum focused on Hispanic life in Fort Collins and working conditions in the area’s sugar beet industry.
330 North Howes Street
The
Fort Collins Trolley Barn is a Mission-style brick building built in 1907. It served as the depot for the city’s streetcar system, which ran from 1907-1951. It was added to Fort Collins’ local landmark registry in 1992.
328 West Mountain Avenue
The 1879 Avery House was originally built for $3,000 in 1879 using sandstone from local quarries. Franklin Avery and his wife Sara raised their children in the house and added several additions throughout the years, including the iconic Queen Anne tower. Today, the house, the Margareth Merrill Memorial Gazebo, the fountain, and the carriage house are all part of the Avery House Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s all maintained by Poudre Landmarks Foundation.
2005 North Overland Trail
Also maintained by Poudre Landmarks Foundation,
The 1883 Water Works was Fort Collins’ first public works project. Today, the landmark consists of more than 20 acres, four buildings, two ditches, vintage apple trees and more, but the main attraction is the original Gothic Revival pump house, which received water from the supply canal and the Cache la Poudre River.
About the Poudre Landmark Foundation
The
Poudre Landmarks Foundation stands as a beacon of historical appreciation in the Fort Collins community, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the area. Through their meticulous efforts, they safeguard two cherished landmarks, the 1879 Avery House and the 1883 Water Works, both underlining the foundation’s commitment to nurturing a deep understanding of the past.
The Fort Collins Historic Homes Tour, a crowning jewel in the Poudre Landmarks Foundation’s endeavors, stands as the cornerstone of their fundraising initiatives. This remarkable fundraising event, meticulously planned over almost a year, requires the dedicated efforts of around 100 volunteers who contribute their time and enthusiasm to make it a resounding success. Serving as a celebration of both historical significance and community engagement, the tour not only generates essential funds for the foundation but also fosters a deeper connection between the people of Fort Collins and their heritage.
Want to Help?
The foundation is still searching for volunteers to help the event run smoothly! Volunteers are rewarded with a unique opportunity to explore the tour before or after their shift. For those eager to partake in this meaningful endeavor, visit
this page and fill out the volunteer form.
