The annual Boulder Historic Holiday Home Tour each year opens the holiday season in Boulder.
This last weekend seven homes in the Mapleton Historic District were open on Saturday and Sunday.
Different this year was that the homes on tour were all on just one block, Maxwell Avenue. Maxwell Avenue's homes represent a living style that is appealing today, the "Not So Big House" -- smaller residences, a mix of uses, and proximity to public transportation.
Most think of Boulder's Mapleton Hill as a neighborhood of grand homes and stately grounds. However, the homes on Maxwell Avenue, one block north of Mapleton, were more modest, on smaller lots and narrower streets.
Today, Maxwell Avenue is lined with charming, well-preserved, working class vernacular homes from the turn of the 20th Century. Reminders of Maxwell Avenue's mixed-use past, a former mom and pop grocery and another former grocery store/gas station are still standing. A streetcar, the tracks gone today, went up the Avenue.
The charm of these homes comes from their smaller size and what the owners have done with them. From an abundance of little nooks and crannys; to copper kitchen counter tops; to little balconies off master bedrooms; to lofts and beautiful kitchens and living areas-- each home had its own distinct personality.
The weather was beautiful for the first part of December. This tour attracted one of the largest crowds in years. Over 1000 people were able to walk up and down the street as they had in days gone by and see the creativity used in the renovation and restoration of these charming homes.
For more about Boulder, Colorado and its close-by surrounding area I invite you to go to my website: http://www.jancycampbell.com/ or email me: jancy@jancycampbell.com
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
History Happening in Boulder
Boulder's History Museum opens its second season of:
Boulder Conversations with Extraordinary People
Mark your calendars and meet these extraordinary people who are taking Boulder to new heights.
The season begins September 21st with Chuck Porter, chair, Crispin Porter + Bogusky
The series runs through April 2011.
Here is the rest of the line-up:
October 13; Eric Cornell, CU Physicist & Nobel Prize Laureate
November 9th; Jim Voss, CU Professor & Former NASA Astronaut
December 14; Jean Dubofsky, Former CO Supreme Court Judge
January 11; Margaret Coel, New York Times Best-Selling Author
February 8; David Barrett, Architect, Designer of Dushanbe Cybercafe
March 8; Gene Bolles, M.D., Neurosurgeon and Medical Military Consultant
April 12; Dave Scott, Six-time Ironman World Champion and Triathlon Coach
All programs take place at Chautauqua's Community House and include complimentary wine and cheese. Programs are from 5:30 to 7:00
Tickets can be purchase at the Chautauqua Box Office http://www.chautauqua.com/ or call the Box office at 303-449-7666
$15 per program ($12 for Museum and Chautauqua members.
Additional contact info:
Boulder History Musrum; http://www.boulderhistory.org/ 303-449-3464
For further information about this event or information about historic homes for sale in Boulder County --
Contact me at 303-931-9663 or jancy@jancycampbell.com. or http://www.jancycampbell.com/
Boulder Conversations with Extraordinary People
Mark your calendars and meet these extraordinary people who are taking Boulder to new heights.
The season begins September 21st with Chuck Porter, chair, Crispin Porter + Bogusky
The series runs through April 2011.
Here is the rest of the line-up:
October 13; Eric Cornell, CU Physicist & Nobel Prize Laureate
November 9th; Jim Voss, CU Professor & Former NASA Astronaut
December 14; Jean Dubofsky, Former CO Supreme Court Judge
January 11; Margaret Coel, New York Times Best-Selling Author
February 8; David Barrett, Architect, Designer of Dushanbe Cybercafe
March 8; Gene Bolles, M.D., Neurosurgeon and Medical Military Consultant
April 12; Dave Scott, Six-time Ironman World Champion and Triathlon Coach
All programs take place at Chautauqua's Community House and include complimentary wine and cheese. Programs are from 5:30 to 7:00
Tickets can be purchase at the Chautauqua Box Office http://www.chautauqua.com/ or call the Box office at 303-449-7666
$15 per program ($12 for Museum and Chautauqua members.
Additional contact info:
Boulder History Musrum; http://www.boulderhistory.org/ 303-449-3464
For further information about this event or information about historic homes for sale in Boulder County --
Contact me at 303-931-9663 or jancy@jancycampbell.com. or http://www.jancycampbell.com/
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Don't Miss Historic Boulder's 2010 Landmarks of the Future
Once a year Boulder hosts a special tour of significant homes that promise to become Landmarks of the Future. On Saturday & Sunday, April 24th and 25th, this tour will be all about architect's and designer's homes -- appropriately called, Architects and Designers at Home. Below are links to four of the homes on tour.
For more information contact me at 303-931-9663 or jancy@jancycampbell.com.
Tickets can be purchased at Historic Boulder, West End Gardener, Boulder Book Store, Page Two, and the Timbalier.
http://jlogan.com/logan_wiggins1.html
http://www.folwellstudios.com/images/mfportfolio/crescent/crescent.html
http://www.vastarchitecture.com/Projects_Residential/Hickory/1.html
http://www.architropic.us/Architropic/The_NZE_House.html
This tour presents an opportunity to educate, advocate and promulgate the value of saving our culturally important buildings.
Hope to see you there. You'll be glad you were.
Jancy
For more information contact me at 303-931-9663 or jancy@jancycampbell.com.
Tickets can be purchased at Historic Boulder, West End Gardener, Boulder Book Store, Page Two, and the Timbalier.
http://jlogan.com/logan_wiggins1.html
http://www.folwellstudios.com/images/mfportfolio/crescent/crescent.html
http://www.vastarchitecture.com/Projects_Residential/Hickory/1.html
http://www.architropic.us/Architropic/The_NZE_House.html
This tour presents an opportunity to educate, advocate and promulgate the value of saving our culturally important buildings.
Hope to see you there. You'll be glad you were.
Jancy
Monday, October 5, 2009
Replace or Restore Historic Windows
(for more information go to http://www.jancycampbell.com/ or email me: jancy@jancycampbell.com
Are Replacement Windows Maintenance Free?
I believe what we are all looking for is a solution that is environmentally sound and sustainable, and one that does not compromise the historic integrity of the property. From a recent article by Walter Sedovic and Jill Gotthelf a question asked is, are replacement windows maintenance free . . . "no" according to Michael Jackson, FAIA, chief architect of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Jackson said in a recent presentation that "maintenance free" means it can't be repaired. Vinyl, fiberglass & aluminum windows -- and insulated glass -- are formed using materials and techniques that are not conservable. Once they fade, warp, or fail, there is virtually nothing that can be done but to replace again.
I would love to receive any information about successful window replacement or restoration in historic homes.
Historic Boulder has a most informative web site: http://www.historicboulder.org/. At the top is an index, where you can click on "green" . . This is a wonderful resource. You will also find an interactive link that points out the various parts of a house most likely to be the source of "leaks".
Also, a special note: This Wednesday, October 14th, Historic Boulder will present the second Fall session of its popular Salon Series. The presentation will be "Sears Catalogue (Kit Houses) in Boulder County". Heather Lewis, principal in Animal Arts architecture firm and past chair of the Louisville Historic Preservation Commission will talk about how they arrived in several thousand pieces and a set of instructions, and people went to the train station to pick up what would become their new home. The Salon is free, open to the public and held at the Spruce Street Mansion. Feel free to email for times and further information.
Are Replacement Windows Maintenance Free?
I believe what we are all looking for is a solution that is environmentally sound and sustainable, and one that does not compromise the historic integrity of the property. From a recent article by Walter Sedovic and Jill Gotthelf a question asked is, are replacement windows maintenance free . . . "no" according to Michael Jackson, FAIA, chief architect of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Jackson said in a recent presentation that "maintenance free" means it can't be repaired. Vinyl, fiberglass & aluminum windows -- and insulated glass -- are formed using materials and techniques that are not conservable. Once they fade, warp, or fail, there is virtually nothing that can be done but to replace again.
I would love to receive any information about successful window replacement or restoration in historic homes.
Historic Boulder has a most informative web site: http://www.historicboulder.org/. At the top is an index, where you can click on "green" . . This is a wonderful resource. You will also find an interactive link that points out the various parts of a house most likely to be the source of "leaks".
Also, a special note: This Wednesday, October 14th, Historic Boulder will present the second Fall session of its popular Salon Series. The presentation will be "Sears Catalogue (Kit Houses) in Boulder County". Heather Lewis, principal in Animal Arts architecture firm and past chair of the Louisville Historic Preservation Commission will talk about how they arrived in several thousand pieces and a set of instructions, and people went to the train station to pick up what would become their new home. The Salon is free, open to the public and held at the Spruce Street Mansion. Feel free to email for times and further information.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What To Do About Historic Windows?
For more information on Boulder Colorado and surrounding areas go to : http://www.jancycampbell.com/ also contact me at jancy@jancycampbell.com
There is a well acknowledged, and sometimes heated, debate about replacement vs. restoration of historic windows. There is also a lot of mis-information about. What to do with those old drafty windows? The next three blogs will deal with some current information that will address some misconceptions about the proper approach.
1. REPLACEMENT WINDOW MANUFACTURERS may may offer the option of reusing existing frames & replacing just the sash at a more economical cost.
Not quite true . . . as the whole window assembly determines the performance. Infiltration through a window occurs in many locations, not just the sash. Reusing an existing frame that is not tight, within a wall system that leaks, will not solve the problem that existed. Any window system -- old or new -- must be a part of a weather-tight system from the sash to the walls.
Several independent studies have shown that windows contribute only 10 to 12 % of over all infltration into the building. A much higher percentage of "leaks" occur at roof eaves, foundations, wall receptacles, dryer & plumbing vents and fireplaces. So the replacement of the sash alone is not the solution . . .
The support for restoration, and it is reported a virtual watershed of support, comes mostly from various states, historical commissions & preservtionists across North America. Historic wood windows have been called an "endangered species".
Supporting window replacement are, of course, window manufacturers. They have sought to develop standards that would demonstrate their products' effectiveness in a format that would allow consumers to better compare replacement vs. restoration.
Sustainability -- all of us today are looking for best answers. What is really the best route to achieve sustainability? Lets explore this a bit. Again, contact me at jancy@jancycampbell.com with your thoughts.
There is a well acknowledged, and sometimes heated, debate about replacement vs. restoration of historic windows. There is also a lot of mis-information about. What to do with those old drafty windows? The next three blogs will deal with some current information that will address some misconceptions about the proper approach.
1. REPLACEMENT WINDOW MANUFACTURERS may may offer the option of reusing existing frames & replacing just the sash at a more economical cost.
Not quite true . . . as the whole window assembly determines the performance. Infiltration through a window occurs in many locations, not just the sash. Reusing an existing frame that is not tight, within a wall system that leaks, will not solve the problem that existed. Any window system -- old or new -- must be a part of a weather-tight system from the sash to the walls.
Several independent studies have shown that windows contribute only 10 to 12 % of over all infltration into the building. A much higher percentage of "leaks" occur at roof eaves, foundations, wall receptacles, dryer & plumbing vents and fireplaces. So the replacement of the sash alone is not the solution . . .
The support for restoration, and it is reported a virtual watershed of support, comes mostly from various states, historical commissions & preservtionists across North America. Historic wood windows have been called an "endangered species".
Supporting window replacement are, of course, window manufacturers. They have sought to develop standards that would demonstrate their products' effectiveness in a format that would allow consumers to better compare replacement vs. restoration.
Sustainability -- all of us today are looking for best answers. What is really the best route to achieve sustainability? Lets explore this a bit. Again, contact me at jancy@jancycampbell.com with your thoughts.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Property Values and Historic Districts
Becoming an historic district helps to protect the values of the homes within. Several days ago I was a part of a fun and informative bus tour for both new and existing Historic Boulder board members to view some of Boulder's interesting historic properties. Joyce Davies, one of Boulder's first and most fascinating preservationists, provided the background information. We spent some time looking at perhaps the City's smallest historic district, and one with a charming story to tell.
In 1939 eight faculty members of the University of Colorado, not satisfied with available living possibilities in Boulder, decided to form their own association. They purchased an entire city block in the Floral Park subdivision -- down the hill from Chautauqua and close to the University. They created eight lots. Each family drew for one of the lots, and each built a house. Architectural integrity was important to these faculty members, and they created covenants to preserve their buildings' exteriors. Before the words, "historic preservation" had been thought about, these eight had made a decision that preserved the past and looked ahead to the future.
These eight homes (bounded by Mariposa and Bluebell Avenues and 15th and 16th streets) all were constructed with green shutters and red tile roofs. The architect was James M. Hunter, who saved the homeowners money by buying in bulk and using recycled bricks from the recently demolished State Preparatory School. The appliances were ordered in bulk. With the homeowners all in agreement, it took Hunter only six months to design all of their residences.
When the eight houses were completed in 1940, people called the area Red Square because of the red roofed houses that surrounded an interior courtyard designed as open space.
In 1978 the City of Boulder designated this single city block as the Floral Park Historic District. Hunter's description of the architectural style is recorded in the minutes of the Boulder Landmarks Board from 1977. "The roof slope was in the style of the University buildings," he stated, while "detailing was culled from Williamsburg, and molding was in the Colonial style." (Some background information from a Daily Camera story by Silvia Pettem)
Rarely does one of these homes come on the market for sale. Two have sold within the last year, one in August of 2008 and one in January of 2009. The square footage of these two homes were 2,358 and 2,598. The average sale price of these two sales was $870,000. The average sale price of all single detached residential homes sold in the City of Boulder in 2008 was $656,026 - - and these statistics for the City include the sales of several million dollar properties.
With this little bit of history, it is fun to drive by and imagine a lifestyle many years ago.
In 1939 eight faculty members of the University of Colorado, not satisfied with available living possibilities in Boulder, decided to form their own association. They purchased an entire city block in the Floral Park subdivision -- down the hill from Chautauqua and close to the University. They created eight lots. Each family drew for one of the lots, and each built a house. Architectural integrity was important to these faculty members, and they created covenants to preserve their buildings' exteriors. Before the words, "historic preservation" had been thought about, these eight had made a decision that preserved the past and looked ahead to the future.
These eight homes (bounded by Mariposa and Bluebell Avenues and 15th and 16th streets) all were constructed with green shutters and red tile roofs. The architect was James M. Hunter, who saved the homeowners money by buying in bulk and using recycled bricks from the recently demolished State Preparatory School. The appliances were ordered in bulk. With the homeowners all in agreement, it took Hunter only six months to design all of their residences.
When the eight houses were completed in 1940, people called the area Red Square because of the red roofed houses that surrounded an interior courtyard designed as open space.
In 1978 the City of Boulder designated this single city block as the Floral Park Historic District. Hunter's description of the architectural style is recorded in the minutes of the Boulder Landmarks Board from 1977. "The roof slope was in the style of the University buildings," he stated, while "detailing was culled from Williamsburg, and molding was in the Colonial style." (Some background information from a Daily Camera story by Silvia Pettem)
Rarely does one of these homes come on the market for sale. Two have sold within the last year, one in August of 2008 and one in January of 2009. The square footage of these two homes were 2,358 and 2,598. The average sale price of these two sales was $870,000. The average sale price of all single detached residential homes sold in the City of Boulder in 2008 was $656,026 - - and these statistics for the City include the sales of several million dollar properties.
With this little bit of history, it is fun to drive by and imagine a lifestyle many years ago.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A Bit More History
Boulder is celebrating all of 2009. It was founded in 1859 by 54 men who had crossed the Great Plains to seek their fortunes in gold. Alfred Brookfield, one of the prospectors, wrote a letter home to his wife saying, "We thought that as the weather would not permit us to mine, we would lay out and commence to build what may be an important town."
Boulder did become important -- and in those early days as a supply town to the mountain mines, and as a county seat, agricultural center, and a railroad hub. In 1877, one year after Colorado was granted statehood, The University of Colorado opened its doors -- to then a lone building, Old Main, located on a barren mesa south of town.
By 1909, Boulder residents called their city the "Athens of the West." It had grown to a city of 9,000 residents who celebrated with a pioneers' banquet and a spirited parade. Even the Utes came to Boulder to join in the city's semi centennial festivities. To encourage Boulder's growth, local businessmen and women bought stocks in the Boulder Hotel Company. In 1909 the Hotel Boulderado opened its doors on New Year's Day 2009. One year later, nationally known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. prepared a comprehensive plan of improvements, encouraging Boulder residents to plant a variety of trees and create more parks.
Researching Boulder's history is fun and easily done from your computer by going to http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/, and then going to the Carnegie Branch Library, Boulder's historic branch.
Today, Boulder continues its balmy weather . . . temperatures may reach the 70's . . . . Where has Boulder's winter gone? . . . . I wouldn't be surprised to see a late spring blizzard.
Boulder did become important -- and in those early days as a supply town to the mountain mines, and as a county seat, agricultural center, and a railroad hub. In 1877, one year after Colorado was granted statehood, The University of Colorado opened its doors -- to then a lone building, Old Main, located on a barren mesa south of town.
By 1909, Boulder residents called their city the "Athens of the West." It had grown to a city of 9,000 residents who celebrated with a pioneers' banquet and a spirited parade. Even the Utes came to Boulder to join in the city's semi centennial festivities. To encourage Boulder's growth, local businessmen and women bought stocks in the Boulder Hotel Company. In 1909 the Hotel Boulderado opened its doors on New Year's Day 2009. One year later, nationally known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. prepared a comprehensive plan of improvements, encouraging Boulder residents to plant a variety of trees and create more parks.
Researching Boulder's history is fun and easily done from your computer by going to http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/, and then going to the Carnegie Branch Library, Boulder's historic branch.
Today, Boulder continues its balmy weather . . . temperatures may reach the 70's . . . . Where has Boulder's winter gone? . . . . I wouldn't be surprised to see a late spring blizzard.
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