On Aug. 16, the Landmark Preservation Commission presented the annual Friend of Preservation Awards to four community recipients. The awards recognize exemplary preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction projects completed in the past year.
- Bellisimo, Inc. – Bucking Horse: The Bucking Horse Project is a 160-acre community built around five principles: community, environment, education, health and economics. Bellisimo, Inc. rehabilitated the endangered Jessup Farm property into a successful retail artisan village.
- Blue Ocean Enterprises – 242 Linden: Over the decades, the original façade of the building at 242 Linden Street had been substantially lost through repeated renovations and was no longer architecturally significant. Blue Ocean Enterprises acquired the property in 2014. Working with Jeffrey Errett of the Architects Studio, they developed plans for an infill building with a fresh façade that honors its historic surroundings.
- March, Olive & Pharris, LLC – Schlichter-Akin-Smith House: The law firm purchased this house in 2015 and began the extensive rehabilitation with the support of a Colorado State Income Tax Credit for Historic Preservation. The beautiful Italian Renaissance Revival building is now a local landmark and will soon be listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
- James MacDowell – Walker Home: Mr. MacDowell rehabilitated the 1889 Queen Anne home of capitalist J.A.C. Walker at 508 Remington Street. With the support of a Colorado State Income Tax Credit for Historic Preservation, his work has resulted in a beautifully updated property that now serves as his residence and also includes two residential income-producing units.
Each of the recipients showed exceptional commitment to historic preservation principles and their efforts helped preserve Fort Collins’ historic buildings and resources. Mayor Wade Troxell and Landmark Preservation Commission Chairman Ron Sladek presented the awards during proclamations at the Aug. 16 City Council meeting. The meeting, including proclamations, can be viewed at fcgov.com/fctv.
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