The Historic Uptown neighborhood is located in the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. The neighborhood's boundaries are Cache La Poudre St. to the north, Bijou St. to the south, the alley situated between Wahsatch Ave. and Corona St. to the east, and Monument Valley Park to the west. It was called the Near North End neighborhood until 2023 when it was renamed to the Historic Uptown Neighborhood by the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Board to avoid confusion with the Old North End Neighborhood.
Situated directly north of downtown Colorado Springs, an array of amenities are easily accessible on foot, ranging from parks and restaurants to boutiques, museums, performing arts centers, sports facilities, and more.
History Originally part of the initial townsite established in 1871 and later expanded in 1873, the Historic Uptown Neighborhood boasts a rich historical legacy. It holds a notable presence on the National Register of Historic Places, with key districts such as the Weber-Wahsatch Historic District, Boulder Crescent District, Monument Valley Park, and many other historically significant buildings.
General William J. Palmer and his Colorado Springs Company devised the city plan with the aim of creating a resort-like atmosphere, targeting affluent individuals from the eastern United States and the British Isles. The development along N. Cascade, N. Tejon, and N. Nevada avenues serves as a testament to the transformation from a frontier town to a well-established community with modern conveniences.
The Historic Uptown Neighborhood encompasses part of the original town site and Addition #1 (1871), which expanded to the north, south, and east. In 1883, Addition #5 was plotted west of Cascade Ave. with curvilinear streets and picturesque sites overlooking Monument Creek—a rare and elaborate street design for a Western community. This design reflected the concerted efforts of the town company to impart a distinctive and charming character to their settlement.
The 1880s witnessed the city's most significant population growth, increasing by 11,140 residents (164% growth) by 1890. Immigrants were drawn in by promotional efforts and the city's favorable health conditions. The construction of architecturally rich structures, representing styles such as Queen Anne, Shingle, Italianate, and Tudor, adorned the main thoroughfares north of downtown toward Colorado College. Churches were also erected, embodying the envisioned culture and refinement by General Palmer.
The 1890s to the early 20th century marked a second phase of development following the Cripple Creek and Victor gold mining boom. Opulent houses built during this period reflected the wealth of mine owners, merchants, and industrialists drawn to the mining industry. Architectural styles ranged from Tudor stone castles to Mediterranean Palazzos and Spanish Mission haciendas.
Historic Uptown underwent changes over the years, with economic crises in the 1930s leading to the conversion of large residences into boarding houses or apartments. Housing shortages post-World War II contributed to further conversions, and businesses repurposed residential properties for commercial use. The area stands as a testament to the historical evolution of Colorado Springs, with buildings over fifty years old selected for description based on their eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, State Register of Historic Properties, or local historical significance.
Historic Districts
Boulder Crescent Historic District The Boulder Crescent Historic District, situated in the northeastern portion of the block bounded by Boulder Street, Cascade Avenue, Boulder Crescent, and Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs, is characterized by its collection of five contributing residential buildings constructed between 1894 and 1901. Enveloped within the mature landscaping of the commercial core, the district showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Dutch Colonial Revival, late Victorian, and Colonial Revival. Despite minor alterations, these two to two-and-a-half-story wood-frame structures offer a historical glimpse into the turn of the century in Colorado Springs. Notable properties within the district include 11 West Boulder Street, exemplifying the Colonial Revival style, and 320 North Cascade Avenue, featuring Queen Anne elements. The district's significance lies in its representation of the late 19th and early 20th-century residential development, fueled by a construction boom spurred by the influx of people drawn to the region's health benefits and scenic beauty. Preserving the area's historical character, the district serves as a testament to Colorado Springs' rapid growth during this transformative period.
Weber-Wahsatch Historic District The North Weber Street-Wahsatch Avenue Historic District, situated just north of downtown Colorado Springs, boasts a rich architectural and cultural heritage that spans from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. During the turn of the century, the area witnessed the construction of various rental housing forms, including duplexes and multi-family units like those at 709-711 North Wahsatch and a block of row houses, a unique addition related to the extension of the streetcar line along North Tejon Street and North Nevada Avenue. The neighborhood also saw the establishment of essential services, such as the 1896 City Fire Department's Company No. 2 station and the grand Cumberland Presbyterian church at North Weber Street and Cheyenne Avenue. Additionally, the period witnessed the rise of commercial buildings, predominantly at block corners, housing grocery stores, drugstores, and other essential services.
The early 20th century brought forth challenges of rapid growth, prompting civic organizations like the Civic League to advocate for comprehensive planning. In response, "Colorado Springs, The City Beautiful," a plan crafted by planning consultant Charles Mulford Robinson, advocated the continued landscaping of the Avenue medians, adding raised dividers along Wahsatch Avenue and Willamette Avenue to Cascade Avenue and Nevada Avenue medians in the 1910s. The district continued to be a desirable residential area, witnessing limited but high-quality construction, exemplified by the 1924 Calvary Evangelical church at Uintah Street and Wahsatch Avenue.
The neighborhood evolved in the 1910-1935 period, marked by the prevalence of bungalows, often part of small developments or sandwiched among older Victorian homes. Notable was the transition in landscaping and outdoor living spaces, with smaller front yards reflecting the changing cultural practices of the time. Post-World War II, however, saw shifts in the neighborhood's character, with larger homes converted to multi-family dwellings, and southern portions repurposed for commercial use. Unfortunately, deferred maintenance and misguided modernizations took a toll on the district's historic fabric.
In recent decades, there has been a positive resurgence in the preservation and revitalization of the North Weber Street-Wahsatch Avenue Historic District. New households have moved in, contributing to a substantial reinvestment in the area's buildings. Efforts have been made to restore homes to their original appearances, reversing the trend of deterioration that threatened the neighborhood's integrity. Today, the district stands as a testament to Colorado Springs' early history, providing a unique sense of time and place, and its recognition on the National Register emphasizes the importance of preserving this historic enclave for future generations.
Notable Structures
Hagerman Mansion Constructed in 1885 by Colorado railroad magnate James John Hagerman, the Hagerman Mansion stands proudly at 610 North Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs. Originally designed as a splendid stone Victorian eclectic mansion, significant alterations were made in 1927, transforming it into a luxury apartment building with 22 units while preserving its architectural integrity. The three-story mansion faces east and features a "T-shaped" plan, with the original 1885 structure augmented by additions before 1899 and further expansions in 1927. The exterior showcases pink, rock-faced sandstone, with notable design elements such as stepped parapet gable ends and a two-story, half-round tower added before 1899. The interiors boast rich materials and exquisite craftsmanship, particularly on the first floor, where rooms radiate from a central hall, displaying medium-stained oak, birch, walnut, and mahogany finishes. The mansion's historical significance lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in its association with Hagerman, the builder of the Colorado Midland Railway, and its adaptive use as a luxury apartment building in the 1920s, contributing to the architectural heritage of Cascade Avenue.
Gwynne-Love House Constructed in 1886, the Gwynne-Love House at 730 North Cascade Avenue stands as an imposing Victorian-era residence, prominently situated on a bluff overlooking Monument Valley Park. This architectural gem, now housing professional offices and apartments, retains its original grandeur and serves as a testament to the affluent lifestyle of its early inhabitants. Exhibiting a combination of Queen Anne forms and English detailing, the house features an irregular, multi-planed roof, a hexagonal tower, and decorative half-timbering, showcasing the distinctive architectural influences of "Little London" in Colorado Springs. The exterior, adorned with rock-faced ashlar, wood shingles, and intricate detailing, further adds to its historic charm.
Noteworthy for its historical and social significance, the Gwynne-Love House has witnessed transformations in ownership and use throughout the past century. Originally commissioned by Edmiston Gwynne, the house became a residence guest house during the turn of the century, adapting to the town's growth spurred by the Cripple Creek gold discovery. Its subsequent role as a private residence for the Love family in the early 1900s contributed to the preservation of its architectural integrity. Today, the house stands as one of the last large, intact historic homes in central Colorado Springs, providing a visual link to the city's early history and earning recognition on the National Register of Historic Places.
McAllister House The McAllister House, dating back to 1873–74, stands at 423 North Cascade Avenue as one of the three oldest houses in the Pikes Peak Region and holds particular historical significance. Constructed by Major Henry McAllister, a key figure in the early development of Colorado Springs and a close associate of General William J. Palmer, the house is the sole publicly accessible and meticulously preserved museum in the region. What sets it apart is its restoration to the original architectural plan, distinguishing it as a fine example of late Victorian architecture. Major McAllister's influential role in political, civic, and social spheres, including his contributions to the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and education, further elevates the house's historical value. Today, owned and maintained by the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of Colorado, the McAllister House serves as a significant tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Victorian-era living and hosting educational tours for various groups. Its preservation efforts have been bolstered by substantial gifts and grants, underscoring its enduring importance to both locals and visitors alike. The house remains a cherished venue for meetings, emphasizing its role as a community hub and cultural landmark.
Plaza Hotel