Avery House

Avery House. Constructed in 1879, this historic residence is a prominent example of Italianate architecture in Northern Colorado. Built for Franklin Avery, a key figure in the early development of Fort Collins, the house has been meticulously preserved and now operates as a museum. It offers a tangible connection to the Victorian era and the pioneering history of the Cache la Poudre River region.

History

The house was commissioned by Franklin Avery, a civil engineer and surveyor who played a pivotal role in plotting the original town site of Fort Collins and designing its irrigation systems along the Cache la Poudre River. Avery and his wife, Sara, moved into the completed home in 1880. The property remained in the Avery family for nearly a century, witnessing the transformation of the surrounding area from a frontier settlement into an established agricultural and educational center, influenced by the arrival of the Colorado Agricultural College. In 1974, the house was donated to the Poudre Landmarks Foundation, which undertook an extensive restoration to return it to its late-19th century appearance, leading to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Architecture

The structure is a fine specimen of Italianate architecture, a style popular in the United States during the mid-to-late 19th century. Characteristic features include a low-pitched hip roof, prominent brackets under the eaves, and tall, narrow windows with ornate hood moldings. The exterior is clad in red brick, a material commonly produced by local brickyards like the Fort Collins Brick Company. The interior retains original elements such as walnut woodwork, marble fireplaces, and period-appropriate wallpaper, reflecting the aesthetic tastes of the Victorian era. The design and construction materials illustrate the growing prosperity and architectural ambition in Colorado settlements following the Colorado Gold Rush.

Significance

Avery House holds significance for its direct association with Franklin Avery, whose work on the Fort Collins town plat and water infrastructure was fundamental to the city's growth. Architecturally, it serves as a well-preserved example of residential Italianate architecture in the region, showcasing construction techniques and domestic life of the period. Its preservation and operation by the Poudre Landmarks Foundation highlight ongoing efforts in historic preservation and public history within Larimer County. The house provides an important physical record of the social and economic development of Northern Colorado during a transformative era marked by railroad expansion and agricultural development.

Current use

Today, the property operates as the Avery House Historic District, functioning as a house museum under the stewardship of the Poudre Landmarks Foundation. It is open to the public for guided tours, educational programs, and special events that interpret the lives of the Avery family and the history of Fort Collins. The site also serves as a venue for community gatherings, lectures, and cultural activities, contributing to the local heritage tourism landscape alongside other historic sites like the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. The surrounding gardens and grounds are maintained to reflect the period and are available for public enjoyment.

Category:Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Colorado Category:Museums in Larimer County, Colorado Category:Houses in Fort Collins, Colorado Category:Italianate architecture in Colorado Category:1879 establishments in Colorado