See the original article here: The Group Historic Downtowns
The Northern Colorado region is home to various historic downtown areas that have been thoughtfully preserved to offer visitors a glimpse into what life looked like generations ago. Explore NoCo’s historic scenery, from these quaint downtown areas and the multitude of historic places and landmarks in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, and beyond.
The National Park Service administers the National Register of Historic Places. This comprehensive National Register is the official Federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that hold significance within American history, architecture, engineering, culture, and more. In some cases, Historic Districts are named when the area possesses a significant concentration or continuity of sites, buildings, and structures united historically — such as FoCo’s Old Town.
Historic Downtowns & Districts in Northern Colorado
From the lively Old Town Square in Fort Collins to the charming Downtown Loveland, Northern Colorado is rich in history and heritage. See how these historic downtowns came to be and what they have to offer today, including local culture and modern attractions. Whether you’ve been a longtime resident of NoCo or you’re new to the area, these districts and downtowns are worth exploring!
Old Town Square
Poudre Valley Bank, Fort Collins, Colorado. By Fort Collins History Connection
It’s no secret that the history of Fort Collins is rich with exciting Western lore and eccentric historical characters. In fact, if you’ve ever wondered how the Cache la Poudre River got its name — then it’s a story worth reading! The National Park Service listed Old Town as a historic district in the register in 1978 and in 1979, City Council passed an ordinance that declared the Old Town area as a local historic district. While Old Town does not encompass all of Downtown FoCo, the district includes the core of the area that represents the city’s early business and commercial history and includes landmarks such as the Linden Hotel and the Avery Block.
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of local citizens and the city’s historic preservation program, visitors can stroll along the streets of Old Town and take a trip back through the town’s earliest days. If you’re up for it, you can even take a scenic drive along the Overland Trail on the west side of town on the way through the original Camp Collins — which is now the tiny town of LaPorte. Make sure to stop at Mishawaka, the 1900s dance hall that’s been transformed into a renowned concert venue!
Downtown Loveland Historic District
By Elmschrat – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
The Downtown Loveland Historic District is the city’s commercial center, which dates back to 1877! Loveland was initially developed as a railroad town and was in fact named after the president of the Colorado and Central Railroad line — William A. H. Loveland. The city soon became a major agricultural center and a regional hub for commerce and government. These days, the Downtown Loveland District is a dynamic collaboration between two nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to supporting downtown: the Historic Loveland Business Improvement District and the Downtown Development Authority. Loveland’s downtown is now more vibrant than ever, offering residents, visitors, and families alike the opportunity to enjoy a safe, dynamic environment where they can gather, live, shop, work, and play.
Loveland’s Downtown was officially added to the National Register on June 1st, 2015, and is roughly bordered by Railroad and Jefferson Avenues, as well as the alleys between 3rd and 4th Streets and 4th and 5th Streets. The district includes over 40 contributing buildings and objects, such as the Rialto Theatre, the State Mercantile Building/Masonic Temple, and the Loveland Street Clock located in front of Brannan Brothers Jewelry Store.
Greeley’s Historic Downtown
The Greeley Downtown historic district represents much of the area’s commercial history. Downtown activity began in earnest back in 1880 and over time, the area formed into the community’s hub and home to restaurants, retail stores, hotels, law and medical offices, grocers, pharmacies, and other establishments — as well as the Weld County Courthouse. Greeley has evolved with the help of locally owned businesses and regional and national chain stores and transformed from a small rural town to a commercial center for northeastern Colorado. The area was placed on the National Register on July 24th, 2008, and is roughly bounded by 8th Street on the north, 8th Avenue on the east, 9th Street on the south, and 9th Avenue on the west.
Greeley is home to an array of historic buildings, including some that have made their way to the National Registry of Historic Buildings! Greeley’s high school was erected in 1895 and was used each year until 1912. Today, the building is used for offices. The Masonic Lodge was built in 1927, forming one of the first clubs in the city. The First Congregational Church was built in 1906 and is currently home to Saint Patrick’s Presbyterian Church.
NoCo’s Historic Landmarks
Whether you consider yourself a history buff or appreciate the unique architectural styles from generations ago — these are some of NoCo’s unique historical places and landmarks. Check out the operational Rialto Theater in Loveland or pay a visit to the iconic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park if you’re a Kubrick fan.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
The Stanley Hotel is a well-known historic gem in Estes Park, standing as grand in its architecture as it does in its significance. Dating back to 1909, the hotel has transformed into a luxurious mountain retreat that still draws eager tourists to the area. From boasting stunning views to the hotel’s gorgeous Georgian Revival style, the Stanley Hotel has a lot to offer! The hotel cemented its infamous status when it served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining film. The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1985 and remains a bucket list destination for both history buffs and horror film enthusiasts alike.
Rialto Theater, Loveland
The Rialto Theater in NoCo’s Loveland has been a cultural icon in the area since first opening its doors to the public in 1920. Originally operated as a silent movie theater, the Rialto Theater has continued to be a staple in the city’s entertainment scene. Lovingly restored in the 1990s, the theater has successfully blended its historic charm with modern-day functionality and now serves as a venue that hosts live performances, films, and other community gatherings. The iconic marquee remains a beacon of both the vibrant arts scene in Loveland, as well as pays homage to the history behind the town. The Rialto Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1988 to preserve its legacy for many generations to come.
Avery House, Fort Collins
Avery House was built in 1879 and served as the family home of Franklin and Sara Avery, along with their three children. The house now serves as a significant historical landmark that reflects the city’s early development and the legacy of one of the city’s prominent founders. The house showcases the exquisite and elaborate Victorian architecture that was popular during its era and the house has been preserved as a museum. Visitors can get a glimpse into 19th-century life in Fort Collins, complete with period furnishings and historical artifacts. Avery House was listed on the National Register in 1972, ensuring that it remains a symbol of FoCo’s rich history and the contributions made by pioneering residents.
Elkhorn Lodge, Estes Park
The Elkhorn Lodge in Estes Park is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state of Colorado. The lodge was added to both the National and State Registers of Historic Places in 1978. In the 1870s, William James moved from New York with his wife, Ella, and their three sons. James built a small hunting lodge and over time, buildings were added – such as the first school in Estes Park, a ranch house, a coach house, several cabins, a horse barn, and even a small chapel. The property is also the site of one of the state’s first golf courses. The site originally comprised thousands of acres that have since been deeded to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Since being sold in 2020, the property has undergone a slate of renovations, remodels, and new construction. Three of the original structures will remain with the intent of keeping the landmark present in the Estes Valley.
Fort Collins Post Office, Fort Collins
The old Post Office building is housed in a three-story Second Renaissance Revival structure that was designed by James Knox Taylor, who was the supervising architect for the U.S. Treasury. The building was erected in 1911 and was described at the time as being the “finest building in the city.” The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and was designated a local landmark by the city in 1985. Over the years, the building has been a fledgling gallery named Horizons Gallery of Contemporary Art and the One West Contemporary Art Center. These days, the historic post office building now houses the Museum of Art.
Pleasant Valley School, Bellvue
The 1879 Pleasant Valley School is one of the rare surviving examples of a stone schoolhouse in Larimer County. The building exhibits the distinguishing characteristics of these rural one-room schools and represents the educational history of the county between the years of 1879 and 1913 when students of all ages traveled from area farms and ranches to a centrally located school for their early instruction. The school was added to the National Register on October 11th, 2003. The 24′ by 38’ single-story stone structure was converted into housing for dairy employees and was used as such until 2015 when Noosa Yoghurt funded rehabilitation efforts of the schoolhouse, allowing it to serve as an educational and historical resource for the community. Visitors can stop by the landmark on scheduled tours of Morning Fresh Dairy.
Northern Colorado’s Fascinating Historical Past
Northern Colorado’s historic downtown areas and national landmarks offer residents and visitors alike a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich and diverse heritage. From the preserved charm of FoCo’s Old Town to the operational Rialto Theatre in Loveland — these districts and landmarks celebrate the cultural, architectural, and historical legacy that helped shape the area and create the NoCo we love today.
