HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5D - 1045 14th StItem 5D, Page 1
M E M O R A N D U M
April 3, 2019
TO: Landmarks Board
FROM:Jim Robertson, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Lucas Markley, Assistant City Attorney II
Marcy Cameron, Historic Preservation Planner II
James Hewat, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Caleb Gasparek, Historic Preservation Intern
SUBJECT: Public hearing and consideration of an application to designate the
property at 1045 14th St. as a local historic landmark per Section 9‐
11‐5 of the Boulder Revised Code, 1981 (HIS2015‐00283).
__________________________________________________________________________
STATISTICS:
1.Site:
2.Date of Construction:
3.Zoning:
4.Lot Size:
5. Applicant/Owner:
1045 14th St.
1909
RH‐5 (Residential High – 5)
6,335 sq. ft. (approx.)
John Pugh / Pugh Family Mothership, LLC
______________________________________________________________________________
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Landmarks Board adopt the following motion:
I move that the Landmarks Board recommend that the City Council designate the property at
1045 14th St. as a local historic landmark, to be known as the Nelson‐Germann House, finding
that it meets the standards for individual landmark designation in Sections 9‐11‐1 and 9‐11‐2,
B.R.C. 1981, and adopt the staff memorandum dated April 3, 2019, as the findings of the board.
FINDINGS:
The Landmarks Board finds that, based upon the application and the evidence
presented, the proposed designation application will be consistent with the purposes
and standards of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, and:
Item 5D, Page 2
1. The proposed designation will protect, enhance, and preserve a building
reminiscent of past eras and persons important in local history as a significant
example of architecture from the past. Section 9‐11‐1(a), B.R.C. 1981.
2. The proposed designation will maintain an appropriate setting and environment,
will enhance property values, stabilize the neighborhood, promote tourist trade,
and foster knowledge of the city’s living heritage. Section 9‐11‐1(a), B.R.C. 1981.
3. The proposed designation draws a reasonable balance between private property
rights and the public interest in preserving the city’s cultural, historic, and
architectural heritage, ensuring that the preservation of this property has been
carefully weighed with other alternatives. Section 9‐11‐1(b), B.R.C. 1981.
4. The property proposed for designation has special character and historic,
architectural value. Section 9‐11‐2(a)(1), B.R.C. 1981.
5. The proposed designation is consistent with the criteria specified in Section 9‐11‐
5(c), B.R.C. 1981.
BACKGROUND:
See the cover memo dated April 6, 2019 for background information on the case history.
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
The property at 1045 14th St. is located on the west side of 14th Street, between College
and Euclid avenues. The property is located within the boundaries of the identified
potential University Hill Historic District.
Figure 1. Location Map, 1027‐1045 14th St., 2018.
Item 5D, Page 3
Figure 2. East Elevation (façade), 1045 14th St., 2019.
Like its neighbors to the north and south, this house is an intact example of the
Foursquare style popular during the early twentieth century. The two‐story house
features a hipped roof with wide, over‐hanging eaves. A hipped roof dormer with a
non‐historic sliding glass window is centrally located on the façade. Double‐hung
windows with sandstone sills are located on the second story. Large windows flank the
centrally‐located entrance and feature stone sills and headers. A porch with classical
columns extends the width of the façade. The building rests on a rusticated stone
foundation. The letters “ΣAE” are mounted between the windows on the second story
and two concrete lions flank the entrance for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, the
current occupants.
A frame bay is centrally located on the north elevation and includes a pair of double‐
hung windows with wood panels below. Two small windows flank the chimney near
the northeast corner of the house; one window retains the original decorative leaded
glass. All windows have stone lintels and sills. A large spare window opening has been
infilled with glass block toward the rear of the north elevation.
A brick two‐story bay is centrally located on the south elevation and flanked by
irregularly placed double‐hung windows. A one‐story frame addition appears to have
been constructed in two phases on the rear elevation. It is clad in narrow lap siding and
T1‐11 siding and features a variety of window types. A metal fire escape stair is located
on the rear elevation.
Item 5D, Page 4
Figure 3. North‐East Elevation, 1045 14th St., 2019.
Figure 4. South and East Elevations, 1045 14th St., 2019.
Item 5D, Page 5
Figure 5. North‐West Elevation, 1045 14th St., 2019.
Alterations
The house appears to retain a high degree of integrity. The original diamond‐pane
dormer window on the façade has been replaced with a non‐historic sliding glass
window and two skylights are located on the north slope of the roof.
Figure 6. Tax Assessor Photo, 1045 14th St., 1929.
Item 5D, Page 6
HISTORY:
This house was built and possibly designed by Benjamin
Nelson, a widely‐known carpenter and building contractor
in Boulder. Nelson lived here with his wife, Barbara, son
Herbert, and mother‐in‐law Mary Haas from 1909 until
1913. Benjamin was born in Canton Missouri on January 13,
1874. Barbara was born in August of 1878 in Missouri.
The property’s most illustrious owner was Frank Erhart
Emmanuel Germann, a physicist, physical chemist and
university professor who is considered a founding member
of the modern chemistry department of the University of
Colorado.1 Germann purchased the property in 1919 and
lived here until 1951.
Frank E. E. Germann was born Dec. 6, 1887 in Peru,
Indiana. He received a degree from Indiana University in 1911, and a Sc.D. degree from
the University of Geneva in Switzerland in 1914. He was a faculty member at the
University of Geneva (1912‐1914), Indiana University ‐‐Bloomington (1914), Cornell
University (1914–1918), Colorado School of Mines (1918–1919), and the University of
Colorado, Boulder (1919–1956).
Professor Germann’s career with the University of Colorado began in 1919 as an
Associate Professor and within a year he was promoted to a full Professor of Chemistry.
Professor Germann, Professor John Bernard Ekeley (1869‐1951) and Assistant Professor
Paul Marshall Dean lead the department of Chemistry through the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Germann won national acclaim during his tenure at the
University for his theory of capturing carbon dioxide from
underground source, converting that gas to a solid state, and
then using the product for agricultural purposes. Other research
by Germann involves radiochemistry, spectroscopy,
fluorescence, and dry ice. Germann was the faculty sponsor for
the Alpha Sigma Chapter of the Phi Lambda Upsilon fraternity, a
group that recognized outstanding work in the chemistry and
chemical engineering fields. Following his career at the
1 Frank Erhart Emmanuel Germann. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Erhart_Emmanuel_Germann.
Accessed Feb. 11, 2019.
Chemistry Professor and
owner of the house,
Frank E. E. Germann
Ben Nelson, contractor who
built the house, date unknown.
Carnegie Library.
Item 5D, Page 7
University of Colorado, he joined the research staff of the National Bureau of Standards
(1956–1966).
Frank Germann and Martha Minna Marie Knechtel married on July 25, 1916 in Indiana.
The couple had two children, Lois and Richard. Lois attended the University of
Colorado and earned a bachelor’s degree in Music, followed by two master’s degrees in
Psychology and Music Performance by the time she was 21. The son, Richard, would
earn his master’s degree from the University of Colorado in Chemistry and later work
for a pharmaceutical company.
Germann was the subject of George Fleck’s 2016 book “Parallel Lives: Two Hooiser
Chemists from Peru,” which chronicles the lives of brothers Albert Frederick Ottomar
Germann (1886‐1976) and Frank Erhart Emmanuel Germann (1887‐1974), their careers
in chemistry, and the influence they had on scientific thinking in the Midwest.
Between 1953 and 1969, a number of religious groups were located in the building,
including the Roger Williams Baptist Student Center (1953‐1957), the Lutheran Student
Foundation (1957‐1964) and the Longs Peak Association (1964‐1969).
Ronald Mitchell purchased the property in 1969 and owned it until 2010 when the
property passed to the current owners, the Pugh family.
CRITERIA FOR THE BOARD’S DECISION:
Section 9‐11‐5(c), Public Hearing Before the Landmarks Board, B.R.C. 1981, specifies that in
its review of an application for local landmark designation, “the landmarks board shall
determine whether the proposed designation conforms with the purposes and
standards in Sections 9‐11‐1, ‘Legislative Intent,’ and 9‐11‐2, ‘City Council May Designate
Landmarks and Historic Districts’ B.R.C. 1981.” See Attachment E: Chapter 9‐11‐1 & 9‐11‐2
Purposes and Intent, Boulder Revised Code, 1981.
To assist in the interpretation of the historic preservation ordinance, the Landmarks
Board has adopted significance criteria to use when evaluating applications for
individual landmarks. See Attachment F: Significance Criteria for Individual Landmarks.
Within 45 days after the hearing date, the board shall adopt specific written findings
and conclusions approving, modifying and approving, or disapproving the proposal.
Within 30 days of its action, the board shall notify city council of any decision
disapproving a designation or shall refer a proposal that it has approved to the council
for its further action. If the board approves the proposed designation, the application
will be forwarded to City Council (within 100 days) for a public hearing. City Council
Item 5D, Page 8
may call up a decision disapproving a designation. Should an application be
disapproved, the same application may not be submitted for a period of one year.
ANALYSIS OF LANDMARK CRITERIA:
A. Does the proposed application protect, enhance, and perpetuate buildings in the city
reminiscent of past eras, events, and persons important in local, state, or national history or
providing significant examples of architectural styles of the past?
Staff finds that the designation of the property at 1045 14th St. will protect, enhance,
and perpetuate a building reminiscent of a past era important in local history and
preserve an important example of Boulder’s historic architecture. Staff considers the
application to meet the historic criteria for individual landmark designation as
outlined below:
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The house at 1045 14th St. meets historic significance criteria 1, 2, 3 and 4.
1. Date of Construction: 1909
Elaboration: Boulder County Assessor records list the date of construction as 1909.
2. Association with Persons or Events: Benjamin Nelson and Frank E. E. Germann
Elaboration: Benjamin Nelson was a locally renowned carpenter and contractor in
Boulder. Frank E. E. Germann was a noted Chemist and University Professor who
contributed to the field of modern Chemistry.
3. Development of the Community: The house represents the growth and
development of the University Hill neighborhood as it was one of the early
residences in the neighborhood.
4. Recognition by Authorities: Historic Building Inventory Form, 1991.
Elaboration: The 1991 Historic Building Inventory Form found the property to be in
fair condition with minor alterations. The form provides the following statement of
significance:
This house represents the work of Benjamin Nelson, a widely known carpenter and
building contractor in Boulder. The house is a good example of the Foursquare Style, as
reflected in the two‐story height; hipped roof with overhanging eaves and central dormer;
prominent porch with classical details; and symmetrical façade.
Item 5D, Page 9
The property was included in the 2001 survey of University Hill and was
determined to be potentially eligible for local landmark designation and
contributing to a potential National Register Historic District.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The house at 1045 14th St. meets historic significance criteria 1, 2, 3 and 5.
1. Recognized Period or Style: Denver Foursquare
Elaboration: The house is an excellent example of the Denver Foursquare style
popular in the early twentieth century in Colorado, as reflected in the
symmetrical massing, classical details, hipped roof with overhanging eaves,
central dormer, and prominent porch. The building does not appear to have been
changed since its original construction and retains a high degree of architectural
integrity.
2. Architect or Builder of Prominence: Benjamin Nelson
Elaboration: The survey form identifies first owner Benjamin Nelson as the likely
architect and builder of the house. The survey form identifies the house as
representative of a type, period, and method of construction, as well as the work
of a master.
3. Artistic Merit: Architectural detailing
Elaboration: The house embodies skillful integration of design and material
which is of excellent visual quality.
4. Example of the Uncommon: None observed.
5. Indigenous Qualities: Local stone is used for the foundation, lintels and sills.
B. Does the proposed application develop and maintain an appropriate setting and environment
for the historic resource and area to enhance property values, stabilize neighborhoods,
promote tourist trade and interest, and foster knowledge of the City’s living heritage?
Staff finds that the proposed designation will maintain an appropriate setting of the
Four‐Square at 1045 14th St. and its preservation through designation will enhance
property values, promote tourist trade and interest, and foster knowledge of the
City’s living heritage. Staff considers that the application meets the environmental
significance criteria for individual landmark designation as outlined below:
Item 5D, Page 10
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The house at 1045 14th St. has environmental significance under criteria 1, 2, 4
and 5.
1. Site Characteristics: Residential historic character
Elaboration: The house retains its historic residential character, and anchors the
1000 block of 14th St.
2. Compatibility with Site: Residential historic character
Elaboration: The building is representative of the typical building patterns in the
University Hill neighborhood and contributes to the residential character of the
area. The property retains its historic relationship to its lot and surrounding
neighborhood.
3. Geographic Importance: None observed.
4. Environmental Appropriateness: Residential historic character
Elaboration: The surroundings are suited to the buildings’ function, which
historically has been residential with short‐term residents.
5. Area Integrity: Potential University Hill Historic District
Elaboration: The property is located in the identified potential University Hill
Historic District.
C. Does the proposed application draw a reasonable balance between private property rights and
the public interest in preserving the city’s cultural, historic, and architectural heritage by
ensuring that demolition of buildings and structures important to that heritage will be
carefully weighed with other alternatives?(See Subsection 9‐11‐1(b), B.R.C. 1981).
Staff finds this application draws a reasonable balance between private property
rights and the public’s interest in preserving the city’s cultural, historic, and
architectural heritage. The property owner supports the designation.
LANDMARK NAME:
Staff considers that the landmark should be named the Nelson‐Germann House, given
its association with the Nelson family, who were the first owners of the house, residing
there from 1909 until 1913, and the Germanns, the property’s longest residents, living
Item 5D, Page 11
there from 1919 until 1951. This is consistent with the Landmark Board’s Guidelines for
Names of Landmarked Structures and Sites (1988) and the National Register of Historic Places
Guidelines for Designation. See Attachment G: Guidelines for Names of Landmarked
Structures and Sites.
BOUNDARY ANALYSIS:
The building sits on a residential lot measuring approximately 6,335 sq. ft. in size. Staff
recommends that the boundary be established to follow the property lines of the lot,
which is consistent with current and past practices and the National Register Guidelines
for establishing landmark boundaries.
Figure 12. Landmark boundary map for 1045 14th St.
ATTACHMENTS:
A: Current Photographs (February 2019)
B: Historic Building Inventory Forms
C: Tax Assessor Cards
D: Deed and Directory Research
E: Chapter 9‐11‐1 & 9‐11‐2 Purposes and Intent, Boulder Revised Code, 1981.
F: Significance Criteria for Individual Landmarks, 1975
G: Guidelines for Names of Landmarked Structures and Sites, 1989
Item 5D, Page 12
Attachment A: Current Photographs
Item 5D, Page 13
Item 5D, Page 14
Item 5D, Page 15
Attachment B: Historic Building Inventory Form, 1988
Item 5D, Page 16
Item 5D, Page 17
Survey Photograph, 1045 14th St., 1991
Item 5D, Page 18
Item 5D, Page 19
Attachment C: Tax Assessor Card
Item 5D, Page 20
Attachment D: Deed and Directory Research
Item 5D, Page 21