Greeley commission designates J. Max Clark House at 1111 Fifth Street as local historic site

The Greeley Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a request to designate the J. Max Clark House at 1111 Fifth Street as a local historic property and authorized staff to record a certificate of designation with the Weld County Clerk and Recorder.

The action, taken at a public hearing on the nomination (Case GHR2025-0001), followed a staff recommendation that the house met significance criteria and retained sufficient integrity under the Greeley Municipal Code. Commissioners voted in favor with no opposition; the motion passed and the certificate of designation will be recorded.

Staff presented the nomination, saying the house was built in 1870 by James Maxwell “J. Max” Clark, a Union Colony-era resident who worked as a farmer and irrigation specialist, wrote columns for and later edited the Greeley Tribune, served one term in the state legislature beginning in 1898, and advocated for civic institutions including a local library. Staff said Clark lived in the 1111 Fifth Street house about 1870–1909 and that his association with the property contributes to its historical significance.

Architecturally, staff described the building as an example of an I-house form (one-and-a-half stories, central entrance and room arrangement) with later additions. The commission heard that some original exterior details remain — including the bay-window framing and footprint — but that material integrity has been altered over time: nonoriginal siding was noted (asbestos siding at one point, later coverings), porch posts now square instead of the historic turned posts, and some later additions on the northwest corner and north side. Staff said interior features were not inspected as part of the nomination.

In explaining integrity, staff concluded the house retains its original form and basic characteristics and judged that J. Max Clark would likely recognize it as his house, though materials and certain details are altered. Public notice for the nomination included posting in the Greeley Tribune (per ordinance), a sign posted at the property on Feb. 24, website posting on Feb. 18, and staff email to the owner on Feb. 18.

Applicant Jason Presley spoke in support of the nomination, identified himself for the record and described original interior elements that remain, including a portion of a fireplace and original stairs; Presley said he intends to pursue restoration work to reflect the house’s historic appearance.

The commission’s motion cited section 24-1,003(d)(1) (significance) and section 24-1,003(d)(4) (integrity) of the Greeley Municipal Code and instructed staff to record the certificate of designation with the Weld County Clerk and Recorder. The motion passed with all six members present voting yes and no opposition.

The designation adds the property to the city’s local register and authorizes the city to record the certificate with the county recorder; the commission did not identify any immediate additional regulatory actions or associated funding in the hearing.

The record for the nomination will include the staff report, the certificate of designation to be prepared for recording, and the published notice described during the hearing. The commission closed the public hearing after no members of the public offered additional testimony.

Notes: Case number GHR2025-0001; property address 1111 Fifth Street; construction year cited by staff: 1870; Clark occupancy cited: c.1870–1909. Staff reported uncertainty about original exterior siding and about whether current porch posts enclose original turned posts; interior was not formally inspected during the nomination process.