Historic survey finds 17 locally eligible properties, flags potential district near Laurel and College

Rebecca, the city's Historic Preservation Specialist, presented results from the Laurel and College Historic Survey, a proactive effort that documented 48 properties surrounding the Laurel Street and College Avenue intersection. The survey found 17 properties eligible for local landmark listing and identified a likely historic district along West Laurel Street and South Mason.

The survey began in September 2023 and focused on a commercial node close to the Colorado State University campus, an area already within the transit oriented development overlay and the downtown zone district. Staff documented buildings of all ages and site histories for vacant lots to better understand development patterns across time. Of the 48 documented properties, 17 were judged eligible for local landmark listing; 10 contiguous properties along West Laurel and South Mason were identified as a potential historic district because they share a common pattern of post-World War II adaptation tied to a rapid rise in student population.

The report traces the area’s evolution from mostly residential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to a mixed- and commercial-use corridor after World War II, when Colorado A&M’s (now Colorado State University) student population rose sharply. Between 1950 and 1975, the presentation said, the campus grew from about 4,000 to more than 16,000 students, and property owners responded with increased housing density, conversions of houses to mixed use, storefront additions to homes and construction of low-rise commercial buildings.

Staff highlighted two newly eligible local landmarks: 203 West Myrtle, which housed the East West Cultural Center and East West Imports from 1977 to 2015 and is one of the few local properties associated with Asian American history in Fort Collins; and 120 West Laurel, a 1916 house that acquired a single-story commercial addition in the 1950s and later operated as Campus Jewelry, illustrating the postwar shift from residential to mixed commercial/residential use.

The presentation noted five properties in the potential district converted from residential to commercial or mixed use between 1950 and 1975 and three commercial properties that underwent major remodels in the same period. Staff recommended that documentation now available will speed review when property owners propose changes, because it reduces the need for third-party intensive surveys that can add weeks to a project timeline.

Staff held a public open house on February 26 at Avogadro’s Number; officials said about 15 to 20 people attended, including property owners and business operators who contributed memories and historical detail. The final report and survey forms will be posted to the Historic Preservation Office website when completed. Rebecca said the office is finishing the North College survey and is beginning work on a mid-century-modern religious-properties survey next.

Why it matters: the survey documents resources and patterns that could shape how the city evaluates proposals and how property owners plan future work. Staff said having proactive documentation reduces project delays and gives owners and developers clearer expectations about preservation requirements under the land use code.

Background and next steps: the survey team used Sanborn maps, tax-assessor photos and intensive architectural inventory forms in this work. Staff will post the final report to the city’s website and is available for follow-up with property owners. The commission discussed how survey results might inform broader policy conversations — including parking minimums and code changes — and staff offered to provide a briefing on parking policies and potential impacts on historic resources.

Ending: staff said the survey provides groundwork for future preservation work in high-pressure corridors and will assist owners and applicants who seek to alter, adapt or redevelop properties in the study area.