Council designates Parsons House at 6777 South Ridge Lane as a Littleton local landmark

The Littleton City Council voted unanimously on July 21 to designate the home at 6777 South Ridge Lane as a local landmark, approving Ordinance 15-2026 after staff and applicant presentations and comments from neighborhood supporters.

Planner Jesse Sheets summarized staff's analysis and said the nomination met multiple review criteria, including association with a person significant to the city, representation of an architectural master's work and retention of architectural characteristics tied to the modern-movement/Usonian style. "The nomination has met three of the criteria," Sheets said, noting the home's design links to architect Bruce Sutherland and builder Clyde Mannan and its long-term ownership by Sally Parsons, Littleton's first female mayor.

Applicant Mary Therese Anstey, who prepared the nomination, described documentary evidence and physical integrity, including original blueprints that list Sutherland as architect. "This property is highly significant and has a high degree of integrity," Anstey said, summarizing her assessment.

Multiple members of Historic Littleton Inc. and preservation advocates urged approval at the public hearing. Margie Klute, a nearby homeowner and former member of the Historic Preservation Board, told the council the property "is a perfect example of mid-century modern architecture" and recommended designation. Alan Parsons, the nominee's son, described his mother's civic leadership and asked the council to approve the nomination.

Council member Grove moved to approve Ordinance 15-2026 and the motion passed unanimously, with the clerk recording the vote as 5 in favor. Staff and supporters said the designation will require a certificate of appropriateness from the Historical Preservation Commission for exterior changes going forward; interior renovations remain subject to building codes and permits but not HPC review unless tax-credit program participation is pursued.