Department of Community Development
Reference: 141 South 3rd Avenue Historic Landmark Designation
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of the City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Emma Lane, AICP, Senior Planner - Historic Preservation
Date Prepared: January 22, 2024
PURPOSE
In order to proceed with the designation of the above-referenced property (the "Property") as a historic landmark, the Brighton City Council shall review the nomination and application for designation as a historic landmark, conduct a public hearing, and approve a nomination ordinance.
The Land Use & Development Code (the "LUDC") outlines review criteria upon which the decision shall be made. An ordinance to designate the site must be approved by City Council. City staff collects and analyzes application materials, and after a thorough review, presents their findings to the Historic Preservation Commission and, thereafter, City Council. Requests to nominate a historic landmark are brought before the Historic Preservation Commission for their recommendation prior to review and final determination by the City Council.
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The Property was originally owned by Brighton founder Daniel F. Carmichael. In 1887, the year of Brighton's incorporation, Carmichael platted the land now known as the Walnut Grove Addition, as one of the first platted neighborhoods in Brighton. After this, the land was purchased by numerous parties before any structure was built on Lots 29 and 30 of Block 14.
Finally, in 1921, Ella and Thomas Miles purchased the Property. The house was completed between 1921 and 1923. Thomas Miles was a farmer in Brighton prior to purchasing the Property. According to Brighton City Directories, while the Miles family lived in the house, Thomas worked as a realtor for the Brighton Realty Company. While living in the house, Thomas passed away. He died in 1940 and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery.
In 1942, the Wagner family purchased the home....
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