Department of Community Development
Reference: Brighton Train Depot Historic Designation
To: Mayor Kenneth J. Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Philip A. Rodriguez - City Manager
Marv Falconburg, AICP - Assistant City Manager
Holly Prather, AICP - Community Development Director
Prepared By: Kimberly Bauer - Historic Preservation Coordinator
Date Prepared: October 2, 2018
PURPOSE
In order to proceed with the designation of this property as an historic landmark, the City Council shall review the nomination and application for designation as an historic landmark, conduct a public hearing, and approve an Ordinance of designation at first reading. The owner and applicant of the property is the City of Brighton. The owner and applicant has consented to the nomination of this structure to be listed as an historic landmark.
STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK
Recognizable and Well-Planned Community
Strong Regional Relationships and Partnerships
BACKGROUND
Historic Summary:
In 1907, the Union Pacific depot building was constructed along Cabbage Avenue, so named due to the numerous cabbage loading docks along Second Avenue. It was the third depot building in Brighton, with the first built in 1870 (originally called “Hughes Station”), and another built in 1882. This combination depot building was used as both a passenger and freight depot between Brighton and Denver, as well as for the rail traffic north to Greeley and Cheyenne, Wyoming, from 1907 until 1964 when passenger services were discontinued along the line. In the early part of the twentieth century, prior to 1964, public gatherings and meetings were common at the depot. On July 10, 1915, the Liberty Bell passed through Brighton on its way to San Francisco for an exhibition, attracting 1,000 to 1,500 people at the depot which was decorated for the visit with flags and other decorations. After passenger service was discontinued, the depot housed offices for two employees assigned to freight depot control between Commerce City and Greeley. Their tenure lasted from 1964 until 1980. In 1980, the Union Pacific gave the depot to the City of Brighton, which then transferred ownership to private owners. In 1981, it was moved to 269 Bridge Street by Howard Eyerly. This location is where it continues to sit today and is on the opposite side of the tracks from its original location. A greenhouse addition was built on the south gable end of the building, featuring a shed roof and upper walls of glass. After its move, the first operating tenant was a restaurant, and then later a bicycle sales and repair shop. The property was sold back to the City earlier in 2018 and is currently vacant.
Architectural Summary:
The depot is a one-story wood rectangular building on a stone foundation with original wood simple drop horizontal siding and a shed-roof addition on the south. A boxcar painted in Union Pacific colors is attached on the east elevation. The original depot building was built from a standardized plan for a combination depot. Combination depots were rectangular buildings with the long axis parallel to the tracks. As is typical of combination depots, this building has a front gabled roof with widely overhanging eaves supported by slightly curved brackets and an open cross-braced, spandrel-like bargeboard in each gable end. A small, interjecting cross-gable for a bay window is located on the west elevation. This bay also has wide, overhanging eaves supported by brackets with bargeboard featured in the gable. The majority of the windows and doors are original with only a few replacement windows installed. There are two historic four-paneled wood doors with transoms flanking either side of the office bay, and a non-historic door (in original door opening) on the east. A non-historic main entry glass door is located on the south greenhouse addition.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE ITEM
Historic Landmark Eligibility:
Section 17-52-40 of the Land Use and Development Code states that an individual structure may be designated as an historic landmark if it is at least fifty (50) years old and possesses historic and/or architectural significance. The finding of “historic and/or architectural significance” requires that the property meet at least one of the three Eligibility Categories. In order to find that a property possesses exceptional “historic and/or architectural significance,” it must meet at least one subpart from two (2) of the Categories. A full list of the Eligibility Categories and their criteria is listed in the attached Historic Preservation Commission Memorandum.
Staff Analysis:
The Brighton Train Depot is an excellent representation of Brighton’s early development and growth. The architectural integrity dutifully showcases the depot’s connection to the late-19th, early-20th century transportation-related architectural forms and styles. Additionally, the Union Pacific’s role in Brighton’s early economic development also shaped its social history, and this site respects Brighton’s heritage of being a railroad community. In consideration of the Architectural, Social, Historic, and Geographical history listed above, staff finds the depot meets the following criteria (justification has been provided in italics below each criteria):
1) Architectural Category:
a. exemplifies specific distinguishing characteristics of an architectural period or style;
The style and shape of the depot identifies with train transportation dependency in the early 20th century.
c. demonstrates superior craftsmanship or high artistic value;
The depot’s gable roof with wide overhanging eaves, bracket detailing, exterior paneling, rail-oriented bay window, and original wood windows and doors all contain craftsmanship and artistic value that is rare within Brighton.
2) Social and Historic Category:
a. Is the site of an historic event that had an effect upon society;
The depot was the site of most early public meetings and gatherings, including the liberty bell tour visit on July 10, 1915.
b. Exemplifies cultural, political, economic, or social heritage of the community;
As an iconic building, the depot helps demonstrate the way of life for the early Brighton community.
d. Has significant character, interest or value, as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City, State or Nation;
Train depots provided access and transportation. This depot in particular was one of the primary sources that led to Brighton’s early development and growth.
3) Geographic and Environmental Category:
a. Enhances a sense of identity of the community;
The depot remains an icon within the community crucial to Brighton’s early development.
e. is an established and familiar mutual setting or visual feature of the community.
As listed above, staff finds that the significance of this structure is primarily met through the Social and Historic Category. However, significance can be found in all three categories as an established community landmark with exceptional architectural integrity. In order to retain significance, care to preserve the exterior historic materials and details, original windows and doors, and roof form (material exempted) is essential. Additionally, maintaining the depot’s current location adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad helps to provide historical context despite the depot’s relocation in 1981. The southern (greenhouse bay) and eastern (rail car) additions were not completed during the period of significance and are not considered to be historic additions.
Historic Preservation Commission:
A public hearing to review the Brighton Train Depot nomination was held on August 9th, 2018, by the Historic Preservation Commission. After the public hearing was held, the commission made a unanimous recommendation to City Council of approval for the application. A copy of the approved resolution has been attached for reference.
Public Comment:
Notice of the City Council public hearing to review the Brighton Train Depot was published in the Brighton Standard Blade on September 26, 2018, which is no less than the fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the public hearing as required by code. Additionally, a sign was placed on the property on September 27, 2018, which also meets the minimum fifteen (15) day notice requirement. As of the date of this report, no formal comments have been received by staff.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Due to meeting the review criteria of Section 17-52-40 of the City of Brighton Land Use and Development Code, staff recommends approval of the Historic Landmark Designation of the Brighton Train Depot. A draft ordinance has been provided to Council should it decide to proceed with the application as presented.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
The City Council has four options when reviewing this Historic Landmark Designation application:
1) The City Council can approve the designation application at first reading.
2) The City Council can approve the designation application with specific changes to the Ordinance.
3) The City Council can deny the designation application and ask staff to draft an Ordinance with specific reasons for denial.
4) The City Council can continue the application to be heard at a later specified date.
ATTACHMENTS
• Aerial Map
• Draft Ordinance
• Historic Preservation Commission Memorandum
• Historic Preservation Commission Resolution
• Notice as Advertised in Brighton Blade
• Presentation Slides