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 contro...
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