The FLORAL PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT in Boulder, Colorado was the first planned-unit development in Boulder County (1939) as well as the city’s first historic district (1978).
The eight Monterey-Colonial style homes and the community garage – all designed by James M. Hunter, chief draftsman and designer for the architectural firm of Glenn Huntington – are located in the block bounded by Mariposa, Bluebell, 15th and 16th streets. James Hunter also created a comprehensive landscaping master plan for the block. Several years following the construction of the eight homes, Hunter designed and built his own residence at 1510 Mariposa Avenue – directly across the street from Floral Park. John Nelson was the original builder/contractor for the project.
HISTORY: In the late 1930’s, Henry Weihofen, a young professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, had become dissatisfied with available housing options for university faculty families. With the help of university regent, Valentine Fischer, Weihofen gathered a group of junior faculty (all on low salaries) together to develop a housing plan. The eight professors were: Henry Weihofen (law), James G. Allen (history), Francis (Frank) J. Geck (fine arts), Morris E. Garnsey (economics), Earl W. Harrington (speech), Paul V. Thompson (english), and Norman A. Parker (mechanical engineering). Over a series of evening meetings, the eight faculty families and their wives decided to purchase Block 17 in the Floral Park area of Boulder (just east of Chautauqua Park). The group’s goal was to create a “community housing project: for the enjoyment of their growing families. The site, chosen over an alternative property located at University and 24th, was selected primarily due to its proximity to campus and availability through back taxes.
At the philosophical core of the housing plan was the creation of a shared open space. The city agreed to vacate the alleyway, leaving a large undeveloped section of land running through the center of the block. The families designed this area as THE COMMONS.
The group held a drawing to decide which lot went to which family. The eight houses, largely built using salvaged brick from Boulder’s recently demolished State Preparatory School (built in 1895 and located at 17th and Pearl), were constructed around the perimeter of the Commons. An eight-car community garage was built at the east end of the block, where it would not interfere with the open space or mountain views. A small Commons shelter house with flagstone patio and rustic stone fireplace were soon added. The eight-car garage, walkways ensuring access to the Commons from the garage, and proposed outdoor handball courts (which were never constructed) were labeled Lot 9 and administered by an elected Trustee. The Trustee is still affectionately referred to as the “Block Head.”
The community garage burned down (sometime between 1945-1960), but was rebuilt to exactly duplicate the original.
Although the original design of each house was based on the needs and tastes of each individual family, all eight of the residences were oriented so that the living rooms had unobstructed views of the Flatirons. The families purchased identical household fixtures and finishes to further minimize expenses. The construction of the houses aroused a great deal of curiosity among townspeople. Traffic on weekends was often bumper-to-bumper down Mariposa and Bluebell. The first house was completed on January 1, 1940 and the last one on April 1, of that year. Estimates are that each house cost under $6,000.00 to build.
Since its inception, the block has been referred to as “Faculty Row,” “Faculty Court,” or somewhat less flatteringly as “Little Russia,” “White Russia” or “Red Square” – presumably based on its planned-community design. At a meeting of the Boulder Landmarks Board on May 21, 1977, architect James M. Hunter noted that from its inception, many of Boulder’s citizens associated “Communist overtones” with the Floral Park project.
Over the years, the block’s property owners have agreed to preserve the open, park-like setting of the Commons and the architectural unity of the block. While the majority of the homes have incorporated modes additions and/or alterations over the years, the overall size and character (especially as viewed from the street) has been maintained. The designation of the block as an historic district has further ensured the preservation of the area’s unique character and history.
Certain traditions have been carried on over the years. Once every six months, for example, the eight households meet to socialize and discuss matters of mutual concern. In the early days, these meetings frequently began with short musical selections or dramatic readings rendered by the host or hostess. For many decades, a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch were held on the Commons. An annual neighborhood Holiday Park has since replaced the Easter tradition and a large community organic garden (located where the handball courts had originally been planned) involves members from each household.
A commemorative plaque (installed on the front of the community garage by the City of Boulder) reads: “This block was designed as a planned unit 30 yrs. before similar developments in Boulder. Since 1939, when eight C.U. faculty families conceived the idea, the architecture and the environmental unity have been preserved through a gentlepersons’ agreement.” -HD-77-1
In a letter written to the Boulder Landmarks Board in 1977, Morris E. Garnsey, one of the original homeowners stated that “I am certain that thirty-five years from now a third generation of owner-occupants will look back upon the origins of this area with gratitude and admiration.
The original property owners and their corresponding lots were: Henry and Caroline Weihofen (Lot #1-1500 Mariposa), James and Marie Allen (Lot #2-1510 Mariposa), Earl and Lois Swisher (Lot #3-1512 Mariposa), Paul and Dorothy Thompson (Lot#4-419 16th), Francis (Frank) and Evelyn Geck (Lot#5-407 16th), Norman and Geraldine Parker (Lot #6-1511 Bluebell), Elbert and Marjorie Harrington (Lot #7-1507 Bluebell), and Morris and Colleen Garnsey (Lot #8-515 Bluebell).
FLORAL PARK DESIGN GUIDELINES AND COVENANTS are on file in the Boulder County Clerk’s Office – FILE #2578108. The Boulder Landmarks Board and Planning Department should also be consulted for information regarding historic designation and regulations. Realtors and potential homebuyers are strongly encouraged to utilize all of these resources.
PICTORIAL BLOG- For an interesting and colorful pictorial snapshot of the Floral Park Historic District go to: ‘A Tour of Boulder’s Historic Districts-Floral Park.’
mgerwing.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/boulder-historic-district-floral-park/
This informative blog was created by Boulder architect, Mark Gerwig. He is currently the chairman of Boulder’s Landmarks Board.
boulders floral park historic district 