Historic Renovation in Old Town Fort Collins

What do you do with a 1914 house that sits in the floodplain? Why not move it.

Renovating the property to the degree the clients wanted was not an option because it was in the City of Fort Collins floodplain and City rules prohibited such an extensive project where the home sat. So, the structure was moved 11 feet on the lot which removed it from the floodplain and while suspended in mid-air, a new full depth basement foundation was built. The original stone foundation was kept including the historical sidewalk slabs and incorporated into the landscape features.

The home had a rich history but had become a rental property for many years, but still had good bones. Longtime residents in the neighborhood remember music lessons being taught by a former owner. Tearing it down was the consensus of many people, and while the client knew that would be the easy route, it was not what was in her heart, nor the correct decision to honor the property …… plus, she loved old homes and a challenge. One more project would become her and her husband’s final home.

The home was renovated in all aspects including new mechanical and electrical systems, spray foam insulation in the walls, slick finish drywall and a finished basement for guests. The interior of the home was completely stripped down and exposed and much of the original woodworking details were kept and reused; wood windows were rebuilt, doug fir floors refinished and trim and stair parts reused.

The stairs to the upper floor were relocated so they would be easier to walk and meet current building code details which also opened up the center of the home for the new kitchen and sitting area. A new powder bathroom was incorporated under the stairs and the historic newel posts were worked into the new design. All space in the home was intentionally designed and thought about how it would live and function …. The Not So Big House philosophy coming to life.

New details added were a bathroom at the second floor which included the original clawfoot tub that was reglazed, a gas fireplace to take the place of the old wood burner, family heirloom doors were incorporated into a bedroom suite, reused turn of the century steel fencing from an Indiana salvage yard defines outdoor space and rebuilt front porch columns with new caps and bases welcomes guests at the front door. The old detached garage was even given some love and attention.

A great team of dedicated artisans, and some interesting personalities, brought the home back to life over the course of 18 months and now it is ready for another 100 years of life ….. Hoping for more music lessons in the years to come !!!

See images of the actual house move!

Our Fort Collins Area Home Project Team

• Architect: Taylor Meyer @ VFLA
• Structural Engineer: Elevations Structural Design
• Photography: Nic Rentfrow
• Interior Design: Client
• Landscaping: High Country Landscape / Kyle Ellis