Search for Colorado Springs Homes

Related Articles:

• Neighborhood Profile, Historic homes in the East End Addition in Central Colorado Springs
• Neighborhood Profile, Historic Old North End in Colorado Springs
• Average prices have increased for Homes in Central Colorado Springs
• 9 neighborhoods with Historic Colorado Springs Homes

There are many neighborhoods in Colorado Springs with Historic homes, but these are some of the prime areas:

1. Old Colorado City

• Location: Historic West side of Colorado Springs
• Year Built: 1890 to 1920
• Currently 10 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $89,000 to $369,900
• Average Price: $172,770

2. Colorado City

• Location: South of Uintah, between 30th and 21st
• Year Built: 1887 to 1923 to 1920
• Currently 4 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $74,900 to $279,000
• Average Price: $158475

3.  Downtown Central

• Location: South of Unitah, east of Nevada, West of North Hancock, Central Colroado Springs
• Year Built: 1889 to 1923
• Currently 5 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $117,000 to $249,900
• Average Price: $171,500

4.  Old North End

• Location: Central Colorado Springs
• Year Built : 1910 – 1930
• Currently 14 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $124,750 to $1,995,000
• Average Price: $318,855

5.  East End Addition

• Location: Central Colorado Springs
• Year Built: 1920 – 1940
• Currently 3 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $174,900 to $234,900
• Average Price: $235,032

6.  West Colorado Springs

• Location: West of Highway 24, between 21st and 8th
• Year Built: 1894 to 1922
• Currently 6 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $82,000 to $325,000
• Average Price: $170,967

7. Central

• Location: Close to Downtown Colorado Springs
• Year Built: 1889 – 1940
• Currently 9 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $119,900 to $386,500
• Average Price: $203,511

8.  Cheyenne Canon and Cheyenne

• Location: Southwest Colorado Springs
• Year Built: 1920 – 1960
• Currently 4 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $139,000 to 475,000
• Average Price $264,225

9.  Broadmoor

• Location: Southwest Colorado Springs
• Year Built – 1920 – 1940
• Currently 2 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $559,000 to $995,000
• Average Price: 777,000

10.  Manitou Springs

• Location: Manitou (West of Colorado Springs)
• Year Built: 1880 – 1940
• Currently 9 properties for sale built before 1940
• Price Range: $129,900 to $459,900
• Average Price: $267,856

11.  Hastings

• Location: Central Colorado Springs, North and South of Uintah, East of Wahsatch
• Year Built; 1890 to 1920
• Currently 3 properties for sale built before 194
• Price Range: $130,000 to $174,900
• Average Price: $156,333

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Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com

Search for Colorado Springs Homes

Related Articles:

• Neighborhood Profile, Historic homes in the East End Addition in Central Colorado Springs 
• Neighborhood Profile, Historic Old North End in Colorado Springs 
• Average prices have increased for Homes in Central Colorado Springs 
• 9 neighborhoods with Historic Colorado Springs Homes

 If buying a Historic home in Colorado Springs is in your dreams, then you’ve come to the right place… I love historic homes

Here’s a list of 5 things to consider when buying a historic home.

1. Has the electric been updated?   New electric panel?  Updated wiring?

Power use today is very different from the early 1900’s. 

Older electrical panels typically that lack the number of circuits to operate the microwave, toaster oven, computer, garbage disposal, washer etc. without tripping the breakers or blowing fuses.   Most newer houses have 200 Amp service, 3-wire electric circuits, fully grounded receptacles, lots of outlets and ground fault interrupters in kitchens, baths and laundry areas.

2. How about the plumbing?   Is their copper plumbing in the house?

Galvanized piping consists of steel pipe, dipped in zinc to provide corrosion resistance.   This coating gradually coating wears off and the steel piping corrodes from the inside out. The corroded piping increases the risk for leakage and can result in low water flow to the plumbing fixtures.

Galvanized piping is often found in older homes; and it has a reputation for leaking and clogging.     Many historic homes have been retrofitted with copper pipe.  Also, it’s important to note that Re-piping a historic home can be more difficult than newer homes because of lath and plaster construction.   Drywall is much easier to work with than lath and plaster.

3. How’s the foundation?  Is it stable?  Is it falling down or crumbling?  

You  may want to have a structural engineer evaluate the structure and make sure it doesn’t have any major problems.

4. Do you want an updated kitchen?

Even though you may love historic homes, most buyers want a more modern kitchen which includes a dishwasher, garbage disposal and more counter and cabinet space

5.  Do you want an updated bathroom?   Do you want a house with the original clawfoot tub still in it?

To find out more information about buying a Historic home in Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs, call ….

Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

• The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
• The Young Years of Colorado Springs
• Tea and crumpets in Colorado Springs
• The End of an Era in Colorado Springs
• An early history of Ft. Carson

This Saturday, June 27th, is the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush at Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center in Cheyenne Canon from 10:00 am to 4;00 pm.   Enjoy some local gold mining history in the  area and at the same time learn from the prospectors who will be on hand to help teach gold panning techniques; participation will be encouraged!

A little slice of Pikes Peak area history

The Pikes Peak Gold Rush began in 1858  and lasted until 1861.  It was considered to be THE largest gold rush in American history.  An estimated 100,000 gold seekers participated in the gold rush, and they were often known as the fifty-niners.   They used the motto Pike’s Peak or Bust.  The phrase was painted on wagons by prospectors to show they were on their way across the prairie to find gold in Colorado.

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Related Articles:

• Cripple Creek Gold Rush and what it meant to Colorado Springs
• Winifred Scott Stratton…why Colorado Springs loves him
• Old Colorado City Commercial district…fun to visit and lots of history
• Old Colorado City Springs to Life with a Vigilante System of Government
• The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer

To find out more information about buying a  home in Colorado Springs, call ….

• Kathy (719-287-1049)    KTorline@msn.com

• After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
• Military relocation? 6 tips to read before you buy a home
• An early history of Ft. Carson
• History of Ft. Carson part II

NORAD today, stills sits under the caverns of Cheyenne Mountain, even though its in a warm status.  It may not be as large as it once was due to the consolidation of NORAD and Northcom now housed mainly at Peterson Air Force Base, but its still there protecting us from not just external but now internal threats with the help of the FAA.

In 1957, both Canada and the United States were reeling from the threats of the Soviet Union, especially after the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik.  Everyone was scared and even schoolchildren were drilled on diving under their desks and covering their heads in case of a nuclear strike.  Both countries realized the importance of a continental home alarm system.  This lead to the creation of NORAD at Ent Air Force Base (now the Olympic Training Center).

Why was Colorado Springs chosen as the command center for the newly formed NORAD?  Mainly because of its location.  It was beyond the reach of the soviet missiles of the day.  Even bombs of the time could not have penetrated the mountain.  In May 1961, blasting began on the center.  It finally opened in 1966 with a cost of over $142 million, an enormous sum even in those days.  When completed it could be a temporary self -sustaining unit.  Its enclosed by 25 ton steel blast gates and hundreds of feet of solid granite.  It has a series of large chamber covering more than 4 1/2 acres.  Each building rests on on immense coil steel springs for protection from nuclear blasts or earthquakes.  Along with its extensive ventilation system, there are food stores and a natural water spring to provide nourishment in case, they would have to lock themselves in.

NORAD continued to evolve as the times changed.  In the 1990’s they even helped track drug smugglers.  An Air Force Space Command even tracks space debris and satellites, which makes it safer for our astronauts (this has been moved to California). Strategic Command also housed at Cheyenne Mountain is moving to Shriever Air Force Base.

NORAD has become a magnet for space -related business and the city of Colorado Springs became a magnet as a space capital of the world.  Take a look at the city and you’ll find plenty of space related companies housed here.

Even though NORAD is scaling back as some of its units move elsewhere, its relevancy is increasing not decreasing due to growing threats.  NORAD will live on because of its mission to our national survival lives on.  Of course, Santa tracking on Christmas Eve will still be an important task for the men and women stationed at NORAD.  Since 2001, there have been no public tours and as of this writing there seem to be no plans to start them again.

NORAD still houses many fine men and women.  They still have a wonderful support staff of military police officers, firefighters and even cooks to maintain a quality lifestyle for those stationed at Cheyenne Mountain Air Base.  There is no actual base housing for the military at Cheyenne Mountain Air Base.  They are quartered at Peterson Air Force Base.

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

Search for Historic Homes in Colorado Springs

For other information on the General check out these articles:

• The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
• The Young Years of Colorado Springs
• Tea and crumpets in Colorado Springs
• The End of an Era in Colorado Springs

Today marks the 100th anniversary of General William Jackson Palmer’s death.  He died on March 13, 1909.  He fell off a horse in 1906 and was paralyzed from then until his death.  He wanted no fuss made about his death and his family had him cremated.  He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, but the town would not forget their favorite founder.  They had a parade that went from Pikes Peak Ave. to the cemetery.  Today, we still value his foresight on designing this beautiful city that we call home.

To honor his life, there are many activities being planned from now into next week.  I hope you’ll take a look through and maybe plan on attending one or two of them.

First up, today: at 10 a.m. in the Carriage House at Glen Eyrie Castle (which was Palmer’s estate) as they hold a celebration of his life. Historians Len Froisland, Donald McGilchrist, and Susan Fletcher will talk about Palmer’s remarkable life, his final few years, and his vision for Colorado Springs. The events include a free tour of Glen Eyrie Castle followed by a discussion about Palmer’s influence on our city and the signing of a memorial tribute.

On Saturday, March 21:  Join in a wonderful recreation of Palmer’s funeral procession.  It starts on Pikes Peak and winds up at Evergreen Cemetery.  In the afternoon, plan on heading to The Pioneers Museum for a lively discussion of Palmer and his life.

As you drive by his statue in the middle of Platte today, take a moment and thank him for his creation and vision!

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

• An early history of Ft. Carson
• After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
• History of Ft. Carson part II

The Federal Government and the Air Force considered the Academy’s design extremely important. Air Force Secretary Talbott stated, ” We want our structures to be as efficient and as flexible in their design as the most modern projected aircraft.” The Air Force chose the nationally-recognized architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill Associates (SOM) to make its vision for the Academy a reality.

Ground was finally broken in 1955 and as many as 5000 people were needed to build the largest single education facility ever built in the United States

The Academy had a new style of architecture that used glass, aluminum, steel, and concrete rather than traditional materials like stone, marble, or brick.  The design sparked heated debate and severe criticism from citizens and politicians alike. Many viewed it as inappropriate for a national monument. Others, however, recognized that the Academy’s design was an appropriate representation of the Air Force. The Academy’s buildings would be made of metal just like the jet airplanes and missiles that were hallmarks of the Air Force itself.

The alternating ridges and valleys created a design challenge that was difficult to fix.  The Cadet Area, which forms the heart of the Academy and covers about a fifth of a square mile, was positioned atop the highest ridge with the Rampart Range serving as the backdrop.   The design called for two intersecting rectangular plazas surrounded by the Academy’s principal buildings. The higher plaza, the Court of Honor, lies at an elevation of 7,176 feet above sea level. This generally open, paved space is dominated visually by the striking Cadet Chapel. A gently sloping ramp leads down to the slightly lower plaza, known as the Terrazzo. This large, open area is used for daily musters of the cadets. The relatively even terrain in the surrounding valleys  was used for the athletic fields and parade ground. Although the scale of the project was monumental,  the Cadet Area was designed  so that all activities (i.e. meals, classes, athletics, marching,church) were within a 10-minute walk of the Academy’s only dormitory. Air Force officers considered this important because the cadet’s rigorous daily routine left little spare time.

On August 29, 1958, 1,145 cadets moved to the newly built Academy. Although many of the structures were still under construction, this allowed the Academy’s first graduating class to spend their final year at the new site.

Even before it was established, the military, politicians, and the public understood that the Air Force Academy would become a national monument much like the campuses of West Point and the Naval Academy. Although controversial at first, the Air Force Academy design gained public acceptance and is now one of Colorado’s favorite tourist attractions.

The chapel was finally completed in 1963 and has become a symbol of the Academy.  I’ll be writing an article about that at a later time.

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

USDA has MONEY to lend for home loans

loan.  There’s help out there for you in the form of a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) home loan!  That’s right, the USDA has a home loan program geared to help people with a low to moderate income purchase homes in rural areas (you may also be surprised at what rural means).  These loans are backed by the US government and unlike FHA loans, USDA loans do not require the borrower to qualify for monthly mortgage insurance premiums.

To see if you qualify based on the income limits, visit Colorado USDA office adjusted income limits which can provide you the limits based on the county that you want to purchase your home in.

USDA loans offer competitive rates and also allow seller concessions to be used towards closing costs.  There’s no maximum home price, but USDA looks at what the borrower can afford to repay.  Don’t forget their are income limits, so if you don’t qualify for it, you can always look at an FHA loan which only requires 3.5% down payment.

This is a great time to buy as interest rates are at historic lows and  housing prices in general are down.  Don’t forget all the tax deductions you can take with the purchase of a new home.

Not all lenders will do these loans, as there is quite a bit more paperwork involved, but one of our frequent guest writers (who’s also a lender), Bryan Yaninek will be happy to assist you.  His number is 719-457-2200.  He’ll be happy to explain the whole program in detail.

For additional information of purchasing a home in Colorado Springs and surrounding communities, please contact Kathy (719-287-1049) nor Nancy (719-659-4380).  We’re experts in purchasing homes and would be happy to assist.

For some other reading on home loans, you might like enjoy looking through the mortgage and finance area of the blog.

Search for Homes in near the AFA in Colorado Springs

Must Read Posts:

• An early history of Ft. Carson
• History of Ft. Carson part II

After WWII, the Air Force decided that they needed their own military school.  A board was formed in 1950 that recommended the Air Force Academy be established without delay and also proposed that no less than 40% of their officers be academy graduates

But where to put it?  Many cities and towns were lobbying for it, as it would bring an economic boom to whomever finally was able to call it their own.  Colorado Springs really wanted it.  After the war, with the soldiers all leaving Ft. Carson, the Springs was noticing a decline in population which meant apartments, homes and stores were vacant.  Colorado Springs formed a chamber of commerce committee.  The committee was led by John Love (later a three term governor).  It also included Thayer Tutt, son of Charles Tutt Jr.  who helped found The Broadmoor.  Thayer knew all the top people making the decision as he himself had served at the Pentagon during the war.

Tutt was already lobbying to bring NORAD to the Springs and he wasted no time in lobbying for the Academy as well.  The committee had even drawn up plans on what it would look like and sent them to Harry Truman.  The site that the committee had chosen was turned down by the committee as they didn’t like it.  However, one of the members took a drive and found the location to the north of the city.  By 1952; however, nothing was accomplished and the board was disbanded.

In 1954, when Eisenhower was President, he started a second site committee and they narrowed the choices down to 3, including Colorado Springs.  One place overwhelming opposed the academy as they were afraid it would ruin their tourist trade (Geneva, Wisconsin).  The other chosen site, Alton Illinois was very divided and the public decided against allowing the academy to locate there. 

While all this debate was going on, the city was making arrangements with the landowners to sell their land to the feds if Colorado Springs was chosen.  The state of Colorado also agreed to pitch in 1 million dollars to help purchase the land.  

Charles Lindberg even came out and tried flying in the high altitude and stated it was fit to fly. 

On June 24, 1954, The Air Force announced the Air Force Academy would be located in Colorado Springs.  Lowry Air Force Base would be home to the new students until the Academy could be built.  The first students arrived at Lowry in July 1955.

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

• The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
• The Young Years of Colorado Springs
• Tea and crumpets in Colorado Springs
• The End of an Era in Colorado Springs
• An early history of Ft. Carson

I came across an article that stated the original Marion House Soup Kitchen located at 14 W. Bijou, once belonged to Charles and Josephine Tutt.  The home was a three story victorian built about 1890.  The Tutt’s and their heirs were pioneers here in Colorado Springs and I’ve often heard how important they were, but who exactly was Charles Tutt Senior, friend and business partner to Spencer Penrose?

Charles Leaming Tutt was born in Philadelphia and was a school friend of Spencer Penrose.  His father died when he was twelve and he had to leave school to earn a living.  He was always on the sickly side and therefore, decided to locate to Colorado Springs in 1884.  He actually had a ranch in Black Forest until he met and married Josephine Thayer in 1887.  She refused to live in the country, so Charles sold his ranch and moved into Colorado Springs and started a real estate and insurance business and occasionally trying to get rich in the gold mines.  His offices were located at 14 E. Pikes Peak, which is now unimproved land.  Apparently, at some point  there was a building there which is now gone. 

Tutt had purchased the COD mine in Cripple Creekbut until Spencer Penrose showed up to get it running, he largely ignored it.  Penrose’s arrival changed his life.  He went on to make a fortune in real estate and gold.  Penrose arrive in Colorado Springs on December 11, 1892, and Tutt was there to greet him.  After stopping by his office, the men took a buggy ride to Cheyenne Mountain Country Club, where they could get a drink (Colorado Springs was dry at that point).  The Country Club was located out in The Broadmoor close to the dairy farm where they were laying track for the trolley.  Penrose then got into a fist fight with one of the polo ponies riders and they soon left the club.  Tutt took Penrose home, located at 611 N. Weber (which has been torn down and replaced by offices);  they soon hashed out their business arrangement. Penrose would go and manage the Cripple Creek Office and possibly start production at the mine, while Tutt would remain in Colorado Springs.  And so, Tutt and Penrose was started.  This arrangement was done on a handshake, no contract involved.  Tutt would allow Spencer Penrose to pay him back from the money he earned.

He died  of a heart attack on January 21, 1909 at the age of 45.  He made his mark and a legacy for his heirs to follow.  Spencer took his son, Charles II under his wing and treated him like a son.  Together, they would go on to build the Broadmoor Resort and many other Colorado Springs Landmarks. If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to be notified of the next one? 

Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

One of our areas most unique events is The AdAmAns Club annual trek up Pikes Peak to ring in the New Year.  This year is no exception.

It all started in 1922.  In December of that year, five Colorado Springs men decided that they didn’t want to attend anymore boring parties or dances to ring in the new year.  They decided to do something never done before…climb Pikes Peak in the dead of winter! 

The group consisted of five men, Fred and Ed Morath, Fred Barr, Willis Magee and Harry Standley.  Fred and Ed were brothers who came up with this hare-brained idea.  Fred Barr had just completed his trail from Manitou to the summit of the peak.  He worked in the coal mines in the winter to gather the funds needed to build his trail.  Harry Standley Was the photographer in the group who took many pictures of Cripple Creek during its heyday and also photographed all of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks.  He not only photographed them, but climbed them as well.  Willis was a banker but he was one that loved to take risks.

The weather was terrible that New Years Eve, but they were a determined bunch of friends.  There really wasn’t much in the way of cold-weather gear back then.  They had hobnail boots,stocking caps, sheepskin coats and silk stockings that they used as face masks.  (We’re all such wimps today, huh?)

Since the snow was so deep that year, they decided to hike it the way the Cog Railroad went up the mountain.  This was considerably shorter, but much steeper and one has to wonder how they managed the 27% deep grades towards the top.  But, manage they did.  At Windy Point, 12000 ft high they almost had to turn back as the wind had formed huge snowdrifts that they had to get through.  It took hours but they found the old Summit House and were able to access it only through a second floor window (the first floor was completely buried under the snow).  They started a fire and thawed out.  They waited until midnight and lit flares and other fireworks that they had brought with them.  These five men celebrated 1923 from atop Pikes Peak.

People from all over Colorado Springs saw the lights from the mountain and began calling the police and The Gazette asking who would be crazy enough to go up there in the dead of winter!  Why, none other than the Frozen five as they would become known.  So, why the name of AdAmAn?  They decided after their adventure that only one new member per year could be added to their little club, hence the name AdAmAm.

Now you know why these crazy AdAMan’s make this trek every year.  Today, it still only adds one new member per year and of these, only about 30 members and their guests have the pleasure of making this trek.  2008 will mark the 86th year of climbing and setting off the fireworks that on a clear night can be seen as far away as Denver and Pueblo.

So, if you’re out and about on New Year’s Eve, look up to our mountain at midnight and see if you can witness the fireworks as they are set off in, arguably, the most unique event in all of America.  Hope for clear skies!

• 33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #1
• 33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #2
• 33 Unique things to do in Colorado Springs…#3
• 33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #4 Air Force Academy Chapel
• 33 Unique things to do-#5 Van Briggle Pottery and Museum
• 33 Unique things to do #6 Colorado College Hockey

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com