1301 Lafayette St
Denver, CO, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Doyle-Benton House (5DV9200)

Statement of Significant:

The 1896 Doyle-Benton House is eligible for the National Register under Criterion B in the area of industry for its association with James Doyle, one of the pivotal mining figures in early twentieth- century Colorado. Doyle was a prospector and an original partner in the Portland Mining Company in Cripple Creek. The Portland Mine was the state's most prolific and longest producing gold mine. Doyle owned and lived in this house during the period in which he held a major stake in the Portland Mine. The period of significance relating to Doyle extends from his purchase of the house in 1898 until its sale in 1904.

The Doyle-Benton House is also eligible under Criterion B in the area of agriculture for its association with Frank Benton. Benton was the founder of a prominent Colorado cattle ranch that remained in business until the 1990s. Benton established the Frank Benton Land and Livestock firm that owned 60,000 acres of cattle land around Burns, Colorado, in Eagle County. He was active in the rancher movement opposed to fencing and he favored the leasing of public domain lands to cattle ranchers. Benton was a founder of both Denver's National Western Stock Show and the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Both events are, to this day, major celebrations and trading venues demonstrating the significance of agriculture in the West. The Bentons maintained this city residence due to its proximity to the seat of government in Denver. Though at a considerable distance from his ranch lands, Benton managed his cattle empire from his Denver home beginning in 1907 and continuing until his death in 1921. The period of significance related to Frank Benton therefore is 1907-1921.
Finally, the Doyle-Benton House is eligible for the National Register under Criterion C for its significance in the area of architecture. The house is a good example of an early American Foursquare (sometimes referred to locally as a Denver Square). The house is a blend of elements: the American Foursquare being the most prominent form with Classical Revival touches, Queen Anne influences, and Edwardian features. The building possesses the two-story height, hipped roof and facade dormer typical of period Fousquares, along with the wide eaves, exposed rafter tails, and a balanced facade. As a home built after the 1893 Financial Panic, it reflects the prevailing sobriety of the time with its simpler form and ornamentation than typical of the earlier Victorian-era. Its interior, in contrast to the more straightforward exterior, surprises with light-toned woodwork, light, delicate fireplace tile surrounds, and whimsical carved floral patterns that repeat throughout the first-floor door lintels and mantels. The period of significance under Criterion C is 1896, the year the house construction concluded.