Jul 03, 1997
National Register of Historic Places - Milo A. Smith (Bell House, Joyce House, Woodward House, 5DV5178)
Statement of Significant: The Milo A. Smith House is significant under Criterion A for Community Planning and Development. Smith and his contemporaries were associated with the late 19th and early 20th century development of street car suburbs in the Denver area. The property is also significant under Criterion C as an essentially intact local example of the evolution of preferences in residential design associated with the period. Modifications completed during the 1890-1922 Period of Significance appear to reflect the original owner/developer's desire to showcase the property and, therefore, contribute to its history. The 1994 addition at the rear is clearly distinguishable from the original 1890 building. The well-maintained property is in excellent condition and retains the ability to convey its association with Denver's early suburban development. Community Planning and Development The property was the first residence built in the Bellevue Addition. Originally platted in 1886, Smith purchased the development rights. When constructed in 1890, on what was then Maine Street, in Arapahoe County, the house commanded a view of the mountains to the west and the plains to the east. The Bellevue Addition became a part of Denver in 1902 when new county boundaries were drawn that designated Denver as the City and County of Denver. Circa 1904, as part of a Denver Street renaming project, Maine Street became Birch Street. As president of the East Colfax Avenue Railway Company, operators of an overhead trolley line, Smith was instrumental in locating the end-of-the-line loop and a waiting room at Colfax and Birch. A portion of the tracks leading to this loop are still visible. Subsequently, the Colfax line was extended to the east, and Smith had a streetcar line built south from the loop along Birch, with the intention of running it to another of his developments further south. Instead, the line turned to the east at Eighth Avenue. It then ran along Eighth to Quebec Street where it met the steam line operated by Fairmount Cemetery.
National Register of Historic Places - Milo A. Smith (Bell House, Joyce House, Woodward House, 5DV5178)
Statement of Significant: The Milo A. Smith House is significant under Criterion A for Community Planning and Development. Smith and his contemporaries were associated with the late 19th and early 20th century development of street car suburbs in the Denver area. The property is also significant under Criterion C as an essentially intact local example of the evolution of preferences in residential design associated with the period. Modifications completed during the 1890-1922 Period of Significance appear to reflect the original owner/developer's desire to showcase the property and, therefore, contribute to its history. The 1994 addition at the rear is clearly distinguishable from the original 1890 building. The well-maintained property is in excellent condition and retains the ability to convey its association with Denver's early suburban development. Community Planning and Development The property was the first residence built in the Bellevue Addition. Originally platted in 1886, Smith purchased the development rights. When constructed in 1890, on what was then Maine Street, in Arapahoe County, the house commanded a view of the mountains to the west and the plains to the east. The Bellevue Addition became a part of Denver in 1902 when new county boundaries were drawn that designated Denver as the City and County of Denver. Circa 1904, as part of a Denver Street renaming project, Maine Street became Birch Street. As president of the East Colfax Avenue Railway Company, operators of an overhead trolley line, Smith was instrumental in locating the end-of-the-line loop and a waiting room at Colfax and Birch. A portion of the tracks leading to this loop are still visible. Subsequently, the Colfax line was extended to the east, and Smith had a streetcar line built south from the loop along Birch, with the intention of running it to another of his developments further south. Instead, the line turned to the east at Eighth Avenue. It then ran along Eighth to Quebec Street where it met the steam line operated by Fairmount Cemetery.
Jul 03, 1997
Posted Date
Aug 02, 2023
Historical Record Date
Jul 03, 1997
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
