RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages:'1 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
RESOLUTION NO. 24-2017 OF THE MONTROSE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DESIGNATING THE UNCOMPAGHRE VALLEY WATER USERS ASSOCIATION OFFICE BUILDING AS A MONTROSE COUNTY HISTORICAL LANDMARK WHEREAS, the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association (UVWUA") Office Building, located at 601 N. Park Avenue, Montrose, Colorado, was built in 1905 for the purpose of housing the operation of the Uncompahgre Reclamation Project; and WHEREAS, the UVWUA office building has continuously functioned within the purpose for which it was constructed; and WHEREAS, the UVWUA office building is a prime example of a two story four square building type, rarely constructed for office purposes, which retains its original architectural style and defining interior elements; and WHEREAS, the UVWA office building is documented as the second oldest office facility built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; and WHEREAS, the Uncompahgre Project, a Colorado western slope water management project managed by UVWUA, has received official state and national recognition of l'ts historical significance; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the value of preserving and interpreting the history of Montrose community. NOW THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONTROSE COUNTY DO RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The property known as the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Office Building located at 601 N. Park Avenue, Montrose, Colorado is hereby designated as a landmark of local historical significance in Montrose County and Its influence on the City of Montrose and the County is hereby recognized. Section 2. Nothing in this Resolution shall restrict the property rights of any lawful owner of the designated property. Adopted and Effective this 21ot day of June, 2017. MONTROSE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
[SEAL]
ttl kS4‘14"1111C245." iputy Clerk to the Board Date A gin . .a 0 V-1 t
RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 2 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
MONTROSE,COUNTY HISTORIC LANDMARK BOARD APPLICATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC REGISTER DESIGNATION Date Submitted: March 7,2017
Name of Site or Property to be used for Designation: Headquarter of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association
Other Names Site or Property may have been called:
Property is being nominated as a: (Check one. See Helpful Hints for definitions.) C District C Structure ("' Building Site Physical Address/Location (Lat/Long): 1601 North Park Avenue, Montrose, CO 1401
Legal Description: !Mardian Peabodys Subdivision Block 29 lot:1-26 and Block 30 Lot 1-13 Section 28, Township 49, Range 9
Montrose County Assessor's Office Parcel Number: 3767-281-15-900
Name of Owner Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association
Mailing Address: 601 North Park Avenue Montrose, CO 81401
Contact Name: Steven A. Anderson, Manager
Telephone: 970-249-3813
Contact Address:
Of diffnent Rom Omen Preparer Name: Michele Decker Telephone: 970-249-3813 Of Winans from Coined)
Does the property have State and/or National designation? 07, Yes CNo 4724 If so, what is/are the number(s) and date(s) listed? 5MN.4844National Register 11/27/1991
Following are 8 parts to this application process. Each part must be completed in full and submitted in electronic format (Adobe Acrobat), for the application to be reviewed by the Historic Landmark Board. Completed applications should be submitted for consideration to the Montrose County Historic Landmark Board (MCHLB), [email protected] one month before the meeting of the Board. Verify time and place with the MCHLB Chairperson. After digitally signing the application you will be given an opportunity to submit the application by E-mail.
Part 1: Statement of Significance
Page 1 of 6 Revision Mut 84-2015 RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 3 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
MONTROSE COUNTY HISTORIC LANDMARK BOARD APPUCATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC REGISTER DESIGNATION Date Submitted: March 7,2017
Name of Site or Property to be used for Designation: Headquarter of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Structures must be at least fifty (50) years old and meet one (1) or more of the criteria for archtiectural, cultural or geographicJenvironmental significance. A stricture can be exempted from the age standard If the MCHLAB finds it to be exceptionally important in other criteria. Please select the most significantly appropriate criterion or criteria. Note that only one criterion is necessary for designation. A The association of the property with events that have made a significant contribution to local, Colorado, or national history;
B. The connection of the property with person(s) significant in history;
C. The apparent distinctive characteristics of a type, period, method of construction, or architect/artisan;
D. The geographic importance of the property to local history (that is, properties which have achieved significance for D their place in the landscape, adding to a strong sense of place or providing community identity);
0 E. The contribution, or the potential for contribution, to understandings of prehistory or history.
Each property will also be evaluated based on physical integrity using the following criteria (mark all that apply);
2 retains original design features, materials and/or characteristics, or,
RI is in the original location or same historic context, if it has been moved or,
ri has been accurately reconstructed or restored, in keeping with its major character defining architectural elements and its period of significance. Note: Where there are conflicting opinions regarding the physical integrity, the MCRAE) shall seek a review by a professional whose expertise lies within the area of disagreement.
The Statement of Significance must explain how your property meets the criterion or criteria you have marked, as well as the other requirements for age and physical integrity. How do the specific facts about your property relate to themes or patterns of historical development that make up the history (or prehistory) of Montrose County? Appropriate footnotes or citations describing resources (including interviews) relied upon are encouraged. If you have discovered additional information about the property that doesn't necessarily apply to the above criteria, please include it in an addendum. Thorough applications will enhance the written history of Montrose County. Statement of Significance: The Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association has occupied the building since it was constructed in 1905. As such. it is Important for its association with one of the first projects undertaken by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, The Uncompahgre Reclamation Project. The two story wood frame building is located in a residential neighborhood and is a good local example of the foursquare building type. This building has served as the headquarters for the management of the project which continues more than 100 years later to function as the public face of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association.
Part 2: Architectural Description
Page 2 of 6 Revision Date 8-7-2015 RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 4 of 27 ,'RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
MONTROSE COUNTY HISTORIC LANDMARK BOARD APPLICATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC REGISTER DESIGNATION
Date Submitted: March 7,2017
Name of Site or Property to be used for Designation: Headquarter of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Submit a thorough physical description of the structure (Include details such as; architectural styles or character defining elements). If more than one building is included in the property, describe all structures and indicate whether they are contributing (50 years or older) or noncontributing (less than 50 years old or with significant afterations that might have affected the historic Integrity of the structure).
Architectural Description: Foursquare Buliding, which is a two story wood frame structure measuring 4,508 square feet with a 280 foot open front porch, wood lapped siding and a wood shingled roof. The office originally incorporated space for the projects engineer's office, drafting room, clerk's office, bookkeeper's office, stenographer's office, and other engineers' offices. The design was restrained and not elaborate, conveying function over architectural expression. See exhibit 1 from the Bureau of Reclamation's Architectural Legacy: 1902-1955.
Part 3: Summary Paragraph In an effort to make the invaluable information contained in the application more readily available to the public, Montrose County is establishing as part of its website a section describing the properties designated on the Montrose County Register of Historic Properties. Please include an encapsulation of the Statement of Significance, the Architectural Description, and any other information that you feel presents the most comprehensive yet succinct depiction of your ProPedY. Summary Paragraph: The history of the Uncompahgre Project is quite *altar to the history of other irrigation projects. It began with individual farmers wanting to use the available water from the rivers to irrigate their lands, but with the increase In the number of farmers and lands the water supply became inadequate. Due to an insufficient water supply and unfavorable weather conditions, it became necessary to seek outside help. With passage of the Reclamation Act, funding became available to provide the necessary facilities to regulate and store water for irrigation purposes. As one of the first Reclamation projects, the Uncompahgre Project had many milestones and innovations throughout its history. The Gunnison Tunnel was the longest of its kind when it was completed. A boring record was established while the tunnel was being excavated. Sluice gate hoisting mechanisms, flumes, siphons and headgates within the project contain innovations in design and construction. The Gumilson Tunnel was dedared a Nation Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Sodety of Civil Engineers in 1972 due to its construction, operation, engineering ingenuity, and perseverance. The tunnel became only the 26th structure to receive the award in 1979 the Gunnison Tunnel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its significance in Colorado. On November 27, 1991, the Bureau of Reclamation's Montrose Project Office Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Montrose Project Office Is documented as the second oldest office facility built by the Bureau of Reclamation. The Uncompahgre Project has had an enormous effect on the Uncompahgre Valley. Without the constant water supply the valley would not have been able to maintain its growth, both in population and in agriculture. Irrigation has greatly aided the area in temis of population, mining, horticulture and tourism. See exhibit 2 Uncompahgre Project by David Clark and Wm. Joe Simonds, ed. Bureau of Reclamation 1994
Part 4: Maps Location map: Include a City or County map with a designation to show where the building is located. Site map: if more than one building is being nominated (ranch, camp, church grounds, etc.), include a siternap with a legend indicating everything being included in the nomination.
Description of Maps included with the application: Map of the residential area where the Uncomphagre Valley Water Users Association is located
Page 3 of 6 Revbion Date:8-7-201S RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages:. 5 of 27 ;RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Ll0 N T R 0 S E COUNTY HISTORIC LANDMARK BOARD APPLICATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC REGISTER DESIGNATION Date Submitted: March 7,2017
Name of Site or Property to be used for Designation: Headquarter of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Ilega description and photo from the Montrose County Assessors office
Part 6: Photographs Submit historic photos (if available), in digital format, of each structure being nominated. Submit current photos of each structure(s) from all four elevations (sides). Include a listing of aft photos describing the context of the photo submitted.
Description of Photographs Included with the application: Photograph and description of the building from The Bureau of Reclamation's Architectural Legacy: 1902-1955 Legal description and photo from the Montrose County Assessor's office Photo and description from the Montrose County/History Colorado
Part 6: Statement of Owner Support
1 Uncompahgre Valley Water Users and Owner's Name Owner's Name
am/are 100 percent owner(s) or the designated agent of the
Headquarter of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association
>1- fr,,, Signatury Signature ve1 4 0.0.(71' Date Date
Part 7: Notification After my property has been designated, I agree to notify MCHLB of any intention to alter, demolish, move or remove the designated property. I understand that my property's designation shall be reviewed if the Board receives information of an action which significantly alters the structure or site, such that the historic aspect of the structure or site is changed. If only portions of the landmark are changed, the Board shall consider whether the remaining portion of the landmark retains eligbility.
I have reed this Notification clause and understand its content.
• Ignature
Part 8: Addenda
Page 4 of 6 Rewision Datc 84.2015 RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 6 of 27 ,RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
MONTROSE COUNTY HISTORIC LANDMARK BOARD APPLICATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC REGISTER DESIGNATION
Date Submitted: March 7,2017
Name of Site or Property to be used for Designation:
Headquarter of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Addenda consists of any pertinent additional information, such as copies of newspaper articles, excerpts from books, etc.
Description of Addenda included with the application:
All nominations become past of a pennanent, written history of Montrose County. Include any pertinent Information discovered in the Course of the research.
Thank you for contributing to the historic record of Montrose County.
Helpful Hints for Preparing the Montrose County Historic Landmark Board Application Form for Local Historic Designation
Name of Site or Property: Describe exactly what you are nominating, for example, the entire property or only a structure on the property. Fill in the name of the property and what it is (building (Vestal House, Townsend House); structure (Hanging Fiume, bridge, corral, or anything built that is not a building); district; or site (Shaven." Pictograph Site, Petroglyphs of East Paradox).
Physical Address: The address of the building, district, site, or structure.
Legal Description: Large properties might require a detailed description. lithe property is in the downtown area of a town, it will have a Lot and Block number and an addition. This information may be obtained at the Montrose County Assessor's Office or from your current tax assessment. Only the portion of the property being nominated should be included in the legal description provided in the application. If you need help with this determination please consult an MCHL8 Member.
Name of Owner: Legal owner or designated agent (person, persons, organization, corporation, etc.) of the property.
Mailing Address: Address to which correspondence can be sent.
Contact Name, Phone, Address: Person to whom questions about the application may be addressed.
Part 1: Statement of Significance Justify the criteria selected. Statements should be concise, factual, and well-organized. Explain how the property meets local criteria. Use facts about the history of the property to make the case for the property's historic significance.
Part 2: Architectural Description Construction date - Determine the construction date with care. Inclusive dates can be given for buildings built over a period of years (e.g. 1899-1902). if an exact date is unknown, after and before dates can be used (e.g. after 1887 and before 1893). Provide the name of the source, If available, for the construction date (e.g. Assessor's Office or building permit).
Architect and builder/contractor: Ust the names of the architect and/or builder or contractor of the building, if known. Give source of information or indicate if information is unknown.
External materials, stories, and dimensions: List the major exterior building materials, number of stories, and the overall dimensions of the building.
PageS of 6 Re4sionDate:8-7-201S RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 7 of 27 ,RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
MONTROSE COUNTY HISTORIC LANDMARK BOARD APPLICATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC REGISTER DESIGNATION
Date Submitted: March 7,2017
Name of Site or Property to be used for Designation: Headquarter of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association
Associated buildings indicate the existence of any outbuildings (e.g. privy, separate garage, or shed).
Physical description: Briefly describe the major stylistic elements of the building. Be sure to mention such features as porches, window styles, ornamentation, chimneys, roof types, and any other distinguishing features.
Examples of national and State register nominations are also available for reference and include Denver and Rio Grande Depot, Montrose City Hall, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge, Hanging Flume.
Part 3: Summary Paragraph
Part 4: Maps
Part 5: Photographs
Part 6: Statement of Owner Support Signature(s) of ALL property owners or designated agent.
Part 7: Notification in order for the Montrose County Historic Landmark Board to keep accurate records of the property for future reference, please comply with the notification statement on the application. Once a digital signature is in place no edits may be made. If edits are required , right click on signature and dick dear. Once edits are complete sign document again.
Part 8: Addenda In addition to copies of printed information, MCHLB recommends including a history of property ownership as found in the property ownership records, located at the Montrose County County Clerk's Office, and pertinent copy(ies) of historical map(s), such as the Sanborn insurance Company's fire district maps. When listing the history of property ownersidp, be sure to specify the pwthts listed as either sellers (Grantors) or buyers (Grantees).
Page 6 of 6 Revision Date:11-7.2015 RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 8 of 27 ; RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Account Page 1 of 1
Account: R0023112
kgrott_gie Owner Information Assessment Hbtory Tax Area Id -001000 Owner Name UNCOMPAHGRE Actual (2016) $1,013,350 Parcel Number 3767-281-15-900 VALLEY WATER USERS Assessed $293,870 ASSOCIATION Situs Address 601 N PARK AVE Exempt ($293,870) 647 N 7TH ST Owner Address PO BOX 69 MONTROSE, CO 81402-0069 Total Taxable $O City MONTROSE Tax Area: 001000 MM Levy: 67.534 MONTROSE Actual Assessed SQ1FT Legal Summary Subd: MARCHANT Type Improvements $635,350 PEABODY'S SUBD Block: 29 Lot: I $184,250 34995.000 THRU:- Lot: 26, Subd: MARCHANT Land $378,000 $109,620 113886.000 PEABODYS SUED Block: 30 Lot: 1 THRU:- Lot: 13 S: 28 T: 49 R: 9 Business Name UNCOMPAHGRE WATER USERS Map Number 0-22 Transfers No Transfer Documents Tax History Images Tax Year Taxes • Goodie Map *2017 $410° • Photo 2016 $0.00 • Sketch * Estimated • RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages': 9 of 27 ; RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Montrose County Parcel Map I Map Print Page 1 of 1
3 s..vr•YY 7 ‘41•••` • WAI
rasp is • ae pelmet werrents Or Ott nOrtIONOtkoi Kant% 641411111111,01osapteenew. k • surpass • NW rex reerisate a sweep The VIStattnamsegef ma amps aV rearm 111111tillMS er iris map are OM inekareisba all Me Oa MOW ontrose County Parcel Map ma is *gamic ana la a toePant Vat* ot meetanance, correction mail 111V10011. No lateller aspsairst for las acturrier re tee data. delineated so • • ES "MOM 1,(30/2017 RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 10 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Account Page 1 of 2
Account: R0023112
12.5'
FSGr;
68.5' in BAS sn ADDN YR UNKNOWN rsi 39.5'
29.0' BAS/BAS 5.0'at8AS/8AS ca 7.0' 7.0
FSG/BAS/
.0" 7.0'
BAS/BAS BAS/BAS 5.
COP AYB = 1905 40.0'
Rauh wane.: Sketch v5 Pre0 RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 11 of 27, RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Account Page 1 of 1
Account: R0023112
Location Owner Information Assessment History Tax Area Id - 001000 Owner Name UNCOMPAHGRE Actual (2016) $1,013,350 Parcel Number 3767-281-15-900 VALLEY WATER USERS Assessed $293,870 ASSOCIATION Sitars Address 601 N PARK AVE Exempt ($293,870) 647 N 7TH ST Owner Address PO BOX 69 MONTROSE, CO 814(2-0069 Total Taxable SO City MONTROSE Tax Area: 001000 Mill Levy: 67.534 MONTROSE Type Actual Assessed SQFT Legal Summary Subd: MARCHANT PEABODYS SUBD Block: 29 Lot: I Improvements $635,350 5184,250 34995.000 THRU:- Lot: 26, Subd: MARCHANT Land $378,000 $109,620 113886.000 PEABODYS SURD Block: 30 Lot: I THRU:- Lot: 13 S: 28 T: 49 R:9 Business Name UNCOMPAHGRE WATER USERS Map Number 0-22 Transfers No Transfer Documents Tax History Images Tax Year Taxes • Gooele Man *2017 $0.00 • r.h.0-2 2016 $0.00 • Sketch *Estimated RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 12 of 21, RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Account Page 1 of 1
Account: R0023112 Commercial
Abstract CodeEXEMPT-FEDERAL-IMPS. NeighborhoodTOWN OF MONTROSE Building TypeOFFICE D AVG 45 Architecture StyleOFFICE QualityAVERAGE ConditionAVERAGE Room HeightOFFICE HT ,= 8 FT Roof Cove:COMP SHNGL Roof StructureHIP Heating FuelNATURAL GAS Heating TypeFORCED AIR/REFRIG UNITS Mr ConditionFORCED AIR/ REFRIGERATION UNIT FnuneWOOD FRAMING FoundationFOOTINGS WI FOUNDATION WALLS Units] Stories3 PerimeterOFFICE P=175 A=4000 Actual Year Built1905 Depreciation45YR-1980 Exterior Wall I TypeWOOD SIDING Percent100
Interior Wall 1 TypePLASTER Percent100
floor Cover 11 TypeVINYL/LINOLEUM Percent100
Total Area Heated Area4508
SobAreas BAS - Base Area4,508 COP - Covered Open Potth280 FSG - Finished St0rage797 RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 13 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Front View
South View RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Page: 14 of 21 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Back View
North View
RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 15 of 2?, RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
• 411111'
MPS 'Ora 10.000 oPS/tM6 wort Processor Perms OMS No. 1024.0010 tato 0/06) Oopeovod 01/00) United States Department of the Interior 5 44 tq National Park Service )9A2 /I/47/9, NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for Individual properties or districts. See instructions in Guidelines for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable". For functions, styles, materials, and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. Use letter quality printers in 12 pitch. Use only 25% or greater cotton content bond paper. I. Name of Prooertv historic name: ,P.S. Bureau btS9Ciamat1on other names/site number: Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Office Va27,4
2. Location street & number: 601 N. Park Ave, N/A I no for nublication city. town: Montrose. N/A ( 1 vicinity state: Colorado. code: CO county: Montrose code: 085 zio code: 81401
3. Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property No. of Resources within Property ( ) private ( ) building(s) contributing noncontributing ( ) public-local (X) district 5 5 buildings ( ) site ( ) public-State .IMM.INFO•1011.0•111•. sites (X) public-Federal ( ) structure structures ( ) object objects 5 Total Name of related multiple property listing: No. of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 0
4. pate/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this (X) nomination ( ) request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property ( ) meets ( ) does not meet the National Register criteria. ( ) See continuation sheet. RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, PageS: 16 of 2:7 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
AqstkkMit\N NSaltod ,,M6301111Tat
31gnature of certifying official Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
In my opinion, the property (x) meets ( ) does not meet the National Register criteria. ) S continu i sheet.
/ablify Sigl of Commentin o er Date
proso..-.00011 0E14,, Colnradn grtripty Stat Federal Agency and Bureau RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 17 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
• National Park Service certificetion
i, hereby, certify that this property is:
( ) entered in the National Register. ( ) See continuation sheet ( ) determined eligible for the National Register. ( ) See continuation sheet
( ) determined not eligible for the National Register.
( ) removed from the National Register.
( ) other, (explain:)
Signature of the Keeper Date of Action
6. Functions or Use
Historic Functions Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) (enter categories from instructions) Government Office Government Office
7. Description
Architectural Classification Materials (enter categories from instructions) (enter categories from instructions)
foundations concrete Other: Four Souare walls asbestos (sheet *Wing) sheet metal roof asphalt shingles other
Describe present and historic physical appearance. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Uncompahgre Office Building is generally known
locally as the Water Users' Association Building because that group has occupied it since
1932. The building stands in an older residential neighborhood on the near north side of
the town of Montrose, Colorado. The legal address is 601 N. Park Ave., Montrose,
Colorado. Some of the nearby houses are contemporary with the building and are of
architectural styles that are comparable.
The office building today presents an appearance rather similar to its appearance at the time of construction in 1905. However, a comparison with historical photographs,
(X) See continuation sheet RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 18 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Nit Form 10-900a OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8/861 NPS/CNS Word Processor Format 'Approved 03/881
United States Department of the Interior Natton_al Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 7 Page 1_
plans, etc. reveals some changes, both internal and external. The building is of an
architectural design widely used in the early twentieth century which is commonly called
the four square style. Builders of this period usually used four square only in residence
designs. (The name derives from the shape of the building in a simple square.) Four
square is a uniquely American architectural style and gives a very solid appearance.
The building has porches on both front and back with doors for entry into the first
floor from each porch. Additional concrete work on the front porch bears a date of 1964.
There were originally five rooms on the first floor, in addition to a hallway.
A portion of one room on the first floor is now a rest room. A remodelling project in the
1950s included paneling of all walls on the first floor. Currently there are five rooms
on the second floor, and a hallway on each floor. Originally there were six rooms on the
second floor. Removal of a wall between two of these rooms created a conference room.
There are twenty-nine windows which today are one-over-one metal sash type in place of the
original wood one-over-one type of windows. Most of these are now thermal pane metal
sash. In addition to the stairway from the first to the second floor, another stairway
connects the second floor with the attic. The attic consists of two additional rooms,
each of which includes a dormer with window. The attic may have served as office space or
even living quarters for a period. The wallpaper in the attic area is probably original.
The center of the roof area consists of a small catwalk which originally included a
flagpole. Today a radio antenna stands in place of the flagpole, however a newer flagpole
stands in front of the building. White asbestos siding today covers the outside of the
office building; the original exterior was wood dropsiding darker in color than the
present material, though several early photographs give somewhat different NPS Form RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 19 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
10-400a 0148 No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8/86) NPS/CHS Word Processor Format (Approved 03/88)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 7 Page 2
ideas of that material and its appearance. The original exterior is now removed. The
current roof consists of asphalt shingles and appears to be fairly recent. The original
roof consisted of wooden shingles which are still present below the asphalt shingles.
A cellar beneath the northern part of the building originally consisted of two
rooms; one for storage, the second for the furnace and coal. However, the cellar now
includes only one room with the coal furnace and coal chute removed. A natural gas
furnace now heats the building. A chimney extends from the furnace through both floors,
the attic, and above the roof. This chimney originally vented the coal furnace and is now
used for the natural gas heating facility. Inside the cellar, several areas reveal an
original foundation beneath reinforcing concrete later added to the foundation. Also in
the cellar, several modern supports (turnbuckles) provide additional support for the
building. Floors throughout the building are linoleum. Original floors appear to have .
been of linoleum, but in different patterns. Electrical wiring may be original but is in
a poor state of repair.
From 1905 to 1910 the building stood by itself on the block with one small
outbuilding, number 11 on the map, possibly having been added during this time. Then from
1910 to 1912 a major project of expansion of the facilities included the addition of a
concrete vault to the northwest cornor of the office building itself as well as the
construction of several outbuildings. Four of the outbuildings which still exist behind
the office building date from the period 1910-1912. They are identified on the map sketch
of the current complex with numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6. All show indications of substantial
changes. (All historical descriptions are from the Project History, all current
descriptions are from field inspections.) RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 20 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
NPS•Form 10-900a OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8/86) NPS/CHS Word Processor Format (Approved 03/88)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 7 Page 3
Only outbuilding no. 5, marked as a granary/fruit cellar, is the one which most
retains its original character. It has special wooden walls to protect grain, an
elevator, and cellar for fruit storage. However, the exterior is more recent sheet metal
which replaced the same type of material that originally covered the building.
Outbuildings no. 3 and 4 are shown on more recent maps of the area as separately
designed and are discussed in that manner for the ease of reference to the maps which are
standard. However, they were constructed together and are listed in the original Project
History as a single structure called a warehouse and are counted as one contributing
building. The warehouse was originally covered with corrugated galvanized iron which
accounted for much of the total building costs. Otherwise, the building has simple
wooden frameworks with segments of concrete and dirt flooring on the first floor and
wooden flooring on that section with the second floor. The two story portion
(outbuilding 3) is currently used for storage of various materials. Though the exterior
represents a rather recent replacement of the iron material, the foundation and framework
are original. The structure retains its original shape and general appearance despite the
fact that the galvanized metal is still "shiny new." Similarly, the portion noted on the
map as 4 is only one story with a recent exterior of corrugated galvanized iron.
Currently, this portion of the building serves as a "tin shop" for sheet metal.
Building number 6 is a simple frame open garage with dirt floor used for parking
heavier equipment. It has three closed sides with the open side to the east. It was
originally designed as an equipment shed with malthoid covering at the time of
construction, May to June, 1911. No other information is in the early Project History. A
very small, more recent addition connects this building to the granary (bldg. 5, noted above) RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 21 of 27, RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
NPS Form 10-900a OMB No. 1024-0018 • (Rev. 8/86) NPS/CHS Word Processor Format (Approved 03/88)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 7 Page
Building number 11 is the least documented of any in the district. The map of the
grounds in the early Project History shows a small building on this site with the same basic outline as the existing building with the exception that it was divided into two
rooms: a "blue print shop," and "carp't shop." One other entry notes that a "carpenter
shop" cost $253.80. However, the Project History includes no other information at all on
this small structure, in contrast to all the other buildings and facilities on the grounds
which are described in some detail, even including blueprints. The present building
consists of only one room and shows evidence of a new roof and either well painted
exterior or new siding on the walls. However, the earliest photograph of the main office
building clearly shows a portion of the smaller building in the background so it probably
even predates the additions of 1910 to 1912. It is thus listed as contributing to the
nomination.
Five other outbuildings of considerably later vintage are present. Outbuilding
number 2 is a long metal storage shed for lumber with one open side. It appears to date
from the same rather recent period of addition of the new corrugated metal as used on
outbuildings 3, 4, and S, as discussed above. Building 7 is a closed garage with a door
which opens to the south. Building 8 is of concrete construction with an attached metal
portion. It is used for the storage of chemicals. Building number 9 is a bay metal
garage with overhead doors that open to the west. Building number 10 is a metal mechanics
garage and machine shop with doors that open away from the complex. These outbuildings
are far enough away that they do not detract from the quality of the office building.
They are noncontributing though present in the district.
Photographs and copies of detailed plans of the buildings are enclosed. RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 22 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
8. Statement of Significance
Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in 19ob -1(432- 19 412-1941 (pet relation to other properties: CIO nationally ( ) statewide (>) locally soz.
Applicable National Register Criteria (X) A ( ) B (X) C ( ) D
Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) ( )A( )8( )C( )0( )E( )F( ) G
Areas of Significance
(enter categories from instructions) Period of Significance Significant Dates
Agriculture 1905-1941
Architecture 1905. 1910-1912
Cultural Affiliation
NIA
Significant Person Architect/Builder
N/A J.J. Kewin
State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas
and periods of significance noted above.
The Montrose Office Building of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is historically
significant as an unusual application of the four square style of construction. The four
square design itself is significant as representing the Progressive Era in United States
social history with the Montrose building as a classic example. The building is further
significant as part of one of the first projects undertaken by the U.S. Bureau of
(X) See continuation sheet RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 23 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
Npl Form 10-900a OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8/86) NPS/CHS Word Processor Format (Approved 03/88)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 8 Page
Reclamation soon after the initiation of the agency which also reflected a major
expression of the Progressive Era . -ltional policy. Finally, the
building is historically significant as .ne local activity of the Bureau of
Reclamation. This function continued as managed by the Uncompahgre Water Users
Association which subsequently occupied the facility. With the above areas of
significance, the request for determination of eligibility is made under criteria A and C.
The building has architectural significance as one of the relatively rare examples
of the four square style of construction originally used for any function aside from
residential (Gowans, 1986; Hanchett, 1986). The design, based on a simple square floor
plan outline, became quite common throughout the United States from the 1890s through
World War I. The four square design has a massive, solid appearance. The professional
architectural community regards it as a uniquely American type of construction. The style
Is often called "hip roofed" as well as four square. In Colorado, it locally bore the
name *Denver square." The town of Montrose had a number of homes of similar construction
in the immediate neighborhood. Four square homes ranged in size from small one floor
"bungalows" to large farm houses and "streetcar suburban" homes. Such major mail order
firms as Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward provided prefabricated four square designs.
Prices ranged from $800 to $1200 for the mail order models (Gowans, 1986; Hanchett, 1986).
Hence the construction cost of $4166 makes the Montrose building far more substantial than
the typical example of the style. (A heating plant, installed separately for $800.00, and
the vault, a 1910 addition which cost $764.08, further enhanced the magnitude of the
building.) The same contractor, J.J. Kewin, that built the original Bureau of Reclamation
Office Building also constructed a number of nearby homes of similar, but considerably RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 24 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
umit6sgaego.wrawkw. 49mmitmg.44MYAVNUMMOIM*, ' MINgenSi
NP5 Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8/86) NPS/CHS Word Processor Format (Approved 03/88)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 8 Page 2
smaller, design througtit the neighborhood. One outbuilding was clearly present from an
early date so it contributes to the nomination. Subsequently, the agency attached a vault
to the office building as well as adding several outbuildings in the period 1910 to 1912.
Three more outbuildings which date from this period are present and contribute to the
district. Five other outbuildings of more recent construction are present in the district
but are noncontributing.
The Montrose Office Building also has significance as the focus of the early
construction activities of irrigation facilities in the area as well as the site of
ongoing administrative management of the completed project. The U.S. Congress created the
Reclamation Service in 1902 for the purposes of irrigation and flood control (subsequently
the agency has been named the Bureau of Reclamation). President Theodore Roosevelt signed
the Act which created the agency. The Bureau, then, is one of the federal agencies which
Is most associated with the Progressive Era and the various changes in national values
that were ongoing at the time of its creation. The Secretary of Interior authorized the
Reclamation Service to undertake what was then called the Gunnison Project in early 1903
thus making it the second project undertaken by the new agency (Arizona's Salt River
Project was the first). Subsequently, the Reclamation Service would undertake dozens of
projects. Construction of the first facilities in the Gunnison Project began in 1904.
From an engineering standpoint, the Gunnison Tunnel and the Gunnison Diversion Dam)k were
the most important items in the project (Project History). Significantly, the National
Register of Historic Places has included the Gunnison Tunnel since July, 1979, as entry
no. 79000616. The Keeper of the Register has declared additional parts of the system as
eligible for inclusion. thouoli they do not vet actually appear on the Reaister. RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 25 of 27, RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
•NPS Form 10-900a OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8/86) NPS/CHS Word Processor Format (Approved 03/88)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 8 Page 3
The Montrose office building, approved in 1903 and actually constructed in 1905, is
documented as the second oldest facility built by the Bureau of Reclamation for offices.
The national scope of the agency and the fact that it was so much a part of the
application of the federal government into the Progressive Era justifies the nomination at
the national level. (Though an office building at Arizona's Salt River Project is just a
few months older, it has not been used in its original capacity for many years. The Salt
River building is at the dam site rather than in the local community, is considerably
smaller than the Montrose building, and is of a different architectural style.) The
warehouse (3 and 4 on the map, as noted above), equipment shed (6), and carpenter shop
(11), are part of a complex that was used for portions of construction and subsequent
mechanical maintenance of the irrigation facilities, hence they definitely contribute to
the significance of the complex in this regard. At costs of $2172.59, $649.74, and
$253.80, respectively, the warehouse, equipment shed, and carpenter shop represented
important outlays for the Reclamation Service when they were constructed (Project
History).
The four square design as exemplified by the Montrose office building is significant
as indicative of a general transition of patterns of American social history from the
Victorian Era of the late 19th century to the Progressive Era of the early 20th century.
One important school of U.S. historians, generally recognized as led by Robert Wiebe, has
interpreted the advent of the Progressive Era as part of a national Search for Order as
Wiebe titled his book (1968). He noted the "bureaucratization" of the period and a
"standardization" of many aspects of life. The Reclamation Service was clearly a
reflection of both of these themes at the federal level. In addition, the Montrose RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 26 of 27 , RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
NIAN,ASU111, -1ksra-N,W,',,,,gpv
NiS Form 10-900a OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8/86) NPS/CHS Word Processor Format (Approved 03/88)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 8 Page 4
office building represents the standardization style just then becoming part of American
life. Thus it symbolizes the very essence of the period. Perhaps it is indicative of
further changes that the four square design fell out of use just after World War I (1917-
1918 for U.S. participation). Historians generally recognize that even4as the end of the
Progressive Era as a central theme is American social history. The so-called "Roaring
'20s" brought different architectural designs which represented that period.
The Montrose office building has further significance as the unique site of the
ongoing administration of the Uncompahgre project which serves much of western Colorado.
The influence of irrigation projects as economic forces throughout the western U.S. can
only be described as crucial. The region around Montrose was certainly no exception. The
Reclamation Service office building naturally developed as a focus of ongoing community
activity, not only in daily administration of the project, but as the site of public
meetings. These assemblies provided liaison between the agency and the local populace on
such issues as allocation of water, assessment of fees, and determination of rights-of-way
for facilities. In 1932, the Uncompahgre Water Users Association assumed responsibility
from the Bureau of Reclamation (as it was named by that date) for maintenance and
operation of the irrigation project. The Association employed a staff for daily conduct
of business involving the system which maintained office space in the building,
essentially performing the functions that Bureau staff members had previously performed.
In addition, the monthly meetings of the Association's Board of Directors convened in the
building, though an annual meeting of all members of the Association met in a larger
facility. Despite the occupancy of the Water Users' Association, the building legally
remains federal property. The local significance of the district was basically the same
RECEPTION#: 889277,Date: 8/28/2017 1:54 PM, Pages: 27 of 27, RES Montrose County, CO. Tressa Guynes, Clerk and Recorder
111 .1111111.111111111111111, amm.:Aw kmmilvxv,"%ks ^woo
NPS Form 10-900a OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8/86) NPS/CNS Word Processor Format (Approved 03/88)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER Of HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET
Section number 8 Page 5
under directk Bureau of Reclamation control or occupancy by the Uncompahgre Water Users'
Association (Project Data, 1981).
The granary/fruit cellar has special significance as representing important
administrative policies of the early agency. The Reclamation Service added it as part of
the expansion of facilities on the site beginning in 1910 at a cost of $1327.13 (Project
History). When Congress created the Reclamation Service in 1902, it included a provision
In the Act that farmers who drew water from irrigation projects but lacked cash could
satisfy billings by supplying produce. The agency thus built a storage facility for the
most common types of produce in the area. It then used the foods for its own workers and
draft animals on the project, or resold them after the project was completed.
[A nomination for the district with the office building and outbuildings should have
accompanied the nomination of the related Gunnison Tunnel to the National Register. The
relationship of the office building and outbuildings to this early project and the early
Bureau in general justifies the national significance of the nomination.]