One step closer for the La Alma-Lincoln Park Historic District

First settled in the 1870's, the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood is one of Denver's oldest residential neighborhoods. History buffs know this neighborhood has a unique cultural and historical past.

Earlier this year, members of the community submitted a Landmark designation application for the La Alma Lincoln Park Historic Cultural District to the Community Planning & Development board. After a unanimous 9-0 vote, the application was found to be eligible for designation.

The board found the district meets the four following criteria.

1) It has a direct association with a significant historic event or with the historical development of the city.

From the 1870's through the 1920's, Mexican, German, Irish, Italian and Jewish families were the first to settle and establish the community. This neighborhood became appealing since it was outside the Denver urban core and easily accessible by horse drawn-street cars. As time went on, the neighborhood's Latino and Mexican American population grew, giving rise to various influential Chicano Movement leaders.

2) It embodies the distinctive visible characteristics of an architectural style or type.

Bungalow, foursquare, Victorian, Queen Anne and Italianate architectural styles were constructed by builders and craftsman from common and readily available materials from the time. Many of these distinct structures still stand today and are a great representation of the early century architecture.

3) It represents an era of culture or heritage that allows an understanding of how the site was used by past generations.

As the Mexican-American and Latino population began to increase, alterations to the older homes they inhabited began to pop up. Instead of the original brick and wood exteriors, Stucco and permastone exteriors became the predominant style.  

4) It is associated with social movements, institutions, or patterns of growth or change that contributed significantly to the culture of the neighborhood, community, city, state or nation.

In the 1960s and 1970s Lincoln Park became the central place for the Chicano Movement in Colorado. The movement focused on increasing equality for Latinos, Hispanos and Mexican American communities.

District Boundary map.

Lets take a look at the architectural styles that represent this historical district.

Architectural Style: Italianate

Date of Construction: 1888

Distinctive Features: Elaborate cornice and frieze in brick.

Architectural Style: Victorian Cottage

Date of Construction: 1887

Architectural Style: Italianate Cottage.

Date of Construction: 1900

Distinctive Features: Gingerbread porch, decorative eave brackets, arched openings.

Architectural Style: Queen Anne

Date of Construction: 1880

Distinctive Features: Turret, gingerbread porch with spindle columns, arched openings.

Architectural Style: Queen Anne Cottage

Date of Construction: 1890

Distinctive Features: Arched window opening, door transom.

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We're glad to know the beautiful architecture and significant cultural make up of this district will be forever preserved.