Edgewood Neighbors

Northeast Lakewood Historic Survey

Sep 15, 2002

Edgewood partnered with Two Creeks Neighborhood to sponsor a year-long project that examined the area's history. Two Creeks and Edgewood contain some of Lakewood?’s oldest neighborhoods, businesses and organizations. The area has evolved greatly over the years. Originally rural countryside scattered with a few farmhouses, by the 1950s West Colfax Avenue was lined with rows of cottage camps, motels and motor courts. Filling stations, restaurants and gift shops also catered to travelers and visitors. The area expanded after World War II with blocks of Ranch style homes for veterans returning from the war, and West Colfax grew as Lakewood?’s ?“downtown.?”
The Cultural Resource Survey looked for properties associated with historic themes, such as: poultry and dairy farming; greenhouses and nurseries; the JCRS and Craig Colony tuberculosis sanitariums; the country club neighborhoods; commerce on West Colfax Avenue; impacts of World War II; and the Postwar Boom. It also looked for examples of architectural styles, such as Bungalow or Tudor Revival.
The Survey project identified several places to be studied further for as potential landmarks, including some former farm properties and intact examples of architectural styles.
The project prepared a Survey Report and brochures about the neighborhood?’s history and historic places. The $12,000 survey began June 2001 and ended in May 2002 with a slide show. Funding came from a State Historical Fund Grant, the City of Lakewood, and donations from the Community Responsibility Center, Westside Cycling, Lakewood Brick Company, Lakewood Historical Society and Colorado Camera as well as private donations. The Survey Report is available for $10. To order a copy, contact Beth Hoover at (303) 239-8351 ext. 2003.
The two Neighborhood Organizations have received another State Historical Fund Grant for Phase II, which will begin in early 2003. Phase II will document 80 selected properties and evaluate them as potential landmarks. Edgewood and Two Creeks Neighborhoods are raising funds to match the grant, so donations are welcome. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution or have any questions, call Beth Hoover at 303-239-8351.