In the last decade, the amount of homes that have been built in and around Brighton have more than doubled the places to live in the northeast metro city. Planned communities and new suburban developments are sprouting up to facilitate the huge wave of families and folks moving into the city. But Brighton was founded in the 1870s, and the 17-square mile city is still full of a huge collection of houses and buildings built before the turn of the century — or the turn of the last century.
The Brighton Historic Preservation Committee put together a do-it-yourself walking tour of some of the city’s most notable and history-rich sites, dating back as far as the 1880s. The tour includes 20 properties with about a dozen different architectural styles and periods represented. Many of the buildings are hidden in plain sight, so keep an eye out from them while you’re cruising the historic downtown areas and neighborhoods. Check out the complete tour online.
No. 6
The 1886 Church
Address: 147 S. First Ave.
1886
This Gothic Revival church was the first church in Brighton. Presbyterian homesteaders were the first denomination to build a church building in Brighton, and they started here. Before the church was built, congregations met in the homes of the members until 1886. D.F. Carmichael and D.W. Strong, who are both seen as the founders of Brighton in their own way, were elders of the church. D.W. Strong initially hosted the meetings in his home, and D.F. Carmichael deeded land to the Presbyterian Trustees of the church for $1. The steeple was added in 1890. In 1975, the building was renovated and a new roof was added. The church is available for rentals and tours today.
No. 11
Craftsman-style house
Address: 275 S. 3rd Ave.
1919
This craftsman-style home is in impeccable shape. The covered porch, exposed rafter tails and trim details make this house an example of early 20th century architecture. The Reubel family who ran the Northern Dairy owned this home. Morgan Smith lived here. A trail by the South Platte River is named for him.
No. 18
Italianate-style house
Address: 153 S. 4th Ave.
1901
This Italianate home is unique to the Brighton area. The Italianate style is denoted by the arched windows, flat front and the ornate columns and railings which span the entire width of the house. The original wood columns on the lower level were replaced with steel columns when they became rotted and unsafe.
No. 5
Blue Moon Apartments
Address: 76 S. Main St.
1937
When this Colonial-style building was originally built, Charlie Moon lived upstairs while running his bar on the ground floor. Later, the bar was moved to its current location and Micelli’s Pizzeria moved to theground-floor site. When the building was purchased in the 1970s, it was converted into four apartments.
No. 1
Historic Brighton City Hall
Address: 22 S. 4th Ave.
1906
The former Adams County Court House, Brighton City Hall is a brick-faced building of almost 25,000 square feet and is considered classic revival. The style of this building was significantly enhanced when the columns on the west face were added in 1939. This decommissioned space now also houses the brand new .
