What is the Poudre Landmarks Foundation?
Our Mission
Poudre Landmarks Foundation envisions a community that understands, appreciates, and values its past. Poudre Landmarks Foundation’s mission is to preserve, restore, protect, and interpret the architectural and cultural heritage of the Fort Collins area. We manage two historic properties owned by the City of Fort Collins: The 1879 Avery House and the 1882-1883 Water Works. We also create the Annual Historic Homes Tour in Fort Collins and numerous educational and special events throughout the year.
“Poudre Landmarks Foundation’s mission is to preserve, restore, protect, and interpret the architectural and cultural heritage of the Fort Collins Area.”
In the early 1970's, the iconic 1879 Avery House was slated to be torn down for redevelopment. A strong group of local citizens persuaded the City of Fort Collins to purchase the property, and Poudre Landmarks Foundation was formed to begin restoration and management of the Avery House. We restored the home to its current splendor and opened the home as a historic house museum. In 1995, we also began managing and restoring the City of Fort Collins 1883 Water Works facility.
Poudre Landmarks Foundation has 46 years of experience offering quality history-related events for the community and a strong reputation of fiscal responsibility. We are a known cultural leader in the community and are often asked to represent history-related organizations and issues in community efforts. We take this responsibility and honor seriously.
Our yearly event schedule is created using constituent feedback and past experience coupled with organizational capacity. Our event offerings have grown in scope and depth over the years. Poudre Landmarks Foundation has more than 200 volunteers and welcome you to join us as a volunteer. Year after year we look for new ways to reach out and share the gift of history with the Fort Collins community.
Properties we manage, Activities We Create
The Avery House
The Avery House was built in 1879. It served as the family home of Franklin and Sara Avery and their three children. The home was built of sandstone from local quarries and includes a carriage house, large yard, gazebo, and fountain. It is located at 328 W. Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins and serves as a museum honoring life at the turn of the 19th century. Open each Saturday 11am - 2pm & Sunday, 1–4 p.m.
1883 Fort Collins Water Works
The Water Works facility at 2005 N. Overland Trail was constructed in 1882–83 to provide the growing town of Fort Collins with an adequate supply of water for fighting the building fires that plagued the early township. The facility is located at the western edge of Fort Collins on a 23-acre site that also features a portion of the Cherokee and Overland trails that led gold seekers, emigrants, and outlaws through the western frontier.
Fort Collins Annual Historic Homes Tour (HHT)
Every year we manage the Fort Collins Annual Historic Homes Tour. See our Historic Homes Tour page for details and join us for our next tour.
Numerous Other Activities During the Year
We create many other activities during the year. These include an annual Fourth of July Kids program at the Water Works, periodic music concerts, and special events. To keep up with our activities, we encourage you to receive our email newsletter.
Historic 1879 Avery House Rentals
We manage many, many rentals of the Historic 1879 Avery House for weddings, receptions, parties, photo shoots, corporate socials, meetings, birthdays, anniversaries, and family and friends gatherings. See our Weddings and Special Events page.
