1424 Meeker Dr., The Riffenburgh Residence

Owners: Anne Bossert and Michael Allison

Style: Classic Ranch, built in 1963

This wonderful mid-century Classic Ranch house was designed and built for Waldo and Pearl Riffenburgh in their later years. Waldo was a local attorney, and while he and Pearl never had children, Waldo served as a member, and president, of the local school board for many years. Nearby Riffenburgh Elementary School is named in his honor.

The succession of owners residing here have carefully preserved the original plans and specifications for the home. Don Goff was the architect who designed the home and Richard Johnston the builder (who, incidentally, resided at 1432 Meeker Drive according to the 1964 Fort Collins City Directory). By the time of Waldo’s passing in 1981, F G Martinez is listed at this address.

This home is rich with typical Ranch features incorporating long, low, horizontal lines, a low-pitched roof, a large attached garage, an off-center front door sheltered by the roof overhang, open, combined living spaces with large picture windows, and a sliding glass door opening on to the back patio bringing focus to the private back yard and facilitating an indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Hard to believe much of this home’s internal character was lost with modifications in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s. The current owners have labored to return it to its mid-century heritage, respecting the home’s architectural history. In their restoration, they have returned the previously remodeled front porch to match the original house plans, replaced the front door also in accordance with the original specifications, and removed a later-addition wall from the living space, reopening the house, to once again fill it with natural light and views.

The residence also houses a studio and wood shop for the artisan-owners. Featured throughout the home are the owners’ hand-crafted art and restored family furnishings, complemented by artworks traded from other local artists. The home today is an approving nod to the building’s mid-century legacy.

Jodie Chamberlain

See the Riffenburgh Residence, 4 additional Mid-Century homes, and more on the 38th Annual Historic Homes Tour!