1879 Avery House
328 W. Mountain Ave.
Owner: City of Fort Collins Managed by: Poudre Landmarks Foundation
Style: Gothic Cottage
Recognition: National Register, 1972; State Register, 1972; Local Landmark, 1974; Avery House Local Landmark District, 1990

Franklin Avery came from New York to Northern Colorado in 1870. After laying out Fort Collins’ wide streets and beginning his banking career, he and new wife Sara began building their “cottage” for $3000. As they added three children to their family, they also added to the house several times, notably the Queen Anne tower on the east side.

After 83 years and three generations, the last of the Avery family moved on. In 1974 the City of Fort Collins purchased the home for $79,000. The Poudre Landmarks Foundation managed the restoration, and the Friends of the Avery House continue to care for the home and make it accessible to the public. The Carriage House was added to the District in 1988. The property has been designated as a local, State and National Historic Landmark.

This year’s Historic Homes Tour guests may additionally enjoy our exhibit, Activewear: Getting Outside In Northern Colorado From 1870 To 1960. Outdoor activities often require specific garb, and what was fashionable or appropriate certainly has evolved through the years. An excellent example is the bicycling outfit a woman may have put on at the turn of the 20th century - it allowed her to engage in a new freedom of movement that would only grow throughout the coming century. Come see a Victorian bicycling outfit with an 1895 bicycle and learn more about the history of activewear.

Also, plan to ride the trolley to and from the Avery House. Fort Collins Municipal Railway offers free rides to Historic Homes Tour ticketholders