The Tutt Alumni House: A Historic Gem in Colorado Springs' Old North End
Nestled within the charming Old North End Historic District of Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Tutt Alumni House stands as a testament to the city's rich history and its enduring connection to Colorado College. This impressive Georgian Revival mansion, located at 1205 N. Cascade Ave., has played a significant role in the development of both the city and the college.
The Old North End: A Glimpse into Colorado Springs' Past
The Old North End Historic District, situated north of Colorado College and bordered by Monument Valley Park, Uintah Street, and Lilac Street, offers a captivating glimpse into the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially known as the North End Historic District until 2015, this neighborhood was designed for middle and upper-class families during a period of significant growth for Colorado Springs. The district showcases a diverse range of architectural styles, including Spanish Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival, Mission, Modern Movement, and Bungalow homes.
History Colorado recognizes the district's importance in illustrating the growth of Colorado Springs, from the gold rush era to the post-World War II period. Many of the homes were designed by prominent architects of the time, reflecting the city's prosperity and its role as a center for mining businesses.
Early Development and Colorado College's Influence
The very first structure in the Old North End was built around 1881 as a house for female students at Colorado College. Constructed by college president Edward Payson Tenney, this three-story Victorian house, known as the Columbian Club, featured a large porch and tall windows. In the 1880s, President Tenney also erected the first residence for the college president on Cascade Avenue.
Colorado College initially purchased land in the area, which they called "New Massachusetts," as an investment. However, due to slow growth, the college eventually sold the land. The neighborhood experienced significant development between 1890 and 1910, fueled by the success of gold mines in Cripple Creek and Victor. This era saw the construction of numerous homes designed by renowned architects like Charles Thomas and Thomas MacLaren, featuring styles such as Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Queen Anne. Residents included gold stock brokers, mine managers, doctors, and judges, reflecting the city's burgeoning elite.
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The Old North End's connection to Colorado College remained strong throughout its development. The second president's house for the college is located on the 1200 block of Wood Avenue. The Stewart House, another significant building, was donated to the college by Philip B. Stewart. Alice Bemis Taylor, a prominent supporter of the college, also resided on this block, and her family's legacy is honored through buildings like Taylor Dining Hall and Bemis Hall.
The Tutt Family and 1205 N. Cascade Avenue
Completed in 1898, the mansion at 1205 N. Cascade Ave. was originally designed by Colorado Springs architect Edward C.G. Robinson as his own residence. Robinson, known for his mastery of Colonial design, contributed significantly to popularizing the style in the city.
In 1905 or 1906, Charles Leaming Tutt Sr., a business partner of Spencer Penrose, acquired the landmark home. Tutt played a vital role in the development of the Colorado Springs area through his mining investments in Cripple Creek and other parts of Colorado and Utah. Following Tutt Sr.'s death, his son, Charles L. Tutt Jr., became an employee and business associate of Spencer Penrose. Charles L. Tutt Jr. raised his five children in the North Cascade home, and four generations of the Tutt family occupied the house for over 50 years.
The mansion was clearly built for a wealthy turn-of-the-century household, with many of its original features still intact. The spacious foyer boasts decorative columns, fluted pilasters, opposing built-in benches, and a white marble fireplace. The main staircase rises beneath a large Palladian window, adding to the home's grandeur.
The house is filled with natural light, maintaining an air of privacy despite its location at the intersection of Cascade and Uintah. To the left of the foyer is an oversized living room with two matching fireplaces. To the right is the formal dining room, also featuring a fireplace. In total, the home has nine fireplaces. A large study/family room, known as "Charlie's Room," is located beyond the dining room.
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While the kitchen has been modernized, two butler's pantries remain, along with various areas that would have been used by servants, including a back stairway. The third floor contains several servant's bedrooms, storage rooms, and a shared bathroom. The woodwork, flooring, and ornamentation on this floor are more modest than in the family areas of the house.
The second floor features six bedrooms, two sleeping porches, and four tiled bathrooms. The extensive built-ins of drawers, shelving, cabinets, and closets remain. Multiple transoms and inside windows allow for optimal light and air circulation. Sleeping porches were common during this era, and Charles Tutt Jr. reportedly always slept on the porch adjoining the master suite. The front bedrooms are connected through doors that did not open into the hallway, possibly for privacy or convenience.
The basement provides storage and utility systems. A pair of full-length doors, seemingly leading to a safe, disguise the entrance to a large hidden cellar room. Legend has it that Penrose used this space to hide part of his wine collection during the Prohibition era.
From Family Residence to Alumni House
In 1959, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Tutt Jr. and their family gifted 1205 N. Cascade to Colorado College. Initially, some residents of the Old North End opposed the home being used for anything other than a residence, resulting in use variances. Consequently, the residence was used as a rental property for the next 25 years.
In 1985, it officially became the Tutt Alumni House. Since then, this venue has hosted alumni programs, including meetings, receptions, and general entertaining.
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Charles L. Tutt Jr.: A Legacy of Service and Philanthropy
Charles Leaming Tutt Jr. (January 9, 1889 - November 1, 1961) was the son of Charles L. Tutt Sr. and Josephine Thayer Tutt. He grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from St. George's School in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1903, followed by The Thacher School in Ojai, California, in 1906.
Tutt married Eleanor Armit in 1909 and Vesta H. Wood in 1934. He served in the Army as a captain during World War I. He was also involved in various businesses, including Electric and Manufacturing Company, Grand Junction Gas, and Grand River Valley Railroad Company. He was president of Beaver Fruit and Preserving Company, Beaver Park Land and Irrigation, and Beaver, Penrose and Northern Railroad.
Tutt's contributions to Colorado Springs and Colorado College were significant. As president of The Broadmoor and the El Pomar Foundation, and as a trustee of Colorado College, he left a lasting legacy of engaged advocacy and service. He enabled numerous projects on the CC campus, including donating funds to build a new library and the El Pomar Sports Center. In recognition of his contributions, Colorado College named the Tutt Library in his honor on October 12, 1962.
A statue of Charles L. Tutt Jr., commissioned by Edward H. Honnen and created by sculptor Cloyd Barnes, stands in the plaza on the south side of the Tutt Library. The statue has become a beloved symbol of the campus community.
The Old North End: A Community Shaped by History
The Old North End has remained a desirable place to live throughout the 20th century, thanks to the continued growth of Colorado College, Penrose Hospital (formerly Glockner Hospital), and downtown businesses. During World War II, some garages, basements, and even entire houses were converted into apartments to accommodate the growing population.
In the late 1800s, Colorado Springs attracted many people with tuberculosis, who sought relief in the high altitude and dry air. The North End was home to convalescent homes and the Glockner Tuberculosis Sanatorium. Today, a restored "tuberculosis hut" or "tent cottage" can be seen at Jackson Street and Cascade Avenue, serving as a reminder of this chapter in the city's history.
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