By Shannon Lukens.
Another house in Steamboat Springs has been added to the Register of Historic Places. It’s the Drake-Atha House, which is on the Corner of 8th and Oak. It is now the Community Ag Alliance building, and used to be Photo Express. Other nonprofits are also in the building. It was built in 1918 in the Craftsman bungalow style. It was originally the winter home of Ralph and Delia Drake who were cattle ranchers near Moon Hill along the Elk River.
Here’s more on the history of the building from the City of Steamboat Springs; April 7, 2023.
743 Oak Street Picture Perfect For Historic Register
105-Year-Old Building Remains Cornerstone for Community
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-April 10, 2023-The Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places grew for the city when the newest addition, The Drake-Atha House at 743 Oak Street, snapped its place on this distinguished list of significant buildings.
“The Drake-Atha House, commonly known as the Photo Express building, meets two significant aspects for designation for our community – historic and architectural importance,” said Historic Preservation Planner Caitlin Berube-Smith. “It’s imperative that we never lose sight of our past and adding this building to the register is a wonderful way to ensure that connection while also helping form our future.”
Constructed in 1918, the building is an excellent example of the Craftsman bungalow style popular throughout the country through the 1920s. Its gabled roof with wide, overhanging eaves; shed dormers; decorative half-timbering, and full porch with square columns are characteristic features of the style. The foundation is cobblestone.
At some time after construction, the typically exposed rafter tails were enclosed, and after the residence became a commercial enterprise, a balustrade was installed on the front porch. The interior retains the original fireplace, woodwork and trim, wood floors, wood window frames and windows, and battered posts.
Originally owned by Ralph & Delia Drake, who were prominent cattle ranchers near Moon Hill along the Elk River. The couple would use the house as their town residence during the winter. After several brief ownership changes, Roy and Kathyrn Hofstetter purchased the property in 1932 and owned it until 1962. Hofstetter was elected the County Assessor after World War II.
In 1965, members of another well-established local ranching family, Robert & Amelia Selbe, purchased the property and owned it for another 30 years until the current owners, Russ & Carol Atha bought the property in 1994. The home, still owned by the Atha’s, ceased use as a residential property in the 1970s and is currently home to several local non-profit tenants.
“The Drake-Atha House is a successful adaption of reuse to better serve burgeoning commercial needs of the city at the time and continues to do so into present day,” commented Historic Preservation Consultant Erica Swissler Hewitt. “In addition, the building retains much of the architectural elements which made it stand out when first constructed more than 100 years ago.”
Historic Preservation assists in the preservation of the community’s natural and built historic resources helping to maintain distinct community character and promotes the importance of historic preservation as an economic development strategy. Current historic landmarks and resources can be viewed on the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places.