By Shannon Lukens.

 

The building at 743 Oak Street in Steamboat Springs has received the official plaque as an historic designation. It was presented Monday afternoon.

 

Arienthe Stettner prepared the nomination of the building on behalf of Historic Routt County.

“Being listed on the Steamboat Springs Historic Register is not only an honor because the property is documented for prosperity but because the property has some protections.”

 

The building was built in 1918.  It was the Photo Express house for many years. It is protected from demolition, inappropriate changes, and it receives some tax credits and benefits. It now houses the Community Ag Alliance and several other non-profits.

 

Article April 10, 2023 – BUILDING AT 743 OAK STREET IS ADDED TO HISTORIC REGISTER

 

From the original press release from the City of Steamboat Springs; April 10, 2023.

“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.”