Candy & Andy Roberts

In 2018, architect Candy Roberts and her husband Andy Roberts were thrilled to find and purchase an historic home in Alamo Placita. This private residence at 1111 East 3rd Avenue, Denver, CO was built in 1918.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candy Roberts is an architect in Colorado who has worked on many Historic Preservation projects. Candy was a founding partner in the architectural firm “Semple Brown Roberts”, now “Semple Brown Design”, who is proudly celebrating its 40-year anniversary. Andy Roberts has Historic Preservation experience serving as an advisor for the National Trust for Historic Preservation for nearly a decade as well as in the restoration of several significant historic buildings in downtown Denver.

 

The Roberts hired architect Bob Wacker to join Candy in the design and documentation of the home renovation and restoration and Peter Monroe, Structural Engineer, with IMGE Engineers.

Candy Roberts developed the overall vision and design for the property. This included an open area on the south (3rd Ave) as an outdoor gathering and dining area. The garden has a south / west orientation which is adjacent to the pedestrian traffic from the Denver Country Club Neighborhood from the east, into the Alamo Placita Neighborhood and Park to the west.

 

      New gathering and dining area, 2022

 

 

 

The Roberts wanted to find the exact roof tile from the original house. The original distinctive profile of the flat interlocking roof tiles (vs. more common barrel-shaped tiles) is no longer made. However, the General Contractor, Lifehouse Construction, searched and found a demolition underway that had the exact same flat interlocking roof tile. The tile was purchased and used for the Roberts’ home expansion. It was a big win to find matching tile for an historic building. From the Roberts’ point of view, the roof is one of the most attractive and prominent design characteristics of their home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View from East 3rd Ave. in 2022 with replicated roof tiles

 

 

To distinguish between what is historic construction and what is new is the goal of historic preservation. The design of the addition replicates the architectural features of the original 1918 design. All the original roof details, the window proportions and divisions of the glass window and door mullions and their placement were all considered carefully as a nod to the historic look.

The owners desired that the exterior wall of the addition be built of masonry, feeling that keeping the same material would strengthen the architectural integrity of the home. However, the Design Guidelines for the Denver Landmark Structures and Districts required the addition be clad in four-inch, painted lap siding exterior which the Roberts followed.

The original exterior painting had of course been altered over the years. The color scheme of the house when they purchased it felt too busy to the Roberts. They chose one color for the exterior walls feeling it more complementary to the classic historical composition. Fortunately, the existing building foundation and site drainage did not cause any construction concerns.

The Roberts were delighted with their General Contractor. The Roberts found Lifehouse Construction exemplary in their professionalism, attention to detail, historical home renovation experience and construction skills incredibly important to the success of this project. Having a knowledgeable contractor to navigate the City and County of Denver governing agencies was extremely valuable. The Roberts strongly believe that choosing an experienced contractor was key to the success of their project.

Approvals were needed by the Landmark Commission to move forward with the construction. The most impactful change was the need to add a garage (none existed) and additional square footage to the master bedroom. The approval process was challenging at times but in the end, the outcome was a success.

The Roberts said they would be honored to share their renovation experience with the community to save the extraordinary historical architecture of the neighborhood. Indeed, the Roberts have made a great contribution to the integrity, beauty, and history of Alamo Placita and Denver.

 

                               2018                                                                                                  2022
The “before” view of front entrance on Corona Street                          The “after” view of front entrance