Fort Collins Colorado "The Choice City"

Historic Avery House In Fort Collins

Nestled in the huge cottonwoods the home that was built and occupied by Franklin Avery sits quietly reflecting on a quieter past. During the summer the equally historic Birney Trolley Car passes out front on it's run west to City Park. The Avery House sits three blocks west of College Ave. on Mountain Ave. Frank Avery was the surveyor who laid out the wide streets of Fort Collins. Most of us who have lived here any length of time are very glad he designed the streets the way he did. Because of the width we have more room for parking and much more room for parades and events

 Frank Avery was also the founder of the First National Bank now with headquarters just two blocks south of the mansion.  The original First National Bank was on the corner of College and Mountain just two blocks east of the mansion. The Avery's built the house in 1879 and made many additions to the home in the following years.  The home was built of native sandstone from the quarries just to the west of Fort Collins. As you can see from the above picture the sandstone and the house look little different than when Mr & Mrs. Avery moved in.

The original cost of the home was $3,000. Though it will never be sold, on today's market even without the historic value the home would bring over $1,000,000.  The home sits on a very large lot by today's standards. The home also has a carriage house, gazebo and fountain and is extremely well kept by the historical society.

The home is open to the public two days a week, Sunday and Wednesday afternoons from 1-3pm.