Gregory, William J., House

a.k.a. 5AM899

8140 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO
The William J. Gregory House is significant under criterion A, for its historical association with the social history of Westminster, having been one of the earliest houses in the original townsite and having been associated with the development of Westminster University. The house is also significant under criterion C for its architecture, as it represents a rare example within Colorado of a solid brick, two-and-a-half-story Dutch Colonial Revival style residence with a flared gambrel roof. The house in its exterior aspect is one of the better-preserved early twentieth-century dwellings in Westminster. The period of significance begins with the date of construction of the house by William J. Gregory in 1910 and extends until his death in 1938.

The house at 8140 Lowell Boulevard was constructed by William Jones Gregory in 1910. Gregory, a faculty member at nearby Westminster University, an incorporator and officer of the Town of Westminster, and an interim pastor and construction committee member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. The house remained in the possession of Gregory and his descendants until its donation in 1995 to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Gregory family's long association with the area and the prominence of their home as a visual landmark resulted in the site where the house is located becoming known as Gregory Hill. This influence on the local community continues to the present day, with the District 50 school at 8030 Irving Street designated the Gregory Hill Preschool.
Local significance of the building:
Social History; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Colorado is home to many famous ski resorts, including Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen. Skiing was first introduced to the state in the 1930s, and has since become a major part of Colorado's tourism industry.
Adams County, Colorado, is a region rich in history and has played a significant role in the development of the state. The history of the county dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human occupation by various Native American tribes. These early inhabitants left behind their artifacts and structures, which offer insights into their daily lives and cultural practices.

European settlement in Adams County began in the 19th century with the arrival of traders, trappers, and gold prospectors. Eventually, the establishment of railroads and the discovery of gold in the neighboring areas attracted more settlers to the region. The area was named after Alva Adams, the governor of Colorado at the time, and was officially organized as Adams County in 1902.

Agriculture played a crucial role in the early development of Adams County. The fertile soil of the region supported the growth of crops such as wheat, corn, and sugar beets, which encouraged further settlement and economic growth. The county saw the construction of irrigation systems, enabling farmers to cultivate the land more efficiently.

Adams County also experienced unprecedented growth during World War II due to the establishment of Lowry Air Force Base and the Adams County Naval Station. These military installations brought an influx of people to the area and had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, the region transitioned into a more urbanized and industrialized area, with the growth of manufacturing and commercial sectors.

Today, Adams County continues to thrive, offering a diverse mix of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and agriculture. The county is also home to various natural parks and recreational areas, preserving its rich history and providing a high quality of life for its residents.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adams County, Colorado.

  • 1858 - Adams County formed as one of the original 17 counties in the Territory of Kansas
  • 1861 - Adams County transferred to the Territory of Colorado
  • 1901 - Thornton becomes the first city in Adams County
  • 1902 - Brighton is incorporated
  • 1903 - Commerce City is incorporated
  • 1904 - Watkins is incorporated
  • 1949 - Adams County Fair begins
  • 1952 - Adams State Junior College (now Community College of Denver) is established
  • 1962 - Aurora becomes a city and is partially located in Adams County
  • 2001 - Adams County Regional Park opens
  • 2013 - The historic Adams County Courthouse is destroyed by fire