Arapahoe Acres

a.k.a. 5AH1434

Roughly bounded by W. Bates and Dartmouth Aves., and S. Marion and Franklin Sts., Englewood, CO
Arapahoe Acres, built from 1949 to 1957, is a modernist residential community of 124 individually designed homes on a thirty-acre site in Englewood, Colorado. Arapahoe Acres displays a number of social and architectural influences which emerged in residential development in the years immediately following the end of World War II. Arapahoe Acres is eligible for the National Register under Criterion A for its social history, displaying new patterns of residential development which emerged in response to the family housing needs of hundreds of thousands of military personnel resuming civilian life after the war. Arapahoe Acres has significance for its architectural distinction, embodying the characteristics of the International Style and Usonian Style of architecture in their application to post-war residential design; for its significance in community planning and development, displaying important modern concepts in residential site development and neighborhood planning; for the distinction of its landscape architecture, integrating the landscape and built environment to create a neighborhood of remarkable visual continuity; for its innovative construction techniques and materials which emerged from wartime technological advances; and for its association with designer/builder Edward Hawkins, a local pioneer in modern residential development and construction, Eugene Sternberg, a regional master of mid-20th century modern architecture, and Joseph Dion, a prominent local modernist architect.
Local significance of the district:
Social History; Landscape Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

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.

Colorado was originally part of the Kansas and Nebraska territories, but was separated and made into its own territory in 1861. It became a state in 1876, 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Arapahoe County is located in the state of Colorado in the United States. It was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the area during the mid-19th century, following the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854.

In 1858, gold was discovered in the South Platte River in what is now Arapahoe County. This led to a significant influx of prospectors and settlers, and the establishment of several mining camps. The county was officially established in 1861, just a few years before Colorado achieved statehood.

During this time, Arapahoe County became an important center for trade and cattle ranching. The transcontinental railroad also brought further growth and development to the area. In the late 19th century, the county's economy diversified with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Over the years, Arapahoe County has experienced significant population growth and urbanization. Cities such as Littleton, Englewood, and Aurora have emerged as prominent economic and cultural hubs. Today, the county is known for its high quality of life, outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse communities, and thriving economy. Arapahoe County continues to evolve and attract new residents and businesses, while also preserving its rich history and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Arapahoe County, Colorado.

  • 1855 - Arapahoe County is established as one of the original 17 counties of the Colorado Territory.
  • 1859 - Gold is discovered in Arapahoe County, leading to a population boom.
  • 1861 - The Colorado Territory is divided, and Arapahoe County becomes part of the newly created Jefferson Territory.
  • 1862 - The Colorado Territory is reorganized, and Arapahoe County is reestablished.
  • 1879 - Denver is separated from Arapahoe County to form its own independent city and county.
  • 1902 - The northeastern part of Arapahoe County becomes part of the new Adams County.
  • 1965 - Arapahoe County merges with South Arapahoe County to form the present-day Arapahoe County.