646 Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado, is known as the Arnett-Fullen House. Built in 1877, this historic Queen Anne-style home is one of the finest examples of early architecture in Boulder. The house features a distinctive three-story mansard tower, making it a prominent landmark in the area (Wikipedia) (SAH ARCHIPEDIA).
The Arnett-Fullen House is situated in a prime location near the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and cultural activities in Boulder. The pedestrian mall is known for its landscaped pathways, public art, and a variety of street performers, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists (SAH ARCHIPEDIA) (| Find Your Colorado)
The Arnett-Fullen House, located at 646 Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado, is a significant historical landmark renowned for its distinctive architecture and rich history. Designed by architect George E. King in 1877, the house was originally commissioned by Willamette Arnett, a local entrepreneur. Notable for its combination of Gothic Revival, Carpenter Gothic, Second Empire, and Italianate architectural styles, the house features steeply pitched roofs, elaborate woodwork, and a prominent mansard tower (Historic Boulder) (Clio).
The house was one of the first in Boulder to have central heating, running hot and cold water, and an indoor restroom, making it a showpiece of modern amenities at the time. After Arnett’s death in 1900, the property changed hands several times. In 1914, it was purchased by Mrs. Eliza Fullen, which led to its current name, the Arnett-Fullen House (About Boulder) (Clio).
By the mid-20th century, the house had fallen into disrepair until it was restored in the 1960s by Fullen’s descendants. Historic Boulder, Inc. acquired the property in 1993 and undertook further restoration efforts. The organization used it as their offices until 2005, when it was sold to private owners committed to its preservation (Historic Boulder) (About Boulder).
Today, the Arnett-Fullen House is celebrated as an iconic example of Victorian architecture in Boulder and remains a testament to the city’s historical and cultural heritage (History Colorado) (Clio).
The Arnett-Fullen House at 646 Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado, is a significant historic landmark celebrated for its unique architectural style and rich history.
Architectural Significance
The house, designed by George E. King and built in 1877, is an eclectic mix of Gothic Revival, Carpenter Gothic, Second Empire, and Italianate styles. This combination is atypical and showcases the architectural exuberance of the Late Victorian era. The most striking feature is its three-story mansard tower, which is emblematic of the Second Empire style. Other notable elements include steeply pitched roofs, elaborate scrolled woodwork on porches and gables, decorative brackets, and narrow arch windows (Historic Boulder) (Clio).
Historical Background
Willamette Arnett, the original owner, was a colorful local entrepreneur known for his eccentricities. He invested significantly in the house, which featured advanced amenities for its time, such as central heating and indoor plumbing. Arnett built the house as a showpiece rather than a practical residence, reflecting his larger-than-life personality and aspirations. Unfortunately, Arnett died penniless in 1900 during the Klondike Gold Rush, and the house subsequently passed to his widow, Eliza Fullen, thus becoming the Arnett-Fullen House (About Boulder) (Clio).
Preservation and Use
After changing hands several times and falling into disrepair, the house was restored by Eliza Fullen’s descendants in the 1960s. In 1993, Historic Boulder, Inc. purchased the property, using it as their offices until 2005. They undertook extensive restoration work to preserve its historical and architectural integrity. The house was landmarked in 1990, and both the iron fence and the tack house were landmarked in 1994 (Historic Boulder) (Clio).
Current Status
Today, the Arnett-Fullen House is privately owned but remains an iconic symbol of Boulder’s heritage. Its image is often used in city government and historical organization materials. The house stands as a testament to the Victorian aspirations and entrepreneurial spirit of early Boulder settlers, combining artistic precision with the practical limitations of the time (Historic Boulder) (Clio)
For more detailed information, you can explore the resources available through Historic Boulder and other local historical archives (Historic Boulder) (About Boulder) (Clio).
The Arnett-Fullen House, located at 646 Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado, is a notable historic landmark recognized for its architectural significance and storied past. Built in 1877 for Willamette and Lelia Arnett, the house was designed by architect George King. The structure is an exemplary model of the Queen Anne style, characterized by its intricate woodwork, asymmetrical facade, and a distinctive tower (Historic Boulder) (History Colorado).
Originally constructed at a cost of $4,000, which was considerably higher than the surrounding homes, the house also featured an ornate cast-iron fence brought from Omaha by ox-cart, costing an additional $1,500 (Historic Boulder). The property was purchased by Mrs. Hiram Fullen in 1914 and has since undergone various phases of restoration, including significant rehabilitation efforts in the 1960s and early 2000s to preserve its historical integrity (Historic Boulder) (Wikipedia).
The Arnett-Fullen House was officially landmarked in 1990 and later became the office for Historic Boulder, Inc. It was sold in 2005 to preservation-minded owners who continued the restoration efforts. The house and its accompanying features, including the cast-iron fence and the tackhouse, hold both exterior and interior covenants to ensure their preservation (Historic Boulder).
For further details, you can refer to the resources provided by Historic Boulder and History Colorado, which outline the historical significance and preservation efforts associated with this iconic property (Historic Boulder) (History Colorado).