From 1946 to 1961, a network of Quonset huts housed veterans and married students at Colorado State University. Decades later, some have survived.
Fort Collins Coloradoan
Two historic duplexes on West Mulberry Street may become a boutique hotel under plans working their way through the city of Fort Collins.
Located on the southeast corner of West Mulberry and South Howes streets, the two homes would be converted into a hotel with seven rooms in each building, according to plans.
The 14-room Flats on Mulberry proposed by Devon Dellenbach of Fort Collins is awaiting a decision after a city hearing Tuesday. The hearing officer has 10 days to make a decision.
Two duplexes on the southeast corner of West Mulberry and South Howes streets are proposed to become a boutique hotel with seven rooms in each building. (Photo: City of Fort Collins documents)
Dellenbach lived at 227 W. Mulberry St. for several years before acquiring the property next door at 229 W. Mulberry St. in 2015.
“Eventually I saw the need and a growing opportunity” for the homes to host people visiting “our beautiful town and a place that could represent how great our city is,” Dellenbach said.
He converted them to short-term rentals in 2016 and now is taking the final steps “to make this dream come true,” he said.
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Built in 1909, the duplexes were added to the city’s list of historic places in 2019.
They are “rare and significant examples of American Foursquare duplexes in Fort Collins,” according to Fort Collins History Connection. “The Foursquare was a less common house style in the United States in the early 20th century, and even more rare to be built as multi-family housing.”
No changes will be made to the exterior, and Dellenbach is keeping the interior hardwood floors and trim intact. “We’re using everything that we can while accommodating our plans,” he said. “We want to respect the famous architecture.”
The buildings are surrounded by rental properties heavily occupied by CSU students. Dellenbach expects students will be “excited to have something like this for their parents to stay when they visit.”
All rooms will have private bathrooms and kitchenettes. The boutique hotel, with rates from $108 to $180 per night depending on availability, time of year and size of room, will come online at a time when occupancy rates are at rock bottom due to COVID-19.
The pandemic forced many hotels to shut down for several months as coronavirus took hold. Business and leisure travel slumped.
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Fort Collins hotel occupancy rates last year fell to 44.4%, down from 67.3% in 2019. And the average daily rate fell from $125.64 to $98.58, according to the Rocky Mountain Lodging Report.
“It’s been a difficult time for everyone,” Dellenbach said. “But I believe we have an amazing community around us to support us and a burgeoning business. Going into the spring with the vaccine, social distancing and masks, we’re hopeful we’ll have a prosperous year.”
Pat Ferrier is a senior reporter covering business, health care and growth issues in Northern Colorado. Contact her at [email protected]. Please support her work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a subscription today.
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