Old Colorado City began as a separate town before it became part of Colorado Springs, and the surrounding Westside grew up around it. Much of the housing dates from the late 1800s through the mid-twentieth century: small frame cottages, bungalows, brick homes and a scattering of later infill. The historic commercial district along Colorado Avenue has older masonry buildings with storefront glass, parapets and low-slope roofs.
Being close to the mountains means downslope wind can hit the Westside hard, and storms that build over the foothills can drop hail here before moving east. Fountain Creek runs through the area, and some streets slope noticeably toward it.
What is typical here
- Housing era
- Many homes from the late 1800s to the 1950s, with additions and later remodels
- Roofs
- Steep gables on older homes; some homes have multiple layers of old roofing under the current one
- Trees
- Large, mature street and yard trees, often over roofs and alley lines
- Windows
- Older wood windows and storm windows in many houses
- Utilities
- Overhead lines in many alleys; Colorado Springs Utilities is the usual provider
- Permits
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Department; ask about any additional historic review for exterior changes
Storm issues that show up more on the Westside
| Issue | Why it happens here | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Limbs on roofs and lines | Mature trees and alley wiring | Report limbs on lines to the utility; prune before spring snow |
| Wind-lifted shingles on steep gables | Exposure to downslope wind and tall roof planes | Check after every big wind day from the ground |
| Broken older window glass | Single-pane and older storm windows break more easily in hail | Board-up that avoids damaging original trim |
| Hidden decking problems | Older plank decking and layered roofs | Expect decking discoveries during tear-off and note them on the claim |
| Low-slope roofs on commercial buildings | Historic storefront blocks | Check drains and parapets after hail |
| Water at basement or crawlspace entries | Sloped streets and older foundations | Watch for runoff paths during summer storms |
Questions for Westside owners to ask
- Does my home sit in a designated historic district, and does that affect replacement windows or roofing?
- How many layers of roofing are on my house now, and will a full tear-off be needed?
- Is the decking plank or sheet, and how will damaged decking be priced?
- Who maintains the large tree in the parkway strip in front of my house?
- Can the original window trim be protected during board-up?
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.