Louthan Heights Historical Landmark District

Property owners in the 5600 block of South Louthan Street are residents of the City of Littleton’s first local historic landmark district. Called the Louthan Heights Historical Landmark District, the designation honors the work of master builder and former mayor Charles Louthan, who built 13 of the 17 residences on the block between 1921 and 1929. Other prominent former residents include Mayor G. Malcolm, City Attorney C. Ditsch, Councilman W. Davies and High School Principal J. Leake. The new district is architecturally distinctive with its concentration of homes built in the Craftsman style, evidenced by the broad porches and clipped gable roofs with overhanging eaves and exposed rafters.

Charles G. Louthan family, c. 1918. Left to right, standing: Virginia (Ditsch), Harry, Dora (Fileding), Earl. Seated: Charles C., Charles G. Louthan, Lorena Louthan, Charlotte (Skinner). Eleanor, the last child, was born after this photo was taken. "Louthan" rhymes with "mouth-an."

In creating the new historic district at the council meeting in November 2002, city council noted that the district meets eight of the criteria for designation under the Historic Preservation Code:

1. Exemplifies specific elements of an architectural style or period;
2. Is an example of the work of an architect or builder who is recognized for expertise nationally, statewide, regionally, or locally;
3. Demonstrates superior craftsmanship or high artistic value;
4. Represents a style particularly associated with the Littleton area;
5. Represents a pattern or grouping of elements representing at least one of the above criteria;
6. Represents an association with a notable person or the work of a notable person;
7. Enhances the sense of identity of the community; and
8. Is an established and familiar natural setting or visual feature of the community.

The city council acted upon the recommendation of the Littleton Historical Preservation Board, which considered the designation after the district was nominated by the property owners. In addition to helping owners retain the unique character of the neighborhood, the historic landmark district will allow individual property owners to apply for a 50 percent property tax rebate of the City of Littleton portion of their property taxes. This incentive is available provided the structure or property is maintained and appropriate care is taken to prevent or repair deterioration or decay.