As one walks through the Fuqua Livery Stable in Breckenridge CO Real Estate, it is apparent that a 19th century horse barn and 21st century technology have come together to create the current museum and art studio. The glass interior lining gives visitors a peek through very old pinewood boards at other historic structures inside the Breckenridge Arts District, complete with the comfort of climate control, insulation, as well as sturdy architecture. A town project of $610,000, including a State Historical Fund grant of $129,000, restored the building in about a year.
Prior to the Spring 2007 restoration project, town planner Jenn Cram reported the structure was falling apart. The structure was disassembled into 12 different pieces before being reassembled again with an accuracy of within an inch of its historical configuration. The horses are long gone now, however the artifacts and stalls, such as old horseshoes for example, can be found at the site still.
This stable has been used since around August, plus it hosts many art events, such as: oil painting, textiles, and “life drawing†of nude models.
According to Cram, the stable, which is situated in the southwest corner of the arts district, is among a group of approximately 14 structures slated to be worked on as the budget permits over the next 5 to 25 years.
The idea is to give residents and visitors something close to the Anderson Ranch Arts Center located in Snowmass.
She indicated that the Fuqua stable exists as “one of the largest endeavors†and the “gem of the arts district.†It will become one of many attractions in the city this year as the Breck 150 celebration picks up steam, marking the sesquicentennial anniversary of the town’s founding.
This 1237 square foot stable was originally built in 1880 for $600, and was quickly rented to J.P. Fuqua, who used it for horses, according to Rebecca Waugh, town historian. Over the next several years, the structure changed owners several times, and was also used to store mining equipment as well as other types of equipment.
The city purchased the property in 2002 and started using the Breckenridge Arts District Master Plan in 2004. The corner of Ridge Street and Washington Avenue contains several old structures.
The district is the home of Quandary Antiques, Robert H. Whyte House and Tim Shop, and several other historic buildings. Cram stated that visitors will be attracted to the town’s art scene as the district grows to connect with the area by the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center across Main Street.
The Fuqua stable earned recognition from the Colorado Historical Society in Denver, CO in the early part of this year, as Colorado’s first lady Mrs. Ritter awarded Cram and the town one of eight Stephen H. Hart rewards. Per the historical society, this resource is a treasure to see restored, both inside and out.
Call Jonna Beardsley if you are in Breckenridge, Colorado and would like a Historic Real Estate tour. Jonna has been supporting Colorado’s history for over three decades and has assisted buyers and sellers in finding their ideal mountain home. Cell 970-390-2533 or email – jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com
