Can you find the small but lovely building features shown on the Manitou Springs Historic Preservation Commission’s Architectural Treasure Hunt form?
You won’t know until you try. And, in trying, you’ll be prompted to slow down and really notice the details of Manitou Springs that make the town unique and enchanting. It might even make you fall in love with the place, for the first time or all over again.
As the HPC’s Architectural Treasure Hunt ad notes, “This isn’t just a game – it’s a love letter to the soul of Manitou.”
The treasure hunt is geared toward any and all ages.
Entry forms are available at the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum (517 Manitou Ave.) and Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce (354 Manitou Ave.).
Participants will be entered in a raffle to win a selection of gift certificates from Manitou businesses.
Historic Preservation Commission Chair Laura Kindseth told the Bulletin that the treasure hunt happens in May because it is designated as Historic Preservation Month. The observance – which started as a week in May but expanded to the whole month – was established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to encourage communities to engage with their local history and cultural heritage.
“People in Manitou Springs love their city,” Kindseth said. “The whole idea of this contest is really getting people looking at their historic resources and appreciating what they have.”
Founded in 1872, Manitou Springs’ historic features include the mineral spring fonts – the town’s early years saw visitors seeking their curative powers, and there are eight cold-water drinking fountains in the city today. There are several historic bridges and buildings such as the Victorian-era Miramont castle, built in the late 1800s; Briarhurst Manor built in 1876 which was originally the town founder Dr. William Bell’s home; and the Cliffhouse, a historic hotel built in 1873.
The HPC is appointed by the Manitou Springs City Council. Any exterior alterations to a property located in one of the City’s historic districts and visible from the right-of-ways are under its jurisdiction. The commission reviews applications for alterations and new construction within its boundaries of authority and makes recommendations to the City Council on demolitions, district designations and other significant actions.
People in Manitou Springs love their city. – Laura Kindseth, HPC chair
Another role of the HPC is to promote public awareness and offer incentives to encourage historic preservation. Kindseth said the HPC hopes to raise awareness of the historic restoration grant money available for homeowners through the City of Manitou. More information is available on the City website, ManitouSpringsCO.gov.
Historic Preservation Commission Vice Chair Matt Rose took some of the pictures for the treasure hunt and community members sent in others, and Rose did the graphic design to create the treasure hunt form.
The Pikes Peak Bulletin will run the half-page promotion on the treasure hunt in each May edition; the contest deadline is May 27. The raffle drawing for the winner will be held on May 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Manitou Springs Carnegie Library (701 Manitou Ave.).
Manitou’s Architectural Treasure Hunt
the Historic Preservation Commission invites you to fall head over heels for Manitou all over again. We’re talking hidden corners, storied textures and the kind of rich, remarkable history that makes this town unlike anywhere else. This isn’t just a game – it’s a love letter to the soul of Manitou Go find it.
How to play: These treasures are hiding in plain sight in Manitou’s Historic Districts. When you find one jot down the name of the building or the address with the image number. Get started by picking up an entry form at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce or the Heritage Center. Then full out the form and follow the entry instructions to be eligible to win a selection of gift certificates from local businesses.
Entry deadline 5 PM, Tuesday, May 27.
The Winning entry will be drawn at the Preservation Awards on May 29th, 5:30pm, at the Manitou Carnegie Library.
