Photo Credit: CaroleHenson
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Discover the Timeless Charm of the Old North End

Step into the Old North End, and you’ll be transported to a timeless neighborhood where historic architecture meets heartfelt community spirit. Nestled just north of downtown Colorado Springs and adjacent to Colorado College, this charming neighborhood is much more than a collection of beautiful old homes. It’s a vibrant, walkable neighborhood where neighbors wave from wide front porches, children play under century-old trees, and history is lovingly preserved on every block.

A Living History

The Old North End’s roots stretch back to the late 19^th century, when Colorado Springs experienced a population boom from 1890 to 1900, thanks to thriving gold mines in Cripple Creek. As miners and suppliers arrived, they brought with them a need for expensive, middle-class housing. The result? A stunning collection of ornate Victorian homes, many of which still stand today in remarkable condition.

Later, with the rise of tuberculosis, came patients seeking to recover with the aid of Colorado’s high altitude and dry, healthful climate. With its proximity to Glockner Hospital, which eventually evolved into Penrose Hospital, doctors and other hospital administrative staff began to call this neighborhood home. These overlapping layers of history are still evident in the neighborhood's layout and architectural richness.

Preserving the Past

The Old North End isn't just historically significant; it’s a neighborhood that actively honors and preserves its past. Though homes here were constructed between 1885 and 1965, many have been painstakingly maintained or restored to reflect their original charm. Preservation organizations and residents collaborate to preserve the character of the neighborhood through fundraising events, ensuring that historic design guidelines are adhered to and that the community's unique spirit remains intact.

Thanks to these efforts, strolling through the Old North End is like walking through a beautifully preserved architectural timeline.

Architectural Beauty

The neighborhood’s architecture is as diverse as its history. The early homes are predominantly Victorian, characterized by elaborate wooden verandas, bay windows, complex wooden decorative work around doors and windows, an occasional circular wooden cupola, and ornate cut-glass and beveled glass windows. As tastes changed in the 20th century, the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement became visible in the form of Spanish and Mediterranean revival homes, cozy bungalows, and classic mid-century ranch houses. Each style tells a story—not just of changing trends, but of the people who lived, healed, and built lives here.

What truly sets the Old North End apart is its community. Residents here often speak of a neighborhood that feels more like a laid-back village, where Easter Egg hunts, Christmas parties, and annual holiday parades and festivals are cherished traditions. The proximity to Colorado College adds a youthful, intellectual energy, with students and professors frequently walking or biking through tree-lined streets.

The Old North End Neighborhood Association plays an active role in connecting residents, promoting historic preservation, and organizing events that celebrate both the past and the present. This is a place where newcomers are welcomed, heritage is honored, and neighbors are known by name.