Update on the Historic Harbeck House

Through the Revolving Door: Lasting Legacy of the Historic Harbeck-Bergheim House

The year 1899 proved to pave way for major developments in the University Hill Neighborhood as we know it today. In 1898, city council approved construction of a streetcar line that would travel along Broadway and 9th street connecting residents to the wonders of Chautauqua and regional transit lines at the Depot Railway, located then at Canyon Boulevard in the Civic Area. The addition of a streetcar and transit flowing throughout University Hill, was merely one of many municipal moves to draw development and building of residential space in the quaint area located just west of CU. Our council couldn’t have projected the anticipation of this neighborhoods development better. Just that summer in 1899, new residents flocked to build on the Hill. Among them, were John and Kate Harbeck, a stately and childless couple from New York, who purchased land at 12th and Euclid Avenue and completed building their addition to the neighborhood in 1900. The home at 1206 Euclid was built as a modified Edwardian vernacular four-square, boasting a protruding bay with a balustrade covered entry and a façade constructed of rusticated stone, sourced all the way from Indiana. Interestingly enough, the Harbeck's spent little time here, as it was constructed to serve as their summer home. Each winter, the couple traveled east across the nation – with their three dogs - and lived in the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Mrs. Harbeck, while bearing no children, found comfort in providing for her pet dogs. She even went to great lengths to ensure that if the home were to be sold, after their deaths, it must stay vacated for at least 10 to 20 years – so the graves of her dogs could settle properly, without disturbance. And that it did. In 1910, John Harbeck passed from pneumonia and twenty years later on New Years Eve of 1930, Kate Harbeck passed after falling while entering the revolving door at the Plaza. And, the home stood vacant for nine years until Mr. And Mrs. Milton Bergheim purchased the house. In 1969, the property was deeded to the City of Boulder, specifically the Boulder Parks and Recreation department and was landmarked in 1980. With the current tenants, the Museum of Boulder, set to transition into their new space at the Masonic Building this spring, what will become of the infamous Harbeck-Bergheim House? Various opportunities related to the Harbeck House are still being evaluated by the city for when the museum moves out. City staff are dedicated to finding a long-term solution that meets the mission of the Boulder Parks and Recreation department, ensures the historical and vibrant integrity of the property, and is supported by the community and decision-makers. While the city is inspired by Kate Harbeck’s love for her dogs – they do not share her intention of leaving the Harbeck-Bergheim House vacant. The future of ownership and use of the house will need to comply with zoning, land use and historical landmarking. To ensure the community is engaged in this process, Boulder Parks and Recreation is looking forward to hosting opportunities for the public to provide input. Preceding these opportunities for engagement, city staff will be present at the next UHNA meeting on April 18 to present information and answer community questions.

Article submitted by Caitlin Berube-Smith, Program Coordinator for the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation Department