Historic Preservation Board recommends local landmark status for 422 Front Street, 'The Maples'

The Castle Rock Historic Preservation Board voted Sept. 2 to recommend local landmark designation for 422 Front Street, historically known as The Maples, following a staff presentation and a public comment in support.

Sandy Valser, who presented the staff report and attached cultural-resource survey, said the house was built about 1901–1902 by George P. Stewart and retains materials and form that link it to Castle Rock’s early quarry history. "The property is located, as you might guess, at 422 Front Street... The staff presentation this evening is an overview of the details that were included in the staff report," Valser said during the presentation. She told the board the structure meets multiple significance criteria and retains historic integrity, including original location, form and rhyolite masonry that ties to the town’s quarry history.

Valser noted the current owner, David Braun, purchased the property in 2025 and intends to rehabilitate it with the goal of returning it to residential use after designation; she said he may pursue rehabilitation grants. During public comment, Ron Clausen, a former president of the Castle Rock Historical Society, described a family story about George Stewart and the town rock, underscoring local ties to the property: "Every time I drive up 5th Street, I think of George standing in the dining room window looking at the rock."

After discussion, the board moved to recommend approval of local landmark designation for 422 Front Street. Chair Lang announced, "Motion is approved by a vote of 7 to 7." The staff report and presentation were entered into the public record before the vote. The approval is a recommendation consistent with the municipal-code criteria summarized in the staff report and will be carried forward as the formal landmarking process continues.