Historic 'Maples' at 422 Front Street recommended for local landmark designation

The Town of Castle Rock Historic Preservation Board voted to recommend local landmark designation for the property at 422 Front Street, known historically as the Maples, during its Sept. 2 meeting.

Staff member Sandy presented the cultural resource survey and staff report, telling the board the home “was constructed between 1901 and finished in 1902 by George P. Stewart” and retains key historic features including rhyolite veneer, a hipped roof with flared eaves, and original cottage form. Sandy said the survey concluded the structure meets several municipal significance criteria (listed as b, c, d and f in the report) and that the property retains integrity under the staff report’s a–g analysis. The staff presentation and report were entered into the public record.

Resident and former Castle Rock Historical Society president Ron Clausen spoke in support, offering a personal anecdote about George Stewart: “George would stand in his dining room window and look at the rock all the time,” Clausen said. With the applicant not present, parks staff member Brad moved to recommend approval of the local landmark designation; Vice Chair Plucinski seconded and the board took a roll-call vote. The chair announced the motion approved and the staff recommendation was entered into the record.

The designation recommendation allows the property to be considered for preservation incentives and grant programs the owner said he intends to pursue. According to the presentation, owner David Braun purchased the property in 2025 and expressed an intent to rehabilitate it for residential use after designation. The board’s recommendation will proceed according to the town’s municipal procedures for local landmark adoption.

The board’s actions on 422 Front Street came during a formal public hearing; the hearing record, staff report and cultural resource survey are part of the meeting record.