Cutler Hall at Colorado College

Submitted by Jean Sebben Associates Inc.

As one of the largest single sites for historic buildings in the state, Colorado College is committed to historic preservation and restoration - especially of its Cutler Hall, one of the original buildings on campus, built in 1878.

Several renovations to the hall over the past 117 years had almost destroyed its historic appearance. The goal was to return the interior to some of its original grandeur, reflecting the heritage and tradition of the college for first-time visitors. Colorado College initiated a substantial interior renovation and rehabilitation of the interior. Layers of paint were scraped off doorways, windows, window frames and paneling to reveal hand-etched details in wood more than a century old. The original wood flooring, worn by years of use, was replaced by new hardwood floors.

To convey the building's warmth and tradition, period-oriented color was added with the dark royal blue carpet and bronze-toned accent walls. The banister was stripped and restored to its original state and a portion of the railing was reproduced to provide a private sitting area.

Careful space planning added two additional offices while maintaining the look and feel of the original building. Cove base and wood trim - including chair rails, moulding and rosettes - were restored or reproduced to finish the new walls and doors added during the project. Private waiting areas were designed to provide place for families to gather during their campus visits.

Period lighting was restored in the large conference room, and the re-creation of traditional literature racks enhanced the display of college information pamphlets. An inventory of the college's artwork was taken and the most appropriate pieces were moved from other campus locations into the hall.

Several honors have been awarded to the project, including the Civic Architecture Award from the Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs.

Project Team

Owner: Colorado College
Architect: Michael H. Collins Architects Inc.
Engineer: SMI International
Interior Design: Jean Sebben Associates Inc.
General Contractor: Pinkard Construction
Major Subs: Whitney Electric, Olson Plumbing & Heating, Bowman Construction Supply, General Ceilings and Partitions, Leiser Painting & Decorating, Cimarron Tile, DP Construction, Western States Fire Protection, Pioneer Sand Co.

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