McAllister House
423 North Cascade Avenue
Built 1873
Architect George Summers
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The McAllister House is one of the oldest homes in Colorado Springs, one of three remaining from 1873. It reflects the English preference at the time for Gothic architecture, as well as the English influence seen throughout Colorado Springs in buildings of this era. The three marble fireplaces and the brick used for the exterior were imported from Philadelphia, and the walls are over two feet thick to withstand wind. The home was built by W.S. Stratton and he hand-carved the bargeboard trim. It was designed by the Philadelphia architect George Summers whom Palmer brought to serve those seeking to build. No other local structures designed by Summers remain.

The McAllisters lived here until 1921. The house was ultimately purchased by the El Pomar Foundation on behalf of the National Society of Colonial Dames, who have restored the residence, as much as possible, to its original colors, wallpaper design, and furnishings. It is currently open to the public and maintained as a museum. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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Timeline

• 1873

  This English Gothic Revival Cottage was built in 1873 by Major Henry McAllister, a close associate of General Palmer. He was the principal manager of Palmer’s Colorado Springs Company and a member of the Board of Directors for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad.

  

• 1921

  Major McAllister made his home in this small house until his death in 1921. For the next 30-plus years the house was rented by the family to Mrs. Fanny Robbins who used the house for a candy and “wedding gift” shop. Upon her death in 1958, the family sold the house.

  

• 1961

  In 1961 a historic preservation group, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Colorado, with the help of the El Pomar Foundation and Shepard’s Citations, was able to buy and restore the house.