Agenda Date: 06/16/2026
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 15-2026: An ordinance on first reading approving Landmark Designation of 6777 Southridge Lane, also known as the Pray-Parsons House
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Jesse Sheets, Planner II |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
To provide City Council with a formal recommendation on a local landmark application for 6777 Southridge Lane, also known as the Pray-Parsons House.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Vibrant Community with a Rich Culture
DISCUSSION:
6777 Southridge Lane, also known as the Pray-Parsons House, is a single-family detached dwelling located southwest of West Ridge Road on Southridge Lane. The home was constructed in 1962 to serve as a residence for the Pray family. The home was designed by architect Bruce Sutherland, was built by Clyde Mannon, and features Usonian design elements. Both individuals were influential in the Modern Movement within the Denver area. The Parsons family moved into the home in 1968. Sally Parsons is notable for being Littleton’s first female mayor and has lived on the property since its purchase in 1968. The home maintains its historic integrity, having had no major exterior renovations since being constructed.
The applicant is requesting local landmark designation. The applicant must meet one or more of the eligibility criteria listed within the Unified Land Use Code and has provided information showing that the Pray-Parsons House meets three of the eligibility criteria for landmark designation.
• First, the home displays characteristics of the Modern Movement in architecture.
• Second, it is identified as the work of a regionally significant architect and builder - Bruce Sutherland and Clyde Mannon. These two both influenced Modern architecture in the Denver metropolitan area and are also connected to the Arapaho Hills historic district in Littleton.
• Third, the house is associated with an individual who made a significant contribution to the development of the City of Littleton: the city’s first female mayor, Sally Parsons.
The period of significance for the first two criteria is 1962. The period of significance for its association with Sally Parsons is 1973-1983 to represent the time she served on Littleton’s City Council and as Mayor of the City of Littleton.
BACKGROUND:
The owners of the property known as 6777 Southridge Lane, or the Pray-Parsons House, have applied to designate the building as a local Littleton landmark. Two neighborhood meetings were held on 1/7/2026 and 4/2/2026 prior to the HPC hearing.
Prior Actions or Discussions
04/20/2026: Historical Preservation Commission (HPC) approved HPC Resolution 02-2026, forwarding approval to City Council for Landmark Designation of the Pray-Parsons House.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this landmark designation.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application.
Based on staff’s analysis, as shown in the staff report, the proposed landmark designation is in compliance with the approval criteria in Littleton City Code section 10-9-8.4.C, as detailed in the staff report. Therefore, staff recommends approval of Ordinance 15-2026, which recommends local landmark designation of 6777 Southridge Lane within the City of Littleton, CO.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Ordinance 15-2026 on first reading approving Landmark Designation of 6777 Southridge Lane, also known as the Pray-Parsons House, and to set the second reading and public hearing for July 21, 2026.