Agenda Date: 04/20/2026
Subject:
Title
HPC Resolution 02-2026: Recommending Approval of a Landmark Designation of 6777 Southridge Lane, also known as the Pray-Parsons House
Body
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Presented By: |
Jesse Sheets, Planner II |
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Presentation: |
Dr. Mary Therese Anstey |
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:
City Council Outcome 1: 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
HPC has taken no previous actions for this property.
FISCAL IMPACTS
The financial impacts will be minimal-the owners of landmark properties can apply for partial refunds on their Littleton property taxes which may reduce the total tax revenue. Any such reduction is expected to be negligible.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend that HPC recommend approval of the landmark designation to City Council.
ALTERNATIVES
HPC may recommend to council that they approve, approve with conditions, or denial of the application.
Based on staff’s analysis, as shown in the staff report, it appears 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 HPC Resolution 02-2026, which recommends local landmark designation of 6777 Southridge Lane to the City Council of the City of Littleton, CO.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve HPC Resolution 02-2026, forwarding a recommendation of approval to the city council for the landmark designation of 6777 Southridge Lane.
REFERENCES:
City of Littleton, Title 10, Section 10-9-8.4
Designation of Historic Landmarks and Districts
https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/littleton-co-cc/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-3302 <https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/littleton-co-cc/doc-viewer.aspx>