VICTOR CITY HALL
Victor, Teller County, Colorado
State Historical Fund Project #93-02-154; 98-01-072; 0301-061
Cripple Creek frequently gets the glory. But the gold that built
Cripple Creek came out of the ground in Victor. Founded in 1891,
Victor was home to the Portland, the Independence, the Gold Coin
and the Strong mines. The Portland alone had 75 miles of underground
tunnels, and produced nearly $62 million in ore. Incorporated in
1894, Victor officially became a “city” in 1898 and
its 4207 residents recognized the need for a real City Hall. When
fire swept the community in 1899, 200 buildings were lost and 3000
people were homeless. Their optimism unscorched, they began rebuilding
even bigger and better than before. The crowning achievement of
their efforts was the Victor City Hall, built in 1899 and dedicated
in 1900. Almost one hundred years later, the building was sadly
deteriorated. And in the early 1990’s a partnership was formed
between the City and the Colorado Historical Society through the
State Historical Fund. Electrical and plumbing systems were replaced,
the foundation was stabilized and floors were reinforced. The roof
was replaced and floors and ceilings and walls were refinished.
The building was thoroughly restored. Now, the original courtroom
serves again as the municipal court, city council chambers and public
meeting area. City offices function on the first floor with rest
rooms and a visitor center/ museum in the old fire equipment space.
The restored historic jail is on view as a part of that experience.
Nearly $650,000 from the State Historical Fund matched other money
raised by the city to accomplish this important project. And last
July the ribbon was cut, marking the official reopening. The work
was not without its problems and crises. Special credit goes to
Mayor Kathy Justice and City Budget Officer Sandy Honeycutt. Without
their dedication the citizens of Victor would not have this splendid
building to remind them of their past and inspire their hope for
the future.
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