One Colorado Springs residence has quietly witnessed more than a century of the city's evolution. Traveling through the wide boulevards and stately tree-lined streets of the city’s Old North End district, a green-tiled roof emerges beyond an ornate wrought-iron gate. It is a glimpse of another era, one marked by exceptional craftsmanship, architectural ambition and the vision of the civic leaders who shaped the city.
Behind those gates stands the Sharp Mansion, one of Colorado Springs' most historic homes and a testament to the legacy of its original owner, prominent banker Arthur G. Sharp. The mansion is more than an architectural masterpiece; it’s a piece of Colorado Springs history. Now back on the market, the property seeks a new owner to guide it into the future.
Commissioned in 1912 and completed the following year, the mansion reflects the vision of a man who helped build the city's financial and civic foundations. Sharp devoted four decades to Exchange National Bank, 32 of those as president, helping guide Colorado Springs through a period of growth and prosperity. His home became a reflection of that success; a grand estate designed not only for family life and healing but also as a symbol of permanence, craftsmanship and community leadership.
To bring his vision to life, Sharp commissioned acclaimed architect Nicholas van den Arend, whose work also includes the original Van Briggle Memorial Pottery building. Van den Arend masterfully blended Mediterranean, Tudor, craftsman and Jacobean influences. More than a century later, the mansion's architectural integrity remains remarkably intact. Among its most celebrated features is the iconic Ludowici roof, whose green clay tiles have defined the home's silhouette since its construction. Recently restored through an extensive preservation effort, the roof stands as a testament to the commitment required to protect a historic property of this caliber.
"We wanted to make sure the next owner inherits not just a beautiful historic mansion, but one that is truly turnkey," says Ashley Fairman, the mansion’s current owner. "From the roof to the foundation, we've invested in the future of this home so it can shine for another hundred years."
Original copper gutters remain, while the property's wrought-iron fencing, deemed too deeply anchored to remove during World War II scrap metal drives, continues to frame the grounds as it has for generations. Terraces and sunrooms extend along three sides of the mansion, reflecting an era when Colorado Springs was internationally recognized for its healing climate and served as a destination for those seeking recovery from tuberculosis.
Inside, the home reveals a level of artistry rarely found today. Seven original Van Briggle fireplaces showcase handcrafted pottery tiles. Following extensive chimney restoration and safety upgrades, all of them are now fully operational, allowing the home's historic gathering spaces to be enjoyed as they were originally intended.
"The value of this home is in the craftsmanship," Fairman says. "The woodwork, the materials, the hand-carved details—these are things that simply cannot be recreated today. It is an irreplaceable piece of Colorado Springs history."
Throughout the estate, white tiger oak woodwork, solid oak doors and rare African mahogany reflect the standards of its original construction. From the grand foyer and soaring windows to the intricate millwork, every detail serves as a reminder of an era when homes were built to last for generations.
The grounds reflect that same philosophy of stewardship. Every improvement has been undertaken with respect for the property's history and in accordance with historic preservation policies. Fairman recalls spending time on the north lawn next to the home’s original chicken coop, tossing a ball to her dogs and listening to the chickens chatter while discussing the garden over a glass of wine with friends.
Today, the Sharp Mansion remains one of Colorado Springs' most treasured residences. It is a home that has served as a private estate, a community institution focused on healing and a symbol of enduring architectural excellence. "Every owner has left a fingerprint on this house and made it better," Fairman says. "My hope is that the next steward loves it as much as we have, preserves its legacy and allows it to continue shining as an important part of this community."
The Sharp Mansion
1600 N. Cascade Ave.
Listed by Robin Chambon Kerr with Compass Real Estate
coloradospringscollective.com
PLEASE USE THIS AS A PULL QUOTE:
"We wanted to make sure the next owner inherits not just a beautiful historic mansion, but one that is truly turnkey," says Ashley Fairman, the mansion’s current owner. "From the roof to the foundation, we've invested in the future of this home so it can shine for another hundred years."