WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2023
VOLUME 135 | ISSUE 6
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The historic value and capital challenges of Geneva Village
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
In the early 1960s, architect Eugene Sternberg designed Geneva Village. The 28-unit apartment community fits with his portfolio of other projects, sharing a focus on natural light, access to green space, integration of indoor and outdoor spaces and fostering a sense of community among residents. Sixty years later, Geneva Village retains its original use as reducedrent housing for seniors in Littleton, and it hosts a strong community of women who love their homes. As the city of Littleton considers several options for the property going forward — including renovating or redeveloping it — some community members are concerned about the possibility of losing what they see as a valuable asset of mid-modern century architecture. “Geneva Village needs to be saved,” Littleton resident John Marchetti said at a Sept. 5 city council meeting. “Geneva Village has much to offer as part of the gateway to the city that defines historic Littleton
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Geneva Village is a low-income, senior housing complex in Littleton.
with its town square appeal, calming open space and its mid-century modern architecture.” Eugene Sternberg’s ‘people-oriented’ approach
At an Aug. 22 study session, staff presented a letter to city council from Rick Cronenberger, then chair of the city’s Historical Preservation Board. Cronenberger resigned from the board in late August, which he said was unrelated to the Geneva Village topic. The citizen board, which advises the city council on topics of histori-
VOICES: 14 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19
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cal preservation, was tasked with providing information to council about the history of Geneva Village and its value to the Littleton community. City Manager Jim Becklenberg said the board was not instructed to give a direct recommendation to council because the board could be involved in future decisions about the property’s possible designation as a historical landmark. Staff did not want there to be any conflict of interest if that situation arises, Becklenberg said.
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