The development of Columbine Hills can be traced back to 1959, following the construction of a defense plant on the west side of the Chatfield Basin in the Waterton Canyon area. Glen L. Martin, renowned for his World War II B-26 Marauder medium bomber, secured a government contract to build Titan missiles. The secluded site for the plant was approved by the Department of Defense, as it was considered out of range of then-current Russian missiles.

 

Trend Homes began constructing houses on S. Sheridan Ct., between W. Canyon Trail and W. Ken Caryl Ave. A bi-level home with a two-car garage and additional options sold for $17,500. The completion of these initial homes coincided with the opening of the Martin plant, which later merged with the American Marietta Corporation in 1961. Many of the homes were purchased by Martin Marietta employees. Early residents often witnessed skydivers over the south end of the Columbine Airport runway, near Ken Caryl and Kipling Road. Those on Alder Ave. or Sheridan Ct. saw 18-wheelers transporting Titan missiles to Buckley Air Force Base via Platte Canyon Road, leaving clouds of dust in their wake.

 

In the absence of schools, duplexes on W. Elmhurst Ave. were used to teach elementary students. These buildings later housed the Columbine Area Pre-School program, operated by Jefferson County Public Schools. Older students (grades 7-12) were bussed to Bear Creek High, Morrison, or Green Mountain schools via Kipling Road, which was little more than a dirt path.

 

The growing population highlighted the need for a homeowners association. In March 1962, neighbors formed the Columbine Hills Civic Association (CHCA). A board of directors was elected, bylaws were established, and articles of incorporation were filed with the State of Colorado as a non-profit organization. Annual dues were set at $5, and a newsletter, the CHCA Advocate, was distributed by Boy Scouts for a penny per copy. Early association activities included Christmas lighting contests, Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, square dances, Girl Scout troops, and a Teen Employment Bureau.

 

As the subdivision grew, the school district struggled to keep up, leading to the use of temporary mobile classrooms and year-round schooling. CHCA contributed to the development of Columbine Hills Park at Kendall Blvd. and Elmhurst Ave., organizing work parties to clear rocks, create a baseball diamond, and plant trees.

 

A new elementary school on Canyon Ave. was dedicated in 1964. That year, CHCA also facilitated Columbine Hills' entry into the South JeffCo Metropolitan Parks and Recreation District (now Foothills Park & Recreation District), which resulted in the establishment of a Columbine Community Center. The building was initially owned by a local Methodist Church congregation.

 

After the Titan program ended, Martin Marietta received NASA contracts in 1967 for the Skylab program. Ridgewood Realty succeeded Trend Homes, continuing development in Columbine Hills. Remaining tracts between Ken Caryl and Chatfield Avenues were gradually developed. Plans for landscaped islands along Kendall Blvd. were partially completed before being discontinued due to maintenance and water access issues.

 

Upon completing the subdivision, developer John Strauss donated the construction office to the Boy Scouts for newspaper collection fundraising and donated land to the Denver Catholic Diocese for a church site.

 

CHCA achieved notable successes, including preventing the establishment of a trailer park at the site of Columbine Manor and addressing noise issues from nearby mining operations. CHCA secured the relocation of ingress and egress routes for industrial traffic and obtained an eight-acre land donation from Kiewit and Sons, which was partly used for a Swim and Racquet Club.

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Welcome to Columbine Hills!

The Columbine Hills Civic Association (CHCA) extends a warm welcome to new residents. We strive to maintain a community where you can live, grow, and retire comfortably. We encourage you to join CHCA with a voluntary $25 annual membership and to actively participate by attending monthly board meetings, volunteering, or joining the board itself. Residents receive a monthly newsletter to stay informed about community activities. Thank you for learning about our neighborhood's history. We look forward to meeting you!