Arapahoe County backs up to $250,000 grant application for 17-Mile House repairs

Arapahoe County commissioners informally supported an application for up to $250,000 from the State Historical Fund to repair the 17-Mile House, though the county has not finalized the project’s total cost or a local-match amount.

The application is due Oct. 1, according to county staff and History Colorado’s 2026 State Historical Fund announcement. The county would have to provide at least a 25% match, but staff told commissioners Aug. 11 that the project budget is still being developed.

Proposed work includes repairing or replacing windows and doors, selected roof shingles, siding, gutters and wood fascia on the historic house. Staff said barn-window improvements could also be included.

“We'd like to apply for a grant from the State Historical Fund for up to $250,000,” a county staff member said during the study session. “We're still working on our budget ... We have to supply at least 25% match.”

The support was not a recorded vote or formal appropriation. The chair asked commissioners near the end of the discussion for a “thumbs up for the grant application,” and received an affirmative response. The county’s study-session record identifies the item as a State Historical Fund grant opportunity presented by the Open Spaces Department.

Staff said work could potentially begin in summer 2027 if the application advances. The discussion did not identify when applicants would be notified about the October application.

The 17-Mile House is part of the county’s 32-acre 17 Mile House Farm Park, which also includes a red barn, silo, milk house, loafing shed, two windmills and open space, according to the county’s site information. The county and History Colorado have previously used State Historical Fund support for assessments and preservation work at the site.