Curtis Park and Curtis Arts Center History

Prior to 1970

• The original Curtis Park land was given to the Littleton School District by the Curtis family.  The land included the parcels identified as "A", "B" and "E" on the enclosed map.  At the time, the Curtis School was located on parcel "A", at the corner of University and Orchard.
• The School District leased parcels "B" and "E" to the South Suburban Recreation and Park District, who developed parcel "E" as a park.  Parcel "B" was left as an unimproved parcel for parking. The School District retained parcel "A", where the Curtis School existed and used the building as a media center.
• Parcel "C" was owned by the Mission Hills Baptist Church, on which a small Church facility existed.

1971 to 1972

The City disconnected from the South Suburban Recreation and Park District, and as a result, the City became the successor of the South Suburban lease, e.g. 
the City became the lease holder for parcels "B" and "E" with the School District.

1973 to 1974

The Green Oaks Subdivision was approved, and as a part of the plat approval, Parcel "F" was deeded to the City as an extension to Curtis Park; and Parcel "D" was deeded to the Mission Hills Baptist Church.

Late 1970's

The City developed Parcel "F" into a soccer field.

Around 1980

The City sub-leases parcel "B" to the Mission Hills Baptists Church for joint parking. 

1984 to 1986

The Littleton School District declares parcels "A", "B", and "E" as surplus property and proceeds to place the parcels on the market to sell.

The City and Church enters into an agreement, dated May 22, 1985.  

• The City purchases parcel "E" for $575,000, from the School District.
• The Church purchases parcels "A" and "B" from the School District.
• The Church grants a permanent easement to the City for parking of no less than 130 spaces on parcels "B" and "C", together with the right of ingress and egress, except from midnight Saturday and 1 pm Sunday when the parking is for church members only.
• The Church agrees to maintain the parking area.
• The Church agrees that the City has a first right and option to relocate the Curtis School building should the Church give written notice of its intent to sell parcel "A" or remove or demolish the building.

1987

The Church chooses to expand their facility, and notifies the City of its intent to demolish the Curtis School building.  The City decides to relocate the building to the southeast corner of Curtis Park, parcel "E".

The City accomplishes the relocation of the Curtis School to Parcel "E" during October 1987.

1988 - 1991

The City renovates the building in two construction phases and opens the facility for operations in September 1991.