Pikes Peak Auto Livery 1893

Originally built as a horse livery in 1892 by Wallace Gould. In 1907, William Bowman Kirby purchased and converted it into the Pikes Peak Auto Garage, providing monthly parking, mechanical repair, and cleaning. Kirby later leased the building to the Pikes Peak Automobile Company (PPAC) and became general manager. The PPAC provided early auto tours, launching countless journeys up Pikes Peak from here. The building now operates as part of Manitou Art Center (MAC).

The building features a Richardsonian façade with massive stones, ornamental cornice, and arched door and window openings. Heavy timber roof trusses provide a column-free interior space, which was typical of transportation facilities. Historic photos reveal that the building underwent many modifications.

The City purchased the building in 1967. On Sunday, Jun 24, 1979, a tornado hit City Hall, Memorial Park, and the PPAC destroying its upper façade. The building was condemned, and the City finally abandoned it in 1990.

In 1992, the Business of Arts Center (now the MAC) bought the building for storage, and then embarked on a restoration program that included reconstruction of the upper floor and façade. The Colorado Historical Society's State Historical Fund and Transportation Enhancement Grants, through the Colorado Department of Transportation, provided assistance to the project. Construction was completed in 2002.

The Pikes Peak Auto Livery is listed as contributing to Manitou Springs' 1983 National Register and 1980 Local Historic Preservation Districts.

Historic Manitou Springs, Inc., is an educational non-profit based in Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the foot of Pikes Peak which operates the Manitou Springs Heritage Center and was formed in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Our mission is to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the history and culture of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

The intent of the organization is to educate citizens and visitors in order to increase appreciation and understanding of this unique community. Before opening the Center Historic Manitou was operated by a board of three persons–Jean Garrity, Deborah Harrison, and Michelle Anthony. During the initial 10 years, we developed a track record of participating in and supporting community projects and events, such as restoration of the Eastern Gateway Arch, rehabilitation of Mansions Park, installation of over 30 Historic Interpretive Plaques throughout town, and placement of the memorial in Crystal Valley Cemetery for Emma Crawford. We have presented the “Ghost Stories of Old Manitou” haunted walking tours as part of the Annual Emma Crawford Festival (i.e., the events surrounding the Coffin Races) since its inception.

Historic Preservation Commission Plaque Accessed 12-24-2021. This plaque installed in 2004 by the Manitou Springs Historic Preservation Commission with the assistance of the Colorado Historical Society's State Historical Fund.