In a lawsuit filed Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, Colorado Springs asked a 4th Judicial District judge to order Holger and Sally Christiansen to lower their wall, move it back from front and side property lines and remove it from a city alley.
The wall, erected around their Old North End mansion at 1221 N. Cascade Ave., has been a subject of debate for a year. Some neighbors like the wall and written the city in support of the structure, which is made of red Virginia brick and cost $200,000.
Others, however, say the wall creates a compound feel that is out of place in the North End. They want it torn down. They object because it exceeds the maximum six-foot height for fences and walls, overlaps on property boundaries and was built two feet into the city’s right-of-way in the alley.
Christiansen, an architect, argues there are many similar walls throughout the North End and the city. He said the city should back off instead of bowing to political pressure from his neighbors.
Here is are a few photos of the wall and the Christiansen mansion:
Below are photos taken by Christiansen to prove his argument that many walls and fences violate city codes for setbacks, height requirements and even encroachment in city right-of-ways.
Here is a photo of the wall and the alley. Christiansen notes that several structures up and down the alley are as close to the right-of-way as his wall. And he notes his wall is behind the utility pole, so how could it restrict traffic as the city suggests.
The following photos are examples, Christiansen said, of dozens of other walls that violate codes, just like his wall.
Christiansen said North Enders should appreciate his efforts to enhance his property with the wall. Here are before and after photos of an outbuilding on his property.
Here is a more detailed map of the Old North End: oldnorthendmap.pdf
