Laramie Historic Homes – 812 Grand Ave.

The Historic Living Project
The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund

812 Grand Avenue, Laramie Wyoming

1889 Eastlake style with hints of VictorianWalter E. Ware designed this home for Constantine Peter and Annie Arnold. This building is a significant example of the work of architect Walter Ware, as well as for its association with three prominent Laramie families, including current owners Even and Anne Brande. Ware also designed the Ivinson Mansion and Old Main on the University of Wyoming campus. Built in 1889, this home is an Eastlake style with hints of Victorian. The two-story façade is asymmetrical, rests on a low foundation and is topped by a steeply pitched hipped roof covered with wood shingles, with two finials at the peak. Intersecting gables project from the hipped roof on the north, east, and west elevations. The house consists of an original section and two large additions to the rear. Most of the house is clade in clapboard siding, which is enlivened with Eastlake-style bands of trim between the first and second stories.Known as the Arnold Residence, Constantine P. Arnold “C.P.” was a highly respected Laramie attorney and leader in the community. C.P. and his wife Annie were socialites and held numerous parties at their home on 812 Grand Ave. Arnold’s sons, Carl F. and Thurman W., followed their father into law and also had successful careers. In the 1980s and 1990s, Pete and Lynne Simpson owned the house. Pete Simpson, a distinguished UW political science professor, was also a state legislator and ran for governor in 1986. The Simpsons sold the Arnold Residence in 1990 to current owners Even and Anne Brande. They live in the home with their three children. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEihxDq2QNcThis video is a brief summary of the The Historical Living Project, a video-based journalism initiative that provides residents and visitors with a historical narrative of the people and historic homes of Laramie, from its beginnings as a railroad town, to a thriving community that values its sustainable architecture and historic heritage. This project includes many of the houses in the National Historic District, the University Neighborhood of Laramie.Even and Anne Brande, HomeownerJudy Knight, Local Historian, DocentChamois Anderson, ProducerKeith Perschino, Film AssistantTed Haskell, Project AssistantSponsorsThe Wyoming Cultural Trust FundUW Environment and Natural Resources ProgramAmerican Heritage CenterPartnersAlbany County Tourism BoardAlbany County Historic Preservation BoardLaramie Plains Museum at the Historic Ivinson Mansion