About Highlands Ranch
As of the census of 2000, there were 70,931 people, 24,544 households, and 19,744 families residing in Highlands Ranch, a large unincorporated community. The population density was 3,015.4 people per square mile. There were 25,421 housing units at an average density of 1,080.7/sq mi. The racial makeup of the community was 94.78% White, 1.01% African American, 0.33% Native American, 4.03% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.02% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.42% of the population.
There were 24,544 households out of which 49.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.0% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.6% were non-families. 14.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.24.
In the community, the population was spread out with 32.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 41.9% from 25 to 44, 17.7% from 45 to 64, and 3.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.2 males.
According to a 2006 estimate, the median income for a household was $97,627, and the median income for a family was $101,373. The per capita income for Highlands Ranch was $34,707. 1.8% of the population and 1.2% of families were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under the age of 18 and 4.1% of those 65 and older.
Highlands Ranch celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006, reporting a population of 86,000 residents. Despite a growing number of local businesses, Highlands Ranch has often been labeled as a “bedroom community” of Denver. Many residents commute to Downtown Denver or the Denver Technological Center.
Highlands Ranch has experienced a certain amount of growing pains. Traffic continues to be a major issue on the town’s arteries as well as SH 470. Developers have engaged in fearsome battles for water rights throughout Highlands Ranch.
Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated community. As such, it is officially titled “unincorporated Douglas County” (despite the appearance of the name “Highlands Ranch” on many maps). The community utilizes fire and police protection of Douglas County, and all public schools are part of the Douglas County School System.
As an unincorporated community, Highlands Ranch is ultimately governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners. These commissioners are elected from three geographic districts in Highlands Ranch. In addition, all Highlands Ranch residents are asked to sign and follow a Community Covenant. This covenant places firm guidelines on such issues as housing decoration, fencing, and contribution to the area’s library and recreation centers. The covenant is enforced by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, or “HRCA”.
Highlands Ranch’s History
Dad Rufus “Potato” Clark
Dad Rufus H. “Potato” Clark was once known as the Potato King of Colorado. In 1859, he filed on a 160-acre homestead at the location of today’s Highlands Ranch Golf Club. At this time, Colorado farmers were very successful at growing potato crops and Rufus decided to try his hand. His first harvest was so abundant that he became known as Colorado’s Potato King.
Rufus became a caring philanthropist. After hearing of the Chicago fire in 1871, Rufus packed up his potatoes, hauled them to Denver, and auctioned them off, with all proceeds going to the fire victims. He also donated 80 acres of land and $500 to a Methodist college, which later became the University of Denver at University Park. Later, he sold some of his land to the City of Denver to start Jewell Park and later Overland Park. So, it seems quite appropriate that a modern Highlands Ranch park, Dad Clark Park, should be named for a local historic figure who supported parks and left a mark on our region’s history. Dad Clark’s name is also seen around the community on Dad Clark Drive, in Dad Clark Park, and in Dad Clark Gulch, a natural open space area.
The Highlands Ranch Mansion
The historic Highlands Ranch Mansion and ranch stand today as valuable pieces of history, reflecting the lifestyle of early settlers and pioneers of the area now known as Highlands Ranch, Colorado. More than 100 years old, this magnificent structure has been home to some of Denver’s more notable families. The Highlands Ranch Mansion encompasses 17,000 square feet. The nearby barns and ranch buildings total 41,000 square feet.
The mansion’s first owner was John Springer, whose wife Eliza’s ill health, forced a move to Denver in 1897. In 1891, Springer began construction of the mansion. The original building reflected a Russian castle style. He completed almost 60 percent of the present structure. Springer quickly rose to local prominence and was active in politics, running for mayor of Denver. In 1904, Springer’s wife died. He re-married Isabelle, and renamed the mansion Castle Isabelle.
Springer sold the ranch to Colonel Hughes, his first father-in-law, in 1913. Hughes later stabled horses in the ranch house and renamed the property Sunland Ranch. When Colonel Hughes died in 1918, the land passed to his granddaughter, Annie Clifton Springer Hughes. Anne and her husband Lafayette sold the mansion in 1920 to Waite Phillips, one of the brothers who founded Phillips Petroleum. Phillips owned the property for about six years and first introduced the name Highlands Ranch. In 1926, Phillips sold the mansion to Frank E. Kistler for $425,000.
Kistler converted the ranch into a breeding ranch specializing in dairy and Angus cattle, purebred sheep, hogs and chickens. The ranch was then known as the Diamond K Ranch. Local parks are named after Kistler and the Diamond K Ranch. At the same time, Kistler added the final 40 percent of the mansion and altered the style to a classic Tudor. The six fireplaces, nine bedrooms, hardwood floors and a secret passageway were reminiscent of the European homes and alllowed for entertaining in grand style.
Kistler invited Lawrence C. Phipps, Jr., to relocate the Arapahoe Hunt Club to the southern part of the ranch in 1929. This foxhunt club is still active today, although at a different location. Kistler’s subsequent financial troubles caused him to sell the entire property to Phipps in 1937, for $250. Phipps’ father, Lawrence C. Phipps, Sr., made his fortune with Carnegie Steel. The Phipps family members have been prominent leaders of industry in Colorado with involvement in construction, trucking, professional sports, including the Denver Broncos, ranching and real estate, among others. The Phipps family acquired the property as a residence and a working ranch and renamed it Highlands Ranch. Under their skillful management, the property again prospered.
Lawrence Phipps, Jr. died in 1976 and the ranch was sold to Marvin Davis, of Davis Oil Corporation, for more than $13 million. He re-sold the property in 1978 to Mission Viejo Company, which had a vision of a master planned community. In 1997, Mission Viejo Company was purchased by Shea Homes, the current owner of the ranch and mansion.
The ranch encompasses 250 acres. While the main purpose of the ranching operation has been beef production, the ranch also included a dairy operation, which was located in the northern barn. The brick silos connected to the barn provided storage for cattle feed during the winter. The bunkhouse west of the dairy barn provided lodging for many of the ranch hands who worked on the property. The next barn was used for general maintenance activities within the ranch. The corrals to the south and east of the barns were typically used during the calving and branding operations.
The windmill south of the mansion is the site of the primary well used for the ranching headquarters and mansion. The well is still in operation; however, the pump is now powered by electricity. There were quite a number of wells drilled throughout Highlands Ranch so that water would be available for cattle in each pasture.
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