Why is architecture important? Besides the very basic answer that we all need buildings to operate out of, and we’d rather they didn’t look awful, is there any good reason for people to spend hour upon hour studying the work of architects, past and present?

Of course there is, because at its best, architecture is art — three-dimensional, operational, practical art. Dig a little deeper and, according to English writer and philosopher G.K. Chesterton, it provides an expression of human civilization at a fixed point in time.

“Architecture is an expression of the true strength of a society because the things humans value the most are those that are irrevocable,” Chesterton said.

Such is the varied nature of the industries that has kept Longmont swimming since it was founded in 1871, there isn’t really one architectural style that defines it. We’ve had mining and agriculture here, factories and retail, and the recent expansion of the “Boulder bubble” has seen people move in from Boulder and Denver leading to a larger set of influences. The final result is a city with architecture that is rich and eclectic.

The Dickens Opera House on Main Street is a great example, opened in 1881 by William Henry “Bill” Dickens, one of the wealthiest men in the city at that time, to host theatrical performances for locals. The building remains largely untouched, and the bar and restaurant still plays host to entertainment events.

Lance Cayko, co-owner of architectural firm F9 Productions, thinks that the Dickens holds the corner of Third and Main well. “It’s just one of those landmark buildings that everybody knows,” he said.

His fellow co-owner, Alex Gore, agrees. “I also think, in modern architecture, we lost the proportions of the past,” he said. “If you notice, on both levels but especially the second floor, they have these tall, narrow windows that are probably ten feet high. You just don’t see that too often, and I think it’s beautifully elegant.”

Construction on St. Stephen’s Church, also on Main Street, was completed in 1882, and services began for the original congregation of 45 that same year. The red brick building was painted white in 1915, but later restored by the St. Vrain Historical Society after it purchased it in 1976.

“It’s the oldest church still standing,” Alyce Davis, executive director of the St. Vrain Historical Society. “There were older churches before it was built, but this is the oldest still standing.”

The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center is one of the most striking buildings in the city, certainly when picking from modern architecture. The building was constructed in 2002 and stands at 24,000 square feet. The corner tower is arguably its most appealing feature, though the recent renovation to the annex has done wonders for it inside and out.

The Townley House (239 Pratt St.) is thought to be the oldest residence in Longmont still on its original site. It was built in 1871 by John Townley of the Colorado-Chicago colony. It’s believed to be the oldest residence in Longmont still on its original site.

“It’s a New England-style cottage, and it was reminiscent of the house John Townley had back in Massachusetts,” said Davis. “It’s in front of our property, Old Mill Park, so it’s still owned by the St. Vain Historical Society, and we use it as a rental property. We have tenants that live in there. Restrictions are consistent with renting any house — there are limitations towards decorating. As it’s an historic property, that does complicate matters, too.”

The Hoverhome was built in 1913-1914 by Charles Hover. The 6,000-square-foot house has a Tudor-style exterior while inside it’s arts and crafts.

“The Denver architectural firm of Robert and Frank Roeschlaub designed the home, and we have 56 pages of blueprints,” said Davis. “It was built for the cost of $27,000.”

The silver and neon green house in Prospect on Plateau Road is easily one of the most striking houses in the state, according to the men at F9 Productions.

“What’s really cool and unique about that house is not just its modern design, but the fact that the walls and the windows move vertically in elevation so that it tips,” said Gore. “It looks like it tips down.”

The Westview Presbyterian Church (1500 Hover St., Longmont) doesn’t get enough credit, according to Cayko, mainly because of the unusual shape of the roof.

“I think that’s one of those buildings that even evokes a child’s imagination,” he said. “With these round buildings, that’s a lot of people’s way of being unique when you’re a young architecture student or getting interested in architecture. When you see a round shape, especially that roof shape, I think it relates to a lot of people.”

The Memorial Gym in Roosevelt Park is special to Gore because of the unique barrel vault dome.

“That structural system isn’t used as often as I’d like, and it’s all natural wood,” he said. “It’s a beautiful space to me.”

The Longmont Humane Society, at 9595 Nelson Road, is a real head-turner for passers-by with its curved wedge roof, and the unusual dome, a sprayed concrete structure modelled on a shelter in Weld County that was constructed in 1984 and cost $500,000. In the 1990s, the dome was experiencing serious overcrowding, but a generous gift of $5 million from Susan Allen of Southampton, NY, (daughter of investment banker Herbert Allen) allowed for a 43,000-square-foot expansion. In 2008, the dome was renovated, completing the 58000-square-foot shelter.

While the building obviously has practical uses, it was designed with more in mind that simply to house dogs and cats.

“The building has great circulation and plenty of natural light,” said Gore. “This creates a great indoor environment.”

Brett Callwood: 303-684-5274, callwoodb@timescall.com or twitter.com/city_slang