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Home My WebLink About09222019 Historic Preservation Work Session Laydown - City of Boulder ............. Sense of Place, a Sense of Purpose A Plan for the City of Boulder's Historic Preservation Program -- 2013 -- . .................. NO Cover Image: Adapted from "Boulder: The Place to Live!" Postcard, c.1910. A Sense of Place, a Sense of Purpose A Plan for the City of Boulder's Historic Preservation Program - 2013 - City of Boulder, Colorado Community Planning& Sustainability Department 1739 Broadway, 4th Floor Boulder, Colorado 80306 Certified Local Government Project#CO-12-017 Approved by City Council October 2013 H I S T 0 Rr Acknowledgements This document benefitted from insight and contributions from a number of individuals: Consultant City of Boulder Staff Dr. Mary Therese Anstey, HistoryMatters, LLC James Hewat, Senior Historic Preservation Planner Marcy Cameron, Historic Preservation Planner City of Boulder Landmarks Board Susan Richstone, Deputy Director, CP&S Nicholas Fiore Lesli Ellis, Comprehensive Planning Manager Mark Gerwing, Chair Deb Kalish, Senior Assistant City Attorney Kurt Nordback Juliet Bonnell, Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Payton Ingrid Borreson, Historic Preservation Intern Kate Remley Nick Wharton, Historic Preservation Intern Kirsten Snobeck Chris Toebe, Project Specialist John Spitzer Brian Holmes, Zoning Administrator Boulder City Council Members Megan Cuzzolino, Sustainability Specialist Matt Applebaum, Mayor Wendy Hall, Branch Manager, Carnegie Library Suzy Ageton Julie Johnson, Cultural Resources, OSMP KC Becker Dave Thacker, Chief Building Official Macon Cowles Michelle Allen, Housing Planner Suzanne Jones Joe Castro, Director, Facilities Manager George Karakehian Jessica Vaughn, Planner II Lisa Morzel Carnegie Branch Library for Local History Tim Plass All historic photographs courtesy of the Carnegie Ken Wilson Branch Library for Local History, Boulder Historical Historic Preservation Plan Stakeholder Group Society Collection. Abby Daniels, Historic Boulder Inc. Historic Boulder, Inc Jancy Campbell, Historic Boulder, Inc. Ruth McHeyser, Co-President Susan Connelly, Colorado Chautauqua Association Deon Wolfenbarger, Co-President Crystal Gray, Whittier neighborhood representative Tom Hay, Board of Area Realtors History Colorado Larry Kaptein, Floral Park representative Dan Corson Jyotsna Raj, University Hill representative Patrick Eidman Valerie Yates, Mapleton Hill representative The citizens of Boulder, especially those who participated in the various public meetings. The activity that is the subject of this material has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Historic Preservation Act, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior for the State Historical Society of Colorado. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of the Interior or the Society, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior or the Society. This program receives Federal funds from the National Park Service,Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental Federally-assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility operated by a recipient of Federal assistance should write to: Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, N. W., Washington, D.C.20240. In addition,funds for this project were provided in part by the History Colorado,State Historical Fund Historic photographs courtesy of the Carnegie Branch for Local History/Boulder Historical Society Collection All contemporary photographs provided by City of Boulder Community Planning&Sustainability Department � � ��lllllllll 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 I. A SENSE OF PLACE 7 Development of the Plan 9 II. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM - DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS 12 Overview of Program Areas 13 Historic Resource Protection Historic Preservation Ordinance 14 Landmarks Board 15 Landmark and Historic District Designation 16 Design Review 18 Design Guidelines 19 Demolition Review 20 Historic Preservation Incentives 21 Program Operation Internal Coordination 22 Enforcement 22 Survey and Historic Contexts 23 Historic and Prehistoric Archaeology 24 Disaster Preparedness 24 Community Engagement and Collaboration Community Engagement 25 Structure of Merit Program 26 III. A SENSE OF PURPOSE 27 Goals and Objectives 29 Recommendations 30 Prioritization and Implementation 40 Prioritization Chart 41 1 ��/�/%� /,, �✓%pia////ll�;`� � 'll(J/f �i/��^�/ �/i��" file l /ii,,,�. � /��/l%If�' ��(.;/ ✓/�/��:,nn��p(ri,a �( ,� '; - ,U�//ipo;,,�l� o„alloi,,, ci ,�`%4��/l /� �'Mi4i�iiw, 1 ID �IIN W ,�ouw i IV N � � 1 YAVIlVI/Y, / r Earl view of Boulder from Sunset Hill c.1882. �.%�,��!"x � �'( r �, J,1 ' /�l�% Y � �'o�MY9;�l ,. ,„�V7s»" y a nJf�i h'Nl)) I�I( rarrri �f�(� . %„ n 'r (, � off , <U , ,Q,.,. ,, 5 1 , ' a ,, � �,, ,a '5 "I", �� I �f1 11 J �� "I i� .. ,. 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I I I I I I I I I I I Ill i i i i ii i ; tr r r ; 1 Cottage at base of Flatirons, c.1900 7 DEVELOPMENT OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN In 2012, the City of Boulder received grant funding twenty-first century. On a practical level, the plan is to develop a plan to establish a long-term vision for intended to establish implementable work program the city's Historic Preservation program, proactively priorities that will assist in streamlining the city's set priorities for future activities, and identify historic preservation processes. innovative strategies for achieving the identified goals and objectives. Over the course of its nearly Adoption of a historic preservation plan for the city forty years, Boulder's Historic Preservation program and county is recommended in the Boulder Valley has accomplished much and today is often cited Comprehensive Plan as a way to integrate historic as a model of historic preservation at the local preservation issues into broader goals and policies government level. Its successes are the result of in the Boulder Valley. This plan is more limited innovative thinking in a community that places great in scope, applying only to the City of Boulder's value on the character of its city. While few would historic preservation activities, but may be useful in dispute the importance of preserving Boulder's developing a broader historic plan for the Boulder irreplaceable historic and architectural resources, Valley. establishment of a comprehensive plan to guide these efforts will ensure historic preservation efforts The plan briefly describes and analyzes fourteen remain relevant and dynamic. program areas, establishes goals and priorities for the program, and includes recommendations and Few communities with established historic a plan for implementing those recommendations preservation programs have adopted plans.This may under three themes: Historic Resource Protection, be due to the perception that preservation is largely Community Engagement and Collaboration, and reactive in nature, responding to threats only at the Program Operations. It provides concrete strategies last moment. In reality, current historic preservation for implementation, with near- and long-term practice is often woven into many facets of a city outcomes to refine and improve the city's Historic government's activities and plans. This is the case Preservation program over the next 10-15 years. in Boulder. COMMUNITY INPUT The Historic Preservation Plan builds on past The planning effort reflects considerable public successes by identifying what roles historic input from a broad range of stakeholders, some preservation will play in shaping Boulder's urban with a more direct interest in historic preservation. form and character and how it will contribute to the It recognizes the value of community engagement city's goals of environmental, social and economic in undertaking an honest assessment of Boulder's sustainability. The plan also aspires to bring Historic Preservation program and developing vision to the diverse initiatives, programs, needs, strategies for the future that will benefit the opportunities, goals, and principles of the City of community as a whole. Groups engaged through the Boulder's historic preservation activities in the plan development process include the Boulder Area Realtors Association (BARA), the Boulder County historic preservation program, the Boulder History Museum, the Colorado Chautauqua Association, i Downtown Boulder, Inc. (DBI), the Carnegie Library for Local History, Floral Park Neighbors, Historic % Boulder, Inc., the Mapleton Hill Neighborhood �r Association, PLAN-Boulder County, the city's � y Planning and Development stakeholder group, and the Whittier Neighborhood Association.The plan also integrates the six goals for local historic preservation as outlined in "The Power of Heritage and Place:The Statewide Plan for Historic Preservation in Colorado" (2013) 8 1 Small group discussions at a January 2013 meeting helped identify key issues for the plan. A SENSE OF PLACE Boulder possesses remarkable environmental, to attract summer visitors and group meetings. 111IJ cultural, and historic wealth and an unmistakable By 1906, a subscription drive had raised enough sense of place. Archaeological finds indicate money to construct a large hotel in the center of that humans have lived in, what now comprises, town. The hotel's first event was a reception for Boulder's city limits for at least 10,000 years. The Boulder citizens on December 30, 1908, and the IIIIIII I' Southern Arapaho people also recognized Boulder Hotel Boulderado opened to guests on January Valley's appeal,establishing village near Haystack 1, 1909. Tourism continued to dominate the IIIINw Mountain. Over the centuries, Utes, Cheyennes, Boulder economy for the next 40 years. Each Comanches, and Sioux are known to have visited summer, shopkeepers,transport firms, and lodging f and camped in the area. managers eagerly awaited the influx of Chautauqua IIINw visitors, primarily from Texas. When permanent settlement by European °"IIII descendents first took place in the 1850s, Boulder EARLY PLANNING AND PRESERVATION EFFORTS was part of the Nebraska Territory. On February 28, Efforts to protect Boulder's setting and natural 1861, the Territory of Colorado was created by the resources represent some of the first conservation U.S. Congress. The 1860s saw the town quickly efforts within the community. A voter-approved grow into a supply base for miners searching for ballot measure in the late 1890s allowed the city to gold and silver. Early Boulder was a rough-hewn purchase 40 acres of land to establish the Colorado place, providing miners with needed equipment, Chautauqua,markingthe community's commitment agricultural products, housing, transport services, to preserving and celebrating Boulder's natural as well as numerous gambling and drinking beauty. Boulder citizens continued to play a strong establishments. role in determining the town's future growth. In 1903, the Boulder City Improvement Association The city's first residential areas were located in what was established to develop park lands and is now downtown and in some parts of the Goss- encourage desirable city improvements. This body Grove, Whittier and Mapleton Hill neighborhoods. had similar goals to Boulder's Park Board, which In 1860, Boulder citizens began lobbying to have actively acquired lands along Boulder Creek and the University of Colorado located in the town, and other areas surrounding the city for park use. In in 1874, the small community was granted the 1908, the Improvement Association commissioned location, secured a donated 44.9 acre site and nationally-recognized landscape architect Frederick raised $15,000 to match a similar grant by the Law Olmsted, Jr. to suggest ways to improve state legislature. By 1900, growth of the university Boulder's physical environment. Olmsted advised led to the development of parts of the University the city to promote itself as a residential community Hill neighborhood. to ensure its stability, and to distance polluting industries from central Boulder. Olmsted's report By 1905, the economy was faltering and Boulder established a guide for growth in Boulder. In 1926, looked to tourism and health seekers to boost its the city hired Denver planning consultant Saco R. fortunes; however, it had no first-class lodgings DeBoer to formulate a zoning ordinance. Adopted ri / r i, / ii 1 r ��r ✓/r „oG � f ,,, r�i iq 01�, rm, �r,,dr 1 j/ s Of �I � ItiJr;;G,�1G„f �l�l%O/%� (ffffiir / �J4V(N /l„irrui%l. tilr�r,r/„ The Rischar Band poses in front of Chautauqua Auditorium, c.1901. 9 in 1928, this ordinance established seven zoning Historic Boulder, Inc. drafted a historic preservation districts and made Boulder one of the first western ordinance, which City Council unanimously adopted cities to have such land-use guidance. in 1974. It established an official municipal process to preserve and protect the historic, architectural, MID-CENTURY HISTORIC PRESERVATION EFFORTS and environmental assets that contribute to Like so many other communities across the Boulder's unique sense of place. western United States, Boulder experienced tremendous post-World War 11 population growth. A THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM TODAY rising population, along with a national mood that During its nearly 40-year history, the city's Historic emphasized the "new" after years of Depression-era Preservation program has grown, evolved, and ma- and wartime deprivation, was perceived as a threat tured. Today, Boulder boasts a well-established and to both the natural setting and many older buildings. dynamic program that is cited as a model in Colo- As a result, historic preservation and conservation rado and nationwide. The local historic preservation efforts re-emerged from a combination of concerns ethic in the city is complex and focused on preserv- about the effects of dramatic growth and a desire to ing vital aspects of the community's character that protect the city's distinct sense of place. In 1959, improve the urban quality of life by promoting dis- after a successful grassroots campaign, Boulder tinct, lively, and sustainable neighborhoods. Desig- voters approved an amendment to the city charter nated properties span from the 1866 Squires-Tour- that introduced a "blue line"restricting water service tellot House to Modernist architecture of the 1960s. at higher elevations as a way to preserve the views While these landmarks represent a broad diversity and character of nearby mountain areas. In 1967, of cultural resources, Boulder still has properties Boulder was the first city in the United States to vote and areas worthy of recognition and in need of pro- for an open space tax, and as a result, over 45,000 tection. From the outset, the Historic Preservation acres of protected parks and open space surround Ordinance has sought to balance private property the city today. In 1971, Boulder citizens again rights with the public interest of resource protection, supported an effort to protect Boulder's character. and this fundamental principle continues to guide Construction of the nine-story Colorado Building at the city's Historic Preservation program. While this 14th and Walnut streets encouraged voters to pass balance is not always easy to achieve (and some- a law restricting the height of new buildings to fifty- times results in controversy), historic preservation five feet. efforts in Boulder have resulted in the designation of many significant buildings and neighborhoods, HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE enhancing the community's character for citizens Responding to the loss of several important today and generations to come. historic buildings in the 1960s and early 1970s, „ ?i/ MI ///�� 10 Conservation efforts illustrate an early appreciation of Boulder's unique sense of place. J f L I�L ( I1�111i irr f l dill 11111 lifil ��aia�ll�ll�lllllllllll A r .gym,,•�% i ii/f/rf� G l �/// � ,,, ;'� j�'i�,.,,, ,yi„ li y �11 Mining buildings under construction near Walnut St. and 3rd St., c 1898. 11 �/�,, �, i/ J/% ��%l//'�� //%/ll//ilia, ,;, �,,,, �� ,,,;;,, „<,,, iv,,,,;,�; „��,,,, iaa��c��,�aiiiiaiiii,,,,,✓ii ��°r,iu i,,, � � r�i�r a ��o„ I i s �aim a. Squires-Tourtellot House First Congregational Church 1019 Spruce Street 1128 Pine Street Built in 1865 Built in 1908 4 � I " ,� , r/d A'•i It i 64�,/r �t ✓/� n�. � rr r.,--,„�,,,,, ,,.,,,, -,; �„ri,l"�,dii.,,�li��„ ,a„ ,.;,,;,,,✓ la _.�� G- „ei rl �. G��sa ml/„i r„r�r��/her n�:«re ffia(i�i(av��G'it.�.a/ica�u(G�,IGAFf, rfr�l�ID�lr�rrr.�nf�I��e��( �'�i ,.�n,Qil .,�, The Armory Boettcher-Valentine Building 934 Pearl Street 1142-48 Pearl Street Built in 1898 Built in 1878 / Yi f Grill Mansion, 2305 Broadway, built in 1904 Highland School, 885 Arapahoe Avenue, built in 1892 12 The first six landmarks (pictured above) were designated by the City of Boulder in 1976. OVERVIEW The City of Boulder's Historic Preservation program A Certified Local Government must establish a " .. . was established in 1974, following a citizen-driven historic preservation ordinance, an adequate and effort to recognize and protect buildings and sites qualified Historic Preservation Commission such important to Boulder's history. The program began as the Landmarks Board, a system for survey and with the designation of five individual landmarks, inventory of historic properties, and encourage and in 1978, Floral Park was designated as the public participation in historic preservation city's first historic district. Over the past 40 years, programs. the program has grown to include 162 individual landmarks and 10 historic districts, for a total of Boulder has been successful in securing grant funds over 1,300 designated properties. nearly every year since it was certified, which have funded survey and historic context projects, staff CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAM (CLG) and public outreach and board member training, The City of Boulder has been a Certified Local efforts. CLG evaluations occur every four years and Government (CLG) since 1985. The purpose of provide third-party analysis of the program to ensure the program certification is to encourage and compliance with the CLG requirements. expand local involvement in preservation issues OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM AREAS and establish strong local preservation programs. The Historic Preservation Ordinance outlines the Certified programs are eligible for grants from a key functions of the Historic Preservation program, and landmarks within the CLG designated fund, including designation of individual landmarks jurisdiction are eligible for a 20 percent State Historic Preservation Income Tax Credit. and historic districts, recognition of properties as Structures of Merit, ruling on Landmark Alteration The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 Certificates, enforcement of historic preservation violations, and granting permits for demolition of ". established State Historic Preservation Offices, g g p �� :::......... funded by the Secretary of the Interior through the buildings over 50 years old. National Park Service. History Colorado's Office of In addition to these key functions, the program Archaeology and Historic Preservation administers includes public outreach efforts and functions the state program, including state and federal related to the operation of the program within the grants, review and maintenance of survey records, a Community Planning and Sustainability Department and nomination of properties to the State and and the city organization. National Registers of Historic Places. In 1980, the state-federal partnership was expanded to local The program descriptions and analyses are governments. organized into three themes: Historic Resource Protection, Program Operation, and Community Engagement and Collaboration. / i M r,i�u The Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway, was designated as a local landmark in 2009. 1 13 BOULDER'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE Boulder's Historic Preservation Ordinance is the ANALYSIS foundation for Boulder's Historic Preservation Boulder's ordinance has served the city well over program. It outlines the intent, processes and the past 39 years, establishing a solid framework standards by which preservation activities are for the Historic Preservation program. Both adopted undertaken by the city and continues to guide the rules and ordinance revisions have allowed the program. Its stated purpose is to: program to change and adapt as needed. The most significant change occurred in 1994 and Promote the public health, safety and welfare established a review process for the demolition and by protecting, enhancing, and perpetuating relocation of non-designated buildings over 50 years buildings, sites, and areas of the city reminiscent old. The Landmarks Board's authority to initiate of past eras, events, and persons important landmark designation over an owner's objection in local, state, or national history or providing strengthens Boulder's historic preservation significant examples of architectural styles of program. Although rarely and judiciously used, the past.., to develop and maintain appropriate this has resulted in the preservation of a number settings and environments for such buildings, of significant properties that might otherwise have sites, and areas to enhance property values, been lost. In comparison with historic preservation stabilize neighborhoods, promote tourist trade ordinances in similar communities, Boulder's and interest, and foster knowledge of the city's ordinance is comprehensive, with a clear purpose living heritage, and articulated roles of the Board,staff, and various review processes. The intention is not to "preserve every old building in the city, but instead...draw a reasonable balance However, recent feedback from the public, the between private property rights and the public Landmarks Board, and staff indicate the demolition interest..."At its adoption,the ordinance established: section of the ordinance is unclear and the process often results in an unintended outcome. Revisions • The procedure for designation of individual to this section of the ordinance, providing for more landmarks and historic districts flexibility in its application, might be appropriate. • The process for the review of alterations to or Likewise, the Landmarks Design Review Committee demolition of designated buildings (LDRC) process might be better articulated to • The Landmarks Historic Preservation Advisory clarify the subcommittee's role and increase overall Board (now known as the Landmarks Board) consistency. • The enforcement penalties to be levied if alteration or demolition decisions are violated a j o 14 The Depot and Central School marked key moments in Boulder's preservation history. „ v LANDMARKS BOARD Boulder's original historic preservation ordinance guidelines and public outreach efforts. Over the established the Landmarks Preservation Advisory years, these subcommittees have been effective in Board, a body assigned designation and review promoting historic preservation in the city and can responsibilities for the City of Boulder's Historic be credited with a number of accomplishments, Preservation program. Renamed the Landmarks including establishment of the Structure of Board in 2007, the five City Council-appointed Merit program and the Historic Preservation and members, two of whom are design professionals, Environmental Sustainability Initiative. Public serve five year terms and include at least two feedback indicates a desire to increase objectivity representatives from the architecture or urban and consistency in the review of projects. To this planning professions. The board fulfills four end, staff and the Landmarks Board should major roles and has the authority to make rules engage in regular training to ensure decisions and regulations to interpret the ordinance. The are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Landmarks Board also includes a single non-voting Standards for Historic Preservation and the Historic member from the Planning Board who attends Preservation Ordinance. meetings and comments on historic preservation issues that may have larger planning implications. Key Duties of the Landmarks Board,as Specified in Members of the Landmarks Board and staff the Ordinance: ' attend conferences, forums, and workshops annually to increase current knowledge that will Designating individual landmarks and assist in designation, design review, and review historic districts of non-designated buildings older than 50 years. • Recognizing properties for the Structure of As Boulder property values and development Merit list pressures continue to rise,the board is increasingly • Ruling on Landmark Alteration Certificates faced with more complex issues that require Review of permit applications for balancing community interests when making demolition of buildings over 50 years old. decisions regarding designation, design review, Other Landmarks Board Activities: and demolitions. Annual retreat to discuss past year and ANALYSIS plan future initiatives Landmarks Board members are volunteers who • Certified Local Government training devote considerable time carrying out the intent workshops, hosted by History Colorado of the city's Historic Preservation Ordinance. The • Attendance at annual Saving Places board frequently forms subcommittees to engage conference in special initiatives, including drafting design . Annual letter to City Council I i U, ` ' The Landmarks Board meets each month to discuss and review historic preservation projects. 1 15 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII��IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIL........ LANDMARK AND HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION Boulder's Historic Preservation Ordinance to adopt a more proactive approach in the future. authorizes the Landmarks Board to recommend to City Council the designation of sites and areas The majority of Boulder's landmarks and historic of historic, architectural, and/or environmental districts reflect the city's early history, as is typical significance. Designation of important historic of historic preservation programs that tend to focus, properties helps ensure their protection while at least initially, on older and rarer resources. While providing financial and other incentives for broad landmark representation exists for most rehabilitation. Property owners,historic preservation types and eras from the pre-World War II years, few organizations, the Landmarks Board or City Council buildings are designated from the post-World War II may start the designation process. In rare cases, era. the board has initiated landmark designation over There are many identified areas and buildings in an owner's objection. Historic Preservation staff the city that are not protected through designation. researches the significance of the site or area and These include older areas that have been previously prepares a summary report with a recommendation identified as potential historic districts (often regarding designation for a Landmarks Board representing vernacular buildings and resources public hearing. The Landmarks Board makes a associated with minority populations), and modern designation recommendation to the City Council, buildings constructed during the 1950s through which decides whether the property or district the 1970s. Data on the most vulnerable and should be Iandmarked. Once City Council approves underrepresented resources needs to be updated a designation, a copy of the document is placed in and analyzed. the Boulder County real estate records, notifying future owners of the listed status of their building. A 2007 ordinance revision allowed for a longer Because the local landmark program is dynamic and time period between historic district initiation and because of the high level of protection it provides, designation, which placed greater emphasis on there are relatively few properties in Boulder listed property owner support and collaboration. Historic in the State or National Register of Historic Places. districts designated since 2004 represent smaller ANALYSIS geographic areas than districts established prior to that time. The trend toward smaller districts The rate of designations in Boulder, both individual reflects the complexities of listing larger areas landmarks and historic districts, has remained and also makes the public outreach process more fairly stable over time. Designations of individual manageable. Public input indicates that the Historic landmarks and historic districts have generally Preservation program should better publicize been reactive, and often due to a perceived threat. information about the designated historic districts The majority of historic districts were designated in and ensure property owners are aware of the the 1980s and 1990s, with over half of those in the benefits and responsibilities of living in a historic 1990s. Many designations of districts have occurred district. following historic survey. The program should seek J A is Jk IN 16 Floral Park, designated in 1978, was the city's first historic district. Photo take c. 1940. DESIGNATED AND POTENTIAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS iNall "Oft 7 ;6 aM'Gv' 1, tlN lKritiNC1t I 7Pf. I W,FFI64 Aid � f"lm��lPwd ^ .", Il1urug.�lF „<, x�w 1'.'P•4S _�� V J ��"i mA awao� ,,; NkNm�F�PA i ,,,,1 PWAAIA" Hea MPNr', UM a Ix l�mq Ni l� �;wrao eve WON WWV,Sr wed � W,.0 a ©IEWEY I wWhF p �1r Wild /� ;ys'v itl�rx > /iiis /�flYAtWMSNAlAi11NItlW 1rw k�7u�l�r t� y i h uYM]C31 s � � 13 y N rd dw Y14Y.MPS . X 1� f� "1 � �� Fr h%d c�xrnuw�rmwwar ,a,u ,,, ...._._ H145i4 f7iKikYuY , htlN�Umnr1 _ ( 1�t+r�wmNwr7w� fj r pa,>bm, r j � Nortlrrb.. „ar rw "/ C�uupatlrxVargllui ;i r"l�Polf9�}Y,kM1ya,M9d ,,�lb,!C �� DESIGNATED HISTORIC DISTRICTS .,.,„p • Floral Park (1978) � G�rrm�wPoeea�auinive mixwa11 • Chautauqua (1978) • Mapleton Hill (1982) • West Pearl (1994) reuc'ura Or �= • Chamberlain (1995) JnNe v • Downtown (1999) m� pw p/! • Hillside 2001 1 ( ) dnr aul • Highland Lawn (2005) • University Place (2006) • 16th Street (2006) .. ° 01 tl�r strni For more information, please visit: Expainded www.boulderhistoricpreservation. r��r �!!!�////,rl�� ML90khawg VRJrojVar 11 s 11 itl HI�tl; Y h ti"4 d l 6 �j� /��/ 11 F NV rIENNFlI d¢r net. t„ i � r'rzlJpoa 10hilA l'k a C 1,I01Fi9V4W*&L SiU4}TiN1. K F�FUR�NVpYa5ti.rAG'r �' �I/�/ ..µ� FBI 6 DESIGNATED HISTORIC DISTRICT h VF' 4N5 ' ' milli;! aWUMOSL�, � i/ j� ",,',GhautauCVLja m POTENTIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT �A Map of designated and potential Historic Districts, as identified in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 17 DESIGN REVIEW Change continually occurs in Boulder's historic City Council for review and possible "call up"for their districts and to individually landmarked properties. own consideration. Members of the Landmarks The Design Review process, and the requirement Board and staff attend conferences, forums, and of a Landmark Alteration Certificate for exterior workshops annually to assist in their design review alterations, is in place to ensure that changes activities. are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation by preserving key ANALYSIS architectural features while addressing the needs Design review is vitally important in maintaining of modern living. Through this process, staff reviews the visual and material character of Boulder's minor alterations, such as the construction of historically designated areas and properties. rear fences and roofing. The Landmarks Design Landmarked sites, subject to design review over Review Committee reviews applications for more the years, represent some of the most dynamic significant changes, including front and side yard areas and valuable properties in the city. Boulder's fences,window rehabilitation and replacement, and Design Review process has evolved into an efficient, additions to designated buildings. thorough, and collaborative means to appropriately manage change to the city's historic fabric. The Composed of two rotating Landmarks Board vast majority of the over 200 Landmark Alteration members and one Historic Preservation staff Certificates reviewed annually are approved or member, the Landmarks Design Review Committee approved with modifications. As rising real estate meets weekly and works collaboratively with values and land use pressures have continued to property owners, architects, and builders within increase over the past decade, more ambitious the framework of the Secretary of the Interior's proposals within historic districts are being seen. Standards for Historic Preservation and relevant Such projects present ever-increasing challenges design guidelines. If the three committee members in balancing private property rights with the public do not agree that the proposal is consistent with interest. the guidelines, the request is referred to the full Landmarks Board for review at a public hearing. Public feedback suggests there is sometimes If an applicant does not agree with the committee confusion about the review process and a perceived recommendation, he or she may also request a full lack of consistency regarding decisions. Such board public hearing. Full Landmarks Board review criticism of historic preservation design review is not is required for demolition or construction of a new unique to Boulder and underscores the challenges building over 340 square feet on a landmarked of reviewing changes to historic properties, where property or in a designated historic district. The flexibility is required and "one size fits all"regulations Landmarks Board's decisions are forwarded to the do not work. Care needs to be taken in citing the specific design guideline provisions that inform review decisions, as this approach illustrates to the public how such review decisions are both objective and predictable. Historic Preservation staff should t provide applicants with clear information about what to expect from the review process and explain the rationale behind the design guidelines and how decisions are made. Landmarks Board members and staff should be encouraged to participate in regular design training sessions to ensure the highest level of historic preservation design review. Consideration might also be given to an independent evaluation of the design review process. IIII�IIIIIIIIIIIII� , .,,;' ,�, 18 The Ldre meets weekly to review Landmark Alteration Certificate applications. ;;;;;;;;, . " a� �Innd IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES Boulder's historic district design guidelines are than in similar communities. It is important that ...................... written to provide p guidance for property owners the guidelines are as understandable, accessible, undertaking exterior changes to designated and comprehensive as possible. Public and the individual landmarks or buildings within historic Landmarks Board comments indicate that people districts. They are based on the federal Secretary are often not aware of the guidelines and their of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment rationale. Furthermore, public and the Landmarks of Historic Properties and assist staff and the Board comments show that difficulties arise when Landmarks Board in evaluating alterations in a proposals are submitted for alterations not fully consistent, equitable, and predictable manner. addressed in current guidelines, such as the use of The City of Boulder has a total of eight design alternative materials or new construction in historic .. . guideline documents, including the General Design districts. Guidelines and seven district-specific guidelines. In 2008, the city received a best practices award DISTRICT-SPECIFIC DESIGN GUIDELINES from the National Alliance of Historic Preservation • Mapleton Hill Design Guidelines (1985, Commissions for developing design guidelines that Revised 1994) assist in achieving Boulder's sustainability goals • Chautauqua Design Guidelines (1989) in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the • Chamberlain Design Guidelines (1996) Interior's Standards. West Pearl Design Guidelines (1996) • Downtown Design Guidelines (2002) Early design guidelines were prepared after historic • Highland Lawn Design Guidelines (2005) district designation, but more recently, staff has worked collaboratively with property owners to • University Place Design Guidelines (2006) develop appropriate design guidelines prior to designation. Using this approach, specific issues GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES identified by residents can be integrated into • General Design Guidelines (2007) the guidelines. This approach incorporates the Guidelines are available online on the city's proposed design guidelines into the pre-designation website: www.bouIderhistoricpreservation.net outreach process and has proven effective in cultivating critical public support for new historic " districts. The guidelines are available on the city's Historic Preservation website and in printed form. ANALYSIS Boulder's historic preservation design guidelines provide more specific guidance for design review it r J� w % 1 /Jig%' iy 4 The design guidelines are based on the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation � 19 DEMOLITION REVIEW Intended to prevent the loss of buildings that may program generally has historic information on nearly have historic or architectural significance, and to all buildings over 50 years of age, this information provide the time necessary to consider alternatives is dated and does not include a clear determination to demolition (including landmark designation), the of local significance (typically, only state or national Historic Preservation Ordinance outlines a review register eligibility is highlighted). For this reason, process for non-designated buildings over 50 years staff must research each building and make a old that are proposed for demolition. If a building recommended determination for local landmark is found to be potentially eligible for designation as designation, and everyone must react to the an individual landmark, a Landmarks Board public information and the recommendation in a shorttime hearing is scheduled. If the board determines the frame. To make the demolition review process more propertyis not eligible for designation as an individual predictable and efficient, priority should be given landmark, a building permit is issued. However, if to updating historic survey information, developing the board finds there is "probable cause" that the historic contexts and identifying historic resource building may be eligible for landmark designation, types most in need of protection (see Survey and a 180-day stay of demolition is imposed. During Historic Context Section). the "stay" period, the board may take any action For purposes of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, it deems necessary to preserve the property, ,demolition" is defined more narrowly than it is including consulting with civic groups and citizens, recommending acquisition to preserve the building elsewhere in the city code. The definition was revised in the early 2000s in reaction to the de-facto the Landmarks or movingthe building. In rare cases, demolition of significant resources that,for example, Board has initiated landmark designation over an owner's objection. kept one wall standing as a way to avoid review by the Historic Preservation program. Nevertheless, During this period, staff and the board engage in it can trigger a demolition review for non-historic discussions with the applicantto explore alternatives features (e.g., demolition of a 1980s addition) or to demolition. Historic Boulder, Inc. has also played other alterations that may not have a significant a key role in proposing alternatives to demolition. impact of the historic building. Steps have been If it is determined there is not probable cause for taken to revise the definition of demolition (for landmarking, or no action is taken during the stay, a instance, establishing a minimum width of a street- demolition permit is issued. facing wall to be considered a demolition, and to not include additions less than fifty years in age ANALYSIS to a building older than fifty years in the wall and While Boulder's demolition ordinance has been roof calculation). It would be beneficial to continue effective in preventing the loss of historically studying these cases and refine the definition in significant properties, it is intended to be a "last the code to address unintended consequences of a resort" form of resource protection. Nonetheless, narrow definition of demolition. it is one of the city's main resource protection activities and more time is spent administering the Another challenging aspect of the demolition review demolition ordinance than is spent on proactive process is when the Landmarks Board reviews an historic resource protection. application where the "demolition" does not involve demolition of a building (i.e. removal of 55 percent Strong housing demand and limited opportunities of the roof), the board may review only whether the for new single-family housing growth means land subject building is potentially eligible as an individual use pressures are likely to continue in Boulder and landmark and does not have the authority to assess demolition reviews will likely remain a significant the relative impact of the "demolition" on the aspect of the city's Historic Preservation program potential historic building. Continued consideration workload. Because the community does not have should be given to revisingthe ordinance to allow for a clear understanding of the demolition process the level of demolition to be taken into consideration or agreement on the priorities and strategies for or the possibility that such a change could be made protection of historic resources, this process is through adoption of an administrative regulation. 20 more reactive than it might otherwise be. While the HISTORIC PRESERVATION INCENTIVES Boulder currently administers 14 different incentives to encourage the stewardship of landmarked buildings and properties located in designated AVAILABLE INCENTIVES FOR historic districts. Incentives, such as the state tax LANDMARKED PROPERTIES credit and the city sales tax waiver, convey a direct ' financial benefit. Other available incentives allow for Eligibility for a 20% Federal Tax Credit relief from land use regulations or honor owners of for income-producing properties listed historic properties. The most utilized incentive is the on the National Register of Historic state tax credit. As a Certified Local Government, Places Boulder reviews these applications in-house, usually Eligibility for a 20% Colorado State as part of the Landmark Alteration Certificate process. Income Tax for individually landmarked Between 2003 and 2009, a total of 39 State Tax properties and those located within a Credit applications, the second-highest number of historic district any municipality in Colorado, were approved. The City sales tax waiver on construction practice of providing free plaques to all owners of materials when applying for a building ,. individual landmarks is also popular. permit if at least 30% of the value of materials will be used for the building's ANALYSIS exterior Boulder has been creative in developing incentives to Eligibility for grants through the encourage historic preservation.While specialized tax State Historical Fund. Projects must revenues for historic preservation projects currently demonstrate a public benefit to be are not available in the city as they are in Louisville, eligible for a grant Boulder's zoning incentives are more expansive than Potential exemptions or variances those available in most other Colorado communities. from select building code and zoning Public input revealed that many owners of historic standards, including floodplain, ........................... properties are not aware of available incentives. height, solar and residential growth Enhanced promotion of existing incentives would management requirements be beneficial, and the cityex additional •should lore p Newly-designated landmarks are financial incentives. honored with a bronze plaque presented at a public ceremony • Staff assistance for applicants for development review, Landmark Alteration Certificate, and building permit processes IN "WA Fourteen different historic preservation incentives are currently available for designated buildings 21 IIIIIIII IIIIIIIII " INTERNAL COORDINATION ENFORCEMENT The city's Historic Preservation program intersects preservation Design Review Process,the Landmarks with many other city departments, reflecting Design Review Committee, and how Landmarks the institutional value of historic preservation in Alteration Certificate decisions work. Boulder. This arrangement also illustrates the The Historic Preservation Ordinance outlines the complex relationship of historic preservation with enforcement policies and penalties for historic other city goals, such as housing, economic vitality, preservation violations, including work completed transportation, and environmental sustainability. In without a Landmark Alteration Certificate (LAC) addition,the Community Planning and Sustainability and the unauthorized demolition of buildings over Department and Historic Preservation program 50 years old. Demolition violations are rare; most collaborates with the Development Review, Land violations involve work completed without an Use, and the Local Environmental Action divisions. LAC. Many enforcement cases are initiated when For example, alteration permits pertaining to neighborhood residents notify Historic Preservation disability access are evaluated on a case-by-case staff of a potential violation. If warranted,a stop-work basis in an effort to provide maximum accessibility order is issued. Except in the cases of unauthorized with minimum impact to historic structures. If demolition and relocation, property owners have significant historic resources are identified, a thirty days to resolve the violation with Historic condition of Site Review approval is often that an Preservation staff. The city may issue a summons if application for landmark designation be made. there is no attempt to resolve the situation or work Historic Preservation is regularly involved with on correcting the problem ceases. In the instance updates to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan of an unlawful demolition or relocation of a historic and its preservation and conservation policies. building, the city issues both a notice of violation and a summons. The maximum penalty in Boulder ANALYSIS for demolishinga historic building without the proper Feedback from the internal coordination review and permit is a fine of not more than $5,000 group indicated that coordination between city per violation, incarceration for not more than ninety departments and the Historic Preservation program days, or both a fine and jail time. has improved markedly over the last few years. In particular, coordination through the discretionary ANALYSIS review process takes place from the pre-application Staff generally uses an educational rather than stage. However, there was also acknowledgment punitive approach to reduce violations and the need of a need for continued engagement with the for enforcement.Staff makes every effort to provide community and continued communication among as much relevant information as possible to historic city staff. In particular, increased coordination with building owners. Details about the Landmark Housing, Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Alteration Certificate and demolition review Open Space and Mountain Parks, and Facilities processes are posted on the city's website, provided and Asset Management should occur. The internal over the phone and in person, and also appear in group suggested better information and more specialized brochures and publications. Staff also internal training and coordination on the historic cooperates with other city employees to enhance id Now 22 I Boulder's City Hall and Police Station were once located at 1915 and 1921 14th Street, c.1930s. 01111 the enforcement program. While this approach ANALYSIS is relatively effective, public feedback indicates Boulder is recognized as having one of the most frustration in neighbor-initiated enforcement comprehensive historic building survey records in reports and a desire for a process to ensure the state. Yet, it is important to realize that survey compliance with Landmark Alteration Certificates. is never truly complete, with recent past resources Enforcement practices could be strengthened and other under-represented resources requiring through the establishment of a historic preservation documentation, as well as previously documented training program for inspectors. buildings needing resurvey to reflect current conditions. To remain effective, responsive, and SURVEYAND HISTORIC CONTEXTS proactive, work is necessary to maintain current records of the aging building stock. Much of Historic and architectural surveys and historic Boulder's survey information and contexts is 30 contexts are the foundation for understanding and years old and out of date. Identifying areas in need preserving a community's cultural and historic of survey/resurvey should occur. Likewise, priority resources. Surveys inform a community about should be given to developing a citywide context to the historic resources it has and why they may be identify subsequent historic context topics. important. Since Boulder implemented a survey program in 1977, a total of 16 survey projects have been completed, resulting in the documentation of HISTORIC CONTEXT REPORTS1990 nearly all of the city's historic buildings built prior to "Foreign Born Immigrants in Boulder, Colorado the 1960s. 1859-1884," Lysa Wegman-French 49 1992 Historic context reports help narrate the stories . "The Grange Movement in Boulder County,"Anne of Boulder's historic places. These thematic Dyni reports have focused on social groups, such as • "The Development of Boulder's University Hill early Swedish immigrants and Boulder's African Neighborhood in Relation to Economic Factors," American community, as well as the transformative Merle Adams impact of the railroad and automobile on the city, "History of the Boulder County Poor Farm and and the use of native stone construction in Boulder. Hospital,"Anne Dyni • "Boulder County Burial Sites," Kay Lukoskie The context reports identify specific properties • "Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr.: Maker of Parks, associated with key historic events and patterns, Planner of Cities," Beverly Carrigan important people, architectural styles or buildings . "Boulder County, Colorado: Major Transportation types. From 1988 to 1999, the city utilized grants Routes, Pre-1860 to 1920," Lara Juliusson to develop a historic context program. This initiative 1993 created 14 documents on a wide variety of historic, • "Northern Lights: Boulder's Swedish Heritage," architectural and cultural topics. These documents Cynthia Shaw McLaughlin are available on the city's website and are used • "Downtown Churches:Sacred Places," Marilee by staff in the research of propert s pal' d for 1996unn demolition or landmark designa n, ii the development of walking tours. l �� "The Black Community in Boulder, Colorado," > Dan Corson I� � J,,• "Roads of the Mountains and Plains,"Sylvia / Pettem, Boulder, Colorado's Railroads," A r 01„.,„: ..... in Boulder. 1 23 y e to s to s t e o y andmarked archaeolo ,ical sN N ? l��N� ^u e t t o o d ,, I , HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ARCHAEOLOGY Boulder has the highest risk for flash flooding in Colorado, and there is a high risk of wildfire in Currently, the city does not have established the area. Such disasters have the potential to procedures for how to address archaeological cause catastrophic damage to the city's historic resources encountered during construction or and cultural resources. The Historic Preservation excavation. The city has 122 records for surveyed program is involved in a county-led effort to historic and prehistoric archaeological resources prepare a disaster management plan. However, within city limits, and recent archaeological finds the city currently does not have a plan focused on indicate that humans have resided in the area for historic preservation that addresses post-disaster at least 10,000 years.The Boyd Smelter currently is mobilization to assure historic buildings are not the only landmarked archaeological site in Boulder. lost to hasty and possibly needless demolition, and The city does not have a staff archaeologist and that property owners have the appropriate level of the Landmarks Board is not required to appoint a support and advice. member with archaeological expertise. ANALYSIS ANALYSIS The city is fortunate to have thorough and relatively The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan calls current survey forms thatdocument many buildings for identifying, designating, and protecting constructed prior to 1960. The city also scanned archaeological resources such as open ditches, all survey records to ensure this information street and alleyscapes, railroad rights of way, and is electronically backed up. Such records can designed landscapes. Despite the identification be essential for restoring the appearance of these archeological resources within city limits, and character-defining features of individual the city does not have its own archaeological landmarks, buildings within historic districts, and program, relying primarily on state and federal other important sites in a post-disaster period. protections. Protocol should be developed for Plans for the utilization of this information in the individual landmarking of archaeological sites event of a disaster should be a prime component and their protection. Consideration should also of a disaster plan. Additionally, a protocol for the be given to providing archeology training to staff review of historic buildings damaged or destroyed and the Landmarks Board and, over the long term, in a disaster should be established as part of a developing a full archaeology program. disaster plan. �, �w ✓ u m° � iin'r' i mi r , X 24 This photograph of 18th and Goss streets the shows the 1894 flood's devastating impact. q� COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Historic preservation efforts do not take place ANALYSIS without strong community support and broad Customer service extends beyond program public engagement. In Boulder, engagement and applicants to the much wider audience of the " outreach occur mostly through the designation, community that benefits from historic preservation design review, and demolition processes. Other and its character, economy, and other benefits. ongoing outreach activities include events for Public feedback indicates a need for more robust Historic Preservation Month, presentations to engagement and outreach efforts to tell the communitygroups, and informational g p packets stories of Boulder's history while better explaining sent to new owners of properties within Boulder's the benefits and responsibilities of historic historic districts. The program utilizes its preservation. Enhanced public engagement and website, brochures, videos, and historic district collaboration should be a priority for the Historic signage to inform Boulder citizens about historic Preservation program. Customer feedback should preservation.The relationship between the Historic be used to objectively address issues or concerns Preservation program and Historic Boulder, Inc. and continually improve the program. Recognizing cannot be overstated, but important partnering resource constraints, this should include revisions also occurs with the Boulder History Museum, to the Historic Preservation website to make Colorado Preservation, Inc., and History Colorado, information moreaccessible,better promotion of the particularly in community engagement efforts. benefits of historic preservation and environmental Staff provides technical assistance to the public sustainability, incentives, workshops to assist and regularly gives talks to neighborhood groups property owners, lecture series, and outreach and organizations like the Boulder Area Realtors efforts at events like the Farmers' Market. Association on local historic preservation issues. The Landmarks Board has recently re-established a public outreach subcommittee dedicated to exploring ways to better engage the community about historic preservation issues. � f Carefully renovated by Historic Boulder, Inc., the Anders house is a link to Boulder's mining history. 25 fl 11 STRUCTURE OF MERIT PROGRAM In 1987, the Landmarks Board established the Structures of Merit Structure of Merit program to recognize properties 845 11th St. 2059-61 Bluff St. possessing historic, architectural, or aesthetic 983 14th St. 2105-07 Bluff St. merit. This recognition is an alternative to landmark designation. Buildings and sites listed on either 907 7th St. 315-17 Canyon Blvd. 977 9h St. *1911-1915 Pearl St. the National Register of Historic Places or the i Colorado State Register of Historic Properties 1915 /2 Goss Cir. 835-37 Walnut St. 1935 1/2 Goss Cir. 2334-36 14th St. are automatically added to the Structure of Merit 2102 Goss Cir. 2014 Pearl St. program. This program is strictly honorary and not subject to design review. Currently, 64 properties 2202 Goss Cir. 1515 Spruce St. are recognized as Structures of Merit. 2250 Goss Cir. 1734 Spruce St. 1638 Grove St. 1414 Pine St. ANALYSIS 1728 Grove St. 1424 Pine St. The Landmarks Board work plan has mentioned 1902 Grove St. 1514 Pine St. potential candidates for new listings, yet no new *141 Grove St. 1836 Baseline Rd. entries have been added to the Structure of Merit *646 Pearl St. 1420 Bluebell Ave. program since 1997. This lapse is likely related to *2442 Pearl St. 89617th St. a general lack of community awareness. Recent 1813 Pine St. 1515 Baseline Rd. Landmarks Board discussion indicates a high level of 1105 Spruce St. 1440 Bellevue Ave. interest in reactivating this program and using it as a 1850 Table Mesa Dr. 1714-18 Broadway way to promote the stories associated with Boulder 1602-1620 Walnut St. 420 Christmas Tree Dr. historic properties, to increase understanding of 575 Arapahoe Ave. 550 College Ave. historic preservation, and to enhance owner pride. 3345 Broadway 450 College St. Reactivation of this program should include review 2019 Goss Cir. 780 Flagstaff Rd. of properties that might be eligible for recognition 821 Lincoln PI. *1135 Jay St. and more active promotion of this program as a 1123 Spruce St. 630 Northstar Ct. public outreach tool. 711 Walnut St. 2385 Panorama Ave. 2127-31-35 14th St. 630 Pennsylvania Ave. 2330-32 14th St. 650 Pennsylvania Ave. 1815-21 17th St. 1025 Rosehill Dr. More information about the Structure of Merit 2017-23 17th St. 719 Walnut St. program is available on the city's website: 2117-21 18th St. www.bouIderhistoricpreservation.net *2010-1419th St. *Bold= Later 2535-37 5th St. landmarked . ... ...... e , i lei `III� i 26 The Aspen Leaf House, the Castle and NCAR are three buildings recognized as Structures of Merit. � � I 1 IIIIII �J W%�1��;XlJlrl55�y^�Jr��h�IW(PIiJtO�a r ra��i� ' ' r rr � / r ��ref' �1 ir'•", rFfiy�� J r ;; r/ lJi ur o vi �r r r r I IY 1 r i i �I rrn �r I I r I u I I, I �0 r °,,, r ,g«,.;, :iii ',' a✓, � ^�'Y� f� fra ri yr ,,, ,r. ,�r t � ltY��, r ri' �I ,,-s- �r a �ra1�1�, wr V, ,,. � r Yirfa �Y✓Grwr -'a j��,,,;� I ( ,� I P; �ir'�Y � r.. ,� it (0 i !;��' "✓;f''!„ am1'q,r,O,NSV,! ''' y fir r„ rl/i�/�rllj; r wr o � Early view of Boulder from the Boulder Colorado Sanitarium, C. 1900. 1 27 �. �N WM r ��prra 1;�� ilUl 4,,urA4.ul f ly%a I� .��.,�„, LNv r �rari� ri ,r 4 " � 5Y' ,' ,1 Yr, ��, /uUJ,�V�l� �r p ri'U), „✓/%- � A SENSE OF PURPOSE The Historic Preservation Plan builds on past this end, a shared community vision should be successes by identifying what roles historic established that will identify the types of resources preservation will play in shaping Boulder's urban and areas that are important to Boulder's history and form and character, in contributing to the city's goals establish strategies for their protection. The inherent of environmental,social and economic sustainability, sustainability of historic preservation should be and maintaining its high quality of life. The plan also promoted and city policies should be integrated aspires to bring vision to the diverse initiatives of the to ensure cohesion between programs. Currently city's historic preservation activities in the twenty- designated resources should be celebrated for their first century. On a practical level it is intended to continued contribution to Boulder's unique sense of establish implementable work program priorities place. that will assist in streamlining the city's historic preservation processes. Community Engagement and Collaboration The program strives to foster collaborative The City of Boulder strives to be a leader in historic relationships and actively engage the community preservation by proactively identifying historic in preservation efforts. Community support will resources, creating a shared community vision be strengthened through the establishment of a for the preservation of sites and areas that are shared community vision for historic preservation. significantto Boulder's past, fosteringa collaborative The Landmarks Board and staff should work relationship among the Landmarks Board, staff collaboratively with property owners, residents and the community, ensuring clear and predictable and organizations such as Historic Boulder, Inc. review processes, continuing to promote the natural to advance historic preservation goals. Clear, alignment between historic preservation and accessible information should be provided about environmental sustainability, and encouraging the the design review, demolition review, and landmark preservation of historic resources through incentives. designation processes to increase the transparency The public, stakeholder group, and Landmarks of the program. Engaging and accurate information Board helped develop the goals and associated on existing landmarked buildings and sites should objectives. They establish the vision and more be distributed to enhance community support for specific outcomes to guide the program and its intent historic preservation. The Landmarks Board and to protect, enhance and perpetuate buildings and staff should engage in an open dialogue with the sites reminiscent of past eras. The program should community about historic preservation and be a balance proactive and reactive activities by improving resource for property owners in the stewardship of current program operations, actively engaging the their historic places. community and continuing to be on the forefront of Program Operation integrating historic preservation and environmental Through the establishment of a shared community sustainability. vision, the program can be proactive in its operation, THEMES dedicating more resources to landmark designation, support of existing landmarks and education Three themes emerged through the development initiatives. It is important to continually improve the of the Goals and Objectives and are used to help current program to ensure it is responsive to changing organize the Recommendations. circumstances, emerging issues, and community Historic Resource Protection needs and desires. Having clear and current design Individual landmark and historic district designation, guidelines that are consistent with the Secretary and the resulting design review process, are the of the Interior's Standards is a critical aspect of a primary means of protecting Boulder's historically, successful design review program. Ways to make architecturally, and environmentally significant the demolition review process clearer and more resources. Care should be taken to make the predictable should be a priority for Boulder's Historic city's designation program representative of its Preservation program. As the program continues to overall development patterns, including properties develop, and after the existing program is improved, representative of all classes and functions. To additional initiatives should be established. 28 ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF BOULDER'S MAKE REVIEW PROCESSES CLEAR, SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC,ARCHITECTURAL, PREDICTABLE,AND OBJECTIVE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES • Provide excellent customer service; • Create a shared community vision for the • Provide training opportunities for board and staff protection of resources and areas that are to ensure objective and consistent decision- historically, architecturally and/or environmentally making; significant, and develop strategies for their • Provide clear, accurate and easily-accessible protection consistent with local, state and federal information to the public; • Ensure regulations and design guidelines are historic preservation practices; • Ensure the City of Boulder remains a leader current, relevant, and effective in balancing the protection of historic buildings with other in historic preservation of its own historic through esources a the lnd community priorities and policies; stewardship e • Protect historic resources through effective, encouragement of innovative and collaborative consistent and transparent review and approaches to preservation; enforcement policies and practices; • Ensure consistency of historic preservation goals . Recognize and communicate that historic with other city plans, policies and priorities and designation allows for change that is sensitive to enhance internal coordination; the character of the building, landmark, or district. • Improve and increase community understanding of the inherent connection between historic CONTINUE LEADERSHIP IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION preservation and environmental sustainability; AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY • Establish a clear process for the protection and • Integrate historic preservation and environmental management of historic resources in the event of sustainability policies, such as the Greenpoints natural disaster; program and the Energy Code, to maintain shared • Explore innovative and alternative strategies to community resources for future generations; recognize and protect important resources from • Recognize innovative scholarship and projects that the recent past. successfully balance historic preservation and environmental sustainability; ACTIVELY ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY IN • Continue to address common energy efficiency HISTORIC PRESERVATION EFFORTS issues as technology evolves, to address window • Encourage collaboration and open dialogue among rehabilitation and replacement, solar panel the community, Landmarks Board, other boards, installation, and the use of alternative materials. City Council, city staff and historic preservation organizations to advance historic preservation ENCOURAGE PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC RESOURCES goals and enhance community support; • Better publicize and promote existing incentives, such as eligibility for tax credits and relief from • Interpret Boulder's historic, architectural, and building and zoning codes; environmental resources for residents and visitors; • Explore creative and innovative initiatives to • Celebrate, promote, and raise awareness about encourage historic preservation, improve public historic preservation successes in Boulder; perception and defray the cost of rehabilitation • Establish on-going outreach initiatives that engage and restoration projects; the community and promote the benefits of • Improve public perception of Historic Preservation historic preservation; program through enhanced communication, • Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships meaningful collaboration, and involvement with owners of properties that are individually between the city and the community at large; landmarked and/or located within a historic • Recognize and honor property owners for district. exemplary stewardship of historic buildings. 29 RECOMMENDATIONS The recommendations identify the actions needed to 1. HISTORIC RESOURCE PROTECTION achieve the Goals and Objectives. It is not possible The purpose of the Boulder's Historic Preservation to accomplish all actions with current resources or program is to identify, evaluate, and protect Boulder's in the near term. Therefore, a prioritized chart is significant historic resources. To this end, it is provided at the end of the section. Some actions may important for the city's Historic Preservation program require additional resources, such as specialized to reflect the diversity and development patterns of consultants or supplemental funding. Those best the city and establish a shared community vision for suited to funding from grants are marked with a resource protection. The identification of significant diamond. Staff and the Landmarks Board should sites and encouragement of their protection would consider how best to prioritize these, developing enable the program to further engage the community a multi-year grants plan that specifies projects, in historic preservation and balance proactive and request amounts, and best funding source based reactive activities. upon project objectives. The city should continue to apply to History Colorado's State Historical Fund and 1.1 Develop a Plan to Identify and Prioritize Historic Certified Local Government programs, though other Resources and Implement Strategies for their Protection grant funding sources should be explored. A critical component of this plan is the development a long-term vision for future historic resource This plan should be used to help guide upcoming protection. The goal of this vision would make the annual work plans for the program. For instance, city's historic preservation activities more proactive at the annual board retreat, the Landmarks Board by focusing on implementing the vision, which would and staff should undertake a detailed discussion of be achieved through community engagement and progress,with staff preparing a report of pla n-related the development of strategies to protect significant accomplishments and the board recommending buildings and areas. It would also help make the initiatives for the next year. The report and work plan preservation program more predictable for applicants should be posted on the city's website and presented by clarifying which buildings and areas are important at the May Landmarks Board meeting, during Historic to preserve. Preservation Month. The implementation of this plan will require This resource plan should include: • An assessment of designated and potential strong partnerships among the city, Landmarks historic and cultural resources in the community Board, community members, historic preservation to identify which types of properties and organizations, real estate groups and neighborhood areas are currently protected, and which are associations. underrepresented; • Development of an overall historic context for the city that describes the important eras, events, persons, architectural styles, etc. that are important to Boulders history; to be used as a i forprioritizingh r r h r basso the resource types that are important to protect. w The program should continue to encourage the designation of significant resources and areas found eligible for listing. Key action steps include: Maintaining survey records to ensure information xAl �� is current and accurate; • Reassessment of the map of potential historic districts, since many of the identified areas have experienced significant change since the boundaries were established; 30 • Developing strategies to provide financial and/ vernacular architecture, promoting specialized III III or technical support and incentives for owners design solutions (such as excavation to add more ) of historic properties (see Recommendations square footage) to make small buildings more 1.5 and 1.6); suitable for contemporary use, and establishing a ,„'F p Y g �6fff • Continuing to mail letters to owners of eligible funding source to preserve small buildings. properties encouraging designation; • Hosting informational sessions within potential 1.4 Ensure Continued Integration of Local,State and historic districts; and Federal Policies " • Fostering a network of owners of landmark The Landmarks Board has adopted the Secretary properties. of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties as the basis for guidance in the 1.2 Develop Additional Historic Context Reports review Landmark Alteration Certificate review and The 14 existing documents, developed through the National Register Criteria for the Evaluation �� the historic context project, should continue of Historic Properties for determining eligibility of to be utilized and additional historic context landmark designation. Boulder's adopted design reports should be developed and made available guidelines are consistent with these standards electronically. A broad historic context of the and evaluation for landmark designation is development of Boulder should be undertaken to generally based upon the National Register's help identify significant themes of the city's history. criteria. While developing a community vision has This broad context reportshould inform subsequent, been identified as a critical component to ensure thematic-based studies. Other possible topics for historic preservation remains relevant in Boulder, new historic contexts include Boulder's Hispanic it is important that such a vision is consistent with community, its agricultural past, the community's national historic preservation standards, whether significant relationship with the University of for historic designation, design review, demolition, Colorado, the city's vernacular buildings, and the or tax credit review. Likewise, the City of Boulder architectural commissions of Charles Haertling. is committed to universal access to people with These may be developed through partnership with disabilities and life safety consideration through the a graduate program or by hiring consultants. The building code. To this end, the Historic Preservation documents may be utilized to assess the eligibility program should continue to explore innovative of thematic districts. All historic context reports ways to make sure that all designated historic should be easily accessible and posted on the properties meet the Americans with Disabilities Historic Preservation website. Act and provide a high level of life safety without compromising important historic character defining 1.3 Explore Ways to Preserve Smaller Buildings that are features. Eligible for Landmark Designation Manyof Boulder'sworking-,and middle-class houses and those associated with Boulder's early history are modest in both size and architectural detailing. Nationwide, the average square footage of single family houses has grown in recent decades. The desire for larger houses makes smaller buildings to vulnerable additions that overwhelm the historic character of the building.To maintain the character of small, vernacular buildings in Boulder, the city should explore strategies to preserve significant examples of this building type. Possible action steps include forming a working group to focus on A this issue, studying how other similar communities example o locally' ««� ��n«nci og � f a � io, ,�1, g� tfis have dealt with threats to smaller buildings and landmarked. 31 1.5 Publicize Existing Incentives Key steps in that planning process should include Public feedback indicates many owners of historic discussing desirable funding options with owners of properties are not aware of the available historic historic properties, exploring how other communities preservation incentives for which they may be eligible. manage and finance historic preservation incentives The city should publicize these existing incentives (i.e., in Louisville, proceeds from a specialized tax more broadlyto increase usage and to benefit historic may be used to restore or rehabilitate resources buildings. Suggested action steps include posting within the downtown historic district); securing both information prominently on the Historic Preservation initial and long-range funding sources; launching a website,and developingand distributinga specialized small pilot incentive program; and adapting the pilot brochure about existing incentives. program (based upon results and public feedback)to assure it is both effective and self-supporting. 1.6 Initiate New Incentives Non-monetary incentives recognize building owners 1.7 Designate Eligible City-Owned Buildings and Lead by for their community contributions and reward Example stewardship. New honorary incentives might include Boulder aspires to lead by example, modeling recognizing responsible owners of historic buildings excellentstewardship for city-owned historic buildings. with City Council proclamations or providing owners Additionally, city-owned buildings can be used to with framed historic images of their property. effectively illustrate successful integration of historic Such items could be distributed at existing award preservation and environmental sustainability. Many ceremonies held during Historic Preservation Month of the actions below aim to achieve goals included in in May, on the anniversary of designation, or at a the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. special time of the year devoted to honoring owners of landmark properties and buildings within Boulder The city's willingness to actively participate in its historic districts. own Historic Preservation program will instill a sense of unity with owners of landmark properties Financial incentives assist property owners to and buildings within historic districts. Key actions make appropriate alterations or changes to their include continuing to maintain the Facilities Asset historic buildings. Possible options for new historic Management list of city-owned buildings 50 preservation incentives in Boulder include low-or no- years or older, assuring the survey (or resurvey) of interest loans, increases to existing fee waivers, or city-owned properties to determine eligibility for specialized funding for both maintaining small and landmark designation, discussing the importance of accessory buildings and making historic properties designation at City Staff Working Group meetings, more energy efficient. Introducing new financial and designating eligible buildings. incentives will require a great deal of planning. Model stewardship of city buildings would illustrate how to successfully integrate historic preservation and environmental sustainability, and demonstrate the use of materials and techniques appropriate r for older buildings. Key actions include continuing to designate eligible buildings, as appropriate; choosing city-owned buildings for energy upgrades; documenting technologies and materials and comparing pre- and post-project energy efficiency; and hosting open houses, either actual or virtual, to share results. 1.8 Increase Coordination between the City and County Regarding Landmark Designation Har � i � 3ZC� fr i aao a eit The BVCP fosters collaboration on wide range 32 of preservation issues not just in the city, but Public feedback revealed a generally low-level III Ill throughout Boulder County. Consistent with the of awareness of postwar resources. Yet, in many , BVCP, the city and county should coordinate to communities, a growing number of artists, empty designate significant publicly-owned buildings nesters, and first-time homebuyers have found ,,,'F outside of Boulder's municipal limits that reflect houses from this era affordable and adaptable. the region's significant history and architecture. For Actions for increased knowledge about postwar example, county-owned commissions attributed housing in Boulder include showcasing articles to prominent Boulder architect Charles Haertling from national publications; preparing stories should be designated. Key actions for achieving about Boulder's postwar development, houses, such coordinated designations might include and current neighborhoods for editors of local and developinga listof eligible county-owned resources, national media; and working with neighborhood assuringthe survey(or resurvey)of such properties, associations to host tours of "recent past" and discussing the importance of designation at properties. �� meetings of the existing Boulder County Heritage Roundtable. 1.11 Explore Creation of Conservation Districts Given the sheer size of postwar neighborhoods and 1.9 Explore Establishment of an Archaeological Program the city's recent efforts to promote smaller, more The BVCP recommends development of an manageably sized historic districts, investigating archaeology program for the city. Historic the use of conservation areas to protect the Preservation staff and Landmarks Board should scale, house size, and setback within postwar consult with local archaeologists to determine how neighborhoods may be appropriate. Such efforts to integrate it into the existing Historic Preservation should be coordinated with the development program. It seems most feasible to model a new of other community goals, such as walkable archaeology program after provisions within the neighborhoods. existing Historic Preservation ordinance, detailing procedures for identification, designation, and protection of both prehistoric and historic archaeological resources and specifying how the Landmark Alteration Certificate process will apply < for archaeological remains. The composition of the Landmarks Board could also be changed to ° ,a include a non-voting member with archaeological expertise. The second step should be to modify the ordinance as necessary and raise awareness of a i � �uV uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuippuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuui� new archaeology program. 1.10 Continue Dialogue About Postwar Architecture �uuuuuuuuuumuuuumuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuui uummuuu g �j Boulder,like manycities inthewestern United States, flourished in the postwar period. Organizations such as the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Ball Aerospace and the National Institute of Standards and Technology attracted thousands of people to Boulder, greatly impacting the built environment. Given the importance of this period's history and the high proportion of extant buildings constructed after 1945, addressing l postwar resources is crucial if Boulder's Historic Preservation program is to reflect the community's overall development patterns. Postwar subdivision in North Boa , c.1950s 33 Action steps include studying how other communities regular joint retreats to discuss other ways to offer have integrated conservation areas into existing mutual support for historic preservation initiatives in historic preservation programs, developing a working Boulder. group to discuss the desirability and implications of conservation areas, revising the ordinance to 2.2 Collaborate with Owners of Existing Landmarks and include suitable language for conservation area Properties in Designated Historic Districts; Establish designation, and workingwith neighbors to designate Neighborhood Liaisons eligible postwar neighborhoods or subdivisions as Historic property ownership involves both benefits conservation areas. Pattern books, such as those and responsibilities. This situation is not unique to developed in Arvada, may be an appropriate tool Boulder, with historic buildings everywhere offering to illustrate design solutions that adapt common the opportunity for individuals to possess a tangible housing types to meet contemporary desires while link to history but also requiring higher levels of maintaining a cohesive neighborhood scale. investment for compatible materials and specialized trades people or design professionals. Given this 2. COMMUNITY ENGAG EM ENT AN D situation, it is important both to support owners of historic buildings and provide incentives to offset COLLABORATION the higher costs associated with alterations and The plan suggests responsibility for actions to a wide maintenance. variety of individuals and groups. Participation in the action steps provides an opportunity to continue the Owners of existing landmark properties and buildings discussions amongthe community,Landmarks Board, within Boulder's historic districts are important City staff, and historic preservation organizations preservation partners, and support of these initiated as part of the public input process for the individuals is critical. Fostering an open dialogue Historic Preservation Plan. about the benefits and responsibilities of landmark designation, collaborating on streamlining the design 2.1 Strengthen Partnerships with Historic Preservation review process, and implementing improvements Organizations to the program to promote collaboration would be The partnership between the city and Historic most useful. Events such as window rehabilitation Boulder, Inc. has been beneficial in raising awareness workshops would provide hands-on opportunities for of historic preservation, fostering community property owners to learn from professional trades engagement, and designating significant resources. people how to best maintain and repair historic Key action steps include the nonprofit continuing windows. This initiative may be a strong candidate to initiate and facilitate designations, coordinating for grant funding. with Historic Preservation staff and the Landmarks Board to identify significant resources and develop 2.3 Foster Greater Understanding of Historic Preservation educational offerings, and advocating for historic Public feedback indicated some individuals have preservation. In addition, the Landmarks Board developed ideas about how the Historic Preservation and Historic Boulder Board should consider holding staff and Landmarks Board operate based upon second-hand accounts rather than personal experience. These anecdotes can negatively impact the program's reputation and efforts to distribute accurate information and foster a collaborative relationship among the Landmarks Board, staff and residents should be undertaken. Ij /1 I Action steps include recruitingvolunteers willingto act as neighborhood liaisons; developing neighborhood � �% liaison training course featuringthorough background This 1� cgf (3.h a ;�� itnQwn view information about the designation, Landmark of tie 1200 fI� I ff,f � .; 34 Alteration Certificate,and demolition processes and highlighted in the local media, and expand public III III available historic preservation incentives; meeting outreach and education efforts. Key actions ) routinely with neighborhood liaisons and residents in revitalizing this program include developing to engage in an open dialogue about common promotional materials to increase public awareness ,,,'F issues and concerns within historic districts; and of its existence, compiling an updated list of eligible distributing clear and accurate information about buildings and sites for listing, refining the process the Historic Preservation program. for selection, and launching a publicity campaign to increase awareness about the historic and 2.4 Share Stories of Boulder's Historic Places architectural significance of both existing and new Historic preservation, at its most engaging, is listings. The Landmarks Board should consider about stories. These accounts help identify creating a Structure of Merit subcommittee to the past and value of the city's history. Key oversee the reinitiated program. recommendations for sharing the stories of �� Boulder's historic places include erecting 2.6 Improve the City's Historic Preservation Website more interpretive signage throughout the Clear, accurate, and easily-accessible information city, presenting "then and now" slideshows, is crucial for the public to participate more fully in encouraging local media to focus on the stories of the city's Historic Preservation program. Boulder's historic sites, developing mobile apps (like Denver Story Trek) which provide access to The existing Historic Preservation program website personal recollections and allow for the collections is adequate, but should be improved in terms of of new site-specific memories, and utilizing more content, format, and ease of navigation.The review oral history accounts in nominations for landmark processes should be clearly outlined to reduce and historic district designation. Current and confusion. Design guidelines for each of the historic future historic context reports should be used as a districts should be prominently featured and easily basis for this information. accessible. Possible additions to the website The city should launch a "Preservation Roadshow" initiative with a focus on outreach to the Boulder community to encompass a wide '� variety of offerings at historic sites and in historic neighborhoods throughout Boulder. Key action steps include sponsoring"open house" events with neighborhood associations within historic districts, offering how-to workshops for increasing energy efficiency in historic properties, creating brochures r that illustrate examples of alterations adhering ,�, ,,, g g g to design guidelines, staffing a booth at the // Farmers' Market to promote historic preservation, 01, and hosting tours highlighting projects that made effective use of historic preservation incentives. Planning for the "Preservation Roadshow" needs to r, consider logistics, funding, volunteer recruitment, �� promotion, curriculum, potential instructors, and P i� � „ � i"' effectiveness assessment 2.5 Revitalize the Structure of Merit Programs The Structure of Merit program is an effective way to promote historic preservation, increase the inventory of recognized buildings that can be Fonda's Drugstore, 1218 Pearl Street, 1880." 0/�1✓nm .........., 35 include: an annual "State of Historic Preservation" energy efficiency. The City of Boulder's Historic report, citing relevant statistics, highlighting program Preservation and Environmental Sustainability successes, and soliciting public input on future Integration Project (2006) and the Center for initiatives; links to useful information available Resource Conservation's Effects of Energy Efficiency from preservation partners (National Park Service, Treatments on Historic Windows (2011), both National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, accessible through the city's historic preservation Historic Boulder, Inc. and others); and details about website, offer scientific evidence about which existing historic preservation incentives, including window treatments are most effective, a major issue eligibility and requirements. The website should also for owners of historic properties. These studies include a single link offering access to all relevant should be more widely publicized, and similar studies sustainability and historic preservation information to evaluate metal casement window treatments available online and a section devoted to tracking should be undertaken. The city should also pursue progress on this plan. Finally, the website should be opportunities to conduct similar studies regarding used as a tool to engage the community and provide the use of solar power, wind power, other energy information on currently designated resources for efficiency advances, and new materials in historic community members and visitors alike. Materials buildings. Key actions include posting the windows focused toward kids and teens would help encourage study and providing links to other research projects families to tour designated historic districts and on the Historic Preservation website, delivering learn about Boulder's history through the built educational sessions based upon the window study environment. Key actions include adding new content results,and applyingfor grants to complete additional and establishing a schedule for assessment and studies. routine updates. 2.9 Recognize Projects that Successfully Integrate 2.7 Distribute Historic District Design Guidelines Historic Preservation and Sustainability Public feedback indicated a need for greater publicity Honoring projects that combine historic preservation regarding the existence and importance of the city's and environmental sustainability is a way to bring historic district design guidelines, particularly to greater exposure to such efforts and offer examples realtors and potential homebuyers. Key actions for for other property owners to emulate. Key actions distributingthe design guidelines include updatingand include bestowing a new award (possibly given as maintaining links of district-specific design guidelines part of the Historic Preservation Month ceremony) on the city's website, developing and maintaining a to property owners, architects, contractors, and list of individuals (architects, contractors, realtors, other professionals involved with a successful owners of landmarked properties and buildings in project; developing a specialized plaque initiative to historic districts) who should be familiar with them, mark building projects that have balanced historic emailing links to the guidelines, and informing these preservation and energy efficiency; and creating a same individuals when the guidelines are revised or mobile app to highlight these same projects. changed. 2.10 Engage the Community in Historic Preservation 2.8 Publicize Current Scholarship Activities Historic buildings are inherently "green" through the Boulder's mature Historic Preservation program retention of existing materials, which additionally has enjoyed numerous successes over its history. enhances the community's sense of place and It is crucial to the program to celebrate, promote, represents responsible stewardship for increasingly and raise awareness about historic preservation finite resources. It is important to Boulder's cultural successes in Boulder. and environmental legacy to preserve historic resources. An informed public is more likely to engage in the Historic Preservation program. Key action steps for There are many misconceptions regarding historic providingmore information abouthistoricpreservation window rehabilitation vs. window replacement and in Boulder include making an annual presentation 36 to City Council highlighting preservation activities protecting sense of place. The Landmarks Board III III and successes, improving the Historic Preservation needs current and relevant guidelines to provide �� website, holding more community events and effective protection of Boulders landmarks and educational sessions, and providing stories about historic districts. ,„'F historic preservation to the local media. „11111 Guidelines must be complete, current and clear 2.11 Honor Property Owners for Careful Stewardship of to facilitate consistent design review decisions. Historic Properties Public feedback also indicated a need for more The owners of landmark properties and buildings examples of how design guidelines should be within historic districts have the honor and implemented and increasing the understanding responsibility of safeguarding historic structures. of the relationship between Boulder's guidelines It is crucial to recognize the important role these and the Secretary of Interior's Standards, which owners play for historic preservation in the city provide a philosophic framework for all of the �� by honoring them for exemplary stewardship of city's guidelines. Key actions include instituting historic buildings. Key actions include recognizing a schedule for review and revision of existing successfully completed projects, perhaps with a documents, maintaining a list of new topics to be ribbon cutting, yard sign, or congratulatory letter. addressed during scheduled updates, creating a standard template to make content and format 3. PROGRAM OPERATION IMPROVEMENTS of guidelines consistent, crafting a handbook with case studies illustratingthe appropriate application Historic Preservation staff and the Landmarks of frequently-referenced design guideline provisions Board strive to make objective and consistent to assist both the Landmarks Board and property decisions regarding designation, design review, owners, and promoting the Secretary's Standards. and demolition permits. Specialized training and continuing education can enhance skill levels and offer increased knowledge about the range ,., of techniques currently employed in the historic preservation field. 3.1 Enhance Training Opportunities for Staff and the Landmarks Board Trainingfor Landmarks Board members is important ' " to ensure continuity,consistency,and capacity. New � board members need a detailed orientation and all members require ongoing opportunities that provide core knowledge, institutional background, and practical skills regarding operations and Q relevant historic preservation issues. Historic Preservation staff training should also emphasize time management, stress reduction, networking, and problem solving. Key action steps include improving current in-house training, encouraging Board members and staff to take advantage of available CLG-sponsored workshops, and seeking �i appropriate training based upon staff and Board assessment of needs and competence. 3.2 Analyze Existing Historic District Design Guidelines n guidelines offer advice on how to allowof"P�ne Street in the Mapleton Hill Design g Historic District. changes to historic properties and areas while still �� I�� 37 3.3 Develop Design Guidelines for New Historic Districts in staff and Landmarks Board. An efficient design Collaboration with Property Owners review process is necessary to allow the program Design guidelines for new historic districts should to engage in more outreach activities. The staff and continue to be developed collaboratively, with board should discuss options for increasing the participation from both Historic Preservation staff administrative (staff) review of minor alterations to and district residents. Key actions include identifying lessen time spent on less significant projects. To the character-defining features of the historic district ensure consistency throughout a project's review, and the appropriate design approaches for retaining staff should continue the practice of taking detailed them, recruiting members for the design guideline notes at each meeting as a record for subsequent committee, preparing guidelines, and offering meetings. LDRC members should ensure that their opportunities for community input. decisions are based upon adopted design guidelines and established national historic preservation 3.4 Establish Follow-Up Processes for Landmark practices. Since historic properties are nearly always Alteration Certificates unique, decisions may differ from project to project. Review of Landmark Alteration Certificates However, staff and board members should be aware (LAC) represents a large portion of the Historic of past rulings to ensure that ongoing decisions are Preservation staff and Landmarks Board workload. made with as much relevant information as possible. To ensure compliance, the city should follow-up with For instance, a study undertaken of approved fences property owners to assure projects are completed in in the Mapleton Hill Historic District has been very accordance with LAC approval. Other communities useful in making decisions. Such a study showing require certified contractors to work on historic appropriate and inappropriate additions to historic properties and levy fines for non-compliance on buildings and examples of new construction in property owners and design professionals. Public historic districts would assist the public, staff, and input indicated some supportfor similar enforcement the Landmarks Board in the future. in Boulder. 3.6 Analyze Effectiveness of the Existing Demolition Key actions for improving overall compliance include Ordinance providing additional enforcement training to city Since 1994, the demolition ordinance has resulted inspectors (focusing on appropriate preservation in the preservation of historic resources in Boulder. treatments, applicable design guidelines, and There is an opportunity to analyze the overall issues associated with the design review process effectiveness of this provision and consider further in Boulder) and coordinating with contractors and efforts to better protect eligible buildings 50 years or building professionals to discuss ways to increase older. Key action steps include continuing to gather understanding of the responsibilities of working statistics on demolition reviews (i.e., numbers of on landmark properties or buildings within historic applications, approvals, and locations) to better districts. understand overall development patterns; analyzing past difficult demolition reviews and developing 3.5 Explore Ways to Make Design Review More Consistent options to address key issues; clarifying the and Predictable demolition process for Boulder residents to increase Effective, consistent, and transparent design review understanding that it applies to all non-designated processes, enforcement policies, and historic buildings 50 years or older; developing a framework preservation practices are necessary to make the for demolition review decision-making based upon city's program predictable and user friendly. Issues identification of significant and threatened resource of consistency occasionally arise due to the rotating types; and considering revisions to the ordinance nature of the Landmarks Design Review Committee language to define demolition in a way which allows and the unique conditions of each site. the Landmarks Board more flexibility in demolition reviews. The proactive identification of significant Design review is one of the most important and historic resources (1.1) through ongoing survey and time-consuming duties for the Historic Preservation historic context development will also assist in making 38 the demolition review process more consistent and city's sustainability and historic preservation goals III III predictable. include promoting the reuse of historic buildings ; city-wide, reviewing the Greenpoints program 3.7 Revise Applications and Forms Recent public input indicated that many individuals and energy code to ensure adequate recognition and members of the Landmarks Board believe of the impact of retaining an existing building, _ discussing increased integration of future policies existing historic preservation applications should a be simplified to reduce confusion. Key actions fort city working group meetings, and publishing and distributing scholarship on the topics from beyond streamlining forms include simplifying formats, Boulder. clarifying directions, and making greater use of checklists and flowcharts to enhance understanding 3.10 Continue to Address Energy Efficiency Concerns as of review processes. Technology Evolves 3.8 Develop a Disaster Response Plan for the Historic Key actions include continuing to encourage �� Preservation Program window rehabilitation to benefit historic character The City of Boulder is at high risk for both wildfire and conserve scarce natural resources, utilizing and flash floods. For that reason, it is crucial to lessons learned from demonstration projects at consider how best to deal with historic resources city-owned historic buildings and other projects in the wake of these or other types of natural and citywide, investigating new technologies and human-made disasters. posting findings of such studies to the Historic The city should have a disaster plan specifically Preservation website. for historic resources. The plan should include pre-disaster mitigation steps, identify post- 3.11 Pursue Collaborative Approaches to Integrate disaster mitigation efforts, such as accurate Historic Preservation with Other City Operations survey forms and feature a process for recruiting Lack of consistency among city policies is historic preservation professionals from outside particularly frustrating to applicants and can the city who can assist in the post-disaster period, be counterproductive to historic preservation. appropriate collaboration procedures with other Enhanced internal coordination is crucial for making city departments, and the possibility of fast-track historic preservation practices user friendly. design review. Referring to existing disaster plans forsimilar communities or municipalities alsofacing Internal coordination should continue with the threat of fires and floods is recommended. Key discussions focusing on how best to integrate action steps include writing a grant application to city policies related to historic preservation and cover the cost associated with development of a environmental sustainability,universal accessibility, disaster plan for Boulder's historic resources. and building code regulations. Key action steps include scheduling regular meetings to improve 3.9 Coordinate Existing Environmental Sustainability communication and brainstorm methods for and Historic Preservation Programs enhancing internal coordination to benefit historic The inherent alignment between historic preservation goals and objectives and developing preservation and environmental sustainability series of checklists of historic preservation-related should be better expressed in the city's policies policies and goals for other city departments to and practices between historic preservation and consult when considering any policy or ordinance environmental sustainability. revisions. y p local boards, and other Various city departments, groups are active in shaping policies for both historic preservation and environmental sustainability. The Greenpoints program and city energy codes represent the two areas of greatest overlap. Key rksai tln b � action steps to ensure integration between the " � erl 800 Peart St:,c.189( M, w 39 IMPLEMENTATION OFTHE PLAN Continued coordination within the city and through community partnerships is important to the successful implementation of this plan. Staff will coordinate changes and updates to the plan with the development of or updates to other relevant city and county plans, such as the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. Staff will prepare an annual report summarizing the progress to date of the plan recommendations. This report will be posted on the website and reviewed by the Landmarks Board at their annual retreat. The board will identify key action items to be undertaken in the next year. This recommendation will be included in an annual letter to City Council as input to the work program. The work program will be determined annually through direction from City Council and will reflect availability of current resources. AMENDING THE PLAN The city will amend the plan following the same process used to approve it, with review and recommendation by the Landmarks Board for acceptance by the City Council. Non-substantive changes and changes to correct factual information can be made at any time by staff. PRIORITIZATION CHART Public input influenced the suggested recommendations and timeframes for implementation of the Historic Preservation Plan. Participants in the public meetings agreed the city should strengthen and improve its existing program before expanding into new initiatives. The chart is meant to be used as a guide to prioritize preservation activities and inform the annual work plan. "Near-Term" refers to items of the highest priority that should be undertaken in the next five years, and "Long-Term" refers to items that should be addressed in the 5-15 year range. "On-Going' recommendations are those that are currently implemented and should be continued and strengthened. Recognizing that some of the "Near-Term" recommendations may take more than a year to complete and may require additional resources, the plan should be assessed each year to measure the implementation progress. Many of the recommendations will require additional resources. If the city is able to broaden its resources, through grants or additional funding, it could address priority objectives more quickly. 40 1. HISTORIC RESOURCE PROTECTION Objectives Recommendations Time Responsible Parties Frame .1 Develop a plan to identify Historic Preservation and prioritize historic staff, Landmarks resource protection and Near Board, consultants implement strategies for their Create a shared community vision for the protection 0 protection of resources and areas that are 2 Develop additional historic Historic Preservation na historically, architecturally and/or context reports na Near staff, Landmarks environmentally significant and Board, consultants representative of Boulder's past, and .3 Explore ways to protect Historic Preservation develop strategies for their protection, staff, Landmarks consistent with local, state and federal smaller buildings that are Near Board, design historic preservation practices eligible for landmark designation professionals, building owners .4 Ensure continued integration _ Historic Preservation of local, state and federal On staff, Landmarks policies Going/Near Board Historic Preservation Encourage historic preservation and .5 Publicize existing incentives On-Going/ staff, Landmarks defray the cost of rehabilitation and Near Board, Historic restoration projects Boulder, Inc. .6 Initiate new incentives Long Historic Preservation staff, Landmarks Board .7 Designate eligible city-owned On-Going/ Historic Preservation buildings and lead by Lon staff, Landmarks example g Board, other city staff Historic Preservation Ensure the City of Boulder remains a .8 Increase landmark On-Going/ staff, other city staff, leader in historic preservation through the designation coordination Near county staff, careful stewardship of its own historic between city and county Preservation resources and encouragement of Roundtable members innovative and collaborative approaches Historic Preservation to historic preservation staff, Landmarks .9 Explore establishment of an Board, local archaeological program (0) Long archaeologists Historic Preservation 10 Continue dialogue about Near staff, Landmarks postwar architecture Board, neighborhood associations Explore alternative strategies to recognize and protect important resources from the recent past .11 Explore creation of Historic Preservation conservation districts Long staff, Landmarks Board, Planning Board, City Council, neighborhood associations, property owners (0) Symbol indicates recommendations that would likely require additional resources. 41 2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION Objectives Recommendations Time Responsible Parties Frame Historic Preservation .1 Strengthen partnerships with On-Going/ staff, Landmarks Encourage open dialogue among the historic preservation Near Board, Historic community, Landmarks Board, City staff, organizations Boulder, Inc., and Historic Preservation organizations to community members advance historic preservation goals and .2 Collaborate with owners of Historic Preservation enhance community support existing landmarks and On-Going/ staff, Landmarks properties in designated Near Board, representatives historic districts; Establish of historic districts neighborhood liaisons Improve public perception of historic Historic Preservation preservation program through enhanced 3 Foster greater understanding staff, Landmarks communication, meaningful collaboration, of historic preservation Near Board, Historic and involvement between the City and the Boulder, Inc. community-at-large. Historic Preservation 4 Share stories of Boulder's Near staff, Landmarks Interpret Boulder's historic, architectural, historic places (0) Board, consultants and environmental resources to positively raise the profile of historic preservation Landmarks Board and create an enhanced sense of place .5 Revitalize the Structures of On-Going/ Merit program Near .6 Improve the city's Historic On-Going/ Historic Preservation Preservation website Near staff, Landmarks Provide clear, accurate, and easily- Board accessible information to the public .7 Distribute historic district On-Going/ Historic Preservation design guidelines Near staff, Landmarks Board Historic Preservation Improve and increase community .8 Publicize current scholarship Near staff, Landmarks understanding of the inherent connection Board between historic preservation and .9 Recognize projects that Historic Preservation environmental sustainability successfully integrate historic Near staff, Landmarks preservation and Board sustainabilit Historic Preservation 10 Engage the community in On-Going/ staff; Landmarks Celebrate, promote, and raise awareness historic preservation activities Near Board; Historic about historic preservation successes in Boulder, Inc. Boulder .11 Honor property owners for Historic Preservation careful stewardship of historic Near staff, Landmarks properties Board, City Council (0) Symbol indicates recommendations that would likely require additional resources. 42 3. PROGRAM OPERATION Objectives Recommendations Time Responsible Parties Frame Historic Preservation Provide training opportunities to ensure .1 Enhance training On-Going/ staff, Landmarks fair, objective, and consistent decision- opportunities for staff and Near Board, neighborhood making the Landmarks Board liaisons, specialized trainers/consultants Historic Preservation .2 Analyze existing historic On-Going/ staff, Landmarks district design guidelines Long Board, property Ensure regulations and design guidelines owners in historic are current, relevant, and provide districts effective protection of historic buildings .3 Develop design guidelines Historic Preservation for new historic districts in On-Going/ staff, Landmarks collaboration with property Near Board, property owners (0) owners in historic districts .4 Establish follow-up Historic Preservation processes for Landmark Near staff, Landmarks Alteration Certificates Board, neighborhood liaisons Pursue effective, consistent and .5 Explore ways to make On-Going/ Historic Preservation transparent design review processes, design review more consistent and predictable Near staff, Landmarks Board enforcement policies, and historic .6 Analyze effectiveness of the Historic Preservation preservation practices existing demolition On-Going/ staff, Landmarks ordinance Near Board .7 Revise applications and Historic Preservation forms Near staff, Landmarks Board Establish a clear process for the .8 Develop a disaster Historic Preservation protection and management of historic response plan for the Near staff, Landmarks resources in the event of natural disaster historic preservation Board, consultants program 0 .9 Coordinate existing Historic Preservation Integrate historic preservation and Near sustainability and historic ro rams On-Going/ staff, Landmarks reservation environmental sustainability policies to .10 Continue to address Historic Preservation maintain shared community resources for common energy efficiency On-Going/ staff, Landmarks future generations concerns as technology Long Board evolves Align historic preservation goals with .11 Pursue collaborative On-Going/ Historic Preservation other city plans and policies and enhance approaches to integrate Near staff, other city staff internal coordination historic preservation with other city operations (0) Symbol indicates recommendations that would likely require additional resources. 43