APRIL 2017 • COLORADO MUNICIPAL LEAGUE COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES

THE FUTURE OF HISTORY PRESERVATION IS GOOD FOR THE BOTTOM LINE (AND THE SOUL), ReURBANISM, A CHAMPion OF HERITAGE, MUSEUMS OF THE FUTURE THAT CELEBRATE THE STORIES OF OUR PAST, AND MORE ACECCML2017C_Layout 1 2/17/17 10:25 AM Page 1

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SB-30821-0117 CML EXECUTIVE BOARD CML SECTION CHAIRS / LIAISONS President William Bell, Montrose city manager Attorneys — Robert “Bob” Widner, Centennial city attorney Vice President Carol Dodge, Northglenn mayor Building Officials — Greg Wheeler, Thornton chief COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES pro tem building official Secretary/Treasurer David Edwards, Palisade Communications Policy — Rand Simpson, The Voice of Colorado’s Cities and Towns mayor pro tem AuroraTV production supervisor Court Administrators — Tamara Wolfe, Englewood Immediate Past President Christina Rinderle, court administrator 1144 Sherman Street Durango mayor Finance Directors — Jeff Edwards, Aurora tax audit Denver, CO 80203-2207 supervisor (p) 303-831-6411 / 866-578-0936 Ronnald Akey, Wray mayor Fire Chiefs — Doug Hall, Westminster fire chief (f) 303-860-8175 Larry Atencio, Pueblo councilmember www.cml.org Human Resources Directors — Lauren Mueller, [email protected] Kim Cancelosi, Frisco councilmember Frederick director of human resources Robb Casseday, Greeley councilmember Information Technology — Ken Price, Littleton Copyright © 2017 information services director Colorado Municipal League Barbara Cleland, Aurora councilmember Librarians — Dorothy Hargrove, Englewood director Volume 93 • Number 2 Jill Gaebler, Colorado Springs council president of parks, recreation, and library services Mission pro tem Managers — William Bell, Montrose city manager Colorado Municipalities is published to Mayors and Councilmembers — Paula Medina, Alberto Garcia, Westminster mayor pro tem inform, educate, and advise appointed La Jara mayor pro tem and elected municipal officials about Liz Hensley, Alamosa councilmember Municipal Clerks — Patti Garcia, Windsor town new programs, services, trends, and clerk/assistant to the town manager information to help them perform their Kathy Hodgson, Lakewood city manager Municipal Energy Utilities Officials — Dan Hodges, jobs and better serve their citizens Matt LeCerf, Frederick town manager and communities. Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities executive Samantha Meiring, Firestone trustee director Articles in Colorado Municipalities (ISSN 0010-1664) may not be George Reese, Akron mayor Municipal Judges — Corinne Magid, Northglenn and Golden presiding judge reproduced unless permission is Patrick Rondinelli, Ouray city administrator received from the editor and the Parks & Recreation — Karen Palus, Colorado reprinted article includes credit to the Dave Stone, Limon town manager Springs director of parks, recreation, and cultural author, Colorado Municipalities, and services Wade Troxell, Fort Collins mayor the Colorado Municipal League. Planning Officials — Chris Cramer, Commerce City Opinions expressed by authors and in Kirby Wallin, Brighton councilmember community development director advertisements are not necessarily Robert “Bob” Widner, Centennial city attorney Police Chiefs — Rick Brandt, Evans chief those of the officers, members, or staff of police of the Colorado Municipal League. CML STAFF Public Information Officers — Kelli Narde, Littleton Advertisements contained in the director of communications Kevin Bommer, deputy director magazine do not reflect League Public Works Directors — Bob Manwaring, Arvada endorsement of any product or Dianne Criswell, legislative & policy advocate director of public works service. Advertising rates provided on request. Morgan Cullen, legislative & policy advocate Purchasing Agents — Elizabeth Dunaway, Centennial purchasing manager Manuscripts: Original articles on Meghan Dollar, legislative & policy advocate subjects of interest to Colorado CML DISTRICT CHAIRS municipal officials accepted. Monique Grant, receptionist/administrative assistant District 1 — Robert Harper, Yuma mayor Contact the editor for guidelines. Kathleen Harrison, meetings & events coordinator District 2 — Steve Mulvihill, Berthoud mayor Subscription rate: $25 an issue, $150 Sam Mamet, executive director District 3 — Debra Johnson, Denver clerk and a year. (Colorado residents, add sales recorder tax: in Denver, 7.72%; all others in Mark Radtke, municipal research analyst District 4 — Gabby Lane, Fairplay mayor Regional Transportation District, 4.1%; Leigh Russo, database & administrative coordinator District 5 — Dale Franklin, Burlington mayor all others in Colorado, 2.9%.) Traci Stoffel, communications & design specialist District 6 — Marcia Elstob, Springfield trustee Periodical postage paid at Denver, District 7/14 — Crick Carlisle, Starkville mayor Colorado. Postal Information: Christine Taniguchi, communications coordinator District 8 — Greg Terrell, Saguache mayor Colorado Municipalities (USPS Lisa White, membership services manager District 9 — Edward Box III, Ignacio trustee 123-140) is published bimonthly (February, April, June, August, Allison Wright, finance & administration manager District 10 — Patrick Rondinelli, Ouray city October, and December) by the administrator Colorado Municipal League, 1144 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES District 11 — Phyllis Norris, Grand Junction mayor Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203- District 12 — Tony Connell, Steamboat Springs 2207, 303-831-6411 / 866-578-0936. Traci Stoffel, editor councilmember POSTMASTER: Send address Leigh Russo, circulation District 13 — Preston Troutman, Cañon City mayor changes to Leigh Russo, Colorado Municipal League, 1144 Sherman The Colorado Municipal League is a nonprofit association organized and operated by Colorado Street, Denver, CO 80203-2207; municipalities to provide support services to member cities and towns. The League has two main objectives: 1) To represent cities and towns collectively in matters before the state and federal email: [email protected]. government; and 2) To provide a wide range of information services to help municipal officials manage their governments. APRIL 2017 • COLORADO MUNICIPAL LEAGUE COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES

MY VIEW: 6 SAVING SUBURBIA: PRESERVATION IN DENVER SUBURBS ON THE ISSUES: PRESERVATION IS GOOD FOR THE BOTTOM LINE (AND THE SOUL) 8 RESEARCH: 9 PRESERVATION FOR A CHANGING COLORADO: THE BENEFITS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION SPOTLIGHT: 12 THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE SECTION 106 REVIEW PROCESS SPOTLIGHT: 13 STATE HISTORICAL FUND PRESERVES HISTORY — AND COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: 14 RECLAIMING A GRAND HISTORY WITH THE HELP OF TAX CREDITS SPOTLIGHT: 15 BENEFITING FROM CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT STATUS

D.C. SCENE: 16 ReURBANISM ON THE ISSUES: A CHAMPion OF HERITAGE SPOTLIGHT: 18 20 OLD WEST HERITAGE CULTURE 21 TIPS ON RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM MUSEUMS OF THE FUTURE THAT CELEBRATE THE STORIES OF OUR PAST 24 25 KEEPING THE PAST ALIVE SURVEYING YOUR HISTORIC RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT: 28 30 PROTECTING HISTORIC ASSETS SPOTLIGHT: 31 SIGNPOSTS OF THE PAST POINT TO THE FUTURE ON THE ISSUES: 32 SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAYS 34 PRESERVATION FROM PLANNING THROUGH CONSTRUCTION 36 A SAMPLING OF COLORADO’S HISTORIC CITY & TOWN HALLS GET TO KNOW... 38 LAUREN TRICE, LOUISVILLE PLANNING AND BUILDING SAFETY ASSOCIATE On the cover: Old wagons and storefronts greet visitors to Old Town Burlington. Photo by Matt Inden/Miles courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office. APRIL 2017 • COLORADO MUNICIPAL LEAGUE COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES

ABOUT SOME OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Robert Autobee is the Christman teaches the graduate Kimberli Fitzgerald, senior architectural course on historic buildings in context AICP, lives with her historian for SWCA Inc., for the University of Colorado Denver. husband and three based in Broomfield. Dawn DiPrince is the daughters in Oregon, He has researched and director of El Pueblo where she serves as the written about Colorado’s History Museum and the historic preservation history in various formats — including director of community officer for the City of Salem. She holds historic interpretive signage — over museums for History a master’s degree in city planning and the past two decades. Colorado, overseeing historic preservation from the Abigail Christman is a eight museums across Colorado. She University of Pennsylvania and is senior city planner in served as co-chair of the Governor’s currently working on her graduate Landmark Preservation Ludlow Centennial Commemoration degree in cultural resources at the City and County of Commission and lead developer of the management at Adams State Denver, and previously Children of Ludlow exhibit, which was University in Alamosa. worked for consulting recognized nationally by the American Elizabeth (Liz) Hallas, firms, Colorado Preservation Inc., and Alliance of Museums for Excellence in AIA, is a principal of the University of Colorado Denver. Writing. Her work in public Anderson Hallas Her experience includes design engagement at El Pueblo History Architects based in review, reconnaissance and intensive- Museum has been recognized as a Golden. The firm level surveys, National Register national model for engaged specializes in public nominations, Section 106 consultation, humanities by the National Humanities sector work across Colorado and neighborhood pattern books, Alliance. DiPrince was selected in the Rocky Mountain region. Its preservation tax credit certification, 2014 as a Creative Community Fellow award-winning portfolio includes interpretation, and public outreach. for National Arts Strategies for her projects on the Colorado State She also had served on Denver’s program that uses memory writing to Capitol, the Littleton Municipal Landmark Preservation Commission. create defensible neighborhoods. Courthouse, Montrose City Hall,

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVERTISE. Have some thoughts about an article Each issue of Colorado Municipalities reaches 5,000 municipal that you read in Colorado officials and decision makers. Reach those who lead Colorado Municipalities? cities and towns for as little as $175 per insertion. Contact Christine Want to share those thoughts with Taniguchi, CML communications coordinator, at 303-831-6411 or your colleagues across the state? [email protected]. CML welcomes thought-provoking letters to the editor! Send your comments to Communications & Design Specialist Traci Stoffel at The Voice of Colorado’s Cities and Towns [email protected].

4 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES and Breckenridge Community Center co-authored 50 books on Colorado, historic preservation agencies, and Library. Hallas also serves on the including most recently Denver and as a copywriter for print and online board of directors for Colorado Landmarks & Historic Districts: publications highlighting Colorado’s Preservation Inc., a statewide A Short History of Denver and heritage and cultural assets. nonprofit that advocates and Colorado: A Historical Atlas, which won Steve W. Turner, AIA, promotes for historic preservation. the Colorado Book Award for 2016’s is the executive director best history book. Noel appears Based in Denver, Jim for History Colorado regularly as Dr. Colorado on Channel Lindberg is senior and the state historic 9’s Colorado & Company morning director of the preservation officer. His show. Tom “Dr. Colorado” Noel hopes Preservation Green Lab, professional experience you will check out his books, classes, a department of the spans several decades and includes talks, and tours at dr-colorado.com. National Trust for local, national, and international Historic Preservation. Founded in Elizabeth O’Rear is the projects. After earning dual master’s Seattle and now with additional staff in Colorado Tourism Office degrees in urban and regional planning Denver, New York, and Washington, Heritage and Agritourism and architecture from the University of D.C., the Preservation Green Lab & Grants program Illinois, Turner worked for the United conducts research and promotes manager. Focusing on States / International Council on policy innovation to support more industry development, Monuments and Sites, the U.S. Army diverse, equitable, and resilient she handles grant management and Corps of Engineers, the U.S. National communities across the country. administration, manages the CHAMP Park Service, and as director of the Tom Noel, professor of mentor program, and supports regional History Colorado State Historical Fund. history and director of development and promotion of heritage public history and and agricultural businesses. For the preservation at the past 10 years, O’Rear has been University of Colorado, involved in the heritage and art/cultural has authored or field, working for both local and national

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APRIL 2017 5 MY VIEW By Tom “Dr. Colorado” Noel, University of Colorado professor of history and director of public history and preservation

Photo courtesy of History Colorado.

SAVING SUBURBIA PRESERVATION IN DENVER SUBURBS

DENVER NOW BOASTS 335 suburban cultural centers. Along Englewood individually designated landmarks Ralston Creek, a tributary of Clear The house of Englewood founder and 54 historic districts, making it one Creek, Arvada has established Gold Thomas Skerritt narrowly escaped the of the most preservation-minded cities Strike Park at the site where the wrecking ball to be restored for in the United States. Suburban Ralston Party from Georgia made the adaptive reuse. communities, although also facing first documented discovery of gold in rapid disruptive growth, are slowly the Denver area in 1850, eight years Another Englewood landmark, the awakening to the merits of saving ahead of the Russell find that ignited Cherrelyn streetcar, is enshrined in the best of the past. Many other the great Colorado Gold Rush. CityCenter Englewood in facsimile. The replica includes the single horse municipalities statewide are finding As a reminder of the town’s that pulled this rickety contraption their treasures to preserve. Following agricultural beginnings, the Arvada uphill from Denver to Englewood, then are the stories of some suburban Historical Society has restored the rested on the rear platform of the pacesetters that may inspire efforts Arvada Pride Flour Mill as a museum. coach for the ride back downhill into across the state. A list of endangered The Arvada Historical Society also Denver. Old Dobbin, old-timers claim, places all across Colorado, as well as champions the Crescent Grange Hall was a smart horse that, unlike some many preservation success and a Main Street revitalization bus drivers today, would stop stories, is also available from program. Main Street (Wadsworth automatically when he saw coloradopreservation.org. Boulevard) anchors a downtown National Register Historic District that passengers waiting along the Arvada encompasses typical small-town South Broadway car line. Arvada is a model suburb in fixtures, including a bakery, a bank, Englewood offers one of Colorado’s showcasing its history, along with a brewpub or two, and a tavern, as most unusual National Register music concerts, plays, art, and special well as a signature water tower Historic Districts in the Arapahoe events, at the Arvada Center for the looming overhead, celebrating “Olde Acres residential subdivision, an Arts & Humanities, the largest of the Town Arvada.” enclave between East Bates and East 6 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES By Tom “Dr. Colorado” Noel, University of Colorado professor of history and director of public history and preservation Dartmouth Avenues bounded on the residence. This unusual history park The almost-demolished Shoenberg west by South Marion Street and on also showcases six transplanted 1900s Farm at 7231 Sheridan Boulevard the east by South Franklin Street. structures. Unlike many museums, supplied Denver’s National Jewish Homes built there between 1949 and which focus on the rich and famous Hospital. 1957 provide the metro area’s best and their homes, Lakewood has carved Westminster boasts one of Colorado’s examples of consistent International out a special niche: ordinary life, funkiest landmarks: the Savery Savory and Usonian style architecture. Its ordinary buildings, and ordinary people Mushroom Farm Water Tower at 124 modern homes of stone, brick, of the 20th century. The relocated 11000 Federal Boulevard. Charles block, wood, and glass are unified by and restored buildings include Gil Savery came to Denver in 1909 a palette of earth-toned colors and and Ethel Gomez’s joint Beauty Salon to try mining, but soon switched to low-slung, horizontal shapes with and Barber Shop, the Valentine Diner, mushrooms. He started out in Denver, flat roofs and clerestory windows. and the quaint Estes Motel. but because of the enormous amount Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work Lakewood lost one of the most of manure required, many complaints inspired the designers, including spectacular of all the metro area led to Savery’s banishment to Adams Eugene Sternberg, one of the mansions, but May Bonfils Stanton’s County. There his murky, stinky, most prolific and articulate of square-mile Belmar estate grounds unsavory kingdom thrived, growing Colorado’s modernists. have been converted to Belmar Park, into 39 large buildings — the so-called wrapped around Kountze Lake. There, caves. Savery opened branches in Golden she introduced beautiful black-and- Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Golden has set the pace for suburban white imported Canadian geese that Missouri and, by the mid-1930s, landmarks with 41 city-designated flew in regimental formations. These produced 10,000 pounds of sites as well as three city-designated geese thrived and now strike most mushrooms a day. With Savery’s landmark districts. Coloradans as not so attractive death in 1960, his business also died. After National Register Landmark or rare. The restored tower is the sole remnant designation and restoration, Golden’s of a once vast agricultural empire in usually vibrant and attractive main Littleton the suburb that has mushroomed into drag, Washington Avenue, keeps Littleton, with its Main Street Historic Colorado’s ninth largest city. downtown hopping. District, is a pacesetter for suburban Many, many other preservation efforts Golden has converted the once preservation. That enlightened town are emerging in many of some 50 neglected Clear Creek into a hiking, even had the good sense to purchase communities in the seven-county biking, tubing, and kayaking attraction, the endangered old Arapahoe County Denver Metro Area (not to mention all complete with Clear Creek History Courthouse and reincarnate it with a 272 of Colorado’s cities and towns Park and its collection of historic log spectacular restoration as the new across the state). Despite a massive buildings. Littleton City Hall. number of newcomers and an equally massive building boom, Coloradans Colorado’s railroad past is preserved Littleton also greets RTD rail are becoming more interested in at Golden’s Colorado Railroad passengers with a handsomely preserving at least some relics of the Museum with a huge diorama, a restored old Denver & Rio Grande good old days. garden railway, and restored standard railway station. Trackside, that rhyolite and narrow-gauge trains operating on station features a large mural of Littleton landmarks, both demolished excursions around the grounds. Photo by Tom Noel. and saved. Golden’s Washington Avenue Welcome Arch, picture to left, has been Littleton’s pioneer industry, flour landmarked as a highlight of the town’s milling, is commemorated by the thriving downtown historic district. Columbine Mill. Still the tallest building in town, it has been restored and Lakewood recycled for a higher and better use — a brewpub. The Lakewood Heritage Center at 801 S. Yarrow St. off South Westminster Wadsworth has grown from a tiny museum in the old Belmar Estate Westminster has 21 local, state, calf barn to a complex of imported and national landmarks to celebrate, structures, ranging from the 1869 including Westminster University’s red Ralston Crossing schoolhouse to a sandstone tower, which gave the ranch house and the Hallack-Webber community its name.

APRIL 2017 7 FEATURE By Steve W. Turner History Colorado executive director and state historic preservation officer

Farm-to-Table dinner at Bookcliffs Art Center in Rifle. Photo courtesy of History Colorado.

PRESERVATION IS GOOD FOR THE BOTTOM LINE (AND THE SOUL)

STANDING TALL AT THE CORNER opportunity to address this problem in helped produce a new report on just of College Avenue and Walnut Street their old building in need of a new how beneficial historic preservation in downtown Fort Collins, the Art Deco investment. It paid off. can be for communities — both for the marvel of yesteryear — the iconic The rehabilitation project drew funding bottom line, and for the soul. If you are Northern Hotel — had fallen into and support from a combination of involved in community affairs, local disrepair. What was once high-end public and private sources, including a business, or planning, chances are lodging for railroad passengers of State Historical Fund grant and you have heard about historic the nearby Colorado & Southern Federal Historic Preservation Tax preservation. But you might not have and Union Pacific railroad depots Incentives. When the project was considered it as an option to address had become, through neglect and a completed, people were once again the challenges we face — both those lack of visitors after the decline of the sleeping under the Northern’s roof. that represent broader trends in railroads and a crippling structure fire This rehabilitation was also a key Colorado and those that are unique to in the 1970s, a condemned and element in revitalizing Fort Collins’ Old a community. near-forgotten property by the end Town district, which is experiencing its Preservation for a Changing Colorado: of the 1990s. own rebirth. The Benefits of Historic Preservation A piece of Fort Collins’ identity As in Fort Collins, communities across 2017 Edition provides a broad but was missing. So the community the state are recognizing the need for easy-to-understand survey of the went to work. creative solutions to emerging impact that historic preservation Fort Collins, like so many other challenges, from housing to economic has had on Colorado’s character communities across Colorado, is change, from demographic shifts to and economy. In all parts of the nothing if not resilient. A collaboration natural disasters. In each of these state, preservation programs and between local, state, and national cases, historic preservation — the partnerships at the federal, state, and organizations helped restore the hotel restoration and rehabilitation of our local levels are making a difference in to its former glory, which in turn historic buildings, structures, objects, rebuilding and maintaining community provided a critical public benefit: sites, and more — can play a critical spirit in the face of a growing affordable public housing. role in helping communities maintain population, expanding development, The challenge in housing is their spirit, character, and vitality. changes to Colorado’s economy, and pervasive in many areas of Colorado. History Colorado, partnering with environmental disaster. The people of Fort Collins saw an Colorado Preservation Inc., has 8 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES RESEARCH PRESERVATION FOR A CHANGING COLORADO: THE BENEFITS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION Infographics from the 2017 edition. Full report available at preservationbenefitscolorado.com.

APRIL 2017 9 History Colorado has a number of through its Endangered Places itself is compelling in its scope. For impactful and important preservation Program and its annual Saving Places example, State Historical Fund grants programs that can assist local Conference, which brings together have had a $1.07 billion direct communities, the impact of which are preservationists and archaeologists economic impact between 1993 and measured in the report. The State from across Colorado and the nation 2015. From 2010 to 2015, the state Historical Fund, for example, offers to discuss the latest theories, tax credits have contributed a preservation grants in all parts of the techniques, and issues in the field. combined $62 million to commercial state, providing shot-in-the-arm But this new economic benefits and residential projects. These investments in planning, physical report — available in its entirety at numbers represent just one part of the work, and education projects. preservationbenefitscolorado.com — many programs and resources The Office of Archaeology and Historic elegantly tells the story of available to our communities, Preservation (OAHP) administers the preservation’s positive financial organizations, and individuals state and federal rehabilitation tax and cultural impact across Colorado. interested in benefiting from historic credit programs, which provide History Colorado and its partners are preservation. The report goes into financial incentives to both residential just one part of that. much more detail about how those dollars create more economic activity and commercial property owners to The report makes the case that and opportunity as they are utilized. maintain and preserve their properties. preservation in Colorado has OAHP also works with the federal three essential characteristics. But it is not the overall data and and local governments on Section 106 Preservation is: numbers that make the difference. It is the stories of how and why people reviews of historic resources to • Collaborative. Teamwork and come together to save a historic ensure that federal projects do not collaboration at all levels — from resource — and how that resource compromise or disturb our wealth of the local history enthusiast to the positively impacts the lives of cultural resources. contractor, from the nonprofit to everyone around it. One of the report’s The Certified Local Government the state program — are critical to greatest strengths is its use of these program empowers municipalities successfully preserve, restore, or stories in illustrating how preservation and counties to take action and rehabilitate a historic resource. We can help tackle the most challenging responsibility for their own historic have to work together to save our issues we face today. resources, ensuring that authority and history and plan for our future. Access to affordable housing is one control over those resources remain at • Always changing. The such issue. Rather than looking to the local level. economy, demographics, new construction as the sole option, The History Colorado Preservation and the environment are communities are re-evaluating their Planning Unit helps nominate and undergoing significant changes. historic properties and finding maintain listings to both the State Preservation — and what it can solutions for the future just beneath Register of Historic Properties and the accomplish — changes with us. the surface of their past. Leadville’s National Register of Historic Places, The challenges Colorado currently Tabor Grand Hotel (built 1883–1885) granting a special status and faces are shifting, but with a little once showcased some of the finest recognition to hundreds of creativity and vision, we can often lodging in the West. Following the properties across the state. find solutions in the resources we silver bust and decades of economic Collaboration is key to preservation already possess. hardship, this resource was spared work, and History Colorado continually • Statewide. Each preservation from demolition by a series of partners with great organizations to project is unique, with its own set passionate investors. In 2014, a new maintain or save historic resources. of challenges and rewards. From investor rehabilitated the resource History Colorado’s preservation development along the Front with a combination of both private programs staff often works with the Range to bustling mountain towns funds and the Low-Income Housing Colorado Department of Local Affairs to rural redevelopment on the Tax Credit Program, restoring life to (DOLA) and supports its Main Street plains, preservation is playing a the Tabor by creating 37 rental units program, which helps communities role in the betterment of our and ground-floor retail space. The revitalize their downtown or communities. Tabor can now house up to 95 commercial districts through One of the ways the report makes low-income residents. preservation and other initiatives. the case for historic preservation While much of Colorado’s economy State Historical Fund grants have is through a breakdown of the has been strong in recent years, many helped enable Colorado Preservation, numbers — raw dollars and cents — communities have had to be creative Inc., the statewide nonprofit working to that represent the incredible statewide in developing solutions to attract promote historic preservation, to raise economic impact of our preservation businesses, culture, and commerce. awareness about at-risk properties programs and initiatives. The data In Hayden, the Hayden Co-Operative 10 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES Elevator Company granary — the courthouse a part of their community neglected or unused, a piece of its only extant grain elevator in Routt landscape. This renaissance revival community lies dormant, a piece of County — served as an agricultural marvel, designed by Denver’s own its history is forgotten. But with the hub since it was built in 1917. While it J.J. Hudart, has served as the seat of right combination of community is no longer an agricultural resource, Logan County since 1910. While spirit, appreciation for history, and this National Register-listed building Sterling and Logan County could have willingness to work together, our now serves as home to a coffee shop given up on this building long ago or places can be saved and revitalized, and community space, with a future as opted to build a more contemporary and provide us with great opportunities an art space, offices, and more. structure, they instead chose to for the future. Preservation for a To the southeast, Lamar is seeking reinvest in and maintain the resource Changing Colorado contains both to maintain and protect its historic that has come to symbolize the legal the hard numbers and the individual downtown, which remains one of and administrative center of the stories that make the argument for its most prominent resources and county. preservation in our state. opportunities for growth. In 2016, the Transportation and infrastructure are Not only should we continue to City of Lamar partnered with DOLA hot-button topics in our state right support strong preservation programs and others through the Colorado Main now, and for good reason. In Denver, with elected officials at all levels of Street Program to produce designs few locations are as iconic as the government, but we should also seek and work recommendations. Having downtown Union Station — and fewer opportunities to become involved with a plan is the first step to reaching a still could play such a vital role in preservation projects in our own goal, and identifying and surveying expanding transportation options communities. Every saved place, your resources can help uncover the for the region. Unfortunately, for every successful project, and every potential your community possesses. decades the station stood silent community renewal begins with one In Cortez, a sense of community and abandoned. person deciding to make a difference. character is important to the people The 120-year old station required a Do you know of an old building near who live there, and the community massive effort to be rehabilitated. you that needs a second chance? voice — epitomized by KSJD When the area was designated the Where others might see a neglected community radio — found a home in Lower Downtown Historic District, neighborhood or downtown district, do the historic Montezuma Valley there was hope that it might one day you see possibilities for the future? National Bank Building. Like so many be saved and restored. After 2004, Contact the History Colorado other successful preservation projects, the work began to restore Union Office of Archaeology and Historic it required vision and cooperation Station as a world-class transportation Preservation or the State Historical between public and private partners. hub. Part of the project’s scope was Fund at 303-866-3392. Saving our The restoration of the Montezuma to help restore the station’s historical places often is not a question of Valley National Bank Building took characteristics and features. The resources — it is a question of more than $1.1 million in grants, rehabilitation project was made dedicated individuals and groups, investments, and local fundraising more attractive as a preservation willing to put in the work for a stronger efforts. Once a symbol of the region’s opportunity by the inclusion and use future for their communities and their economic vitality, the building of $6 million in federal tax credits state. These efforts help us build continues to be a symbol of and a $200,000 grant from the State economic opportunity and maintain community and renewed hope in the Historical Fund. Denver’s downtown is the soul of the places where we spend future of southwestern Colorado. now a bustling center of shopping, our lives. transportation, cuisine, entertainment, Communities that value their historic See what opportunities historic and more, and the rehabilitation of character are not unique to one preservation can offer you — for today Union Station has played a big region. In Colorado’s northeastern and for the future — by reading part in that. plains, the people of Sterling have Preservation for a Changing Colorado. worked to keep their historic Whenever a historic building goes

Whenever a historic building goes neglected or unused, a piece of its community lies

dormant, a piece of its history is forgotten. But with the right combination of community spirit, appreciation for history, and willingness to work together, our places can be saved and revitalized, and provide us with great opportunities for the future.

APRIL 2017 11 SPOTLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE SECTION 106 REVIEW PROCESS By Denise Grimm, AICP, Boulder County Land Use Department senior planner WHEN THERE IS FEDERAL INVOLVEMENT IN A PROJECT (TYPICALLY SOME TYPE OF FUNDING OR permitting), the agency involved must first identify an area of potential effect, then gather information to decide which properties in the area are listed, or are eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. This process is known as Section 106 review. Local jurisdictions are invited to participate in this process, and the sooner the municipality or county can be involved and begin providing local context, the better the long-term outcome for the project. Only a small fraction of the historically important resources in the state have been formally documented. The federal agency conducting the 106 review likely is hiring a consulting firm with little knowledge of the local community to identify historic resources. The local jurisdiction can use its knowledge of its own community to help the consultants and federal agencies identify the historic resources in the project area and provide input on what it may view as an adverse effect to a historic property. The local jurisdiction also may want to participate in agreements with the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the federal agency to identify and even implement measures to mitigate adverse effects to historic properties, as the municipality or county may have a better understanding of what alternatives are most meaningful to the citizens of their communities. Boulder County has found it beneficial to play an active role in the process for projects within its jurisdiction. Often, the county will have no concerns when it receives notice of a project, but, on occasion, Boulder County has found that without its participation, important resources might have been missed. In some cases, the local government has been able to play an important role in mitigating adverse effects to historic resources. A couple of specific examples are a result of the 2013 floods. As part of the formal 106 review process after the floods, Boulder County identified the Salina Store — a locally landmarked property that was originally a store, then a cafe, then the location of two homes in the historic mining community — as a historic resource. The building was severely damaged, and the county met with local preservation advocates to try to find cost-effective solutions to buying and rehabilitating the property. But given all of the financial constraints and the potential for future flood damage, the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery funding buyout program was the only logical solution for the property owner and the county. This unfortunately required the structure to be demolished. However, Boulder County was able to be a part of the memorandum of agreement reached with the various agencies involved in the project. The county volunteered to create and install an interpretive sign on the property as a means of mitigating the loss. It is the county’s intent to collaborate with the area residents to create something that would be most meaningful to them. With the Riverside property known as the Hillside Nook Cabin, Boulder County also had been looking for alternatives since 2013. Early on, staff had researched the property and provided information to the SHPO about it. The county had worked with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, which stabilized the bank in front of the cabin shortly after the flood. Again, with time, it became apparent that the buyout program was the logical outcome for the property. When the consultant on the 106 review process was looking for information on the property history, the county was able to provide documentation. Due to early discussions with the SHPO, there was already acknowledgement that it was an eligible historic property. Like the other buyout property, it was facing demolition. Boulder County again agreed that an interpretive sign was an acceptable mitigation for the loss. In this case, due to lack of direct public access to the site, Boulder County suggested that the sign be located somewhere in the neighborhood more appropriate for viewing by the public. Again, Boulder County volunteered to design and install the sign. As with the Salina project, the intent is to work with neighboring property owners so that the project is meaningful to them.

12 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES SPOTLIGHT STATE HISTORICAL FUND PRESERVES HISTORY — AND COMMUNITY By Jan McCracken, Akron Public Library director IN 2000, THE TOWN OF AKRON BEGAN THE JOURNEY TO PRESERVE ITS LIBRARY BUILDING AND HISTORY for the benefit of present and future generations of the community. Faced with an aging foundation and drainage system, as sell as plumbing, electrical and heating/cooling systems, paint, brick, and windows that all were in need of upgrading, the Town looked to the State Historical Fund for help. Akron wanted to halt further damage to its structure and bring the building up to current safety and health codes. Letters of support from the community expressed their desire for the library to remain a historical landmark in Akron, recognizing the dedication of the original Akron Library Association members who were able to procure the building for the community. Preservation and restoration of the Akron Public Library were the driving forces prevalent among the library’s board of directors and the community. Fortunately, the Town of Akron was awarded three grants, making it possible to repair, restore, and renovate visible elements to their original condition and alleviate safety and health hazards within and about the building. The first grant, awarded in 2001, was for a structure assessment to determine the building’s vital needs. Engineers and architects identified critical condition issues of the library. This grant also made it possible for the library to be listed on the Colorado Register of Historic Properties. The second grant was awarded in 2003 for phase I of exterior restoration and interior rehabilitation. This grant allowed for an update of gutters, concrete, attic insulation, entrance door, and electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. The third grant, awarded in 2006 for phase II of exterior restoration and interior rehabilitation, made it possible to restore original entryway wood flooring and woodwork, repair and paint plaster walls, refurbish the through-the-wall book return, create two fire escape exits from the basement, replace the existing basement entrance door, remodel the restroom to be handicap accessible, install a chairlift, repair and clean the exterior brick, monitor the site and soil for archaeological artifacts, replace non-historic light fixtures in the main library area with period lighting fixtures, bring electrical components up to date, replace entryway linoleum flooring with wood flooring, add new storm windows to match original window frames in color and design, repair leaks, remove surface mold, install safety stair treads and handrails, and repair the exterior brick and mortar. The upgrades made it possible to bring the library up to safety and health code standards, and to preserve the history of the building and promote the preservation and usefulness of the library, assuring the citizens of Washington County that the library would always have a place in their community. The State Historical Fund provided extensive historical preservation expertise and guidance throughout the entire project. The Town of Akron greatly appreciated the opportunity to receive funding and participate in historic preservation.

APRIL 2017 13 SPOTLIGHT RECLAIMING A GRAND HISTORY WITH THE HELP OF TAX CREDITS By Jonathan Raab and Joseph Saldibar, History Colorado THROUGHOUT ITS EARLY DAYS AS BOTH A TERRITORY AND STATE, COLORADO WAS KNOWN FOR ITS rich natural resources. Coal, silver, and other natural resources were the embodiment of that wealth, and the development of towns and cities — and the historic buildings that developed within them — represented Colorado’s booming economy. The Tabor Grand Hotel in Leadville was one such building. Built in 1885, it was “grand” in size (four stories tall, 117 rooms, steam heat, a working elevator, and even a high-end restaurant) and design alike, providing a comfortable and luxurious stay for guests visiting or passing through Leadville. In a city that began as a ramshackle collection of tents and cabins, the Tabor Grand Hotel (begun by others but bankrolled to completion by Horace Tabor) symbolized Leadville during its golden age. More than a century later, however, it had become obvious that the hotel had seen better days. Luckily, a group of investors stepped in to rehabilitate the historic building into affordable housing, sparing the majestic property from demolition. Twenty years later, another investment group undertook a $9 million renovation of the historic hotel and committed to retaining the 37 affordable housing units. This reinvestment provided a tangible benefit to the people of Leadville, while also keeping a symbol and critical feature of its history alive and standing. The project involved an extensive restoration process that helped the Tabor Grand Hotel recapture much of its historic character. This work included the cleaning, repainting, and sealing of 80 original wood-framed windows, providing weathertight protection without discarding the original window glass or the fourth floor’s distinctive pointed- arch sashes. The massive circular radiator in what was once the hotel lobby was also carefully restored. Other work on the historic hotel included the modernization of the affordable housing apartment units and much-needed upgrades to utilities, including the installation of a contemporary heating system. Because much of this work was preservation-focused, and because the Tabor Grand Hotel is located within the Leadville National Historic District, the project qualified for several preservation-focused programs and incentives. The project received more than $1 million in federal tax credits through the Federal Investment Tax Credit program and $50,000 in credits from the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. By keeping all 37 affordable housing units in place, the project also qualified for $650,000 in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. These are credits that simply would not have been available had the investors opted to go with demolition and new construction. This much-needed work was done to help preserve the hotel — but it also provided positive, tangible benefits to the community. Instead of creating a massive waste stream from demolition, the building (and much of the original materials) were saved. Instead of losing a piece of historic downtown Leadville, careful work and a dedication to the past kept it standing, allowing the hotel to remain a recognizable feature of Leadville, known by generations of Coloradans past and generations to come.

14 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES SPOTLIGHT BENEFITING FROM CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT STATUS By Betsy Kellums, Greeley historic preservation specialist THE NUMBER OF COLORADO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ENACTING LOCAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION programs continues to increase. Certified Local Governments (CLGs), managed by the state agency History Colorado, comprise an also increasing category of local governments enacting local preservation ordinances that meet certain standards. It is through these local ordinances that privately owned properties can truly be protected with design review. CLGs also are eligible for an earmarked pool of federal grants, can participate in the state preservation tax credit program, and are offered training workshops and meetings to encourage networking among local governments. Being a Certified Local Government (CLG) has given the City of Greeley historic preservation opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise. Greeley has used the CLG grant program for publications, such as a guidebook to downtown Greeley architecture and history, a program brochure and for training opportunities. In 2012 and 2016, Greeley Historic Preservation Commissioners and City staff attended the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) Forums. In 2015, Greeley used CLG grant funds to bring preservation expert Bob Yapp to town for a day of free public educational workshops about historic preservation. Following from the 2012 Forum in Norfolk, Va., where staff and commission members learned of an energy audit program for historic properties, the Greeley Historic Preservation Commission obtained a CLG grant to provide energy audits to 10 Greeley Historic Register properties. The audits were an incentive for property owners to learn more about their properties and how they might save energy and money while retaining historic fabric. The City of Greeley requested bids from several energy audit companies and selected This Efficient House from Fort Collins, based on the firm’s qualifications of working on historic buildings, cost, etc. Staff then created an application for owners of properties listed on the Greeley Historic Register. The audit application included owner information, information about previous audits and energy efficiency improvements if done, plans for energy efficiency improvements for the property, primary motivations for energy efficiency projects, and asking why the owner wanted the audit. Greeley chose 10 properties, and This Efficient House conducted the audits, allowing interested commissioners and staff to attend to learn about the process. The audits included testing for air infiltration and reviewing the heating system, hot water, insulation, and energy bills. Each report provided property-specific information with recommendations for improvements that would lead to savings, including cost of improvements and estimated savings amounts. They included suggestions for reducing hot water temperature, upgrading the water heater, adding attic and wall insulation, replacing doors or adding storm doors, upgrading heating systems, sealing air leaks, insulating crawl space, replacing refrigerators, etc. The energy audits reflect the high cost of window replacement and the importance of considering other affordable options for improving energy efficiency, such as insulating the attic and using a programmable thermostat. Greeley has not yet followed up with property owners after the audits to see if they adopted any recommendations but would like to do so. If property owners made improvements, a future grant would then provide funds for new audits on those same properties to learn how the improvements made a difference. For more information about historic preservation in Greeley and Greeley’s energy audit project, contact the author at 970-350-9222 or [email protected].

APRIL 2017 15 D.C. SCENE By Jim Lindberg, National Trust for Historic Preservation, senior director of Preservation Green Lab

ReURBANISM

LEARNING FROM THE PAST TO CREATE MORE SUSTAINABLE CITIES OF THE FUTURE

IN COLORADO AND ACROSS the country, older and historic neighborhoods are coming alive as places to live, work, and visit. Adaptive use of existing buildings, from ornate mansions to simple warehouses, is an increasingly common practice. Environmental advocates, developers, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders alike are seeing the benefits of reinvesting in older buildings and blocks to create healthier, more resilient communities. and incentives, on-the-ground advantage they can have in At the same time, many communities demonstration projects, and today’s economy. are grappling with challenges that are communication and outreach to impacting downtowns and older 3.  Older neighborhoods are advocates and civic leaders. neighborhoods. How can more economic engines. Research affordable housing be provided? What To guide this work, the National Trust shows that neighborhoods with can be done to retain and support has identified 10 Principles of a mix of older and newer local small businesses? How can ReUrbanism: buildings perform better along a growth and greater density be 1. Cities and towns are successful number of social, economic, achieved without sacrificing only when they work for cultural, and environmental architectural character and diversity? everyone. People are at the metrics than areas with only new buildings. With these challenges and center of our work. Preservation opportunities in mind, the National projects can create 4.  New ideas, and the New Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) opportunities for community Economy, thrive in older recently launched a new initiative residents at all income levels to buildings. All over America, the called ReUrbanism (savingplaces.org/ live, work, and play in a diverse most innovative companies of reurbanism#.WLndSBiZP1J). Inspired and thriving environment. the 21st century are choosing to by the examples of historic urban 2. Older places provide the make their homes in older development, ReUrbanism seeks to distinctiveness and character buildings. These buildings fuel position historic preservation as an that engender success. Older creativity by being distinctive, essential contributor to the sustainable buildings give municipalities a character rich, endlessly communities of the future. The sense of identity, history, and adaptable, and often low cost. ReUrbanism initiative includes authenticity — which is the most 5.  Preservation is adaptive reuse. research, development of new policies important competitive Adaptive reuse is preservation. 16 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES Historic preservation is not just better) tested ideas first articulated closely tied to the presence of about keeping old buildings by the famed journalist and urban character-rich places. around. It is about keeping them advocate Jane Jacobs, who once There was a time when areas such as alive, in active use, and relevant said, “Cities need old buildings so these were defined as blighted and to the needs of the people who badly it is probably impossible for even targeted for demolition through surround them. vigorous streets and districts to urban renewal. Data now shows that grow without them.” NTHP research 6. Preservation is about managing we can rewrite the formulas about in municipalities across the country change. Healthy, dynamic what makes a successful city. Instead confirms Jacobs’ theories, finding neighborhoods are always in of fodder for the bulldozer, blocks of that areas characterized by older, the process of change. Historic older, smaller buildings are in fact smaller, mixed-vintage buildings preservation is about managing valuable assets that should be and blocks have: change: unleashing the stewarded carefully. enormous potential of older • a higher Walk Score®; Through the ReUrbanism initiative, the buildings to improve health, • more young residents and National Trust is working with local affordability, prosperity, and residents of diverse ages; partners and civic leaders to explore well-being. • greater population density; and test new, smart city policies and 7.  Communities are for people, not • more nightlife and 24/7 activity; incentives to conserve older buildings, vehicles. Reclaiming city streets encourage adaptive use, and support and making them more • more small and local businesses; good new design. These may include: amenable to pedestrian, bicycle, • more women- and minority-owned and transit use can help businesses; • using GIS and remote technologies to more efficiently neighborhoods reacquire • more jobs per square foot; and activity and thrive once more. survey and document historic • more creative jobs. neighborhoods and districts; 8.  The greenest building is the one that is already built. It takes The Preservation Green Lab • creating Adaptive Use Ordinances energy to construct a new continues to gather data on the to remove zoning and building building; it saves energy to connections between older buildings code barriers and encourage preserve an old one. It simply and blocks and a range of healthy repurposing of vacant structures; community metrics for cities across does not make sense to recycle • rewriting zoning codes to reinforce the country. The new Atlas of cans and newspapers and not and complement valued historic ReUrbanism (forum.savingplaces.org/ recycle buildings. patterns of development; act/pgl/atlas) includes analysis for 9.  There are many ways to 50 cities so far (including Denver), • incentivizing activation of empty achieve density. Areas with a with more to come in the coming year. upper floors in commercial mix of older and newer fabric The findings in the atlas point to the buildings to provide affordable tend to be denser than new-only value of older buildings, blocks, and housing; neighborhoods, and they neighborhoods. These are places • offering incentives for small achieve that density at a human where development has occurred scale. businesses and companies that incrementally, over many decades, retain or move into buildings in 10. Every community has stories resulting in a texture, richness, and older commercial districts; and and places that matter. The distinctiveness that we call character. • encouraging retrofitting of older places worth saving are those Blocks in high Character Score buildings for renewable energy where communities choose to neighborhoods are lined with smaller, through Property Assessed Clean come together and that mixed-aged buildings, with many older Energy (PACE) programs and represent the local stories they structures still in use. This variety of other new financing mechanisms. treasure and wish to see building vintages and types provides preserved. space for a diverse and dense mix of Working together, preservationists, As part of the ReUrbanism initiative, residents and uses. Local businesses community organizations, creative the National Trust’s Preservation thrive in these neighborhoods, and the developers, and civic leaders can Green Lab is conducting research streets are full of activity, day and make reuse of older and historic to explore the connections between night. Older buildings with layers of buildings the default option in our older buildings and sustainable history and flexible floor plans are communities. Through conservation development. For example, NTHP’s attracting companies large and small. and renewal of these assets, we can Older, Smaller, Better study (forum. The ability of cities to attract and create communities that are healthier savingplaces.org/act/pgl/older-smaller- retain talented young workers is and more sustainable for all.

APRIL 2017 17 ON THE ISSUES By Elizabeth O’Rear, Colorado Tourism Office Heritage and Agritourism Program & Grants manager

A CHAMPion OF HERITAGE

HELP GROW AND STRENGTHEN YOUR REGION’S EXISTING HERITAGE AND AGRITOURISM ATTRACTIONS AS PART OF THE COLORADO Once all of the above steps are Rio Blanco County Tourism Office’s (CTO’s) efforts to completed, the CHAMP coordinator Historical Society raise awareness of and appreciation screens, supports revisions, and The Rio Blanco County Historical for cultural heritage and agricultural explores a mentor match from mentor Society (RBCHS)/Old West Heritage assets statewide, the CTO initiated a profiles. When a mentor has been peer mentorship program for farms selected, the CHAMP coordinator Culture Center’s manages the White and ranches, businesses, museums, works with the project and mentor River Museum, housed in the original attractions, and organizations that to develop a written scope of work. U.S. Army barracks from the 1800s in want to improve or expand their This document outlines the project historic downtown Meeker. This own cultural, heritage tourism, or deliverables, parties responsible, and CHAMP project focused on creating a agritourism businesses. From this timeline. Both project and mentor sign strategic plan to develop a heritage strategic initiative emerged the off on the scope of work, and then it is culture center. The project was paired Cultural, Heritage, Agritourism Mentor submitted to the CHAMP committee with mentor Constance DeVereaux, for approval. The CHAMP committee Program (CHAMP) to stimulate the who has 18 years of experience in the reviews the application and scope of development of high-quality cultural, area of cultural management in the work for feasibility and effectiveness heritage, and agricultural tourism capacities of consultant, practitioner, experiences for travelers in Colorado. of the proposed project and deliverables. and professor. To date their outcomes Initiated in fall 2014, CHAMP is include: underwritten by the CTO, and When approval is received, the mentor • the development of a 2016–2018 provides up to 50 hours of consulting is in charge of driving the project forward and completing the outlined strategic plan; assistance, available at no cost to deliverables within the designated each selected project. Since the • creation of a mission statement; 50 hours. Projects, on average, take implementation of CHAMP, the three to six months to complete. Upon • expansion of fundraising partners program has expanded statewide completion of the deliverables, both and scheduling of two heritage and served 28 projects located the mentor and the project applicant fundraising events for 2017; in Colorado’s rural areas and complete online evaluation forms and small communities. • establishment of partnerships with submit final payment requests. Six 12 other local organizations; and The application process is a simple months to a year after the project, the one. Interested and qualified CHAMP coordinator will collect • designation of renovation plans for entities need to: content for a case study. Project and the cultural center. • set a goal to establish or expand a mentor are required to participate in RBCHS continues to utilize the cultural, heritage, or agricultural developing the case study by sharing strategic plan that was created during tourism opportunity; their experience, outcomes, and the CHAMP program. Although the ongoing benefits of the program. • complete the online project CHAMP deliverables are completed, Case studies are then shared with application and submit a business the overall project is ongoing. legislators, CTO departments, and plan and budget (assistance is potential projects. “Constance showed us how to put our available from CHAMP dreams in a format that could be administrators to help with the CHAMP has worked with several executed with timelines, budget, and business plan requirement); and heritage programs. The Rio Blanco County Historical Society, San Luis responsible parties, which provides a • articulate mentorship area, goals Valley Historical Society, Montrose tool for us to convey our dreams to the related to the business/strategic Historical Society, and History funders and supporters,” stated Ellene plan, and one to three specific Connections of Pueblo, to name a Meece, RBCHS president. short-term deliverables. few, have their projects and outcomes highlighted here. 18 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES • printing and distribution of more The association continues to see the than 30,000 bookmarks for benefits of its CHAMP efforts. schools and tourists (funded by Black Hills Energy); Montrose County Historical Society • connection with several other Colorado Tourism Office The Montrose County Historical resources; Society operates the Montrose Historical Museum and endeavors to • exploration of resources and preserve, display, and interpret the partnership opportunities with history and cultural legacy of Montrose Colorado Tourism Heritage and County and its surrounding region. Colorado Preservation Inc.; and This CHAMP project focused on • training on social media. analyzing and reviewing past “We would recommend a CHAMP approaches to presenting and project to anyone wanting an outside marketing the museum’s assets, view of their town and specifically making recommendations for their museum or site to apply for a improvement, and creating a CHAMP project grant,” said one compelling action plan to greatly participant. increase local awareness, develop appreciation, and generate support for San Luis Valley preserving authentic local history. Museum Association Gaylene Ore, mentor, utilized her The San Luis Valley Museum 25 years of experience as a travel, Association is a network of 16 history tourism, and consumer marketing museums that support saving and specialist to drive the project forward. celebrating the history of the San Luis To date the outcomes include: Valley. The focus of this CHAMP • increased visitors to the historical project was to develop a marketing society from last year by 200; plan to support the needs of these • creation of a flyer to remind guests museums, with specific strategies to to comment on the TripAdvisor double both the attendance and the site; El Pueblo History Museum. income of each museum. The association’s mentor, Judy Walden, • development of hands-on activities throughout the museum, including History Connections of Pueblo shared her practical knowledge of rural tourism entities that are seeking a story board in the caboose and a History Connections of Pueblo is a to increase their profitability through selfie station in the phone booth; consortium of eight history museums, tourism. To date the outcomes include: • creation of a Ghost Walk, with two cemeteries, an archaeological more than 45 people booked per society, and the Goodnight Barn • creation of an extensive tour on average; and restoration and preservation group. marketing plan; This CHAMP project focused on the • design of a new website that has • use of YouTube to generate development of a joint marketing seen a 500 percent increase in awareness about the society. plan to attract visitors to the various sessions, 446 percent increase in The society continues to see the sites. Dave Santucci, president of users, and 85 percent increase in benefits of CHAMP. Destination Consulting Services and average session duration; CHAMP mentors have experience in areas vice president of marketing for the • increase in annual visitors by such as outdoor recreation, entertainment Chattanooga Convention and Visitors 47 percent; and special events, marketing, strategic Bureau, served as mentor. To date the planning, bringing local history to life, • increase in Facebook “likes” by heritage preservation, and local food and outcomes include: 62 percent; and dining experiences, among others. Farms, • customized, individualized reports ranches, businesses, museums, • establishment of a Colorado.com with very specific ideas on how to attractions, and organizations that want to paid account — within a month of improve or expand cultural or heritage improve areas such as websites, signing up for the paid account, tourism or agritourism reach should signage, and hours of operation, there was an increase of 7 percent visit the CHAMP program online at as well as items they should work industry.colorado.com/champ-program versus a decrease of 8 percent on as a group; for more information and a link to the with the free account. application.

APRIL 2017 19 SPOTLIGHT OLD WEST HERITAGE CULTURE CENTER: OUR STORY By Ellene Meece, Rio Blanco County Heritage Culture Center Committee chair AS EARLY AS 2011, THERE WAS TALK AMONG RIO BLANCO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERS about acquiring the old mortuary next door to the White River Museum complex to expand its history influence in northwestern Colorado. Talk is talk, but the energetic group in Meeker not only talked but, by 2012, began dreaming, then planning, then sharing their dream, and ultimately began living the reality January 2015. There were ups and downs to acquire a 3,500-square-foot building that had been a mortuary for many years, only representing death. But the site had a story, too. Originally, it served as one of the log officer’s quarters for the U.S. Army during the Native American Indian Wars of the 1800s. Two of the original structures still proudly stood next to it to house artifacts and stories of Rio Blanco County’s early beginnings. Now the questions began. Could this building be repurposed into something significant that would play an important role in telling the story of the roots surrounding it? Could it evolve into a functional hub for heritage education and tourism? Could the community embrace the vision to resurrect it and bring life and new purpose to its space? The answers were all yes. The county commissioners, realizing how critical heritage tourism is to economic vitality, threw their chips in the ring by acquiring the building. A standing committee with Rio Blanco County Historical Society immediately was formed and a governance structure put into place. And the community got involved with creative ways to support the project. But what is a dream without a strategy? Enter CHAMP on the scene! CHAMP is an acronym for the Colorado Tourism Office’s Cultural, Heritage/Agritourism Mentor Program. Having applied for the program in 2014 in hopes the heritage center dream would come true, the committee was notified they had been accepted in April 2015. After the initial interview conversation, it was determined the program’s resources could best assist them with strategic planning expertise. The enthusiastic group had a dream of renovating the building into an “Old West” mini theater and research center, becoming the hub of heritage education and tourism, and providing a multifunction space for various organizations, but how could they turn this dream into the next steps? And so it was that Constance DeVereaux, a mentor for CHAMP, arrived in Meeker from Fort Collins and began a two- day workshop to assist in the efforts. What emerged was a 22-page strategic plan that has guided the group for the past two years. With this valuable tool in the arsenal, work began. Goals and objectives were established, and people gravitated to the areas that interested them. The Main Street Program and historic district took top priority under the Cultural Identity Goal. The building, especially the main meeting room with its 1970s royal blue carpet, shiny brass chandelier, and vintage organ sitting in the corner, became the unlikely setting for a diverse array of functions, including the historical society’s quarterly historic presentations and meetings, Meeker Arts and Culture board meetings, summer history camps, Kid’s Culture Club activities, agritourism workshops, the recreation district’s annual haunted house, and the Meeker Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Main Street Program meetings in conjunction with the Heritage Culture Center’s meetings. Events were planned, challenges faced, and countywide collaboration exploded as people came from everywhere to “do” the plan. Today, this ongoing project in the corner of northwestern Colorado has gained momentum. Without losing an ounce of focus, the teams have their sleeves rolled up and are executing and expanding their cultural heritage influence over the state and beyond.

20 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES FEATURE By Kimberli Fitzgerald, AICP, Salem, Ore., historic preservation officer

TIPS ON RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS Common Objections to Local doing harm to our collective passed a number of laws requiring the Preservation Programs preservation movement. protection of historic resources on While the NHPA has spurred the listing federal land beginning with the Key Components of a of almost 900,000 resources Antiquities Act in 1906 and the Historic Successful Preservation comprising 1.8 million buildings, sites, Sites Act in 1935. The National Historic Program and objects across the country, Preservation Act (NHPA), adopted in significant opposition to preservation What can be done to address 1966, was the first federal law that has arisen in the past 50 years. these concerns? There are three key provided protection for historic Opponents argue that designation and components to the development and resources on private property. local preservation regulations are too maintenance of a successful historic The Certified Local Government (CLG) harsh, causing economic hardship to preservation program. First, the program was established in 1980. The historic property owners. Property program should reflect the vision of NHPA was amended to encourage the owners often have no understanding of policy makers and provide a tangible direct participation of local the purpose behind these design benefit to the community. Second, governments in the identification, regulations. Social justice advocates the program must provide ongoing, evaluation, registration, and argue that historic preservation can meaningful public participation. Third, preservation of historic properties cause gentrification and displacement it should have an adopted historic within their jurisdictions and promote of already marginalized populations. preservation plan, with measurable the integration of local preservation Architects argue that their creativity is goals to ensure that the program is into local planning and decision stifled due to overly strict design achieving its desired outcome. making. Requirements for participating review. Developers argue that Public Need: Provide a Clear in the CLG program include economic development and job Public Benefit establishing an ordinance to protect creation are hampered by historic historic resources. While listing on the regulation. Even among What is the benefit of the preservation National Register of Historic Places did preservationists, leaders from the program to the community? What not directly result in regulation, local National Trust for Historic Preservation should be preserved? What places communities that became CLGs were argue that local historic preservation matter to the community and why? The required to establish regulations to boards who use aesthetics and design value of these places and their history protect the National Register review as their only basis for their is best articulated in a community’s resources within their jurisdictions. historic preservation programs are comprehensive plan. Place can be

PUBLIC BENEFIT

Place can be sacred and provide a strong and often emotional connection to our history and ancestors.

APRIL 2017 21 PARTICIPATION

Ensure that all citizens feel ownership and a greater connection to their sense of history and place within their own community.

sacred and provide a strong and often interaction like for an average citizen? community’s resources should be emotional connection to our history If this is the only opportunity the preserved and interpreted, there must and ancestors. To ensure that these community has to interact with the be a clear and transparent process to places are protected, it is important program, there is no meaningful way ensure that this input is acknowledged that a program capture this connection for them to understand the potential and given real weight, well before in the form of a stated purpose or benefits of historic preservation, or any designation or historic design vision and that the benefit to the the purpose behind the program. review occurs. public is clear. This sets the stage for an adversarial To assess the health of a community’s For example, the benefit of relationship with historic property public participation, first identify where preservation to the American people is owners. participation is currently occurring, and articulated in the NHPA in these words: This adversarial stage often is set assess whether or not it is appropriate “the historical and cultural foundations well before any historic design review. and meaningful. Are community of the Nation should be preserved as a Traditionally, preservation has begun members using historic designation on living part of our community life and with an architectural survey by a their own as a tool to stop growth and development in order to give a sense historic preservation professional. redevelopment in their neighborhoods? of orientation to the American people.” The results of this survey are used If so, there is no need to prepare for Many states have adopted to determine whether a neighborhood battle, but it is a red flag, indicating preservation plans that local or individual resource has enough that policy makers need to engage in communities can look to for guidance integrity and significance to be worthy true comprehensive neighborhood as well. Colorado’s 2020 Statewide of designation and protection. This planning to address competing goals Preservation Plan, The Power of process requires no significant within these neighborhoods. A Heritage and Place, has a multifaceted community involvement. The NHPA comprehensive plan should be a vision that includes this statement: includes a requirement for owner road map for policy makers and the “More Coloradans will self-identify as consent for designation of individual community, defining priorities and preservationists through the effort to properties, but only requires that a direction for creating a healthy, vibrant communicate how preservation relates majority of owners consent to a district. community that allows for both growth to each individual.” Creation of a vision This means that it is feasible that a and connection to the past. statement that clearly defines how large number of owners could be This participation assessment should historic preservation benefits your designated as part of a historic include an evaluation of whose stories community is a critical component of a district who do not wish to be. are told and how citizens are engaged. successful preservation program. How can this adversarial climate There may be marginalized groups change? Meaningful public that have not had an opportunity to Public Participation: Allow for participation requires reaching celebrate their histories, perhaps Meaningful Participation out to those who are impacted by the because their buildings were initially Most historic preservation programs program, to ensure that they have a overlooked or are already gone. But allow for a basic level of public real opportunity to provide feedback technology available today opens up participation, typically involving a about what should be preserved and exciting new opportunities. It allows public hearing in front of a historic how. To ensure broad and diverse new and innovative ways of receiving design review board. What is this community input about how a input from citizens about significance

22 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES of place. A survey does not need community-based planning process should also include a method of to be completed by a preservation that implements the comprehensive measuring or assessing success. professional with a focus on just plan through a historic preservation If a program is not achieving its architectural significance of extant plan and ordinance. The historic desired outcome, adjusting the goals buildings. Field survey can be an preservation plan should include within the plan may be required. opportunity in and of itself for direction for development or revision of The historic preservation plan is a meaningful public participation. It is a community’s preservation ordinance, wonderful tool that can allow specific possible to collect experiential data including design review standards, and goals that address needs identified by about people’s experience of place. demolition and adaptive reuse criteria. stakeholders. The plan is also a good This information can then be used for Interpretation is also an important tool for public officials, who can refer to education and interpretation of historic component. Most people are not this resource to better understand the places in non-traditional ways. This preservation professionals, and value of historic preservation in their democratic approach can ensure significant places cannot just be communities. Once adopted, this that all citizens feel ownership left to “speak for themselves.” Their plan can be used as the basis for an and a greater connection to their significance requires interpretation annual work plan for the preservation sense of history and place within and storytelling. If a program can offer program, and it will help in the pursuit their own community. meaningful interpretation of its historic of grants and funding for specific One of the most critical components places for residents and visitors, it is projects to implement and achieve of a successful program is trust. When on its way to achieving its vision and stated goals. you have established a process for benefiting the community. meaningful public participation that Development of a historic preservation Conclusion is in alignment with the goals of the plan also can help a community It is important to remember that community, your program can be seen address preservation challenges and regardless of federal legislation as truly responsive and a reflection of concerns through meaningful public and national trends, historic your community’s goals and vision. participation. This planning process preservation operates at a local Your program will then be on its way should include stakeholders who care level, one community at a time. to becoming a trusted resource within about or are impacted by the program. Building a successful preservation your community, instead of just a stage It is critical to complete a needs program today can happen through for contentious and adversarial design assessment as part of the plan to find an effective combination of community review and regulation. out what the stakeholders need, and participation and implementation of a what issues and concerns they have. historic preservation plan that has a Development of a Historic Once needs have been identified, clear vision and public benefit. A Preservation Plan methods can be adopted to address preservation program can be powerful Once the community has clarified its them through goals in the plan. and empowering, creating meaningful vision and identified what places When working on goals, always keep connections with its history and matter using meaningful public in mind the stated purpose or vision of sharing a sense of place with participation, it is important to reach a the preservation program to ensure residents and visitors alike. consensus regarding how these places that the goals and programs are should be protected and preserved. achieving the outcome desired. A plan This is ideally achieved through a

PRESERVATION PLAN

Allow specific goals to address needs identified by stakeholders.

APRIL 2017 23 FEATURE By Dawn DiPrince, History Colorado director of community museums

MUSEUMS OF THE FUTURE THAT CELEBRATE THE STORIES OF OUR PAST MANY COMMUNITIES — LARGE special community presence has not Designing programs and solutions and small — have their own history inoculated them from the larger from the community’s perspective is a museums. There are more historic woes of the museum industry. double win, as it leads to unexpected house museums in the U.S. than there Museums across the country have ideas that also have lots of community are McDonald’s restaurants, according seen a dwindling and aging base of support. In practical terms, this is the to the American Association of State support. Museums and other cultural difference between a museum exhibit and Local History. Despite their institutions have to vie for people’s that takes years to develop and prevalence, community history time in an increasingly busy world, thousands of dollars, and a quickly museums often are relegated to a competing against Little League changing museum exhibit that dusty and quaint past. They are soccer matches, the latest viral costs very little and adapts to mistakenly seen as relics of a social media sensation, and longer audience feedback. romanticized moment in time when work hours. Like many museums, History church attendance was high, Main These are not insurmountable Colorado’s community museums have Street was bustling, and teenagers obstacles. Just because galleries and small budgets. Human-centered hung out in soda shops instead of on sometimes structures are historic does design has enabled them to do more, social media. not mean that business practices have change quickly, and keep fresh with Community history museums are to be. History Colorado’s community few resources. Designing with the important to the fabric of our museums are meeting modern-day community in mind (or at the table) communities. They help to ground challenges with forward-thinking empowers a museum to take more our towns and cities in the stories contemporary solutions. In fact, risks, share the labor, and expand of our civic ancestors. Local history History Colorado’s El Pueblo History what seems possible. museums recall the foundational Museum in Pueblo has been so For example, when a small child triumphs and tragedies that inform successful that it has doubled its pulled the fire alarm during an evening and frame our present. These visitation in two short years — despite lecture, the museum started to offer museums are the roots of our a national long-term decline in donation-based child care during collective community genealogy, museum visitation. Following are some lectures instead of discouraging and they help us to understand where of the successful practices used there people from bringing children. we come from. They are not dusty and throughout the network of History artifacts, but intrinsically relevant. Colorado’s community museums. Co-Authorship History Colorado has been evolving its Human-Centered Design Part of human-centered design is community museums with a greater embracing co-authorship. Museums understanding of its role and Human-centered design uses are well respected for the information obligations to the communities served. empathy and creativity to solve that they share with visitors. According History Colorado, also known as the problems. The process starts by to the American Alliance of Museums, Colorado Historical Society, is proud understanding the needs of people history museums are the number one to have eight community museums and the community, then developing most trustworthy source of information across the state — in addition to innovative solutions to address those in America. Experts, curators, and Denver’s History Colorado Center. needs. The Harvard Business Review scholars can assist in developing the These state-run museums serve a defines human-centered design as “a knowledge shared through museums diverse group of communities, such as hands-on approach that focuses on where they work and volunteer. Montrose, Platteville, Fort Garland, developing empathy for others, While it is important to be seen as Leadville, Trinidad, and Pueblo. generating ideas quickly, testing rough trustworthy experts, it is equally ‘prototypes’ that, although incomplete Each museum is a unique gem important for history museums to or impractical, fuel rapid learning for and important historic site in its recognize that their visitors are teams and organizations.” respective community. Yet their also experts.

24 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES SPOTLIGHT KEEPING THE PAST ALIVE By Caitlin Heusser, Windsor museum curator WINDSOR IS A FUSION OF NEW AND OLD. FROM ITS HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TO ITS MORE RECENT additions in the form of residents, neighborhoods, and businesses, Windsor’s proud history, traditions, and heritage are incorporated into every Windsorite’s modern life. The Town of Windsor’s Culture Division shares the area’s rich history by providing spaces and opportunities for the entire community to take part in history, art, music, and culture. The Art & Heritage Center is the hub for art exhibitions and cultural programs in Windsor. The center hosts yoga classes in the gallery among the newest artwork on display, and provides students and adults with the opportunity to explore new art mediums through interactive workshops. Art happens every Monday morning. Artists are encouraged to bring their art project to the center to work and mingle with other artists. The Boardwalk Park Museum tells the story of the struggles and triumphs of early life in Windsor. Each of the five historic buildings are a window into the past. From being a student in a one-room schoolhouse to a station master at the train depot in the late 1800s, visitors can envision themselves living in a time not so long ago, but that was vastly different for the fast-paced, technology-driven lives we lead today. Not only does the museum bring to life the vivid history of the community, but it also helps to preserve it. The museum documents, researches, interprets, and preserves historic objects from Windsor’s past. With more than 20,000 items in its collection, the museum displays, stores, and cares for each artifact, ensuring that they are accessible not only for present-day visitors and researchers, but also for future generations. Nothing lasts forever. Everything, including artifacts, is in a constant state of deterioration. The process can be slowed with the proper display and storage of artifacts. The less time an object is exposed to harmful UV light, air pollutants, and humidity and temperature fluctuations, the longer it will last. Within the Boardwalk Park Museum grounds, six historic buildings are being preserved and interpreted. The buildings were saved by the dedicated members of the Windsor-Severance Historical Society, beginning in 1975 with the Windsor’s 1882 train depot, which now serves as the primary history museum. The Eaton House will be revitalized in 2019 and incorporated into the Boardwalk Park Museum complex to serve as an interpretive center for Windsor’s water history. The Town of Windsor Historic Preservation Commission helps to preserve historically significant buildings and locations in Windsor. By providing historic landmark designation, advising property owners on physical and financial aspects of preservation, and providing public education programs, the commission works to ensure that historic structures are accessible for future generations. From the preservation of artifacts and buildings, to sharing the stories of Windsor’s past, the Town of Windsor Culture Division provides visitors with a space to engage with history, learn about the past, and participate in the arts.

APRIL 2017 25 El Pueblo History Museum changing, always exciting, and announced the secret to making acknowledges that the people who encourages repeat customers. 18th-century art appealing to teens. walk through its doors also possess The answer involved memes and knowledge of history. It has designed Practical Solutions SnapChat. programs, exhibits, and workshops While their missions inspire museum Using technology to appear that encourage visitors and community staff, the preservation of history is not modern and hip can backfire because members to share their knowledge as important to everyone else — technology often can be expensive, and history with the museum. As a especially when they have real-world, frequently breaks, and is generally community museum, it is important to everyday problems to solve. Several outside the skill set of a small museum create space and methods that of History Colorado’s community staff. The good news, however, is that empower the community to co-author museums host afterschool programs there is no need to meme-ify our collective history. Museums have that teach history in fun, hands-on museums. The opposite is true: to surrender some authority (notice ways. But families sign up for programs Audiences — including teens — are how “author” is the root of the word because they solve a child care searching for different and authentic “authority”), but it also means that problem. For working families, experiences. They already have easy more people feel ownership of the afterschool program commitment to access to virtual worlds simply by museum and its programs. fostering a greater understanding of pulling out their phones. History For example, the Museum of Memory history in youth is just a bonus. museums can and should provide a is a public history initiative at El The Hands-On History After vastly different experience, including Pueblo History Museum designed School program continues to exceed opportunities to interact with real specifically to garner history and expectations in numbers and fosters a humans and/or get one’s hands dirty. stories from the community and happy love of history in local children. Visitors find deeper satisfaction in museum visitors. It has a gallery space This is exactly the kind of magic that cooking their own tortillas over a fire where visitors can add memories to a can happen when a museum’s or making adobe bricks. The History map of Pueblo County, add a chip to a mission intersects with the Colorado teen volunteer program jar to indicate the neighborhood where practical needs of communities. demonstrates that young people they grew up, use chalk to fill in would rather stack firewood with their “Pueblo Is ... ,” or use a vintage Hands-On friends than post to the museum’s typewriter to share a story about a first We live in a world that is seemingly Instagram account. People are kiss, first communion, or other firsts. obsessed with technology. Thus, searching for authentic hands-on This space is completely co-created many museums look for technological experiences, which is something by visitors, which means it is always pathways to be relevant and get history museums already know noticed. A museum blog recently how to do. In a nutshell, even though community museums might face funding, geographic, and staffing challenges, they have an obligation to serve their communities in meaningful and relevant ways. Museums can practice empathy, build human connections, and use whatever limited resources they might have to design prototypes and challenge preconceptions. These are modern business practices cited by experts from Stanford and the Harvard Business Review. But we do not need scholars to tell us that it is important to know where you come from, to be a good listener, and to be a good neighbor. Community history museums are important to their respective towns and cities, but can only do this powerful work with the people, stories, and support of their communities.

26 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES Want more information on historic Our work begins by preservation? understanding your challenges and your goals—the big picture. Then, we step back and look at all the details to form a complete solution that provides value and meets your needs.

Architecture Aviation Civil Engineering Community Development Construction Environmental FundStart™ Planning Structural Engineering Surveying Transportation Water Wastewater Check out the CML publication Water Resources Historic Preservation: Basics for Municipalities (available for purchase) and the video “Take 5: Historic Preservation” (available for free viewing) under Issues > Historic 720.540.6800 Preservation at sehinc.com

Engineers | Architects | Planners | Scientists www.cml.org.

APRIL 2017 27 FEATURE By Abigail Christman, Denver senior city planner–landmark preservation

SURVEYING YOUR HISTORIC RESOURCES

HISTORIC BUILDINGS, PARKS, depends on need, but typically and entertainment and recreation. bridges, and other structures are key includes location, type, key features Reports also include a summary of to telling a community’s story. Historic and a photograph. Reconnaissance findings, recommendations, and a resources can tell the story of a surveys also often identify resources table of surveyed resources. The community’s establishment, growth, that should be surveyed in more depth format of the report can be adapted significant industries, ethnic groups, in the future. to the needs of the community. influential individuals, regional design Intensive-level surveys are Examples of a range of survey trends, local architects and builders, generally more selective, choosing types and reports can be found community groups, civic improvement resources to survey in depth because on the History Colorado website efforts, and much more. They provide they represent a distinctive type or at www.historycolorado.org/ archaeologists/survey-report- a community’s distinctive character style, are associated with a historic examples. and visual identity. Historic resources theme, are locally significant, or are represent both an architectural legacy threatened. Intensive-level surveys In recent years, technological and a developmental history. include detailed photographs, advancements have made it easier a site plan, historical research to collect, manage, and share survey Surveys identify and gather data on a on the development of a property, data. Most survey products are community’s historic resources. They an evaluation of integrity, and now in a digital format. Tablets are are an essential tool for preserving, a determination of the property’s used to collect data, enabling the managing, interpreting, and marketing eligibility for local, state, or national easy creation of survey databases a community’s heritage. Historic designation. Intensive-level surveys without time-consuming data entry. resource surveys can take many also can be used to identify potential Geographic information systems (GIS) forms and can be adapted to the historic districts. are used to map survey results, needs of the community. Survey Survey projects usually are visualize and analyze trends, and projects encompass planning, accompanied by a survey report that coordinate with other municipal background research, field recording, provides a historic context for the departments. Web and mobile analysis, and presentation of results. surveyed resources, identifying the applications make it easier to share If a community is a Certified Local key themes, patterns, or trends in this information with the public. Government (CLG), surveys are history that shaped the development The first step in planning a survey necessary to maintain the required of a community’s resources. Contexts is to identify community needs and inventory of historic resources. include the events, social or political prioritize resources to be surveyed. movements, and culture that existed Survey projects can be divided into Some surveys are organized around at the time a property was constructed two general types: reconnaissance a single purpose while others are and developed, and identify what (“windshield”) and intensive. more general, serving multiple needs a building was designed to municipal goals. Reconnaissance surveys generally meet. A historic context often record all historic resources within an organizes the development of a Common reasons to conduct a survey established geographic area. They community into themes. Common include: usually are conducted from the public themes include environment, social or • To identify resources that right-of-way and are an effective way ethnic groups, transportation networks, contribute to a municipality’s to get a general idea of the type and technological advancements, artistic character, illustrate its historical scope of resources in an area. These and cultural movements, political and architectural development, surveys collect limited data about developments, commerce and industry, and therefore deserve resources. The information collected education, planning and development, consideration in planning

28 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES • To identify the number and type of • To update previous survey cultural, racial, and economic historic resources in a community information and produce digital diversity? • To identify and research resources data that can be more easily • What is the community’s capacity that have the potential to tell the organized, managed, and shared to conduct a survey? Manpower? story of a community‘s growth and with the community Funding? Who will manage the development Some questions to ask when project? • To identify and record resources of prioritizing survey projects: • How could a survey be organized a specific type or historical • Have intensive-level survey forms to maximize resources? Are there association been completed for all resources local organizations that the • To record community histories and within your community’s municipality could partner with? tie community resources to oral designated historic districts? Could resources with similar histories development histories be paired • Are there historic resources that • To document a neighborhood and together to reduce the amount of have previously been identified as identify its character-defining research needed? Are there having the potential for individual features previous surveys or research or district designation? • To engage a community and/or projects that a survey could build neighborhood and strengthen civic • Where are the greatest on? pride concentrations of historic • Have residents in a particular resources? • To identify local preservation neighborhood expressed interest concerns and trends such as • Which areas have the highest in a survey? Public interest and vacancy or deferred maintenance integrity? In these areas, most of support are key factors to consider. • To identify resources eligible for the original buildings and local, state, or national designation structures remain with few modern Historic resource surveys intrusions and/or vacant lots and • To collect the information needed are essential tools for effective minimal alterations to the overall to develop heritage tourism stewardship of a community’s history, character of the district. products providing municipal staff with the information they need to make • To identify resources with the • Are there resource types or informed decisions about historic potential for rehabilitation and neighborhoods that are facing buildings. Surveys help a community reinvestment, especially those development pressures or a high identify what resources are vital to its with the potential to take rate of demolition? identity. Without surveys, significant advantage of incentives such as • Are specific historic contexts resources are too often gone before historic preservation tax credits needed as tools to help evaluate a community realizes what it lost. • To establish priorities for future community resources? Well-planned survey projects can survey, conservation, restoration, • Do the currently designated inform community growth strategies, and rehabilitation efforts resources represent the full be used to direct investment, and help • To provide planners with a range of the community’s history? a community capitalize on its assets. property database and GIS Do they represent historical They also provide the detailed data mapping of historic resources significance as well as needed to develop nominations for • To inform comprehensive planning architectural significance? designations, design guidelines, and efforts Do designated resources reflect heritage tourism products.

APRIL 2017 29 SPOTLIGHT PROTECTING HISTORIC ASSETS By Nancy Parker, Erie town clerk/risk coordinator ERIE IS A COMMUNITY THAT RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING AND ENHANCING ITS historic small town character, the roots from which it grew. With that in mind, the Erie Historic Preservation Advisory Board (EHPAB) felt it was important to not lose sight of the small coal mining community that began in the southwestern corner of Weld County and incorporated as the Town of Erie in 1874. One way to accomplish this was to identify and survey selected properties that were recommended by the EHPAB. In two surveys, one in 2010 and another in 2016, there have been 36 properties surveyed, including many residences, a few commercial buildings, the cemetery, and the Lincoln School building. In between the surveys, in 2011, Erie became a Certified Local Government (CLG), which provided the opportunity for grant funding for historical projects, including historic structure surveys. Both surveys were funded in part by State Historical Fund grants, which enabled the EHPAB to hire a professional consultant to research properties, a difficult task because there are limited published histories specific to Erie. The information from these surveys provides the Town of Erie and interested residents with a basis for historic preservation planning, including eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Properties. Survey reports assist with future preservation plans, provide historical knowledge about the buildings and structures in Erie, and document the current appearance and previous alterations. This information is made public by providing copies of the surveys to the public library, which in turn helps make citizens aware of the town’s architectural and historical heritage. Because historic structures are concentrated in the downtown area, the EHPAB has published a walking tour brochure, distributed at the town hall and the library. The brochure provides for a self-guided tour with historical information on houses and buildings, including the builder, and past residents and their significance to the growth and development of Erie. The value of these surveys to the Town is evident in many ways. There is a renewed interest in the downtown area, and over the past few years, several new businesses have opened and many of the older homes are being renovated and restored. The Town currently is working with a consultant on preparing a historic master plan for Erie; full funding for this project came from a CLG sub-grant program. If towns or cities are interested in information regarding CLG status and available grants, they should contact History Colorado for information regarding eligibility, applications, and grant cycles. History Colorado can be a partner and a resource for municipalities wishing to research and preserve their local heritage.

© Bobwire Photography

30 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES SPOTLIGHT SIGNPOSTS OF THE PAST POINT TO THE FUTURE By Robert Autobee, SWCA Environmental Consultants senior architectural historian EVERYBODY LIKES A GOOD STORY. YOUR COMMUNITY IS FILLED WITH STORIES OF HOW YOUR hometown — and the people who built it — nurtured, overcame natural and man-made disasters, and left a legacy for later generations to celebrate. Many Colorado communities, public agencies, and private groups have installed historic interpretive signs over the past two decades. The information these markers provide ranges from spare to encyclopedic. Both approaches are fine, as some stories are more involved than others. Communities considering creating and displaying historic signage should consider a few key points before moving forward in telling the story of their past. First, a sign explaining the historic significance of a location, or a person or event associated with that location, should be honest. Most people can spot today’s boosterism through a description of the misty past. Honesty, getting the facts straight, and a little humor, if it is warranted, make for a good historic narrative. Second, and more importantly, these signs tell the world that your community cares about its history and wants to share its heritage with whoever comes into your town. It presents a consistent message 24 hours a day about your hometown to individuals and families stopping to take a look. Third, developing historic interpretive signage should be a collaborative process involving municipal representatives, historians and historical societies, and most of all, residents interested in their community’s record. Two recent examples in Colorado of historic interpretive signage are ready for review at the Georgetown Visitors Center in the Rocky Mountains and the Lakewood–Wadsworth Light Rail Station near the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. In 2013, Georgetown contracted with the Colorado Department of Transportation through a State Historic Fund grant to install a historic interpretive sign describing the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel. Constructed between 1968 and 1979, the tunnel is Colorado’s greatest engineering achievement. Almost taken for granted by drivers today, the 1.7-mile-long tunnel solved the long-standing riddle of how to transport people and machinery through the Continental Divide. With a liberal use of contemporary images, this panel at the Georgetown Visitors Center just off Interstate 70 covers nearly every aspect of the drama associated with the two tunnels. The story set before the visitor tells of highway engineers and work crews endeavoring to bore through a mountain crisscrossed with fault lines that threatened to cave in at any time. Not all conflicts involved man versus mountain. The panel also describes the fight of Janet Bonnema to seek acceptance as the first woman to work in the tunnel. As Front Range Colorado basks in its greatest period of economic growth since the 1859 gold rush, many are concerned that the state is losing connections to its past. Colorado’s fourth-largest city, Lakewood, recently installed a series of six panels at the Regional Transportation District’s Lakewood–Wadsworth Light Rail Station. Funded by the 501(c)(3) West Colfax Business Improvement District, these panels tell the historic development of West Colfax Avenue, the state’s best-known thoroughfare and only one block from the Lakewood–Wadsworth station. The panels capture West Colfax’s development from agriculture outpost in the 19th century to a way station for 20th-century automobile tourists to its current place as a commercial strip in the midst of an economic comeback. A timeline from the 1850s to the 21st century connects each panel to the next and provides the viewer a quick reference of the important people and events along West Colfax over the past century and a half. A community’s historical interpretive signage is not meant just as an automatic tourist attraction. In many ways, these public postings of a city or town’s past are just as much a reminder for local citizens on what makes their home special as it is for the visitor who took the time to stop, read, and reflect.

APRIL 2017 31 ON THE ISSUES By Jenifer Doane, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade communications director

SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAYS

THERE IS NOT ONE FORMULA All-American Roads, the highest level the first National Scenic Byways that defines a Colorado Byway, but awarded. Conference in May of that year, the when driving, cycling, or walking on The byways are located in 48 of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) one of these routes, one feels a “wow” Colorado’s 65 counties and provide announced the establishment of the factor that cannot be denied. Outdoor access to eight national forests and National Forest Scenic Byway recreationists, history buffs, nature two national grasslands; eight national Program. The San Juan Skyway in lovers, tourists, and conservationists monuments; two national historic southwestern Colorado was one of the all can recognize the work of devoted sites; two national heritage areas; two first routes the USFS designated. locals who share their bounty through national wildlife refuges; two national Remarkably, the USFS was resource stewardship. And that recreation areas; 13 national considering another 18 roads in devotion is paid back to local recreation trails; and four national Colorado for scenic byways businesses, nonprofits, and residents parks: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, designation. through renewed pride in their Great Sand Dunes, Rocky Mountain Around the same time, a Scenic resources, community coalescence, National Park, and Mesa Verde, which Byways Task Force was established in and economic development. is also a World Heritage Site. Twenty- Colorado. Representatives came from For more than 25 years, the Scenic three state parks are located on the state legislature, Colorado and Historic Byways Commission has Colorado Byways, and byways Department of Transportation, implemented a program intended to connect hundreds of thousands of Colorado Department of Local Affairs, provide recreational, educational, and acres of Forest Service and Bureau of Colorado Tourism Board, Colorado economic benefits to Coloradans and Land Management lands and state Department of Natural Resources, visitors by designating, interpreting, wildlife areas. Colorado Historical Society (now protecting, and promoting a system History Colorado), and the U.S. Forest Colorado’s Scenic Byways program of outstanding touring routes in Service. continues to protect and promote Colorado. The Colorado Scenic roadways that offer recreational, The task force recommended the and Historic Byways Program creation of a statewide scenic byways seeks to maintain and improve educational, and economic benefits to program with a mission to maximize these state assets. Coloradans and visitors. The byways unite communities and the stories of opportunities afforded by scenic, Colorado’s nationally recognized their collective past. Along their varied historic, and cultural elements along scenic and historic byways are not courses, these highways and Colorado’s road systems. The task only major economic drivers for the backroads unveil myriad tales of Ute force drafted an executive order state; they also provide a unique and Indians, silver seekers, opportunistic establishing the program and highly effective way for state and settlers, ambitious entrepreneurs, and submitted it along with a list of federal agencies to build local and crafty engineers. They reveal the story suggested commission members to regional partnerships with of the Rocky Mountains and their the governor. communities to achieve common remarkable creation. On March 16, 1989, Gov. Roy Romer goals. Colorado’s Scenic and Historic issued Executive Order B 045 89 to Byways program provides a system of The Colorado Byways are a catalyst for create the Scenic and Historic Byways 26 spectacular touring routes — 2,565 the preservation of the state’s culture, Commission and, on March 29, miles in total — throughout the state. history, and nature wonder. Uniting appointed the first such commission. The 28-year-old program is widely communities under a common project, recognized as the strongest in the the byways continue to bring people Structure nation, with 11 byways awarded the together (both locals and travelers) national designation of America’s and connect them to the land. The current program includes a Byways®, which is more than any commission with diverse areas another state can claim. Of these, History of interest. the San Juan Skyway and Trail During 1988, a national scenic byways Commissioners work with partner Ridge Road also are designated as movement was gaining momentum. At agencies to develop and recommend 32 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES 20

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6 4 16

5 14 12 10

funding sources, and to provide 9 21 administrative support to sustain the 3 byways for future generations. 26 All local byway organizations have 8 completed corridor management plans 25 that create a long-term framework for 19 7 the implementation of the local 1 18 program. Each byway determines the 17 13 level of effort required to be successful 23 and support its local goals. The 22 11 commission provides guidance in this decision-making process, but honors the grassroots nature of the program. matching funds for rural economic Federal highway funding that remains development and sustainable, livable available under MAP-21 and the FAST Economic Benefits communities. Act (signed in 2015) is limited and difficult to access. Federal funding The byways make good A November 2016 report found that once paid for many byway projects in business sense for local economic the cumulative impact of visitor Colorado, at an average of nearly development, especially in rural spending on Colorado byways to $900,000 per year from 1992 communities where every new dollar the state economy over the period to 2012. Without this funding, local brought by a traveler can make a 2009–2014 is estimated at almost organizations are less encouraged to critical difference between business $4.8 billion, or nearly $800 million maintain their capacity to apply for success and failure. The byways annually. In 2014 alone, more than grants and complete many priority provide regional linkages and access 4,000 jobs were created due to visitor projects outlined in their corridor to Colorado’s outstanding historic spending along the byways, less than management plans. and recreation destinations while half of them as direct effects and the Since 2012, only two of America’s highlighting local businesses rest as ripple effects of employment in Byways in Colorado have won and attractions. the general state economy. Even MAP-21 funding: an overlook on the though Colorado’s Scenic and Historic In 2014, 3,010,000 visitors to Silver Thread Byway (awarded by Byways lost their funding from the Colorado accessed the state’s well- CDOT’s Region 3) and a recreation known scenic beauty, historic sites, National Scenic Byways Program in trailhead on the South Platte River and recreational areas through 2012, they continue to be a very Trail Byway (Region 4). “touring trips,” the second-highest popular tourist draw and contribute to With less financing and increased activity after “outdoor trips” regional and state economic competition, it is more important than (3,220,000) among Colorado’s development. ever for Colorado Byways to “core ‘marketable’ overnight travel strengthen regional ties and bolster segments.” (Marketable trips are those Funding Challenges economic development by building most subject to influence by marketing The primary source of funding upon their unique assets and and promotion.) Two-thirds of touring historically has been federal byway identities. There is a need for long- travelers come from outside Colorado. grants. However, the 2012 Moving term funding to ensure that the In addition to tourism revenue, the Ahead for Progress in the 21st Colorado Byways program will meet program has stimulated millions of Century (MAP-21) legislation the program’s goals in preservation, dollars of investment in Colorado. restructured federal programs and conservation of critical open space, Since 1989, Colorado has received reduced the financial resources byways promotion and education for nearly $18 million in federal National available for state byways. The the public, and realizing the vision for Scenic Byways Program funding and byways program no longer has a community economic vitality and well over $4.5 million more in dedicated source of federal funding. quality of life. APRIL 2017 33 ON THE ISSUES By Elizabeth Hallas, AIA, Anderson Hallas Architects principal

will be a funding source for the PRESERVATION project, and to plan a schedule FROM PLANNING THROUGH CONSTRUCTION around application deadlines, review periods, and contracting time frames. As with most funding sources, there are requirements to meet, and it is up to you to determine if it is worthwhile. EVERY COMMUNITY HAS ONE: credits, and may offer certain leniency a dilapidated old building, in a regarding code requirements. It is in Know Where Money Is Going prominent location, about which your best interest to understand the Older buildings often are derided as people lament, “Something should designation of the building. “money pits.” Realistic and informed be done!” budgeting is crucial when embarking Know the Building on any construction project, but even Municipal governments are in a If contemplating a project on an older more so for work on an existing unique position to positively effect building, it is also important to get a building. Having an HSA completed, change and instill a sense of good understanding of the building’s as mentioned above, is a good start community pride for decades to current condition — from roof to toward budgeting. come. Rehabbing an old building foundation and from electrical to It is essential to plan for the unknowns can be the most challenging, and the heating systems. and set aside a contingency budget to most rewarding, type of construction Commonly, one of the first steps is an cover the unexpected. Typically, a project. The following tips, from assessment of the building in which minimum of 10 percent of the decades of experience in many preservation professionals review the estimated construction costs of a municipalities across Colorado, conditions of the building, interior and project should be set aside as a aim to help minimize the challenges exterior, along with the planned use of contingency fund. Think of it as an that a rehab project can present, the building, and develop an historic emergency savings account for the and maximize the rewards for structures assessment (HSA). This project. Do not depend on the general the community. is a tool, typically in the form of a contractor to cover these costs. Even Know the Listing report, that can help plan for repairs, the most experienced preservation appropriate adaptive reuse, anticipate teams do not have X-ray vision to see The building is old, but is it historic? code upgrades, and typically includes under slabs or inside walls. Certainly These are not necessarily one and the cost estimates for the work. an experienced team, both design same. It is important to know if the and contractors, can anticipate building is “listed,” in a historic district Know Where Money is many common issues faced on a or as an individual landmark. There Coming From preservation project. However, the are typically three types of listings, Historic buildings, those that are building owner should have a also known as designations: local, officially listed/designated, may have contingency fund. state, or federal (the National the opportunity to be eligible for grant Register). The levels of requirements funding and/or tax credits. Colorado is Know Who Is Working on the vary between these three levels of very fortunate to currently have both Building designation. Becoming registered or the State Historic Fund and the state Who would hand the keys to a Ferrari earning a designation can include income tax credit programs. It is to a 16-year-old? The same care and funding eligibility and potential tax important to decide early on if these concern should be given to a historic 34 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES building. One of the tools to protect typically outlined in the project gutters, from inspecting a door’s this asset, the building, is to prequalify specification manual. A mock-up weather-stripping to checking that the preservation contractors. is a test patch, or sample, by the lawn irrigation system is not saturating There are two layers to this. First, craftsperson that allows you to brick walls. consider requiring a prequalification review a smaller area of the end Anticipate maintenance needs and process for the general contractor. result, before the repair technique budget for them. It is a mistake to pay This can occur in the request for is applied to the entire building. Once attention to a building only every 20 to proposal/bidding process where, in approved, the mock-up then serves as 30 years. Routine maintenance, like the benchmark for the quality of the addition to the costs for the project, brushing and flossing your teeth, can remainder of the work. one should ask for resumes and help prevent larger, expensive issues experience on similar projects, Know How to Protect the that can develop if left ignored. inclusive of references for other Building over the Long Term Proper planning and budgeting for municipal building owners. Take the preservation projects can save time to call these colleagues and ask The care and effort for a historic headaches in the long run, and questions, such as: How did the building does not end at its grand result in a more successful project. contractors perform? Were they good re-opening. Similar to teeth, a historic A well-planned and properly executed to work with? Was the project building requires regular care and preservation project can resonate in completed on time and in budget? maintenance. Even an extensive community pride for decades, and If not, why not? rehabilitation project will require periodic attention ranging from generations, to come. The second layer of prequalification replacing HVAC filters to cleaning occurs at the subcontractor level. Windows, masonry, and plaster for example, have unique qualities and require an understanding of the craftsmanship involved. Hiring the wrong or an inexperienced specialty subcontractor can result in a “re-muddled” building and require extra dollars to fix the damage. Know How the Work Is Done The benefit of an existing building, whether it is just old or is designated as historic, is that it is ... already built. Shocking, right? Seriously, the embodied energy that has been expended is substantial and should be respected. Be sure that no re-muddling is allowed to occur! The tool to prevent unfortunate outcomes is to require mock-ups, Interior of Breckenridge Grand Vacations Community Center and South Branch Library. APRIL 2017 35 FEATURE

A SAMPLING OF COLORADO’S HISTORIC CITY & TOWN HALLS

BLACK HAWK FORT MORGAN

CRESTONE SILVERTON

CRIPPLE CREEK TELLURIDE

Limon Town Manager Dave Stone read to young students at the Limon Child Development Center. Photo courtesy of the Town of Limon.

36 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES OPHIR BRIGHTON

LA JARA

RICO

PUEBLO

BUENA VISTA

SAN LUIS

APRIL 2017 37 GET TO KNOW By Traci Stoffel, Colorado Municipal League communications & design specialist Each issue of Colorado Municipalities magazine introduces you to a key person in municipal government through the “Get to Know … ” column. Each person featured answers questions about his or her position, municipality, and how he or she ended up in municipal government.

GET TO KNOW ... LAUREN A. TRICE, AICP LOUISVILLE ASSOCIATE PLANNER

How did you end up in public I knew I needed to spend my career project that includes a historic site in service? working with communities to keep the the morning, giving an architectural My path to public service began in places that are important to them. tour to fourth graders in the afternoon, fourth grade on a field trip to a local and sharing a great historic photo on plantation house. I became a tour What do you enjoy most social media before I go home. guide in high school and went to about your position? college to study historic preservation. I enjoy being able to share information What are some exciting Eventually, my passion for historic about historic preservation and things currently going on homes grew to downtowns, planning, planning with a wide range of in Louisville? placemaking, and community. After audiences. My day can include Louisville has a unique voluntary studying planning in graduate school, negotiating with developers on a historic preservation program funded by a local sales tax. Voters approved the sales tax in 2008 and it will sunset at the end of 2018. The sales tax will go to the voters in 2017 for an extension. Over the next few months, the historic preservation commission, city council, and staff will work on the language for the extension and share information about the Historic Preservation Fund. The Historic Preservation Program, along with PaleoWest Archaeology, also is working on “Stories in Places: Putting Louisville’s History in Context.” This year-long project will explore Louisville’s residential, commercial, agricultural, and mining development.

Photo by Lynday Haley. 38 COLORADO MUNICIPALITIES GET TO KNOW THE CITY OF LOUISVILLE • The City of Louisville incorporated on May 26, 1882

• Population: 20,047

• www.louisvilleco.gov

What project or undertaking Why is historic preservation What website(s) and/or are you most proud of important? publication(s) do you refer to and why? Historic preservation is when seeking information? In October 2015, the City of multidimensional. Because it is I recently used the Colorado Municipal Louisville adopted its first Preservation important for so many reasons, it League’s information on TABOR to Master Plan. The project involved can connect to a wide range of prepare for the Historic Preservation engaging the community in historic people and their passions. Historic Fund extension. I also use the wide preservation and developing a user- preservation is design, architecture, array of information available through friendly document. The community economic development, storytelling, the APA and National Trust for Historic engagement process changed the sustainability, creative problem- Preservation. My favorite way to get way the Louisville community viewed solving, engineering, research, current case study information is the Historic Preservation Program. archaeology, planning, and so through groups on LinkedIn. The process inspired a fourth much more. What book are you currently grade field trip, Louisville Historic Historic preservation is important to reading? Are you enjoying it? Preservation Commission Farmer’s me because it connects people to I just finished The Queen of the Night Market Booth, and landmark authentic places and powerful stories. ribbon-cutting ceremony — all before by Alexander Chee. It tells the adoption of the plan. The successful What is the funniest or amazing journey of an opera singer in community engagement efforts strangest thing to happen the 19th century. It was a great story. also inspired the creation of specific while at work? Lauren Trice, AICP, is an associate action items in the plan focused on While researching the history of a planner for the City of Louisville Planning education, outreach, and partnerships. house to be demolished, we and Building Safety Department. She The plan won the American Planning manages the City’s Historic Preservation discovered that one of the former Program and develops new strategies for Association (APA) Colorado 2016 owners made munitions for local community engagement. She also works Award for Community Engagement. mines on the property. Prior to the on current planning projects. Lauren is the chair-elect for the American Planning demolition, I was able to work with the Association Urban Design and Preservation Boulder County bomb squad to Division. Prior to moving to Colorado, conduct a sweep of the property. Lauren was an architectural historian in Washington, D.C., and received her master’s of city planning/historic preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. APRIL 2017 39 When you join Credit Union of Colorado, you’re a member, not a number.

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