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50 Years of Landmark Preservation
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Celebrating Denver's history, culture and architecture
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Denver’s Landmark Preservation program was born March 6, 1967 when a city ordinance was adopted to protect and enhance buildings with historical significance. In the nearly 50 years since, the program has allowed the people of Denver to designate more than 300 individual landmarks and 52 historic districts, and has supported countless property owners and residents working to maintain their historic properties.
Although the ordinance has evolved to reflect up-to-date preservation practices, its intent to protect and enhance Denver’s historic, architectural and geographic treasures remains the same fifty years later.
Denver Landmark Preservation wouldn’t be where it is — and many buildings wouldn’t be standing today — if it weren’t for the hard work and support of its countless local preservationists, Denver residents, property owners, community organizations and city staff these past five decades. Thank you!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram as we showcase Denver’s landmarks and historic districts. Join the conversation by posting your photos and stories about your favorite Denver landmarks using the tag #Denverlandmark50.
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New Discover Denver Website Invites You to Share your Stories of Denver’s Buildings
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Discover Denver, the project to identify historic and architecturally significant structures citywide, has launched a new website that invites users to share stories of Denver’s buildings.
The new site at discoverdenver.CO offers an interactive map that allows the user to post stories and background about specific buildings, including photos and documents. The map will feature photos and histories of some of the buildings Discover Denver has surveyed, alongside stories users have shared.
In addition, the site’s “Discoveries” section features findings and reports compiled from past survey areas, including midcentury modern buildings in Harvey Park, pre-war residences from Park Hill and Berkeley, and streetcar commercial districts in Globeville and Cole.
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2016 Landmark Year in Review
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Krisana Park gets zoning overlay
In November, Denver City Council approved a zoning “conservation overlay” for the Krisana Park neighborhood. While not a true historic district, the new overlay will help conserve the Eichler style of California contemporary homes.
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First Unitarian Building designated
The First Unitarian Society of Denver building at 1400 Lafayette St., which served as a gathering place in the advancement of social justice issues in Colorado, in August became the first site in Colorado to be recognized for its importance in the history of the LGBT rights movement.
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Ghost Rose House designated
The Ghost Rose House at 1899 York was built and occupied by Allen Ghost in 1906, a prominent figure in Denver society who developed many residential areas, including what's now the Allen M. Ghost Historic District near Sloan's Lake. It's an excellent example of a Mission Revival style, and has a prominent location across from City Park. The house was designated in June.
Emily Griffith Opportunity School designated
In May, Denver City Council voted to preserve the former Emily Griffith Opportunity School campus at 12th and Glenarm and ensure the preservation and responsible redevelopment of the school -- a defining presence downtown. Any future redevelopment would incorporate the historic buildings.
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New Historic District on S. Lincoln
In May, the 200 block of S. Lincoln Street became the city's 52nd historic district. The block encompasses 15 homes built between 1889 and 1895, all of which embody Queen-Anne-style architecture with features like steeply pitched roofs, varying wall textures, wrap-around porches and turned porch spindles. Many of the homes were designed by William Lang.
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The National Western Stock Show Stadium Arena designated
In April, Denver City Council approved the preservation of the National Western Stock Show Stadium Arena at 1325 E. 46th Ave. Its original brick oval-shaped walls are largely intact, allowing them to be readily revealed as proposed by the National Western Center Master Plan.
Bosler House sold and remodeled
The spring 2016 sale of the historic Bosler House at 3209 W. Fairview marked a turning point in the city's ongoing effort to save the historic landmark. In lieu of foreclosure, it was purchased by new owners and has been steadily making a comeback. The once-dilapidated building received a new roof and cornice, masonry repairs, floors, stairs, walls, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and more. Owners Steve and Jan Davis have moved in and made the 1875 landmark their home.
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Neighborhoods Receive Design Review Training
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In 2016, for the first time, preservation planners provided training for registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs) that have volunteered to perform design review. Trainees included 57 participants from 17 RNOs covering 32 historic districts.
The training followed a new rule by the Landmark Preservation commission that allows RNO review of large-scale projects in historic districts. The rules require applicants who propose infill construction, second-floor additions or accessory dwelling units to meet with RNOs that have signed up to do design review before they submit an application to Landmark Preservation.
RNOs may provide advisory feedback about each project to the Landmark Preservation Commission. Each RNO who signs up to do design review must take part in annual training on use of the Design Guidelines for Landmark Structures and Districts and more. If your RNO is interested in receiving training, please contact us at landmark@denvergov.org.
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Join us at the Saving Places Conference
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We are proud to be a sponsor of Colorado Preservation Inc.’s 2017 Saving Places Conference, slated for February 1-4 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
The Saving Places Conference, now in its 20th year, is a dynamic four-day event that features great educational and networking opportunities for those interested in historic preservation. The event is designed to provide engaging, varied content that will equip attendees with knowledge and tools they can integrate into their work and communities, including information on the economic benefits of historic preservation in our state.
Denver preservation planners will be among the conference presenters and will host a tour of southeast Denver’s Krisana Park.
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Join Us at the Garden & Home Show
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Join the Denver Community Planning and Development permitting team as we share tips on how to get your home projects permitted at the 2017 Garden & Home Show at the Colorado Convention Center in February. We’ll cover most major home projects like basements, garages, roofing, and accessory dwelling units, and go over zoning codes and what’s covered under a homeowner permit.
Denver Home Projects Permitting Overview
2017 Garden and Home Show
Colorado Convention Center, aisle 1200 theater
700 14th St, Denver
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 5 p.m.
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About Landmark Preservation
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Landmark preservation is an important function of Denver Community Planning and Development. Denver City Council enacted the Denver Landmark Ordinance in 1967 to foster the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of structures and districts of historical, architectural and/or geographic significance.
Staff in our Landmark Preservation office and two landmark boards carry out that mission through design review, historic surveys and landmark designations. Staff also assists owners of historic properties by providing guidance and resources for preserving, maintaining and rehabilitating historic buildings and properties. You can learn more about Denver's preservation efforts at Denvergov.org/landmark. Follow us on Twitter at @DenverCPD.
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