Historic Pancratia Hall in Loretto Heights to be restored into affordable housing units |
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Mayor Michael B. Hancock, along with Pancratia Hall Partners, kicked off the restoration of Loretto Heights’ Pancratia Hall. The repurposed structure will provide 72 affordable housing units, all with unique layouts designed to complement the building’s historic character.
The majority of the 72 units will be large apartments for families, including two 4-bedroom and fifteen 3-bedroom units. Unique layouts will create a 3-bedroom apartment in the prior chapel with a restored, vaulted wood ceiling as well as 2-story apartments with basketball hoops and spiral stairs in the converted gym.
Preservation was key part of the Loretto Heights Area Plan, which is helping guide the redevelopment of the campus. To learn more about the plan’s guidance on preservation, visit www.DenverGov.org/lorettoheights.
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A compromise for Carmen Court
After numerous meetings and much deliberation, an agreement was reached between the owners, applicants, and developer, and the designation application for 900 East 1st Ave. has been officially withdrawn. The agreement states that the condo building will not be demolished until all building permits have been issued and construction is ready commence. This agreement ensures that community members will know exactly what will be built in its place before the building is demolished.
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Other preservation success stories... |
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More than a year after it was initially reviewed for potential demolition, the Howard Berkeley Park Chapel at 4346 W. 46th Avenue is now officially among Denver’s 349 protected local landmarks. Read more >>
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Remember Tom's Diner? After a long, passionate debate last summer, an agreement was reached and the beloved Googie-style diner was not only saved, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Read more >>
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Web refresh: Design review & guidelines
If you've visited our website lately, you may have noticed that the design review and guidelines section has been updated.
To help customers navigate through the design review process, we've added detailed information for a variety of specific projects such as garages, additions, roofs, solar panels and more.
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Historic Denver supports preservation provisions in the East Central Plan |
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On October 5, a comprehensive long-term vision for Capitol Hill, North Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Congress Park, City Park and City Park West that addresses key neighborhood needs was officially adopted by City Council. This plan includes provisions promoting preservation throughout the plan area - especially along East Colfax.
Historic Denver was very supportive of the preservation provisions in the plan noting: "the clear priorities to preserve significant buildings, incentivize preservation in neighborhoods and on corridors, create an adaptive reuse ordinance, and support small local businesses ... outline opportunities to encourage and achieve preservation outcomes."
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Tax rebate program on pause |
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In December of 2000, Denver City Council approved the designation of the Downtown Historic District. Ordinance No. 970, establishing the tax rebate, helps to offset property tax rates for historic property owners in the district. The ordinance states that the program is to be evaluated on a year-to-year basis as part of the City’s annual appropriation process to determine if funds will be available for the tax rebate.
Please note that we are not accepting applications at this time, as there will be a pause in the tax rebate program in 2021.
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Nominate a property owner to serve on the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission
We have a vacant seat on the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission (LDDRC), and we need your help to fill it. The function of the LDDRC is to preserve, enhance, and perpetuate structures that have architectural, historical, geographic or cultural significance within the Lower Downtown Historic District. Members are appointed by the mayor, serve three-year terms, and receive no compensation.
Members must include the following:
- Real estate developer with experience in rehabilitation of commercial/residential projects similar in scale to buildings in the district
- Practicing architect
- Historic preservationist
- Preservation architect
- Resident of the district
- Property owner in the district
- Owner or operator of a business in the district
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La Alma (The Soul) by Emmanuel Martinez
Located on the wall of the La Alma Rec Center at 1325 West 11th Ave.
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Denver Latino Historic Context Study
Our Landmark Preservation team, in partnership with the city’s I Am Denver storytelling project, is preparing to launch a Latino Historic Context Study to serve as a community resource and help inform inclusive land use planning. The context will provide a broad historical overview on citywide settlement and development patterns of Denver Latinos through the 1990s and identify associated sites and buildings to preserve and celebrate Denver Latino history. Like other cities across the nation, Denver is taking a proactive approach to historic preservation by understanding the depth of diverse stories and peoples that make up the City of Denver. Stay tuned for opportunities to to submit your stories via the Discover Denver Map, online meetings, and other virtual tools.
Design guidelines update in 2021
Next year, our Landmark Preservation team will begin the process of updating the design guidelines of proposed exterior alterations, additions to buildings, new construction, signs, and non-vegetative site work for properties located within the boundaries of an historic district or for a property designated a Denver landmark. This process is intended to accommodate the various needs of Landmark projects while maintaining and preserving key historic features and is compatible with the character of designated historic buildings, sites and districts.
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ICYMI:
Recent Landmark Preservation news
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In September, the Denver Business Journal published an in-depth article that explores preservation vs. property rights, Denver's Landmark Ordinance, and more.
"Periodic updates have been made to the landmark preservation ordinance, including a 2006 change intended to prevent “surprise” demolitions by creating a process for city staff to review proposed demolitions for potential historic significance. Prior to that change, landmark designation could only provide a one-year stay of demolition. Today, a landmark designation, if approved by City Council, effectively preserves a building. The demolition review process also notifies neighbors of the property owner’s intent to tear down a building."
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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.
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