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The year 1971 was one of many changes in the cityscape of Boulder. Citizens began to realize that buildings were being proposed for demolition with no thought as to their historic or architectural value. By the end of the year, three important buildings were threatened with demolition: the Boulder Railroad Depot, Central School, and Highland School.
Historic Boulder Inc., Boulder's first permanent preservation organization, was formed and incorporated in March, 1972. Money was raised for the purchase of Highland School, which was subsequently sold to private developers. With Historic Boulder's help in acquiring the depot, the Boulder Jaycees found a site, moved, and renovated the building. Central School-perhaps Boulder's most important building-was demolished.
Out of this destruction rose the urgency for a legal mechanism which would evaluate historic sites. In 1974, the Boulder Landmarks Preservation Ordinance was passed and shortly after, the inventory of significant sites began. As a result of this, Historic Boulder successfully petitioned for the downtown commercial area to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The creation of historic districts, the landmarking of significant structures, and the exploration of sites for future preservation have been important elements of our program. Since 1971, we have helped to save many important buildings, held hands-on renovation workshops, and assisted in special restoration projects.
In 1992 a county landmark regulation, initiated by Historic Boulder and approved by the Boulder County Commissioners, went into effect. The regulation allows landmarking of sites in Boulder County and is the first such regulation in Colorado.
On Nov. 18,1993, Historic Boulder bought one of the city's major architectural gems, the Arnett-Fullen House, for its offices, thus providing more space for its expanding membership and operations.
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