Historic Boulder is delighted that there is a high level discussion about the future of the 1890 Union Pacific Boulder Train Depot. This building is one of the most significant historic structures in the County and we advocate strongly for its preservation. As you are aware, railroads played an important and pivotal role in the development of our city, and the depot is emblematic of that early era.
Some highlights of the life of this building:
- Built in 1890, the depot is a gracious stone structure whose architectural design is in the Richardson Romanesque Revival style. The sandstone was quarried from nearby Skunk Canyon, and the building cost $16,000 to construct.
- The depot functioned as a railroad passenger station at 14th Street and Canyon Boulevard (once Water Street) until 1957, when a new depot was built east of 30th Street.
- The Denver-Boulder Bus Company and Travel Center purchased the depot and used it as a bus terminal until the early 1970s. The depot was moved in two parts to its current location in 1973. The purchase of the building and its move was financed by the Boulder Jaycees, who have continued to operate the building.
The Historic Boulder Board of Directors is excited that there is the possibility that the Depot will be moved to a permanent location reflecting its role in Boulder's transportation history, and be sited in relation to twenty-first century train and bus rapid transit.
We are aware and appreciate how many different groups have come together to make the move of this structure possible. Some of these important players are the Jaycees, the Regency Company, RTD and the City of Boulder.
This building carries an integral memory of the evolution of Boulder from its pioneering days through its emergence as an intellectual research and technology center. Given the importance of this building and its fragile condition, Historic Boulder advocates moving the building and setting it down in one coordinated effort. To this end, we offer these thoughts:
- The Structure
Of primary and critical importance is the integrity of the structure. Previously discussed options for the building (deconstructing the building and storing it in pieces or focusing solely on a north of Goose Creek site without acting to secure a site in the near term) ignored the potential devastating effect on the building. We advocate a solution where the building survives its move. The sooner it is set down on a foundation, the better for the Depot and for its quick re-construction as a public amenity.
- The Location
The preferred permanent location for the Depot will be a site with easy public visibility and access. This will assure its best use as a focal point of the Transit Village. If possible, it should be placed near the railroad tracks and public transportation, sited to reflect Boulder's transportation history. Should you elect to wait until RTD's master plan is completed, we advise that a suitable site for the Depot be made a condition of the city's contract with RTD. Boulder's handsome depot has spent too many years in a parking lot in the shadow of a large characterless building. Under no circumstance should it be placed in another such location.
- The Site
The site chosen for a permanent home for the Depot should be secure from vandalism and large enough to eventually allow for the addition of the historic luggage bay and the relocation of the restored train engine.
In closing, the use of such a historically significant and architecturally stunning building will add a great deal to the character of the transit village and will enrich the quality of the public's experience there. Historic Boulder will continue to be an energetic advocate to facilitate the successful relocation, preservation, and reuse of the Depot through alliance building, grant writing for funding sources, and education.
|
