About Historic Boulder

Historic Boulder is dedicated to the preservation of the Boulder area historical, architectural, visual and environmental heritage through advocacy, education, intervention, and alliance building.

1971 brought many changes to the Boulder cityscape. Citizens realized buildings were being proposed for demolition with no thought of their historic or architectural value. By the end of the year, three important structures were threatened with demolition: the Boulder Railroad Depot, Central School and Highland School.

Historic Boulder, 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 sadly demolished.

Out of this destruction rose the urgency for a legal mechanism that 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, Historic Boulder successfully petitioned for the downtown commercial area to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

The creation of historic districts, the landmarking of significant structures and the exploration of sites for future preservation have been important elements of Historical Boulder’s program. Since 1971, the organization has helped save many important buildings, held hands-on renovation workshops and assisted in special restoration projects.

Historic Boulder’s mission is carried out by its Board of Directors and staff.