Boulder Landmarks Board prepares for significant historic preservation plan update

The Boulder City Landmarks Board meeting held on April 6, 2025, focused on the city's historic preservation efforts and the upcoming updates to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining Boulder’s historic and cultural resources, which currently include over 1,300 designated properties across ten historic districts and 20 individual landmarks. This represents approximately 4% of all properties in Boulder, a figure that aligns with national averages.

During the meeting, officials noted that about half of Boulder’s properties are over 50 years old, making them eligible for review under the preservation program. The board discussed the need for ongoing evaluation and designation of historic properties, emphasizing the significance of both tangible structures and archaeological sites, although the latter are currently underrepresented.

The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, which is undergoing a major ten-year update, includes specific policies aimed at preserving historic and cultural resources. The board is tasked with assessing the effectiveness of these policies and determining future goals for preservation efforts. Key objectives include enhancing community engagement, streamlining review processes, and ensuring that preservation practices align with current guidelines.

The meeting also addressed the operational aspects of the preservation program, including the review of landmark certification applications and demolition requests. Over the past five years, the board has averaged 170 landmark certification applications and 136 demolition applications annually. The majority of these cases are reviewed at the committee level, with only a small percentage requiring full board consideration.

As the board prepares for its upcoming initiatives, members are encouraged to participate in training workshops and conferences to further their understanding of historic preservation. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of community involvement in preserving Boulder’s unique historical character.