This year marks the 30th anniversary of Colorado Preservation, Inc., a milestone that we are proud to be celebrating! As a core program, the Colorado’s Most Endangered Places Program has been working for the past 17 years to bring awareness and assistance to historically significant and endangered properties throughout the state. In addition to the threats of neglect, deterioration, and natural weathering the state of Colorado was plagued by fire and floods this year, further threatening the great resources found across the mountains and plains. Colorado Preservation, Inc. has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and History Colorado in order to bring assistance to these damaged and historically designated properties. The purpose of the Endangered Places Program is to raise awareness of and build support for significant historic sites in Colorado that are in danger of being lost. This year we will have Listed 101 sites, ranging in styles, construction methods, and time periods, but all significant. We are proud to report that 33 of these sites have been SAVED!, while only 6 have been Lost. Each year we continue to focus on the Listed sites, furthering our education of the history of Colorado and these historic places. In addition to focusing on the List, Colorado Preservation, Inc. works to provide assistance to endangered sites that are not Listed. We are proud to be able to work within communities as issues and threats arise in order to advocate for preservation throughout the state. As we celebrate 30 years as an organization we want to take the time to thank our sponsors, donors, and partners. Without your continuous and generous support, Colorado Preservation, Inc. would not be able to continue to advance our mission. It is because of you that we are able to produce the Colorado’s Most Endangered Places List each year, lending our assistance to ensure site progress, and eventually a SAVE! I would like to encourage you to become a member of Colorado Preservation, Inc. to help us continue to Build a Future with Historic Places.
Programs Manager
or reach us at: 303.893.4260
The 320 acre 4 Bar 4 Ranch was homesteaded in 1895 by Dick McQueary to provide a stop for the Georgetown Stage Line as well as a roadhouse for other travelers. The Georgetown Stage Line traveled on the road through the 4 Bar 4 Ranch from Idaho Springs to Hot Sulphur Springs over Berthoud Pass. In 1895, a roadhouse and stage stop were constructed on the ranch. The hotel and barn were constructed using trees from the Ranch property, and the hotel remained open for travelers coming over Berthoud Pass by horseback and wagon until 1913. With the coming of the automobile, the roadway over Berthoud Pass and through the 4 Bar 4 Ranch was considered an integral part of the Trans-Continental “Midland Trail� highway. Following the closing of the stage line, the ranch continued to host travelers until 1912 or 1913 when it was purchased and converted into a Ford Motor Company. When the ranch was sold in 1917, after the closure of Ford, Harry Larkin converted the property back into use as a cattle ranch. The 4 Bar 4 Ranch remained as a working ranch until approximately the late 1980s. Since that time the buildings have been vacant for over 20 years without any known maintenance. With a lack of solid roofing materials the natural weather is degrading the integrity of the structures. The log walls are carrying the load and subsequently expanding outward forcing logs to come loose and offer no support to the upper floors or the remaining roofs of both buildings. The buildings are in danger of falling after prolonged winters of heavy snow loads. In addition, the buildings will continue to settle into the ground, possibly toppling over either or both structures, without stabilization and additional footings.
4 Bar 4 Ranch
The Stagecoach Meadows Homeowners Association owns the buildings and currently do not have the funding available to proceed with recommended preservation. Stabilization and exterior restoration would prevent the weather from further damaging the buildings and save them for future generations.
GRAND County
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Constructed at the top of Hahn’s Peak at 10,839 feet in 1912, the Hahn’s Peak Lookout is located on the historic Hahn’s Peak mine. The site was initially constructed by the Forest Service as a part of the early Forest Service fire management strategy. It was one of the first officially funded lookouts constructed in Colorado, rebuilt during the Great Depression, and updated shortly after World War II. Built in common form, the lookout is representative of the early conservation movement, a symbol for fire management strategies in the early years of the Forest Service, and role of the Forest Service during World War II. It is a component of the historic mining landscape developed by the Hahn’s Peak Gold Mining and Milling Company. The site’s gradual decommissioning during the late 1940s and early 1950s are indicative of changing perceptions of the role of manned lookout towers versus using airplanes and other aerial technology for spotting forest fires.
Hahn’s Peak Lookout
There has been significant deterioration of this structure in the last five years. Since the lookout is a popular recreation location, it has been victim to defacement, and most recently, there has been both a natural fire and a fire caused by lightning in the structure. These fires have threatened the wooden floor, and the foundation is eroding from a combination of extreme weather conditions and neglect. The restoration of the foundation, and a combination of rehabilitation and restoration will save this structure and make it a cornerstone of the Routt National Forest’s Recreation and Heritage programs.
Routt County
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The Mid-Century Resources of Littleton Boulevard consist of a number commercial buildings and building complexes that can be found along the Littleton Boulevard corridor, south of Denver. While many building owners have embraced their mid-century buildings, a number have become vacant and received little maintenance the fast few years. These buildings are integral to interpreting the automobile movement of the 1950s in Littleton. While the town of Littleton started as early as the 1850s because of gold mining, the area exploded in the 1950s as Denver residents made the move south to live the American Dream. Life in the 1950s was surrounded around progressive thinking and a new modern era.
Mid-Century Resources
of Littleton Boulevard
Mid-Century resources are under attack throughout the country. Often seen as dated and obsolete they fall victim to the wrecking ball and demolition by neglect. Many midcentury buildings can also fall into neglect due to improper construction. Preservationists across the country are having discussions on how to preserve mid-century buildings. Many of the modern styles were utilizing new and innovative construction methods at the time, which were not always foolproof or standard methods. While this can complicate rehabilitations, it also adds to the story of the importance of mid-century building design and methods. Awareness will help to educate people on the significance of these buildings. A survey would help access integrity and significance, while also giving the building owners the starting point for possible designation. Survey and designation would also help local organizations build a toolkit on how to help the public and interested parties mitigate future development pressure.
Arapahoe County
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The Montoya Ranch in Huerfano County is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial and Territorial Adobe architecture. Potentially the only adobe basement building in the United States, the building housed different functions beginning in 1860 as a farmhouse. Between 1910 and 1930, an addition was added to accommodate a general store in the building. A jacal (vertical log construction) addition was added in the 1930s when the building was used as the local post office. In addition to the farmhouse, there are several dilapidated structures including a wooden sheep herder cabin, wooden corral, concrete cistern, concrete ice box, wood framed shack, two storage containers, and an original wood outhouse that has collapsed. The Ranch was used for sheep ranching and, remarkably, several of the sheep pens are still extant on the property.
Montoya Ranch
All of the buildings have suffered from neglect and are on the verge of collapse. The main farmhouse building is in danger of falling down, as the adobe walls have many cracks, are separated from each other, and in one instance has collapsed completely. The roof and floor in the general store addition are in a state of partial collapse. Because of the Ranch’s importance to Colorado’s history, it is extremely vital that steps are taken immediately to stabilize and preserve the remaining building. Water infiltration has done extensive damage to the roof, walls, floors and foundation. Further evaluation of the adobe foundation wall is the critical first step. After that evaluation the framing of the building needs to be shored up and the envelope needs to be made weather tight. The building will be considered a save! when the envelope has been secured to prevent the active deterioration of the structure.
Huerfano County
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The mid-century neon signs on Colfax Avenue are a reminder of the corridor’s past life as the “Gateway to the Rockies.� Elaborately designed and brightly lit signs lined Colfax Avenue as motels, restaurants and roadside attractions competed for the business of travelers. These signs represent an era for Colfax Avenue that has long since passed. The signs today are in various states of disrepair. Some have broken neon tubes and are suffering from rust and weather. Others have been better maintained and have changed little over the decades aside from a few burnt-out bulbs. These signs are increasingly endangered for a variety of reasons. The first being the trend of reurbanization which lends itself to redevelopment; for example, many of these old motel signs are attached to structures that are run-down and dilapidated. Without a concentrated effort of highlight the beauty and craftsmanship of these signs, many will eventually fall victim to the wrecking ball. This threat can be mitigated by building an awareness and appreciation for both the history these signs represent and the craftsmanship that went into their creation. A survey will help identify what resources are left along the Avenue and then the preservation and restoration of these signs can follow.
Neon Signs on Colfax
Denver County
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Throughout the Colorado summers, the temperatures rise fueling the danger for wildfires. Natural disasters such as wildfires can threaten and destroy our cultural heritage. The Royal Gorge fire that occurred in June 2013 burned 3,218 acres and destroyed 48 structures, including damage to several historic structures located in the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The September 2013 floods affected 17 counties including Boulder County where the most rainfall was recorded— 9.08 inches—an amount comparable to the county’s annual precipitation. The floods ripped out half of the foundation of the circa-1902 Little Church in the Pines in Salina. Due to the severity of the damage, the preservation community reacted quickly in order to understand the damage and work to stabilize the Church. The State Historical Fund awarded emergency funding to stabilize this important community landmark. Likewise, the 2013 flood crashed its way between the two historic barns at the Elkhorn Lodge in Estes Park, but the properties were stabilized and protected through a State Historical Fund emergency grant. Not only can renovation save money today, but a rehabbed historic property is more valuable in the long run than a new building. It usually costs less to repair than build from scratch. You can start by determining what work needs to be done to stabilize your structure. Assess the structural system such as the foundation, exterior walls, and roof. Next, walk through your structure with contractors to get a ballpark figure. If the estimate sounds reasonable, request an item by item detailed bid.
Disaster Preparedness Throughout 2013, several historic structures throughout Colorado have been affected by natural disasters, namely fires and floods. Colorado Preservation, Inc. has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the History Colorado State Historical Fund to quickly and effectively assist property owners in need. Owners of damaged properties are discovering that it can be faster and cheaper to renovate than to demolish and build a new structure.
The History Colorado State Historical Fund is available to give assistance. Recognizing the need for immediate preservation after natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, or fires, the Fund offers emergency funding to damaged buildings, structures, or sites for temporary stabilization until property owners are able to pursue permanent preservation projects. Public and non-profit property owners of historically designated properties are able to apply for up to $10,000 with a 25% cash match. Private property owners of historically designated properties are not able to apply directly; however, a nonprofit organization is able to apply on their behalf. Colorado Preservation, Inc. has been working with private property owners to help them acquire emergency grant funding for immediate stabilization needs due to damaged sustained by acts of nature. Colorado Preservation, Inc. is also available to provide future grant writing and management assistance for larger grants during the spring and fall grant rounds.
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PAST LIST DESIGNATIONS & STATUS Saved Beaumont Home (2004), Pueblo County Bradford Perley House (2002), Jefferson County Chimney Rock (2008), Archuleta County City Ditch (2003), Douglas, Arapahoe, and Denver Counties
Rock Creek Stage Stop (2000) Routt County San Rafael Church (2001), Conejos County Satank Bridge (2003), Garfield County Shield Rock Art Site (2001), Rio Blanco County Studzinski Block, Pueblo County
Civic Center (2007), Denver County
Toltec Hotel (1998), Las Animas County
Cripple Creek (1998), Teller County
Progress
Daniels Schoolhouse (2006), Weld County
Alta Lakes (2000), San Miguel County
Downtown Greeley (2000), Weld County
Amache Internment Camp (2001), Prowers County
Durango Power House (2001), La Plata County
Arkansas Valley Fairground Adobe Stables (2007), Otero County
Emma Store (2000), Pitkin County
Bent County High School (2004), Bent County
Evans School (2000), Denver County Georgetown School (2006), Clear Creek County
Brown’s Sheep Camp (2010), Las Animas County
Greeley, Salt Lake and Pacific RR Grade-Stout Branch (2009), Larimer County
Alert
Historic Eastside Neighborhood (2012), Pueblo County
Colorado Fuel & Iron PlantIndustrial Plant (1999), Pueblo County
Historic I-70 Mountain Corridor Communities (2005), Clear Creek County Homesteading Resources of Escalante Canyon (2013), Delta County (Moved from Alert to Progress!) Hotchkiss Barn (2013), Delta County (Moved from Alert to Progress!) Hugo Roundhouse (2002), Lincoln County InterLaken Resort (2001), Lake County Kennedy/Mancos Grain Elevator (2013), Montezuma County (Moved from Alert to Progress!) Leadville Mining District (1998), Lake County
Central City (1998), Gilpin County
Lizzy Knight’s Cabin (2012), Rural Dolores County
Grandview Terrace Neighborhood (1999), Boulder County
Colona School & Grange (2006), Ouray County
McElmo Creek Flume (2011), Montezuma County
Grant Avenue Church & Community Center (2002), Denver County
Colorado Capitol Dome (2010), Denver County
Moffat Road/Hill Road (2012), Rural Boulder, Grand, and Gilpin Counties
Handy Chapel (2011), Mesa County (Newly Saved!) Hanger 61 (2005), Denver County Hanging Flume (1999), Montrose County Hutchinson Homestead & Ranch (2003), Chaffee County Lewis Mill (1998), San Miguel County Lime Kilns (2001), Pitkin County Manitou Springs Spa (2000), El Paso County Original Gold Hill Townsite (2000), Boulder County Pillars of P.O.W. Camp 202 (2005), Weld County Preston Farm (1998), Larimer County Red Mountain Mining District (1999), Ouray and San Miguel Counties
Colorado Fuel & Iron PlantMuseum (1999), Pueblo County Commodore Mining District (2006), Mineral County Como Depot (2006), Park County Crossan’s Market (2012), Routt County Dearfield Farming Colony (1999), Weld County (Moved from Alert to Progress!)
Hispanic Cultural Landscapes of the Purgatoire River Valley (1998), Las Animas County McLaughlin Building (2007), Pueblo County Santa Fe Trail & Southeast Heritage Region (2007), Baca, Bent, Las Animas & Otero Counties Union Pacific Pumphouse (2005), Cheyenne County Walsen Power Plant (2009), Huerfano County
Lost Christian Science Church (1998), Teller County
Paris Mill (2004), Park County
Given Institute (2011), Pitkin County
Ralston Cemetery (2011), Jefferson County Riverside Cemetery (2008), Denver and Adams Counties
Elkhorn Lodge (2010), Larimer County
Snowstorm Gold Dredge (2001), Park County
Fort Lyon (2013), Bent County (Moved from Alert to Progress!)
Soldiers & Sailors Home (2005), Rio Grande County
Fourth Street Commercial District, Saguache (2009), Saguache County
Stranges Grocery (2001), Mesa County
Grand Junction Depot (2010), Mesa County
Gianella Building (2004), Las Animas County
Columbian Elementary School (2004), Bent County
Sixteenth Street Mall (2009), Denver County
Rialto Theatre (2008), Alamosa County
Foxton Post Office (2002), Jefferson County
Outbuildings of Lake City (2010), Hinsdale County
El Corazon de Trinidad (2000), Las Animas County
Goodnight Barn (2002), Pueblo County
Craig Depot (2008), Moffat County
Currigan Exhibition Hall (2000), Denver County
Silver Dollar Saloon (2008), Teller County
Redstone Castle (2004) Pitkin County
Central Platoon School (2012), Morgan County
Native American Arboreal Wickiup & Teepee Sites (2003), Statewide
Denver & Rio Grande Antonito Depot (2007), Conejos County
Fruita Bridge (2002), Mesa County
Black Hawk (1998), Gilpin County
Kit Carson Hotel (2003), Otero County Willowcroft Manor & Farm (2010), Arapahoe County
Sullivan Gateway (2012), Denver County Sundial Plaza/Cranmer Park (2013), Denver County (Moved from Alert to Progress!) Windsor Mill (2002), Weld County
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Partners & DONORS Colorado Preservation, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support in 2013. Silent Auction Partners:
Donors: Smokey Anderson
Grand Lake Area Historical Society
Bandimere Speedway
High Country News
Banshee Press
HistoriCorps
Bessemer Historical Society
HistoriCorps, Ian McLeod (Skye Timberframes), Steve Harris, Rudy and Laura Christian (Christian & Son, Inc.), George McQueen
Boulder Chamber Orchestra Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra Brewer’s Association Chautauqua Association City of Greeley Historic Preservation Office City of Pueblo Clyfford Still Museum Colorado Preservation, Inc. Colorado Railroad Museum Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Colorado Symphony Colorado Wool Growers Association Creede Repertory Theatre Crested Butte Nordic Council Crow Canyon Archaeological Center Jane Daniels Danielle Dascalos Denver Art Museum Denver B-Cycle Denver Firefighter’s Museum JoAnne Ditmer Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Patrick Eidman Eldorado Springs Resort Empire Carpentry, LLC. Enstrom Candies Fairmount Heritage Foundation Fancy Tiger Crafts Friends of CPI Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Rebecca & Keith Goodwin Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
History Colorado Hotel Boulderado Kit Carson County Carousel Koshare Indian Museum, Inc. Landmark Theatres Lodge Casino Maggiano’s Little Italy Mesa Verde Museum Association, Inc. Molly Brown House Museum National Trust for Historic Preservation Old Mill Brewery Phelps & Associates Picket Wire Canyonlands Prost Brewing r + d Wine Shop Royal Gorge Bridge & Park SK Horses, LTD. River Ranch Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation Arianthé Stettner Stories Divinations Talbott’s Mountain Gold The Capital Grille The Fresh Fish Co. The Historic Georgetown Loop Railroad Colorado The Montoya Ranch at Farisita The Redstone Castle The Vineyard Tread of Pioneers Museum Linda Trzyna University of Colorado at Boulder Watkins Stained Glass Studio White Fence Farms