Are historic resources being destroyed? The attached documents suggest so.

As part of the Valley Highway Project, Colorado Department of Transportation completed a review of the historical resources in 2004. As per the attached letter, they discovered that 3 of the 60 sites (namely, 677, 684, and 690 South Lincoln Street) should be considered contributing structures in a National Register historic district.

In addition, 36 previously-researched structures from 696-833 South Lincoln Street and 25-39 Exposition Avenue had already been been identified as part of the Gates historic district. 32 of these buildings were so architecturally and historically important that they were listed as contributing structures; 4 commercial buildings were considered non-contributing.

Other historic district buildings on Logan Street have since been destroyed. See the attached map from the Colorado Historical Society for an overview.

In 1993, RTD commissioned an analysis of the historical resources along the southwest corridor, in anticipation of the new light rail. The results of this rather preliminary investigation indicated that four sites (Gates Factory, Denver Water, Coal and Lumberyard, and Overland Subway) needed further study by a team of architectural historians.

In all, a total of six sites were indicated as officially eligible for the national register, though further discussion of the sites or determination was not available in the abbreviate report attached below.

On December 19th, the Landmark Preservation Commission reconvened to discuss revising the design guidelines for the historic Country Club Gardens.

After Rick Peterson of Oz Architecture presented a shadow study indicating the impact of two large towers on nearby buildings, eight neighbors testified: 7 of them were against the proposed changes, 1 was in favor.

Considerable concern was raised over the impact on the Norman Apartments, also a designated historic landmark. Neighbors worried about the traffic impact of nearly a thousand more cars in the area, as well as the impact of two skyscrapers on neighborhood character. A "skyscraper" is generally defined as a building greater than 150 feet; the towers under consideration are each 300 feet tall with an estimated 900 total units.

Pages 5-8 of the attached document detail the LPC deliberations. As in their October discussion, members expressed concerns over the impact on the Norman and the massive size of the redevelopment. In the end, the commission sent the project on to City Council striking the most contentious guideline changes, and requesting restudy of the massing to further reduce the impact on the Norman.

On October 17, 2006, the Broe Companies requested a revision to the design guidelines for Country Club Gardens. The Landmark Preservation Commission listened to a presentation, and then solicited public comment. Of the WWP neighbors who testified, 3 were in favor and 4 were opposed.

After discussing the proposal, LPC withheld approval pending more information. They requested study of the shade impact and the possibility of moving the structures further north.

Broe will be in front of the LPC again next Tuesday, December 19th. I asked yesterday whether the new plans have been revised in any way as per these LPC concerns, but a representative declined to answer.

Next Tuesday's meeting will be held at 1 pm in the Wellington Webb office building at 201 West Colfax in Room 4.F.6. More public comment will be solicited at this point, and interested neighbors and preservationists are encouraged to attend.