As quoted from the National Trust's Summer 2006 edition of the Mountain/Plains Preservation News...

"A recent speech by National Trust President Richard Moe put the national spotlight on the 'teardown trend,' a phenomenon that is affecting hundreds of neighborhoods and communities around the nation, including several in the Mountain/Plains region.

"'I believe teardowns represent the biggest threat to America's older neighborhoods since the heyday of urban renewal and interstate highway construction during the 1950s and 1960s,' said Moe during a June 28th speech at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. He noted several alarming examples from across the country, including the 78 percent increase in demolition permits issued in Denver between 2004 and 2005.

"Preservationists are responding to this crisis on many fronts. At the national level, the National Trust recently added a Teardowns Resource Guide to the website. Information includes 'An Advocate's Guide,' 'What's Wrong with Teardowns: A Visual Analysis,' 'Teardowns in the News' and a place to post information about your community's experiences. Additional sections are being developed and will be added in coming months.

"Efforts to address the teardown issue continue at the local level as well.

Researching, Restoring and Remodeling Your Classic Home

A seminar will be held at the Denver Public Library on Saturday September 23, 2006 from 1-4 pm. It will include:

* an overview of architectural styles from 1860-2006
* warning signs and key maintenance items
* application and approval process for historic homeowners
* how to add on with sensitivity to the original architectural style
* how to research the history of Denver buildings using early building permits, real estate and fire insurance atlases, directories, and photographs.

For more details, see the attached flier. RSVP to Mary Daze at 720-865-1814, mdaze@denverlibrary.org.

From the City & County of Denver:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
relating to proposed changes to the Landmark Preservation Commission Design Guidelines for Structures and Districts

This letter is to notify the registered neighborhood organization(s) of record that on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at the hour of 1:15 PM or as soon thereafter as the calendar of the Landmark Preservation Commission permits, at the Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax, Room 4.I.5, Denver, Colorado, the Landmark Preservation Commission of the City and County of Denver will hold a public hearing at which all interested persons and citizens will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning revision of the portion of Section IV of the Landmark Preservation Commission Design Guidelines for Structures and Districts addressing contemporary design in historic districts, both as new construction and additions and alterations to existing structures in landmark districts.

The complete text of the proposed revision is on file with and may be examined at the Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Any interested person may testify for or against the above-mentioned proposal, or submit written comments prior to the public hearing.

Please contact the Landmark Preservation Commission for additional information.

Local historian Sarah McCarthy has provided details about a national program which may be of benefit to the neighborhood.

The program, called, Preserve America, now offers a new component whereby urban neighborhoods may apply for special designation. To become a Preserve America Community, we would have to demonstrate a commitment to the following principles:
* protecting and celebrating our heritage;
* utilizing history for economic development and community revitalization; and
* encouraging an appreciation of local historic resources through an educational program.

Meanwhile, benefits of such designation would include the following:
* a certificate of recognition from the White House;
* a Preserve America Community road sign;
* listing in a historic directories, press releases, and visitor bureaus; and
* enhanced community visibility and pride.

Should we apply ourselves toward this goal? While other Colorado cities such as Fort Collins have already joined, we would be the first Denver neighborhood to achieve the same. The application requirements are fairly minimal, and our chances seem reasonable, especially if related history projects continue their progress.

Let me know if you're interested or have ideas.

The demolition taskforce is making good progress.

The biggest realization gained in the August 24th meeting was that a historic survey would not resolve the demolition problem. While the plan for a survey may go forward, mediating problems with the demolition permitting process is once again the focus of taskforce deliberations.

Taskforce participants were generally in favor of notification broad constituencies, including the simple (and heretofore opposed) physical signage placed on the property itself.

The primary questions before the committee for their next meeting include:
1) When should notification happen (after some LPC "filter" or immediately)?
2) How long should the comment period last?
3) How should the proposed "non-historic" certification fit into this process?

In sum, the conversation today is worlds away from where it was 6 weeks ago. Historically-minded committee members must be thanked for getting this conversation back to the poblem at hand. There's may be a considerable distance to go before an ordinance will be presented, but the one that comes through will undoubtedly be better for historic homes and communities.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 28.