HomeMy WebLinkAbout5D - 11.05.14 Memo for 405 Valley View
M E M O R A N D U M
November 5, 2014
TO: Landmarks Board
FROM: Lesli Ellis, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Marcy Cameron, Historic Preservation Planner
James Hewat, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Angela Smelker, Historic Preservation Intern
SUBJECT: Public hearing and consideration of whether to initiate the
designation of 405 Valley View Dr. as a locally designated
Historic Landmark, pursuant to Section 9-11-3, B.R.C. 1981.
STATISTICS:
1.Site: 405 Valley View Dr.
2.Dates of Construction: c. 1903
3.Zoning: RL-1 (Residential Low)
4.Lot Size: 5,724 sq. ft.
5.Owner: Sam and Ashley Slattery
6.Applicant: Landmarks Board
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Landmarks Board does not initiate landmark designation
of the property at 405 Valley View Dr. for the following reasons:
The property owners have explored alternatives to the demolition of the
house, including consensual landmark designation and review of the
proposal by the Landmark design review committee, but have determined
that none of the alternatives are suitable. See Attachment 1: Applicant
Correspondence and Structural Report.
The initiation of landmarking over an owners objection by the Landmarks
Board has historically been used very rarely.
The initiation of this p
represent a reasonable balance of private property rights and the public
interest.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 1
There are limited staff resources available to adequately process an
application for designation of a property for which there is not owner
consent.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this hearing is for the Landmarks Board to determine whether
it is appropriate to initiate local landmark designation for the property at 405
Valley View Dr.
On May 21, 2014 the Landmarks design review committee reviewed an
that the building may be eligible for individual landmark designation, the
application was referred to the full Landmarks Board for review.
On July 2, 2014 the Landmarks Board imposed a stay-of-demolition for a
period of up to 180 days in order to seek alternatives to the demolition. See
Attachment 2: Demolition Memo.
The 180 day stay period will expire on Nov. 23, 2014 if no action is taken by
the Landmarks Board.
Since the stay was imposed, the applicant has met with staff and
representatives of the Landmarks Board and Historic Boulder, Inc. to discuss
alternatives to the demolition including landmarking, rehabilitation, and
moving the building.
On May 27, 2014, the owners submitted an application to landmark the
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property to explore alternatives through the landmark alteration certificate
process.
On June 6, 2014, the owners met with the Landmarks design review
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committee (Ldrc) but, subsequently, decided they did not want to continue
with that process and withdrew the application to landmark.
The owners are opposed to landmark designation. See Attachment 3:
Alternatives to Demolition Meeting Notes.
On October 1, 2014, the Landmarks Board voted to schedule a hearing to
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consider initiation of landmark designation for the property at 405 Valley
View Dr.
On September 30 the owners submitted a letter to the Landmarks Board and
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on October 16 they submitted a structural report. See Attachment 1: Letter
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and Structural Report.
Staff considers that, in this case, landmark designation would not represent a
reasonable balance between private property rights and the public interest
per 9-11-1(b) and recommends the Board not initiate the application.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 2
ANALYSIS:
The Historic Preservation ordinance calls for the Landmarks Board to hold a
public hearing to consider initiating landmark designation of a property if there
is some interest in designating a property, pursuant to 9-11-3, BRC, 1981. At the
October 1, 2014 board meeting, interest was expressed by a majority of
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members to hold an initiation hearing in advance of the November. 23, 2014
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expiration of the stay-of-demolition for 405 Valley View Dr.
Purpose of Stays-of-Demolition
The stated purposes of a stay-of-demolition are to prevent the loss of buildings
time necessary to initiate designation as an individual landmark or to consider
alternatives. Sec. 9-11-23(a), ,B.R.C. 1981. During the course of a stay,
the Board may consider a variety of options to this end, one of which is the
designation of the property. T
objection by the Landmarks Board has, historically, been used only on very rare
occasions.
Specifically, of the approximately 75 stays-of-demolition imposed by the Board
over the past ten years, only twice during that period has it initiated and
recommended .
However, many stays during this same period have resulted in the avoidance of
demolition through reconsideration of projects and the subsequent preservation
of buildings. Recent examples in which stays of demolition have resulted in the
applicant filing an application for landmarking include: 1936 Mapleton (2008);
900 Pearl Street (2009); 1815 Mapleton Ave. (2013); 2003 Pine Street (2014); and
1922 20 Street (2014). There are also examples of stays that have been allowed
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to expire (or demolition permits issued before the stay has expired) by the Board,
when alternatives to demolition have not been found.
recommend non-consensual designations has been exercised very sparingly over
the years, carefully taking into consideration the implications and balancing
private property right with the potential public benefit.
Purpose and Legislative Intent
The following is an analysis of whether landmarking the subject property meets
the purpose and legislative intent of historic preservation as described in Section
9-11-1 (a) and (b), B.R.C. 1981:
a. The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health, safety, and
welfare by protecting, enhancing, and perpetuating buildings, sites, and
Agenda Item # 5D Page 3
areas of the city reminiscent of past eras, events, and persons in local,
state, or national history or providing significant examples of architectural
styles of the past. It is also the purpose of this chapter to develop and
maintain appropriate settings and environments for such buildings, sites,
and areas to enhance property values, stabilize neighborhoods, promote
heritage
Potentially eligible for local landmark designation, the two-story frame house at
405 Valley View Dr. represents a relatively well-preserved example of Colonial
Revival residential architecture dating from the early 20 century. The house
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features prominent clipped cross-gable roof forms and classical porch details. The
house remains largely intact, with the exception of the porch supports (replaced
with iron supports and then restored with classical columns similar to the
original). The building maintains a high degree of historic integrity.
See
Attachment 2: Demolition Memo.
While the property appears to meet
local landmark designation, staff considers the initiation of landmark designation
for this property inappropriate.
uncil does not intend by this chapter to preserve every old
building in the city, but instead to draw a reasonable balance between
cultural, historic, and architectural heritage by ensuring that demolition of
buildings and structures important to that heritage will be carefully
Staff considers the initiation of landmark designation of this property over the
property rights and the public interest. A stay-of-demolition is issued to provide
historic resources. While the property is architecturally significant, its level of
significance and the circumstances associated with its demolition, would make
interest and private property rights.
Section 9-11-3 (d) Criteria for Review states that applications received by a
historic preservation organization or less than all of the property owners
Agenda Item # 5D Page 4
pursuant to paragraph 9-11-3(a)(3) or (4), B.R.C. 1981, may consider, without
limitation, the following criteria in making its decision:
(1)There is probable cause to believe that the building may be eligible for
designation as an individual landmark consistent with the purposes and
standards in Sections 9-11--11-2, Definitions,
and 9-11- Designate Landmarks and Historic
;
The house at 405 Valley View Dr. represents a relatively well-preserved example
of Colonial Revival residential architecture dating from the early 20 century.
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Over the course of the stay, staff, representatives of the Landmarks Board, and
Historic Boulder, Inc. have met with the applicant to discuss alternatives to the
demolition including rehabilitation and landmark designation, which would allow
design review of the proposed addition.
Staff considers that the initiation of landmark designation for this property over
would be inappropriate and that, in this circumstance,
designation of the property would not meet the legislative intent of balancing
private property rights and the public interest as stated in 9-11-
the historic preservation ordinance.
(2)There are currently resources available that would allow the city
manager to complete all of the community outreach and historic
analysis necessary for the application;
There are limited staff resources available to process applications for
designation of a property for which there is not owner consent.
(3)There is community and neighborhood support for the proposed
designation;
At the demolition hearing, Historic Boulder, Inc. and one member of the
public spoke in favor of a stay-of-demolition to explore alternatives. Staff
has received a letter from a property owner expressing opposition to
landmark designation for this property. No other responses or inquiries
either in support or opposition to landmark designation have been received
at this time.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 5
(4)The buildings or features may need the protection provided
through designation;
The applicant intends to construct an addition to the house that triggers
demolition review. If the demolition permit is issued, the entire building
could be demolished.
(5) The potential boundaries for the proposed district are appropriate;
Not applicable
(6) In balance, the proposed designation is consistent with the goals
and policies of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan;
Policy 2.33 of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan States that
,
cultural significance will be identified and protected. The city and county
will encourage preservation of such resources through incentive programs,
designation of landmark buildings . . ., design review, public
Staff and Historic Boulder, Inc. have met
with the applicant to discuss possible incentives to preserving the house.
Few of the identified incentives have found to be applicable to the
preservation of the house.
(7) The proposed designation would generally be in the public interest.
While the property would likely
individual landmarks, in this case staff does not consider that designating
over the owners objection would represent a reasonable balance between
private property rights and
The property owners have considered alternatives to demolition,
including consensual landmark designation, but oppose landmark
designation. Staff considers that, in this case, initiating designation over
property rights and the public interest.
DECISION OF THE BOARD:
If the Board chooses not to initiate landmark designation of the property, a
demolition permit for the house will issue on Nov. 23, 2014.
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Agenda Item # 5D Page 6
If the Board chooses to initiate the designation process, it must do so by
Attachment 4.
resolution. A draft resolution is included in If initiated, the
application must be heard by the Landmarks Board within 60 to 120 days from
the initiation date in order to provide time to determine whether the proposed
designation conforms with the purposes and standards in Sections 9-11-1,
Legislative Intent, and 9-11-2, City Council May Designate Landmarks and
Historic Districts, B.R.C. 1981.
ATTACHMENTS:
1: Applicant Letter dated Sept. 30 and Structural Report dated Oct. 16
2: 07.02.2014 Demolition Memo to the Landmarks Board
3. Alternatives to Demolition Meeting Notes
4: Draft resolution to initiate landmark designation of 405 Valley View Dr.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 7
Attachment 1: Applicant Correspondence and Structural Report
Agenda Item # 5D Page 8
Agenda Item # 5D Page 9
Attachment 2: 07.02.2014 Demolition Memo to the Landmarks Board
M E M O R A N D U M
July 2, 2014
TO: Landmarks Board
FROM: Lesli Ellis, Comprehensive Planning Manager
James Hewat, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Marcy Cameron, Historic Preservation Planner
Angela Smelker, Historic Preservation Intern
SUBJECT: Public hearing and consideration of a demolition permit for
the house located at 405 Valley View Dr., a non-landmarked
building over 50 years old, pursuant to Section 9-11-23 of the
Boulder Revised Code 1981 (HIS2014-00155).
STATISTICS:
7.Site: 405 Valley View Dr.
8.Dates of Construction: c. 1903
9.Zoning: RL-1 (Residential Low)
10.Lot Size: 5,724 sq. ft.
11.Owner/Applicant: Sam and Ashley Slattery
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The Community Planning and Sustainability Department (CP&S) recommends
that the Landmarks Board adopt the following motion:
I move that the Landmarks Board issue a stay of demolition for the building located at
405 Valley View Dr., for a period not to exceed 180 days from the day the permit
application was accepted by the city manager, in order to further explore alternatives to
demolishing the building and adopt the staff memorandum with the findings as listed
below.
Staff encourages the applicant to consider landmark designation of the house
and its incorporation into future redevelopment plans for the site. A 180-day
stay period would expire on Nov. 23, 2014.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 10
Should the board choose to issue the demolition permit, or if the permit is
allowed to expire, staff will require that prior to demolition the following be
submitted to CP&S staff for review, approval and recording with Carnegie
Library:
1.A site plan showing the location of all existing improvements on the
subject property;
2.Black and white medium format archival quality photographs of the
exterior of the house.
SUMMARY:
On May 16, 2014, the Community Planning and Sustainability Department
received a demolition permit application for the house at 405 Valley View Dr.
The building is not in a designated historic district or locally landmarked, but is
over 50 years old and the proposed work meets the criteria for demolition
defined in Section 9-16-1 of the Boulder Revised Code 1981. On May 21, 2014, the
Landmarks design review committee (Ldrc) referred the application to the
Landmarks Board for a public hearing, finding there was probable cause to
believe that the building may be eligible for designation as an individual
landmark.
After detailed analysis, staff considers that the property meets the significance
criteria for individual landmark designation as an intact house dating from north
For this reason staff recommends the
Landmarks Board issue a stay of demolition for the residence located at 405
Valley View Dr., for a period not to exceed 180 days from the day the permit
application was accepted by the city manager.
:
Pursuant to Section 9-11-23(d)(2), B.R.C. 1981, demolition requests for all
buildings built prior to 1940 require review by the Landmarks design review
committee (Ldrc). The Ldrc is comprised of two members of the Landmarks
Board and a staff member. If, during the course of its review, the Ldrc
probable cause to consider the property may be eligible
for designation as an individual landmark, the issuance of the permit is stayed
for up to 60 days from the date a completed application was accepted and the
permit is referred to the board for a public hearing.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 11
If the Landmarks Board finds that the buildings proposed for demolition may
have significance under the criteria in subsection (f) of Section 9-11-23, B.R.C.
1981, the application shall be suspended for a period not to exceed 180 days from
the date it was accepted by the city manager as complete in order to provide the
time necessary to consider alternatives to the building demolition. If imposed, a
180-day stay period would start when the completed application was accepted
by the city manager (May 27, 2014, when the Landmarks Board fee was paid)
and expire on Nov. 23, 2014, per Section 9-11-23 (g) and (h), B.R.C. 1981.
DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at the northeast corner of 4 St. and Valley View
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Dr. The property is not located in a designated or potential historic district. Until
1953, when the area was annexed into the city, Valley View Dr. was named
North St.
Figure 1. Location Map showing 405 Valley View Dr.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 12
Figure 2. Southwest corner, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Figure 3. South elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
The building at 405 Valley View Drive is a one-and-a-half story frame dwelling
with clipped cross-gable roof and overhanging eaves. The walls are clad with lap
Agenda Item # 5D Page 13
siding and the flat roofed porch at southeast corner has wrought iron support.
The front door is paneled with transom above.
Figure 4. Façade entrance, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Figure 5. East elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
There are four double hung, one-over-one windows on the south elevation,
paired on the first story and second story. A hipped roof hood is located above
Agenda Item # 5D Page 14
the windows on the first story. A large brick chimney, visible in the tax assessor
photograph, is located on the south elevation. A stone retaining wall runs along
the south and west property line and a fence continues from the northwest
corner and along the north edge of the property. A permit for the fence was
issued in 2007. An earlier permit for roofing work was issued in 1993 and
another for chimney repair in 1994.
Figure 6. West elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 15
Figure 7. North elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Figure 8. West elevation with backyard fence in view, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
The building retains much of its original form and materiality. The c.1944 tax
assessor photograph indicates the building was clad in wood siding and the roof
was sheathed in wood shingles. In 1949 the roof had been replaced with
Agenda Item # 5D Page 16
composition shingles, while the original wood windows and doors remain. The
wrought iron porch supports visible in the 1995 Historic Building Inventory
photograph have been replaced with wood columns similar to those in the c.1949
See Attachment A: Current Photographs
photograph of the house.
Figure 9. Tax Assessor Photo c. 1949.
Figure 10. South elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 1995.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 17
Today, the property is heavily vegetated with a stone wall bordering the east,
west and south property lines. A dry stacked stone retaining wall, borders the
south and east property lines. A low stone retaining wall is visible in the c.1949
Tax Assessor photograph and the 1995 Historic Building Inventory photograph.
The existing stone wall is considerably higher than those pictured and was either
added to or constructed sometime between 1995 and 2007.
Figure 10a. South elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014
NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORY
1
Prior to World War-II, North Boulder was predominately agricultural, consisting
of crop land and cattle grazing. Truck gardens, orchards, and fruit cultivation
were undertaken in small parcels of twenty acres and less. Well-known, large
farms and ranches were located in this area of Boulder in the early 1900s, such as
the Maxwell ranch near Linden Ave., where cattle were raised, and the Wolff
farm to the southeast where dairy cattle were raised and fruit trees and wheat
were grown.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, most land in this area of Boulder was owned by
James P. Maxwell, who had purchased the land from the U.S. Government in
1
North Boulder Historic Overview, 1994.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 18
1880. At that time, Maxwell acquired several thousand acres west of Broadway
and north of what is now Hawthorn. These lands were primarily irrigated by
Silver Lake Ditch (1888), which was constructed by Maxwell to water 1,000 acres
of land in north Boulder. By the early 1900s, Maxwell began selling off the level
land in small tracts of one to five acres; many of these tracts were sold with water
rights to Silver Lake Ditch. Since these tracts were well outside of the city limits,
there was no restriction as to the use of the land; many of the owners planted
orchards and truck gardens and continued this usage until the beginning of the
Attachment F: North Boulder Historical
building boom after World War II. See
Background.
PROPERTY HISTORY
James P. Maxwell originally owned a large parcel of land in north Boulder,
including the tract now known as 405 Valley View Dr. He sold this lot to Manuel
Kellogg in 1900 and repurchased it in 1903. It is likely that the house was
constructed during this period, as Manuel Kellogg was a carpenter contractor,
and the address first appears in city directories in 1904.
Kellogg was born in Livingston, Michigan in 1867 and came to Boulder in the
1890s for the health of his first wife. She died in Boulder, and in 1897, he married
Mary Green. Mary Athelia Green Kellogg was born in Minnesota in 1873 and
came to Boulder in 1896. In 1906, the Kelloggs moved to California but returned
in 1915 and later lived at 640 Hawthorn Ave.
The Mountain Hights (sic) subdivision, of which 405 North St. was part, was
platted in 1903. Herschel Godard purchased the property from James Maxwell in
1904 and the address (405 North St.) first
appears in the city directories that same
year. Godard and his wife lived there in
1904 and 1905.
From 1910 until 1917, Charles W. and Ella
M. Cochran lived at this address. Charles
Cochran was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana
in 1872 and was employed by the
telephone company as a collector and
cashier from 1907 until his retirement in
1937. Prior to working for the telephone
company, Mr. Cochran had operated a
grocery store at 17 and Pearl St. He was
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Agenda Item # 5D Page 19
a member of the Telephone Pioneers Association, Columbia Lodge No. 14, and
the Elks Lodge. He married Ella May Bellman in 1890. Ella was born in 1871 in
Longmont died in 1933. She was active in a Bible school. The Cochrans had a
daughter.
The property was purchased and sold frequently over the next decade. In 1928,
Nellie Kautzsch purchased the property and lived there with her husband,
George and their six children, Sara (12), Hazel (10), Felicia (8), June (5) and
Herbert (1). George was born in Ohio to German parents in 1887 and worked as a
miner. Nellie was born in 1898 in Colorado to Scottish parents. It is possible the
Kautzsch suffered financial hardship during the Great Depression, as the
property was seized by the Boulder Building & Loan Association in 1934. The
association owned the house for 10 years and utilized it as a rental.
In 1946, the E.O. Westermeyers purchased the house. A newspaper clipping
noted that they bought the house from Miss Elizabeth Runck, a nurse at the
Boulder Sanitarium. The Westermeyers taught at the Seventh Day Adventist
junior academy at 9 and Portland Sts.
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property in 1951 and lived there until 1998. John Hanna was born in New Mexico
and worked as a landscape contractor for many years, first with Rosenberger
Gardens and later with Willow Works. Anna was born in Wyoming in 1900. The
Hannas married in 1920 in Denver and had three children: Marguerite, John and
Betty.
The current owners purchased the property in 2006.
:
Section 9-11-23(f), B.R.C. 1981, provides that the Landmarks Board shall
consider and base its decision upon any of the following criteria:
(1) The eligibility of the building for designation as an individual
landmark consistent with the purposes and standards in Sections 9-
11-1 and 9-11-2, B.R.C. 1981;
(2) The relationship of the building to the character of the
neighborhood as an established and definable area;
(3) The reasonable condition of the building; and
(4) The reasonable projected cost of restoration or repair.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 20
In considering the condition of the building and the projected cost of
restoration or repair as set forth in paragraphs (f)(3) a
board may not consider deterioration caused by unreasonable neglect.
As detailed below, staff considers this property eligible for designation as an
individual landmark.
CRITERION 1: INDIVIDUAL LANDMARK ELIGIBILITY
The following is a result of staff's research of the property relative to the
significance criteria for individual landmarks as adopted by the Landmarks
See Attachment E: Individual Landmark Significance Criteria
Board on Sept. 17, 1975.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The house located at 405 Valley View Dr. meets historic significance
under criteria 1.
1.Date of Construction: c. 1903
Elaboration: James Maxwell sold the property to Manuel Kellogg in 1900 and
repurchased it in 1903. Kellogg was a carpenter contractor and the address (405
North St.) first appears in city directories in 1904.
2.Association with Persons or Events: N/A
Elaboration: None of the occupants appear to have local, state or national
significance.
3.Development of the Community: North Boulder
Elaboration: Throughout the early 20th Century, this area of Boulder was
primarily agricultural, with its earliest residents listed as farmers, gardeners,
or nurserymen. This is one of the earliest houses in the neighborhood and an
early example of architecture in the Mountain Heights subdivision of what
was then far north Boulder
Agenda Item # 5D Page 21
4.Recognition by Authorities: Front Range Research Associates, Inc.
Elaboration: The 1995 architect
house represents vernacular residential construction in Boulder as reflected in
its lack of architectural details which would distinguish a particular style; the
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ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The house located at 405 Valley View Dr. meets historic significance under
criteria 1.
1.Recognized Period or Style: Colonial Revival
Elaboration: The house represents a well-preserved example of Colonial
Revival residential architecture , including the prominent clipped cross-gable
roof forms and classical porch details. The house remains largely intact, with
the exception of the porch supports (replaced with iron supports and then
restored with classical columns similar to the original). The building
maintains a high degree of historic integrity.
2.Architect or Builder of Prominence: Manuel Kellogg likely constructed the
house at 405 Valley View Dr.
3.Artistic Merit: None observed
4.Example of the Uncommon: None observed.
5.Indigenous Qualities: None observed
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The house located at 405 Valley View Dr. meets environmental
significance under criterion 1.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 22
1.Site Characteristics: The house sits on a small lot and a tall stone wall (non-
historic) is located on the south and west property lines.
2.Compatibility with Site: This area of the Newlands neighborhood has
residential buildings have been demolished or severely altered.
3.Geographic Importance: The house is prominently located on the corner of
4 St. and Valley View Dr.
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4.Environmental Appropriateness: None observed
5.Area Integrity: This property is significant as a representative example of
early Colonial Revival architecture in north Boulder. While the Newlands
area has lost much of its historic integrity as a whole, there are some notable
examples of Colonial Revival architecture of the 400 block of Valley View
Ave. indicative of the turn-of-the twentieth century development that took
place in the Mountain Heights subdivision.
CRITERION 2: RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHARACTER OF THE
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Many of the older houses in North Boulder have been demolished and replaced
with new houses, creating an eclectic mix of architectural styles. This section of
4 St. generally retains its scale and character. In the early twentieth century, the
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area consisted primarily of farms, orchards and ranches; by the 1940s, residential
development had begun in earnest. Many of the area residents worked as
carpenters, shopkeepers, and for companies such as the Mountain States and
Telephone Company.
CRITERION 3: CONDITION OF THE BUILDING
Agenda Item # 5D Page 23
No information regarding the condition of the building has been submitted at
this time.
CRITERION 4: PROJECTED COST OF RESTORATION OR REPAIR:
No information regarding the projected cost of restoration or repair has been
submitted at this time.
ANALYSIS:
Staff considers that th
Valley View Drive may be eligible for designation as an individual landmark
based upon its historic and architectural significance.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENT:
Staff has received no comment to date from the public on this matter.
If the Landmarks Board finds that the building to be demolished does not have
significance under the criteria set forth in section 9-11-23(f), B.R.C. 1981, the city
manager shall issue a demolition permit.
If the Landmarks Board finds that the building to be demolished may have
significance under the criteria set forth above, the application shall be suspended
for a period not to exceed 180 days from the date the permit application was
accepted by the city manager as complete in order to provide the time necessary
Agenda Item # 5D Page 24
to consider alternatives to the demolition of the building (section 9-11-23(h),
B.R.C. 1981). A 180-day stay period would expire on Aug. 23, 2014.
FINDINGS:
Staff recommends that the Landmarks Board adopt the following findings:
A stay of demolition for the house at 405 Valley View Dr. is appropriate based on
the criteria set forth in Section 9-11-23(f), B.R.C. 1981 in that:
1.The property may be eligible for individual landmark designation based
upon its historic and architectural significance;
2.The property contributes to the character of the neighborhood as an intact
representat
3.It has not been demonstrated to be impractical or economically unfeasible
to rehabilitate the building.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Current Photographs
Attachment B: Historic Building Inventory Form
Attachment C: Boulder County Tax Assessor Card c. 1958
Attachment D: Deed and Directory Research
Attachment E: Significance Criteria for Individual Landmarks
Attachment F: North Boulder Historical Background
Agenda Item # 5D Page 25
Attachment A: Current Photographs
Photo 1. View of south elevation and stone wall, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 26
Photo 2. South elevation and front porch, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Photo 3. View of front porch and door, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Photo 4. South elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 27
Photo 5. East elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 28
Photo 6. West elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Photo 6. View of stone wall along west property line, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 29
Photo 7. Northwest elevation, 405 Valley View Dr.,
2014.
Photo 8. West elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 30
Photo 9. North elevation, 405 Valley View Dr., 2014.
Photo 10. Intersection of Valley View Dr. and 4 St., 2014.
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Agenda Item # 5D Page 31
Photo 11. Looking south on 4 St., 405 Valley View on left, 2014.
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Photo 12. View down alley behind 405 Valley View looking east, 2014.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 32
Photo 13. Looking west on Valley View Dr., 2014.
Attachment B: Historic Building Inventory Form
Agenda Item # 5D Page 33
Agenda Item # 5D Page 34
Agenda Item # 5D Page 35
Historic Building Inventory Form Photograph, 1995
Agenda Item # 5D Page 36
Attachment C: Boulder County Tax Assessor Card, c.1958
Agenda Item # 5D Page 37
Agenda Item # 5D Page 38
Tax Assessor Photograph, 405 Valley View Dr., c.1949
Agenda Item # 5D Page 39
Attachment D: Deed and Directory Research
405 Valley View Dr.
Deed and Directory Research
Lot 8 BLK 1 Mountain Heights
T1N R71W SEC 25
Owner (Deeds) Date Occupant(s)/Directory
Subdivision Platted in 1903
James Maxwell 1904 H.L. & S.L. Godard - 405 North St. first
(1903-1905) appears in directory
Herschel Godard 1905 H.L. & S.L. Godard
(1905-1906)
1906 Not Listed
Anna Gorton
(1906-1910)
1908 Shaver
1911 Charles and Ella Cochran. Collector,
telephone company.
Ella Cochran
(1910-1917) 1913 Vacant
1916
1918
J.A. Snyder
(1917-1922)
1921
John Sherry 1923
(1922-1924)
1926
H.G. Bryson
(1924-1928)
1928
1930
Nellie Kautzsch
(1928-1934)
1932
1936
1938
Boulder Building &
Loan (1934-1944)
1940
1943
Multiple owners; 1946 Westermeyers taught at the Seventh Day
including E.O. Adventist Jr. Academy
Westermeyer
1949
Vernon Trumbo
(1946-1951)
1951
1953
1955
John and Anna
Hanna
(1951-1956 Valley View Dr. first appears in city directory
1998)
1960
1964
Agenda Item # 5D Page 40
Attachment E: Significance Criteria for Individual Landmarks
SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA
Individual Landmark
September 1975
On September 6, 1975, the City Council adopted Ordinance #4000 providing procedures
for the designation of Landmarks and Historic Districts in the City of Boulder. The
architectural heritage. The Landmarks Board is permitted by the ordinance to adopt rules
and regulations as it deems necessary for its own organization and procedures. The
following Significance Criteria have been adopted by the board to help evaluate each
potential designation in a consistent and equitable manner.
Historic Significance
The place (building, site, area) should show character, interest or value as part of the
development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the community, state or nation; be the
site of a historic, or prehistoric event that had an effect upon society; or exemplify the
cultural, political, economic, or social heritage of the community.
Date of Construction: This area of consideration places particular importance on the age
of the structure.
Association with Historical Persons or Events: This association could be national, state,
or local.
Distinction in the Development of the Community of Boulder: This is most applicable to
an institution (religious, educational, civic, etc) or business structure, though in some
cases residences might qualify. It stresses the importance of preserving those places
which demonstrate the growth during different time spans in the history of Boulder, in
order to maintain an awareness of our cultural, economic, social or political heritage.
Recognition by Authorities: If it is recognized by Historic Boulder, Inc. the Boulder
Historical Society, local historians (Barker, Crossen, Frink, Gladden, Paddock,
Schooland, etc), State Historical Society, The Improvement of Boulder, Colorado by F.L.
Olmsted, or others in published form as having historic interest and value.
Other, if applicable.
Architectural Significance
The place should embody those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type
specimen, a good example of the common; be the work of an architect or master builder,
known nationally, state-wide, or locally, and perhaps whose work has influenced later
development; contain elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship
which represent a significant innovation; or be a fine example of the uncommon.
Recognized Period/Style: It should exemplify specific elements of an architectural
period/style, i.e.: Victorian, Revival styles, such as described by Historic American
Building Survey Criteria, Gingerbread Age (Maass), 76 Boulder Homes (Barkar), The
Agenda Item # 5D Page 41
History of Architectural Style (Marcus/Wiffin), Architecture in San Francisco (Gebhard
et al), History of Architecture (Fletcher), Architecture/Colorado, and any other published
source of universal or local analysis of a style.
Architect or Builder of Prominence: A good example of the work of an architect or
builder who is recognized for expertise in his field nationally, state-wide, or locally.
Artistic Merit: A skillful integration of design, material, and color which is of excellent
visual quality and/or demonstrates superior craftsmanship.
Example of the Uncommon: Elements of architectural design, details, or craftsmanship
that are representative of a significant innovation.
Indigenous Qualities: A style or material that is particularly associated with the Boulder
area.
Other, if applicable.
Environmental Significance
The place should enhance the variety, interest, and sense of identity of the community by
the protection of the unique natural and man-made environment.
Site Characteristics: It should be of high quality in terms of planned or natural vegetation.
Compatibility with Site: Consideration will be given to scale, massing placement, or
other qualities of design with respect to its site.
Geographic Importance: Due to its unique location or singular physical characteristics, it
represents an established and familiar visual feature of the community.
Environmental Appropriateness: The surroundings are complementary and/or it is
situated in a manner particularly suited to its function.
Area Integrity: Places which provide historical, architectural, or environmental
importance and continuity of an existing condition, although taken singularly or out of
context might not qualify under other criteria.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 42
Attachment F: North Boulder Historical Background
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Attachment 3: Alternatives to Demolition Meeting Notes
Meeting to Discuss Alternatives to Demolition
th
405 Valley View Dr. | Sept. 19, 2014
Attendees
Sam Slattery, Applicant
Ashley Slattery, Applicant
James Hewat, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Marcy Cameron, Historic Preservation Planner
Deborah Yin, Landmarks Board
Michael Schreiner, Landmarks Board
Catherine Long Gates, Historic Boulder, Inc.
Abby Daniels, Historic Boulder, Inc.
Hugh Moore, Historic Boulder, Inc.
Beverly Potter, Historic Boulder, Inc.
1.Purpose of Meeting
To discuss alternatives to the demolition of the building at 405 Valley View
Dr.
Stay-of-demolition placed on the application at the July 2, 2014 Landmarks
Board meeting and expires Nov. 23, 2014 if no action is taken by the
Landmarks Board.
2.Alternatives
Landmark Designation
The Slatterys are opposed to designation for the following
R
reasons:
Opposed to additional regulations on property;
Believes landmarking will reduce value of home
Will require a very particular buyer, do not want to impose
restrictions on future owner
Significant cost to make changes suggested by DRC for
addition to meet design guidelines
Zoning and other benefits of designation does not
guidelines.
Design Review/Landmark Alteration Certificate
Small, rear addition proposed that removes a portion of a street-
R
facing wall.
Design schematically reviewed by DRC when demolition process
R
first identified. DRC found general mass, scale and location of the
proposed addition okay, but had concerns about differentiating old
Agenda Item # 5D Page 53
from new and suggested simplifying the addition, using different
scale of materials between new addition and house, and breaking
the co-planar nature of the addition by moving the addition wall
Current design constraints: No room to stand upstairs, no room
R
for standard size appliances downstairs
Revisit design review: likely could remove rear addition (not a
R
character-defining feature)
R
Next Steps
Landmarks Board will discuss whether to hold and initiation
R
st
hearing at the Oct. 1 meeting.
Agenda Item # 5D Page 54
Attachment 4: Draft resolution to initiate landmark designation of 405
Valley View Dr.
RESOLUTION NO. _______
A RESOLUTION OF THE LANDMARKS BOARD
INITIATING THE DESIGNATION OF 405 Valley View
Dr. AS AN INDIVIDUAL LANDMARK.
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2014, the Landmarks Board voted to schedule an
initiation hearing for 405 Valley View Dr.;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LANDMARKS BOARD OF THE
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO:
The City of Boulder Landmarks Board initiates the designation of 405 Valley
View Dr. and will schedule a designation hearing in accordance with the historic
preservation ordinance no fewer than sixty days and no greater than one hundred-twenty
days from the date of this resolution.
ADOPTED this 5th day of November, 2014.
This resolution is signed by the chair of the Landmarks Board on November 5, 2014.
Dated: _______________
Chair, Landmarks Board
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Secretary to the Board
Agenda Item # 5D Page 55