5A - Public Hearing Handouts - Consideration of a demolition permit application (HIS2007-00285) for the demolition of the accessory structure located at 800 Arapahoe AvePackardDierking
A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W
August 13, 2007
VIA HAND DELIVERY
Susan Riclvstone
City of Boulder
Department of Planning &
Development Services
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, CO 80306-0791
P.;3c.ic ~~-c,aR~
l2-`~~~7 ~.PAP~
HGEN 9A t?EM ~A
B-euce D. D~wc¢~c
bruce@packarddierking.com
Re: Locally Designated Historic LandmarkApplication for the Hannah Barker
House,800Arapahoe (FIIS2006-00277)
Deaz Susan:
As you know, I represent the owners of the 800 Arapahoe property. Since earlier this
year, the owners have undertaken a number of steps to facilitate protection of the Hannah Bazker
house. Those steps included removal of the non-historic rear additions that were making it
difficult to secure the property against trespassers and animals, roof repairs, substanrial
reinforcement of the temporary protection on doors and windows and major cleaning of the
interior. Additionally, the owners retained Bob Hunnes of NA Structural Engineers to conduct
a structural assessment of the house. We expect Mr. Hunnes' report to be available later this
week, and of course, we will shaze a copy of his report with you at that time.
During the past few months, we have also engaged in conversarions with Historic
Boulder regazding options that might permit the Hannah Bazker house to be restored. As you
know, the major impediment to restoration of the house has been the lack of an economically
viable use that would generate enough value to cover the anticipated cost of the restoration.
One oprion that has been discussed is the possibility of subdividing the property so that
the main house would be on a sepazate lot, which would permit a potential gift of the Hannah
Barker house to Historic Boulder and allow that organization to oversee its restorarion. Such a
subdivision could be structured so that the remainder of the lot would be large enough to
accommodate two residential units under applicable zoning, wlrich would help provide an
Packard and Dierking, LLC Attomeys at Law
WaterStreet Voice: 303.447.0450
2595 Canyon Boulevard Fax:303.447.045t
Suite 200 www.packarddierking.com
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Susan Richstone
August 13, 2007
Page 2
economic return for the owners that might make such a gift possible. Although at this point in
time, neither the owners nor Historic Boulder are prepazed to commit this structure, both parties
have indicated a willingness to continue exploring the possibility of this approach.
Of critical importance if a subdivision approach were to go forwazd, however, is that the
rear portion of the lot not be included in the locally designated landmark determination.
Accordingly, the owners aze hereby requesting that the locally designated landmazk designation
be limited to the main house and the land azound it, as depicted in the enclosed diagram. The
owners have shazed this proposal with Historic Boulder and asked Historic Boulder to concur in
this request.
Implicit in this request is that the existing alley house would be found not to have
material historic significance and would be eligible for demolition in the future. We hereby ask
the Board to make a finding and/or pass a resolution to this effect. Although we recognize some
may believe the alley house is charming, we aze awaze of no evidence that would indicate the
alley house possesses any material historic significance in its own right, and we believe it is a
small trade-off in the big picture of trying to save the Hannah Bazker house.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this letter or whether you need
any additional information to submit these requests to the Board.
trul~
s,
nice D. Dierking
Enclosure
c: Abby Daniels, Historic Boulder (via hand w/enc.)
Mike Cameron w/enc.)
Chris Maurer (w/enc.)
Tom Hand (w/enc.)