09.04.2002 LPAB MinutesCity of Boulder
Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
City Council Chambers
Municipal Building
1777 Broadway, Second Floor
Wednesday, September 4, 2002
6:00 p.m.
Board Mernbers Pxesent
Leslie Durgin- Vicc Cha~, Lisn Eggcx, Leland Ruckei, Rory Salance- Cha~, Kent Stutsman
Staff Members Pxesent
Sue L',llen Haixison- City Attoxnay, NeIl Holthousex- Planner, Sarah Myexs- Landmaxks Boaxd Secxetary, M1tt
Russell- Pxeseivauon Intexn, Deon WolfenUaxger- Pxeservauon Plannex.
Mr. Salance called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
1. Citizen Participation for items not on the agenda.
Paul Saaparito, 2765 7`~' St- said that the Historic Boulder board is interested in being involved in the fate
of the building at 428 Pleasant Street and helping the owner to make some choices besides demolition.
2. Report on Landmark Alteration Certificates/ Demolition Permits Issued and Pending.
Mr. Holthouser said he has visited the property at 428 Pleasant and has spoken to the owner about
alternatives to demolition.
3. Consideration of a recommendation to City Council concerning a request for individual
landmark status for the oil well and a portion of the site at the intersection of Foothills
Parkway, the Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia. Owner: Birch Mountain LLC
Ms. Myers swore in those people who wish to speak on this itam.
Mr. Salance asked board members to reveal any ex-parte contacts they may have had related to this item.
None of the board members had any contacts to reveal.
Staff Presentation
Ms. Wolfanbareer- presented the staff inemorandum and handed out a revised proposed landmark site
with legal description. The site proposed is about 25 feet x 30 feet. She made a correction to the
memorandum to say that the well was discovered in 1901.
Applicant Presentation
Carl Anuta, came as a representative of Historic Boulder, to speak in support of designating the
Mackenzie Well. As reasons for designation, he mentioned the oil well's age, its association with the
Boulder "oil boom" (which lasted just a couple of years), its significance to the development of the
national oil industry, and to our community. Landmarking it will help maintain Boulder's economic and
social history. He said he wants the pump jack to be included in the designation, but the one that is on the
site today is not the original. He hopes that in the future it could be replaced with an older ona by way of
a landmark alteration certificate.
Mr. Salance- wonders if putting on the site a pump jack that is not original to the site would create "false
history."
Mr. Anuta thinks this is no different from replacing windows in a landmarked house with ones that are
historically accurate.
Mr. Matthew Silverman, 3195 11 `h Street, petroleum geologist, agreed with Mr. Anuta. He said that the
original equipment is still in Boulder and that the owner would be willing to donate it sometime in the
future. He feels this would be great contribution Yo the site.
Matt Silverman- gave a Powerpoint presentation including histaric and present-day photographs to help
show why it is so unique to have an oil well in Boulder and why this well should be made an individual
landmark.
The board members all agraed that the presentation was extremely interesting and valuable.
Ms. Durein- would like to see this presentation offered during Preservation Week in May 2003.
Public Hearing
Rand~ eelkev, 1000 Alpine, said he is one of the landowners of this property. He would like to make it
a focal point of the development they are doing on the property. He said they would be willing to
incorporate the old equipment for preservation if and when the mineral owners decide to stop their
production. His group supports the designation.
Board Discussion
Mr. Stutsman- new technologies might keep the well producing for a long time, so it might be good to
procure the original equipment and put it on this site befare the well is obsolete. It doesn't make sense to
have it without a pump. Let's try to get it.
The board discussed whether to try to put the original equipment on the site immediately, or wait until the
owners no longer are tapping the site. The board talked about making the pump a non-contributing
feature for the site.
Mr. Silverman suggested it would be a mistake to put the older equipment on the site. It's better to use
the new because it looks functional, not like old junk.
Mr. Anuta- asked the board to give the surface owners flexibility by not requiring that there be a pump on
the site.
Ms. Wolfenbarger and Ms. Hanison- suggest that the designating ordinance include a sentence which
says "the pumping equipment utilized at the weil site is integral in interpreting the history of the landmazk
site."
The board agreed to this wording.
Board Motion
Ms. Durgin- made a motion to recommend that the Landmarks Board recommend to City Council that the
site located at the intersection of Foothills Parkway, the Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia be designated as
an individual landmark under the City of Boulder's historic preservation code, adopting the staff
memorandum detailing the significance criteria as findings of the Board, and with the inclusion of the
phrase, "the pumping equipment utilized at the well site is integral in interpreting the history of the
landmark site." In addition, the site shall be named the Boulder Oil Field's McKenzie Well.
Mr. Stutsman- seconded the motion.
Vote
The board voted unanimously (5-0) to support the morion.
4. Board discussion regarding section of the Boulder Revised Code (1981) 10-13-23,
demolition/moving permit process for non-landmarked buildings over 50 years of age.
The board looked over a handout prepared by intern, Matt Russell, showing photos of buildings that had a
stay of demolition placed on them over the last year.
The board discussed the purpose of a stay of demolition, and how this tool has been used by the board in
the past.
Ms. WolfenbarQer- explained that tha purpose of the code is not really to save buildings unless they are
worthy of individual landmark designation, or they contribute to a district.
The board talked about its role in controlling pop-ups and scrape offs in Boulder generally. They
discussed how potential historic districts are continuing to be eroded by demolition and inappropriate
alterations. Regarding the Martin Acres neighborhood which is nearing its 50`h birthday, board members
had a variety of opinions about what characteristics are `typical' there, and how review of alterations
might occur if the area should be made an historic district.
Mr. Stutsman mentioned that perhaps the City Council and Planning Board may want to cousider
implementing a review for community characteristics, beyond what LPAB does.
The board members asked that they be given a presentation on the demolition issue by Ruth McHeyser,
Long Range Planning Director.
5. Matters from the City Attorney
There were no matters.
6. Matters from the Planning Department
The board talked about possible grant projects. Members agreed that both a Uni Hill re-survey and
making an historic preservation promotional video wera both good ideas.
Ms. Wolfenbar~er said she would do more research on these topics.
7. Matters from the $oard
8. Old and New Business
9. Adjournment
The board adjourned at 8:59 pm.
City of Boulder
Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board
Meeting Agenda
City Council Chambers
Municipal Building
1777 Broadway, Second Floor
Wednesday, September 4, 2002
6:00 p.m.
1. , Citizen Participation for items not on the agenda.
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2. Report on Landmark Alteration Certificates/ Demolition Permits Issued and Pending.
3. Consideration of a recommendation to City Council concerning a request for individual
landmark status for the oil well and a portion of the site at the intersection of Foothilis
Parkway, the Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia. Owner: Birch Mountain LLC
4. Board discussion regarding section of the Boulder Revised Code (1981) 10-13-23,
demolition/moving permit process for non-landmarked buildings over 50 years of age.
5. Matters from the City Attorney
6. Matters from the Planning Department
Update Memo
7. Matters from the Board
8. Old and New Business
9. Adjournment
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DEMOLITIONS
IN 2002
January - August
A Photographic Summary
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September 4, 2002
llEMOLII'IONS Ar'P120VED BY rULL BOARD
3355 4`~' Street Approved Uy LPAB 8/2002 Full clemolition
3580 4`t' Street T'ull demalition
LPAB stay expired S/2001, permit expired, DRC app~•oved 5/2002
708 17`f' Street Approved by LPAB 5/2002 Roof demolition
1203 17th Street LPAB stay expired 8/2002 Pull Demolition
405 Arapahoe LPAB stay expired 6/2002 Full demolition
901 Hawthorne Approved by LPAB 4/2002 Full demolition
1821 Mapleton LPAB stay expired 8/2002 Accessory building demo
525 Kalmia Approved by LPAB 6/2002 Full demolition
FULL DEMOLITION OF PRIMARY STRUCTURES APPROVED BY DRC
2925 4th Street Approved by DRC 1/2002 Full demolition
2932 4th Street Approved by DRC 6/2002 Full demolition
964 7°i Street
Approved by DRC 3/2002 rull demolition
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2805 7'h Street Approved by DRC S/2002 Full demolition
2911 7`~' Street Approved by DRC 5/2002 Full demolition
1929 9th Street Approved by DRC Full deinolition
601 lOth Street Approved by DRC 2/2002 Full demolition
690 l Oth Street Approved by DRC 3/2002 Full demolition
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PARTIAL DEMOLI'TIONS AT'PROVCD 13Y DRC
3135 4~~' Street Approved by DRC 5/2002 Pai~tial roof & wall demolition
2607 C'~' Str~et Approved by DRC S/2002 Roof and partial wall demolition
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DEMOLITIONS OF ACCESSORY STRUCTURES APPROVED BY DRC
2853 14`h Street Approved by DRC 3/2002 Shed
3345 14~~' Street Approvcd by DRC 6/2002 Garagc & chicken coop
3055 15t~' Street Approved by DRC 2/2002 Garage
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PAGE 02
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CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: September 4, 2002
TO: Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board
FROM: Ruth McHeyser, Director of L,ong Range Planning
Deon Wolfenbarger, Planner
SUBJECT: Public hearing and consideration of a recommendation to City Council concerning
a request for individual landmark status for the oil well and a portion of the site at
the intersection of Foothills Parkway, the Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia.
Applicant: Historic Boulder
STATISTICS
1. Site: A portion of the site at the intersection of Foothills Parkway, the
Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia.
2. Zoning: TB-D (Transitional Business Developing)
3. Ow~er: Birch Mountain LLC
4. Applicant: Historic Boulder
On July 8, 2002, the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board received a completed application
to initiate landmark designation for oil well and a portion of the site located at the intersection of
Foothills Parkway, the Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia. (see.4ttachmentfi: Landmark
Application).
On December 13, 2001, Planning Board reviewed a Concept Plan application for a mixed use
development on the 20 acre vacant McKenzie Junction site at the intersection of Kalmia Avenua,
Foothills Parkway, and the Diagonal Highway. The next step of the planning review process is a
Site Review. The property owners have had pre-application discussions with the Planning
Department this summer, although no new conceptual plans have been reviewed. During the
Concept Plan review, the issue of the historical significance of the existing oil well was raised in
public comment and the Planning Board concurred that the oil well should be considered for
landmarking. Earlier plans for the site in 1998 had also raised the issue about the potential for
landmark designation of the oil well, and staff at that time recommended further research and
investigation. ~
The proposed landmark site is ]ocated on a leval grassy site and contains approximately 20 acres.
It is situated between two busy roadways. The site contains equipment which was installed in the
1970s, but manufactured in the 1950s. The circular storage tank is located west of the pumpjack,
which is situated directly above the well on a concrete block foundation.` An unpaved access
'The applicant may revise [he boundaries of the proposed Iandmark site to not include the storage tank.
Memo to Landmarks Preserva[ion Advisory Board 09/04/02 Page 2
Re; McKenzie Oil Well - Landmark Applica[ion
drive is located on the east side of the property. (See Attachment B: Existing conditions
photographs)
SIGNIFICANCE
The following is the result of staffls ~esearch on the proposed landmark relative to the
significance criteria for individual iandmarks adopted by the Landmarks Board on September 17,
1975. (see Attachment C: Significance Criteria) The significance criteria are used by the
Landmarks Board in determining if a building conforms with the purposes and standards of
Sections 10-13-1 and 10-13-3 of the Historic Preservation Code, B.R.C. 1981.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The McKenzie Well site, located at the intersection of Foothills Parkway, the
Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia, is historically significant under criteria 1, 2, 3, and 4 as the
location of the first commercial oil well in the Boulder Oil Field, and the only physical extant
structure associated with Boulder's oil boom at the turn of the twentieth century.
1. Date oF construction: 1902 (discovery of the Boulder Oil Field); 1902 (drilling of this
well, replacing the discovery well); c. 1970s (cunent pumpjack and storage tank installed)
2. Association with Historical Persons or Events: The proposed landmark site is the
location of the first commercia] oil well in the Boulder Oi] Field, which is the second
oldest oil field in Colorado. It is one of the oldest pro@ucing anticlines in the Rocky
Mountain region.
3. Distinction in the development of the Community of Boulder: The Boulder Oil
Field is associated with the oil boom in Boulder at the turn of the twentieth century.
4. Recognition by authorities: The Boulder Oil Field and the McKenzie Well have
been referenced in numerous articles and books. (See bibliography in Matthew
Silverman's article "Oil or Money Refunded: Boom and Bust in the Boulder Oil Field,
Colorado, 1901-2001 " in Oil-Industrv Historv. Vol. 2, No. 1, 2002, found in the
application in Attachvreent A). A Colorado Cultural Resource Survey form was completed
in 1978 by K. Engels, and again in 1981 by Manuel Weiss for the Boulder County
Historical Society. For the latter survey, the McKenzie Well was selected for inventory
due to its "early association with the [Boulder Oil] field." (See Attachment D: Colorado
Cultural Resource Survey form)
Elaboration:
Colorado was the first state in the Rocky Mountain region to develop a petroleum industry. The
earliest associated site was the oil spring at Canon City (now listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, and the only other historic site in Colorado recognized locally or nationally for
its association with the petroleum industry). The earliest commercial production in the state was
in 1881 in the Florence Field. Associated with that discovery was Isaac Canfield, who later
became the manager of the Boulder Oil Company in 1901.
The Boulder Oil Company started its first well on the Neil D. McKenzie ranch, located northeast
of Boulder, in May 1901. On August 1, the well struck small amounts of gas; a week later, the
bailer brought up the first oil in Boulder County from a depth of 1700 feet. Fireworks were
ordered, to be set off when oil production began. The plans for celebration were premature,
however, as the rope for the bailer broke and was lost at the bottom of the hole. When it became
clear that the bailer could not be recovered by mid-September, Canfield decided to move the
derrick twenty-five feet south of the abandoned well. Although a considerable investment had
Memo to Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board 09/04/02 Page 3
Re: McKenzie Oil Well - Landmazk Application
been lost, the quality of oil that had been previously brought up viewed as top-grade, and thus
worth the effort to start again.Z
Canfield also began drilling in other locations in the Boulder Oil Field. The Arnold well, located
on the William Arnold ranch a half mile north of the McKenzie welis, actually yielded oil one
week before the second McKenzie well, which showed oil at 2,200 feet in the second week of
January, 1902. These two discoveries "primed the pump" for the intense, but short-lived oil
boom of Boulder. '
After the initial discovery, a frenzy of activity associated wikh Boulder's oil "boom" led to the
drilling of approximately one hundred wells in the next four years, and eventually a total of
nearly two hundred wells through the present. Over one hundred oil companies were doing
business in Boulder by April 1902. An oil exchange was established by the end of January 1902.
This contrasts shatply with the fact that a long discussed mining exchange was never formed in
Boulder, in spite of the long and established history of mining in the area. However, Boulder's
oi] boom was primarily speculative, as only 28 of these wells were commercially productive.
Furthermore, their period of production was generally short and the quantity limited, so that any
fortunes made in Boulder from oil were chiefly from the sale of oil company stock or land leases.
Canfield, a veteran of oil speculation, sold his interests in Boulder just two days after the
McKenzie well showed oil. Others were not so fortunate.
ZPaul M. Sears, "Boulder's Brief Oil Boom," Emoire Maeazina, 31 Mazch 1968, pp. 24-28.
Figure 1: Discovery well
Memo ro Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board 09/04/02 Page 4
Re; McKenzie Oil Well - Landmazk Applica[ion
The McKenzie well is the only extant producing well in the Boulder Oil Field, although its
present production of a half gallon a day is far from its peak production of 75 to 100 barrels a
day. IYs location at the site of Che first oil discovery in Yhe Boulder Oil Field clearly provides
historic association with a brief, but significant economic phase in Boulder's history. It is also
significant in the history of Coloradds petroleum industry as the location of the second
commercial producing field in the state. Serving as the subject of many articles over the years,
staff recommends referring to Attachments A& E for further historical information on the well,
and the effect of the oil boom on Boulder's development.
Figure 2: A pramotional photo, believed to have been "doctored'" by Kacky Mountain ./ae
Figure 3: Center of field
Figure 4: Oil tanker car
Memo to Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board 09/04I02 Page 5
Re: McKenzie Oil Well - Landmark APPlication
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The property at the intersection of Foothills Parkway, the Diagonal Highway, and
Kalmia is environmentally significant under criterion 3 for its singular physical characteristics,
and for its role as an established and familiar visual feature in the NoRh Boulder area.
3. Geographic importance: The Boulder Oil Field and McKenzie Well are the lone
remnants of the oil extractive industry in the area. The well equipment has served as a
unique, yet established and familiar visual feature of North Boulder, clearly seen from
well-traveled highways. It is the only physical remnant of the numerous oil derricks and
pumps that used to dot the area north of Boulder.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Staff has received several e-mails and letters, from around the state and the country, all in support
of nominating the McKenzie Well as a Boulder landmark. These are found in Attachment F.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANCE
The property located at the intersection of Foothills Parkway, the Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia
is: 1) historically significant for iYs role in the development of oil industry in Boulder and
Colorado, and 2) environmentaIIy significant as a unique, established, and familiar feature in the
North Boulder area.
Staff recommends that the Landmarks Board recommend to City Council that tha site located at
the intersection of Foothills Parkway, the Diagonal Highway, and Kalmia (as shown in Exhibit A)
be designated as an individual landmark under the City of Boulder's historic preservation code,
adopting the staff inemorandum detailing the significance criteria as findings of the Board.
Staff recommends that the landmark site be named the Boulder Oil Field's McKenzie Well,
based on the "Guidelines for Names of Landmarked Structures and Sites" adopted as
administrative regulation in 1989. (See AttachmenJ G: Guidelines for Names of Landmarked
Structures and Sites)
EXHIBITS
Bxhibit A:
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A:
Attachment B:
Attachment C;
Attachment D:
Attachment E:
Attachment F:
Attachment G:
Proposed Landmark Site
Landmark Application
Existing conditions photographs
Significance Criteria
Colarado Cultural Resource Survey form
Historic Background information
Public comment
Guidelines for Names of Landmarked Structures and Sites
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ATTACHMENT A
RECEIVE~ JUN p 7 ~pp1
APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUAL LANDMARK
Name of Building/Location: McKenzie No. 1 Well Date: May , 2002
Address: Junction of State Highway 157 and State Highway 119, Boulder, Colorado
Owners:
Minera~ Interest, Well Bore, and Surface Equipment::
E. & F. Investments
Kim Stephenson
44734 Fairway Estates Place
EI Maceo, California, 95618-1010
Note: Record title appears to be in "Intra-Globa!
Petroleum Reserves, Incorporated" (See
Assessor's record attached)
Land Surface (subject to minera! lease):
Birch Mountain LLC
1000 Alpine, Suite 100
Boulder, Colorado 80304-3411
(See Assessor's record attached)
Date of Construction: February 5, 1902
Type of Construction: Oil Field Equipment, Pump Jack and Bore Hole
Architecturai Style/Period: The equipment is 1950 style surface oil field equipment
The well bore was completed on February 5, 1902
ArchitecUBuilder: Isaac Canfield
Condition of Exterior: The pump jack and the tank have been replaced periodically. The
current pump jack and tank are in serviceable condition.
Afterations/Additions to the Exterior: The surface equipment has been replaced
periodically since 1902.
Date of Alterations/Additions: Unknown
Legal Description: That part of the S2, SW4, of §16, and the N2, NW4 of §21, 71N,
R70W, between State Highways 157 and 119, as described in
documents dated May 2, 1979, recorded as Reception No.
335248 and dated September 21, 1993, recorded as Reception
No. 1339279.
~~I po~
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Attachments & Explanation: The Boulder Oil Field was discovered in 1901. The first
well was spudded in May, 1901, by Isaac Canfield, on the
ranch of Neil McKenzie. They struck gas on August 1. The
"bailing tool" was lost at the bottom of the hole and a new
well was drilled southerly from the original weil. This new
well was completed on February 5, 1902, and was named
the "McKenzie No. 1 Well". It set off an oil boom in
Boulder.
Substantial details are contained in the enclosed article by
Matthew R. Silverman "Oil or Money Refunded: Boom and
Bust in the Boulder Oil Field, Colorado, 1901-2001 ".
In addition reference is made to:
• Boulder-Colorado's Oil Capital (1901) copyright by
Karl F. Anuta, 1994;
• A LOOK AT BOULDER, Phyilis Smith (1981), pp 139-
142.;
•"Boulder's Brief Oil Boom", Denver Post, Empire
Magazine, March 31, 1968, Paul M. Sears;
• Geology of the Boulder District, Colorado, U.S. Dept. of
Interior, GPO, 1905;
• Enlarged copy of a portion of the 1902 map of Boulder
County by Cowie & Rice (showing the oil wells).
Also enclosed is a copy of The Daily News, Denver,
February 7, 1902 which was copied from a framed (under
glass) copy available at the Boulder History Museum.
Attached to the copy is a transcript of the text.
Additionaliy, from the same newspaper, is an
advertisement for Jain Oil Company, together with a
transcript of its text.
A filing fee of $25.00 is enclosed.
I certify that the information and exhibits are true and c9rrect copies.
~'res~rvation Committee
Historic Boulder, Inc.
649 Pearl Street
Bouider, Colorado 80302
17
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LAW OFFICES OF .
KAFtL F. ANUTA
POST OFFfCE BOX 1001
1720 14TH STREET
BOULDER, COLORADO 80306
(303) 444-7660
Juna 27, 2002
Dion Wolfenbarger, Preservation Officer
Planning Dept City of Boulder
1739 Broadway
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Re: McKenzie No. # 1 Well: Application for Landmark Designation
Dear Dion:
kE.f,l=.!~'~i'
Enclosed with this letter, is a copy of the survey showing the specific area to be
designated as the site of the McKenzie No. #1 Well. The legal description is also attached. I
believe this should be sufficient.
As to the jurisdictional question, both Matt Silverman and myself were aware of the
concems which might be raised and we addressed these eariy on. Matt has had a number of
conversations with the Oil & Gas Conservation Commission including specifically its North
Area Engineering Supervisor, Dave Shelton.
Additionally we have both been in touch with the owners of the mineral estate.
Specifically Matt has explained to Kim Stephenson the nature and extent of the efforts to
landmark the surface equipment and the well. Stephenson's name and mailing address appears on
the Application for Individual Landmark.
I recommend that the Notice of the Application (once you have determined that it is
complete) shonld be sent to the surface owner, Birch Mountain, LLC; to their local
representative, Vince Porreca; to the mineral owner, Kim Stephenson at E& F Investments
(perhaps a separate letter should be addressed to "Intra-Global Petroleum Reserves, Inc." at the
same address); and also to the State Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Suite 801, 1120
Lincoln Street, Denver, Colorado 80203, Attn. Executive Director.
Providing propar written notice to all of these parties should obviate any problems that
might occur subsequently should notice issues be raised. I believe that if any one of the parties
raises a jurisdictional question we will be prepared to address that at the hearing.
Dion Wolfenbarger
June 27, 2002
Page 2
I hope that with this enclosed information you may consider the application completa, and
that proper notice can be given so that this matter can come before the Historic Preservation
Advisory Board at its August meeting on August 7, 2002.
Yours T~ttly,
L~
1F. ua
KFA:cam
cc: Matt Silverman
Historic Boulder, Attn. Margaret Hansen
Vince Porreca
hb/wolfenj?7
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF SURFACE AREA
McKENZIE #1 WELL
Area Proposed for Landmark Designation
The Existing Oil Well Working - Maintenance Area located in the NWl/4,
Section 21, T. 1 N., R. 70 W., 6"' P.M., Boulder County, Colorado, as
illustrated on Survey No. 4344-12 prepared by Drexel, Barrell & Co, as revised
on 8/10/88 and 5/20/92, as described on Eachibit B, Film 1366, Reception No.
0705736, Boulder County Records, and as illustrated on the copy of said survey
attached hereto and incorporated herein and also as described in the certain
Assignment, Bill of Sale and Conveyance dated November 19, 1987 and
recorded on Film 1505 as Reception No. 00890734, Boulder County Records,
Described by metes and bounds as follows:
Commencing at a point on the north line of §21, T1N, R70W, 6 P.M.
which point is 1067.8 ft. east of the northwest corner of said §21 and
which point is on the westerly line of Parcel Number 8 Rev. as
described on Film 583, Reception 828690, Records of Boulder
County, thence South 25° 9' West 180 ft, more or less to an existing
fence line of the Oil Well Working - Maintenance Area referenced on
Exhibit B, Film 1366, Reception No. 0705736,.Boulder County
Records, the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING;
Thence North 72° West along the existing fence line of the said Oil Well
Working - Maintenance Area 300 ft., more or less, to a point; ,
Thence South 15° West along said existing fence line 55 ft. more or
less to a point;
Thence South 60° East along said existing fence line 165 ft. more or
less to a point;
Thence North 35° East along said existing fence line 70 ft, more or
less to a point;
Thence South 82° East along said existing fence line 120 ft. more or
less to a point on the westerly line of said Parcel Number 8 Rev.;
Thence North 25 ° 9' East along said westerly line of Parcel Number
Rev. 35 ft. more or less to the true POINT OF BEGINNING.
• •
l - n ust
.
lSl`O
A publication of the Drake Well Foundation
~_:,.. .~j,~ti~
Volume 2, Number 1, 2001
OIL OR MONEY REFUNDED:
BOOM AND BUST IN THE BOULDER OIL FIELD, COLORADO, 1901-2001
Matthew R. Silverman
3195 Ilib Street, Boulder, CO 80304; silvermanmr@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT; The Boulder Oil Field was discovered in 1901. It is the second oldest field in the stata of Colorado and ona of [he oldest
producing anticlines in the Rocky Moutttain region. Ironically, the single remaining stripper well was the first commercial producer in the
field. This we(f now represants a unique opportunity for historic preservation. '
Thefieldwasdiscoveredwithoutbettefitofgeology,bytheancientpracticeofwitching. Thediscovaryiseteditedtoagroupassociatedwith
Isaac Canfield, one of Ihe pioneers of the Florence Field, Colorado's oldest.
Professional geologists did not recognize the oil potentlal of the area undl after the discovery had been made. Sugges4ons that F.V. Hayden
identi6ed the Boulder area as the center of a vast "oil belt" ware the fabrications ofaggressive promoters. Early work by Fenneman and Lakes
described [he field in the firs[ decade of the 20" Century.
Located in the western Denver Basin, Boalder Fietd is associated with an en echelon Cold near ttie fooPhiUs of the Fmnt Range. A south-
plunging anticlinal nose controls ihe f eld struciurally. Production is from fracNred Pierre Shele and sandy wnes within the Piecre, especially
the Hygiene Sandstone, The Piene is also the sourca rock for this oil. Cumulative production is about SOQ000 barrels of nil.
Boulder Field was the focus of a forgotten boom. Over a hundred wells wera drilled, and oil companies sprouted up. Promoterspromised "Oil
or money refunded; ' but the sawiest investots got out earty. Effor[s are now underway to enable the historic recognition of the field and [Le
preserva[ion of the remaining #1-21 McKenzie well.
INTRODIICTION
The Boulder Oil Field was discoveredjust over l Op years ago,
in 1901, a few miles north of the Colorado town of the same
name. It is the second oldest field in tha state and one of the
oldest producing anticlines in the Rocky Mountain region.
Boulder Field was discovered the same year as Spindletop
Field in Texas, and its early development shares some of the
boomtown ahnosphere and scandal tha[ made Spindletop
famous. However, it doas not share
Spindletop's record of economic sac-
cess. Boulder was a modest discovery
that opened the oil iodustry of the
northem Denver Basin. It declined to
stripper-wel] levels long ago.
THE OIL INDITSTRY AND THE SEARCH FOR
PETROLEUM IN 1900
The birth of the modem oil industry took place in 1859 with
Colonel Drake's well in Western Pennsylvania. The
systamatic search for oil leapt forward in 1885 with I.C.
White's publication on the• anticlinal theory of petroleum
accuenulat'ions (Howell 1934). Argumenfs pro and con the
theory were published in the scienrific joumals of the 1890's,
Strangely enough, the single remaining
well was drilledin 1902 on the same site
as the discovery wel] (Fig. I), which had
to be abandoned when bailing tools were
dropped in the hoJe. It is one of the first
wells in the field and represents a unique
opportunity for historic preservationists
and the oil indushy to cooparata in
reminding the public of the natural
resources that brought people to
Colorado in the 19'~ and early 20'^
centuries. Ironically, this opportunity
presents itself in Boulder, a college town
famous for its environmantal activism
and hostility towards the extraetive
industries.
OiLlnduslryNistor~~, v. 2, no. 1, 2001, p. 64-70.
Figure 1. The MclCenzie well, discavery well of the Boulder Oi1 Field. J.B.
Sturtevant Photo, Carnegie L~brary Boulder. Note misspelling of "McKenzie".
SILVERMAN
but the fundamental principles were soon generally accepted.
In 1901, however, exploradon techniques were primitive.
Wells had been drilled in the Boulder area to follow-up oily
odors and seeps in the Benton, Niobrara and Hygiene
Formations as euly as 1892. An accepfed exploration
practice, which led to the drillsite selection for the Boulder
discovery well, involved witching or dowsing, with a forked
stick. This device was also known as a"bobber". The
discovery is credited to a group associated with Isaac Canfield,
one of the pioneers of the Florence Field, Colorado's oldest,
discovered in 1881 (Kupfer 2000).
In fact, professional geologists appazenNy did not recognize
the oil potential of the area un[il after the discovery had been
made. Monograph 27 ofthe U. S. Geological Survey, Geology
oftheDenverBasin in Colorado, was publishedjust five years
beFore the Boulder discovery (Emmons 1896), and it does not
include oil among the economic properties of the area (coal,
fire clays, building stones and water.) Thephotographed stake
(Fig. 2), which suggests that Hayden identified the Boulder
azea as the center of a vast oil belt, is a promoter's fabrication.
DISCOVERY AND INITIAL FIELD
DEVELOPMENT
Colorado was the first of the Rocky Mountain States to
develop a peuoleum industry. 7ust a yeaz aftet Drake's
discovery in Pennsylvania, plans were under way ro exploit the
oil spring at Canon City, In 1881, Alexander M. Cassiday and
Isaac Canfield made the first commercial discovery, in what
was called the Florence Field. Producrion there came from
fracture-related porosity and sandy lenses in the Pierre Shale
on a monocline. Otherwise, exploration was slow to yield
fiuit, despite the prodigious amount of information on the
structure and stratigraphy of the state provided by the federal
surveys, especially those of Ferdinand V. Hayden (Owen
1975). Early prospectors drilled near seeps, and the value of
geology and geologists, let alone the anticlinal theory, were not
widely appreciated. ~
After the discovery of oil at Boulder, Hayden's mapping of
Colorado was widely cited in the press and (mis)used by the
promoters as a clue to the location of oil. The Daily News
(Denver, Febcuary 7 1902), for example, called "Hayden's
Map of the Cretaceous" a"valuable guide to oil prospectors."
Along with a representation of his map of the Colorado Group
in Eastem Colorado, th~ paper noted that the "shaded portion
of the map herewith Shows the Colorado cretaceous formation
under lying the Boulder oil fields, as it appears on the map of
the United States geological survey under the direction of
Hayden." It went on to say "The opinion ofthose who pin their
faith to the Hayden map is that the best wells will be found near
the middle of the strip. .."
The map in question actually was a geologic map of the region
(Hayden 1877). The outcrop of the Upper Cretaceous
Colorado Group was represented by a band varying in width
from a point north of Morrison to a width ofthree-to-five miles
through Boulder and north towazds Wyoming. As a
reconnaissance tool, use of this map was appropriate. It
indicated some areas in which the Pierre (the reservoir rock)
was at a shallow depth. However, it could not be relied upon
ta loca~;. structures or other drilling targets. There is no
indicaii~:~, [hat Hayden or his parties ever considered the oil
potentiai of the Boulder region. He visited the area and noted
(Hayden 1873) that "Boulder valley tertiary coals aze
enormously developed;' but made no mention of oi] in
Boulder. (He did refer to the oil shows in Canon City along Oi]
Creek, over a hundred miles to the south.)
The Boulder Field was discov8red by the Boulder Oil
Company's McKenzie wel] in NW/4 NW/4 Section 21-T1N-
R70W, Boulder County. ProducNon was measured at 3 to 20
barrels per hour, from 2,537 feet. The oil was sold for about $1
per barrel and shipped by rail to refineries in Boulder and
Denver. About ] 00 wells were drilled in the next four years; of
theseonly28wereproductive. The6estproductioncamefrom
a northern extension brought in by the Inland Oil Company in
1905. After the discovery at Boulder, geologists, including
govemment scientists, began to take notice. Fenneman's
Figure 2. Hayden's stake. The photo caption reads: "This
stake ewas found on the Geo. B. Poor farm, properry of the
Boulder Mining Oil and Gas Co., and marked 'Center ofOil
Belt'supposed to have been placed there byPro. Hayden in his
geological survey 1873. "No evidence suggests Hayden or his
party did so. Phato from Carnegie Library, Boulder.
65
BOOM AND BUST IN THE BOULDER OIL FIELD, COLORADO, 1901-2001
efforts (1403, 1904 and 1905) and shorter papers oFAMtiur
Lakes (1904, 1906, 1909 and 1911) are most important.
Publications by Kirkbrida (1903) and Washburne (1910) aze
also o£interest.
The USGS issued several reports on known oil and gas
occuttancas during this period; an unusual numberwere on the
small discovery at $ouldec (Vastly lazger accumulations at
Rangely, Colorado, and Salt Creek, Wyoming, had also been.
made in the first decade ofthe 20'" Century. In fact, Salt Creek
demonstrated spactacularly the value of petroleum geology,
increasing the credibility of the science and the oppottunities
for the practice,) Fenneman (1903} sumused that "the beds
from which the oil is obtained are the highly variable sands or
sand rock .,.varying between clay shale and silica sand." This
overemphasized the reservoir conhibution of the sandstones,
but generally ha got it right from tha start. He shuggled to find
a shvctural connection to the presence of oil at Boulder, later
noting (Fenneman 1904) that prior to his I903 paper, "there
appeared to be no law governing the distribution of oils in the
Fort Pierre Shales." Fenneman (1903) concluded, "While
there is as yet no evidence ffiat deforma6on of strata has
anything to do with forming receptacle for the oil, it is not yet
certain that the distribution oFoil is independent of folds."
A year later Fenneman (1904) provided the earliest published
map of the field (Fig. 3). He concluded that "there is nothing
thus far tmown in the field at Boulder to offer encouragement
to prospecting, except in intimate relation with folds."
Fenneman (1905) provided the most detailed early review of
the geology of the field. He described the early reliance on
"strong-smelling rocks" to attract interest to the Boulder area
and the "positive behavior of bobbers" to idenrify dril! sites.
He noted, "The exact locaHon ofa large proportion ofthe wells
in this field has been fixed. by this means. The principle on
which the useofthebobberrests is thesnme es that to which the
proper site of a water well is determined by the involuntary
tuming of a witch-haael sprout when hald in khe hand." In a
masterpiece of understatement, Fenneman said, "The early
beliefs were based upon grounds which might now be
regardedasfazfromdemonshative. Thesubsequentfindingof
oil must tharefore be regarded largely as a piece of good
fortune rather than the assured'outcome of a safe husiness
venture °' Fenneman (1905) concluded that, as in the
Appalachians, "it is not the great andclines which have
conserved the hydrocazbons ... thare will be a strong
presumption in favor of restricting the seazch for oil to folds of
thesmal2erorder." Onehundredyearsofdri!]ingresultshave
proven him correct.
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~ o
0
,
26 25 30 29 2B 21
nuu
x, ei w, L J sow ~ri. e 8:~.."'..ii: wno w.
Figure 3. First published geologrc map of the Boulder Dil
Field, afler Fenneman, 1904. The fo~ded outerop pattern of
the Hygiene Sandstone is highlighted.
Lakes (1904) confirmed ". .. that the discovery was pracYically
an accident, or haphazazd one, Founded on no particular
geological signs or symptoms, and sdll less on any marked
svrface signs or oil seepages ..." He concluded that "Folds
datermine the oil zone, and prospecting should be directed
along them only." In 1909 Lakes took up the issue of the origin
of oil, wunterposing the volcanic or "solfatarid' theory with
the organic theory, which he said "... has done duty amongst
gaologists for a long time in lack of a better one." He noted the
tenuous relarionship of the Boulder Field to the Valmont dike
tlvee miles away, but concluded the "... region is no great
cxponent of eithar the organic or the volcanic origin oFthe oil
found in iR" I.akes p91]) provided the best early cross-
section of the fiald (Fig. 4). Interest in the field had peaked by
this point. Subsequent publications are limited to summaries
in oil and gas field volumes of the Rocky Mountain
Association of Geologists (Deuth and King 1954; Caty 1961).
An unpublished Master's thesis (Whitney 1956) is the most
complete examination ofthe field; it is now almost fifty years
old.
THE BOOM
The Houlder Oil Field was the focus of a boom that is virtually
forgotten today (Smith 1981). Ultimately, two hundred wells
were drilled, most with "other people's money." Companies
sprouted up and stock was sold to locals and outsiders &nm
New England to Califomia. Promoters promised "Oil or
money refunded" and "This stock is sure to pay," Real estate
prices skyrockated, and speculation in minerals was intense.
OneUniversityofColoradoprofessor, H. A, Langridge, nised
$500,000 for drilling, equivalent to several million dollars
66
SILVEItMAN
~i ~ w~~.
w rY,f„ ~~~~
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V f :. ` ~ _ ~-~
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~~~e
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iCRAN ~~~/~~~`/ i
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Se:tion of Bo ulder Oil field.
roe~
~ ~Krom~~ E
~~ "_ fprM~us 3
` _ _ ` o
P/ERRESN~~f x
uqc Od SandrG~~ ' o
~T---•-+"T``" Z
ri6nae:W~ie ,
- ---°- •- ~
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Figure 4. Cross section of the Bou/der Oil Field by Arthur Lakes, 1911,
today. (Langridge served as Colorado's State Geologist in
1905.) New schools were built in anticiparion of a boom, and
Boulder's population grew from 6,150 in 1900 to 9,539 in
1910 (Pettem 1994).
Over 100 oil companies were doing business in Boulder in
1902, including familiar names like Midwest Refining and
Ohio Oil, which eventually became parts of BP Amoco and
Marathon, respectively. More colorful company~names
included Boulder Belle, Millionaire Oil, Left Hand Oil,
Gnome Oil & Refining, Offset Oil and Mogul Oil. Doctored
photographs were taken by a now-revered pioneer
photographer, J.M. "Rocky Mountain Joe" Sturte"vant to
promote investment (Travis 1995). There is little record of the
investorsmakingaprofitintheseventures. ThewilyCanfield
got out early, in 1902.
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY AND PRODUCTION
HISTORY
Located at the westem mazgin of the Denver Basin, Boulder
Field is associated with one of the en echelon folds near the
FoothillsoftheFrontRange. Asouth-plungingan6clinalnose,
whose axis is roughly parallel to the mountains, conhols the
field swcturally (Fig. 5). Flattening and some dip reversal are
apparent on the nose. Structural mapping on the Pierre has
proven difficult due to correlation problems; therefore,
mapping on the underlying Niobrara is generally preferred.
The best wells aze located on the small Haystack anticline
(Sections 28 and 33 -T2N - R70W), which has about 400 feet
of closure.
Production is from fractured Pierre Shale and sandy zones
within the Pierre, especially the Hygiene Sandstone (Fig. 6).
The Pierre is also the source rock for this oil. The frac[ure
porosity is associated with folding, such that the best
production appears to come from fractures parallel to the fold
axis (Whiktey 1956). These aze discontinuous tension
fractures whose extreme variability is characteristic of shale
reservoirs. Production was concenhated on a belt that was
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Figure 5. Structure map of !he Boulder Oil Field, top of
NiobraraFormation. CI=250feet. Eachblockisonesguare
mile. Afler Cary, 1961.
67
BOOM AND bUST IN THE BOULDER OIL FIELD, COLOxADO, 1901-2001
LARAMIE FORMATION
• ° FOX HILLS SANpSTONE
~"_. -
~ ---
Y - -
CA W ~- -
o a v=i °° LARIMER-ROCKY RIDGE
~ W ~ ~ 7ERRY
2 ~ w o . .,,, HYGIENE
U
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BENTON GROUP
T ~(~ ~ ~_~ DAKOTA GROUP
O J i` i MORRISON
O -~ • -
'~ Tr -° -• LYKINS
, •...
i~ "r•' - LYONS
P o°.s:•~ FOUNTAIN
pe x Y xr
xAx x
X x
Figure 6. Stratigraphic column of rhe Boulder Field Area,
after Davis and Weimer, 1976. Key reservoirs in thefield are
thefractured Pierre Shale and Hygiene Sandstone.
about one mile wide (east-west) and about six mites long
(north-south).
The Pierre is severnl thousand feet thick in the field azea,
although the net productive wne is much thinner. The
shallowest production was from 73 feet and the deepest from
6I55 feet, but most of.the oil came from depths of 900 to 2600
feet. Average producing depth was about 2000 feat. The
Hygiene is a thick sandy zone within tha Pierre; it produces in
many fields in the northem Denver basin.
Development was rapid, and 100 wells had been drilled by
1905. Of these, only 28 produced oil in commercial quantiHes
(Whitriey 1956). About 180 wells were drilled in ttic field's
£ust fifty years; perhaps 20 more have been drilled since then.
Records for the early wells (pre-1950's) are very poor; the
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission was not even
established untlJ that decade. Peak production was in ]909
when the field made about 86,000 barrels of oil (Fig. 7).
Clunularive production is just over 800,000 bacrels of oil, and
the decline curve is typical for producHon from a frachved
reservoir. Relatively high initial rates were achieved as the
fractures were flushed. This was followed by a rapid decline in
rates and a long period of low productivity.
The best wep in the field, drilled in Section 4-TIN-R70W on
the Haystack Anticline (Fig. 5), made about 130,000 bacrels of
ra
oil, over 15% of the field's total. Whitney (1956) noted that
there were also five gas wells; one was apparently commercial
(although no production statisrics have been located) and the
others yielded gas for residential purposes only. The field-
wide drilling success rate was about 44%, although many of
the producers should be considered non-economic. The
average well produced about 10,000 banels of oil.
~oaooo
~ooao
~
~
d
~ iooo
~m
,~
@
~~
~
Figure 7, Decline curve for the Boulder Oi[ Field through 2000. Annua! produclion statistics from Whitney (1956f and the
Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commrssion (2001).
68
SILVERMAN
The field is apparently underpressured, but no pressure da4
were available for this report. The oil is sweet, 40° API and
above. Typically 50 to 200 feet of surface casing was set; no
production casing was run. Tubing and rods were set, and the
wells were pu[ on electric or gasoii:~:• pumps. Many of the
wells were pumped irregularly. Some wells were shot with
dynamite or nitrogl~; c zrine to improve production. Results
were mixed and the practice was abandoned. Drilling in the
last 90 years has been limited and largely nonproductive.
Annual field-wideproduction peaked at 85,709 barrels ofoil in
1909 (about 235 barrels per day) and declined to less than
10,000 barrels (27 barrels per day) in every year but two since
1914. The lone remaining well, the #I-21 McKenzie,
produced 162 barsels of oi] in 2000, about % battel per day. It
is now pumped approximately once every three weeks, for
about 24 hours.
The potential for future production is considered to be slight
for several reasons:
I. Production from the Pierrehas been thoroughly defined and
ismodest. Thefracturepattemhasproveddifficulttopredict.
(Horizontal drilling has not been tried in the field, but has
succeeded in similar reservoirs elsewhereJ
2. The deeper sands have been tested, including the Dakota and
Lyons, both of which produce nearby. The Lyons was tight,
with slight oil shows. The Dakota included multiple wet
sands.
3. Environmental and land-use restrictions and the political
climate in liberal Boulder would make it very difficult
(probably impossible) for an operator to obtain the necessary
permits.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LAND-USE ISSUES
One stnpper well is still producing, but encroaching urban
pressures have now placed the field within an azea of
neighborhoods and upsca]e "prairie mansions". The City of
Boulder has acquired much of the old field area for Open
Space. The Boulder Reservoir, a populaz recreation area and
local water source, is adjacent However, environmental
protection issues have been minimal, since most of the wells
were plugged and abandoned over fiRy years ago. Boulder
Field has escaped many of the developmen[ and
environmental issues that plague operators and municipal
o~cials wherever old oil fields are now part of the suburban
landscape. Minor remediation work has been undertaken by
the Colorado Oil & Gas C~~servation Commission at state
expense (personal communication with Dave Shelton,
Pefroleum Engineer, with the Commission).
The site on which the #1-21 McKenzie sits is for sale (Fig. 8)..
It comprises a 2025-acre tract on State Aighway 119, the
Boulder-LongmontDiagonal. Thepropertyhadbeendonated
by the McKenzie family to the University of Colorado, then
passed through several hands (including the Resolution Trust
Co.). It is now zoned lransiHonal business, appropriate for
offices and non-retail seroices, and has. been termed the
Gateway Project. When the land is sold, the developer will
likely prefer to have the pumping equipment and tank battery
removed, and the field may be gone from view forever.
However, an effort is underway to formally recognize the
historic significance ofthe field. Ideas ranging from a roadside
marker to landmark designaHon of the well have been
discussed. Meetings have been held with the operator, the
Colorado Geological Survey, the Colorado Oil and Gas
Conservation Commission, and the Ciry of Boulder's
Landmarks Boazd and Preservation Planner. All groups have
endorsed the concept in principle, and the process is
continuing.
CONCLUSIONS
Discovered 100 years ago, the Boulder Oil Field is a scienNfic,
commercial and historical oddity. It was discovered without
benefit of geology, but is one ofthe oldestproducing anticlines
in the region. The field was scene of a great boom that lasted
only a few years; the bust cycle has endured for decades. Its
presence in the midst of the town of Boulder was once
economically and socially significant, but is now an historic
irony.
Surprisingly, the last remaining well was probably the first
commercial producer in the field. A small group is planning
the centennial recognition of the field and the preservation of
the historic #1-21 McKenzie well.
Historic landmark designation in 2001, the field's centenniai year, hes been a
goal, but had not been echieveA as this article wes prepared for publicaNon.
For more information, or to assist in this etfort, please contact the author.
69
Figure 8. The #1-21 McKenzie well today.
BOOM AND bUST IN THE BOULbER OIL FIELD, COLORADO, 1901-2001
REFERENCES
CARY, R.S., 1961, Boulder Field, in RM.A.G. Oil & Gas Field
Volume, Colorado-Nehraska - 1961, Rocky Mountain
AssociationofGeologists,p.70-74. ~
COLORADO OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION,
2001, annual production statistics and well files, Denver.
DAILY NEWS, TH6, ~1902, Haydeds Iv1ap of the Cretaceous
Formation, Denver, February 7, 1902. ,
DAVIS, T.L. and WE[MER, R.J., 1976, Late Cretaceous growth
faulting, Denver Basin; Colorado: Professiona/ ConM6utions
of the Colorado School ojMines, no: 8, p. 280-300,
DEUTH, J.E. and KING, R.W, 1950., Boulder, in Iensen, F.S.,
Sharkey, H.H.R and Tumer, D.S., The OiI and Gas Fields of
Colorado, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, 1954.
EMMONS, S.F., 1896, U. S. Geological Survey Monograph 27,
Geology of the Denver basin in Colorado, Washington, D. C.
FENNEMAN, N.M., 1903, The Bouldeq Colo., Oil Field: US.
Geologrca! Survey Bulletrn, v. 213, p. 322-332.
FENNEMAN, N.M., 1904, Skucture of the Boulder Oil Field,
Colondo, With Records for the Year 1903, Contributions to
Economic Geology,1903: U.S, GeologicalSurvey Bulletin, v.
225, p. 383-391.
FENNEMAN, N.M., 1905, Geology of the Soulder District,
Colorado: US Geological Survey Bufletin, v. 265, p. 8-98.
HAYDEN, F.V., 1873, Sixth annual report of the United States
Geological Survey of the Territories for the year 1872.
HAYDEN, F.V„ 1877, Geological and Geographical Survey of the
Territories(U.SJ, 1877,GeologicalandGeographicalAtlasof
Colorado and Portions of Adjacent Territories, New York, J.
Bien, Sheet XII,
HOWELL, J.V„ 1934, Hisrorical Development of the~Struc[ural
Theory of Accumulation of Oil and Gas, in Probtems of
Petroleum Geology, AAPG, p. 1-23.
KIRKBRIDE, 7. E, I903, The Houlder Oil-Field, Colorado: The
Engineering and M~nrngJournal, v. LXXV, no. 6, p. 218.
KUPFER, D.H., 2000, Cenon City's Oil Spring, Fremont Cowry,
Colorado: Colorado's First Commercial Oil Prospect (1860);
and the Discovery nf fhe Florence Oi! Field (1881): Oil-
Industry History, v. l, no. 1, p. 35-59.
LAKES, ARTH(JIL, 1904, The Geology o£ the Boulder Oil Fieid:
Mining Reporter, v. XLIX, June 2, 1904, p. 559-560.
LAKES, ARTINR,1906, The Boulder Oil Fields: MiningReporter,
v, 53, Maroh 29, I906, p. 314-315.
LAKES, ARTHi1R,1909, The Origin ofOil: Mining Science, v. 60,
August 12,1909,p. 124-125.
LAKES, ARTH[JR, I911, The Geology of the Houlder Oil Field:
Mining Science, v. 63, Mamh 30, 1911, p. 341-342.
OV/EN, E.W,1975, Inception of Professional Practice,1891-191Q
Chapter 6: Part III; Appalachians, Midcontlnent, Rocky
Mountain Regions, in Trek of the Oil~Finders: A History of
Explotation forPetroleum, AAPG Special Publicetion, p. 215-
246.
PETTEM, SPLVIA,1994, Boulder, Evolution of a Ciry, Univeisity
Press of Colorado, Niwot, Colorado.
SEARS, P.M.,1968, Boulder's Brief Oil Boom, E~7pire M azine,
March 31, 1968, The Denver Post,
SHELTON, DAVE, 2001, personal communication, April 18, 2001.
SMTTH, PHYLLIS, 1981, A Look et Boulder from Settlement to
City, Pruett Publishing Company, Boulder.
TRAVIS, E.M., 1995, Remarkable Activiry: A Look at the Boulder
Oil Field 1901-1904, unpublished research document,
Camegie Library, Bouldec.
WASHBURNE, C.W.,1910, Development in the Boulder Oil Field,
Colorado: U.S Geological SurveyBulletin 381-D, p.514-516.
WHITNEY, F.L., 1956, The Boulder Oil Field, Boulder County,
Colorndo, Unpublished M.S. thesis, University of Colorado,
Bouldec
70
.~ '/ / ~ /
.. ' H~SYLr. ~.~a~~~ tr ~ L'i daY /i > i..r..-,.
/~
Gtiw7`-
S~i ~~9y
~30ULDER - COLORAUO'S OIL ~APITAL f1901)
~Goj,yr;9hf'f94y~ K/(Ff~n~~`o~)
Oil wati first di.~cc>vereei in Colnrado nc::~r C',anon City in 1862. Thc Flore.nce Ficld was
developed in the 1 R8Q's and by thc 1 R9Q's was in control of the Standard t)il 'I'nist. The
Florence Field wa~ the western-mc~st nroducing oil field in the ilnited States at the time althoug,h
oil was, of cour.se, known in Iltxh, California, and many ~>ther Icx:ations.
One of t.he active drillers in the Florence Field was Isaac Canfield. C',anfield first arrived
in ~3oulder in about 1875. He mined coal at the RnhRoy mine 1 1 mile~ east o` I3oulder wilh his
hrothers, and established the tnivn of Canfield (SW cornet of Iasper Road and North 119di Skreet
-,just NW of F.rie). But he apparenfly likecl oil and speni time in Ohio and Pennsylvania het~ore
returniag to Colorado t<> pur~ortedly c(rill the first well in the Florence field. in .1901 he
rzhirned to Aoulder and formed the F3oulder Oil Company. Hi,~ investor~ induclctil Winfield Scott
fitrattcm and C. W. White of Colnrado Springs, Jotm ('~~ole, President of the I)enver Electric
Light Company, and C. V,'. Sanborn of F3oulder. Canficld armoimced his intention io drill three
oil wells nrirtheast of lown.
He spudded his first well on the ranch of Neil D. McKenzie in May, l~L 'I'his was in
the southwest yuarter c~f Secticm 1C and the norihwest yuarter of Sectinn 21. We wcwld know
this te~clay as the arca nnrth and slighlly west c~f tlie Bciulder airyitirt, al~otit where n~Mh 47th
Streetjnin:: tlte diagonal highway. McKen~ie was a genllemar, farmer wfi~o iiazi made sufficient
~rofit~ from the sitver mines as Carihou to retire t;~ a rancl~ where fic r~itied and r:u.ed trotting,
hurses.
This first we11 struck gas on ebont August 1, 1901. They bailed oi1 from ahout 1700 feet,
reporting that the rec:overy was a high grade paraffinic hr~ oil, exceilent for illuminating
pm7x>seti. C. W. White, one of the backers, reportedly ordered $1,000 wnrth uf fireworks for
the celebration, but hefnre the fireworks arrived the bailer was lost in the bottcim of the hole.
Without luck they tried fi~hing untii mid-SePtember, 1901 when the wetl was ahandoned.
Tc~ digress a minute, "bailing" is the process of dro~ing a pipe, or a cart, down the welt
to canture some of the fluids. At that time, the bailers were attached to wires or ropes. While
being dropped they could get tangled nr caught on pmtruding stones. In attempting to recover
them, the rnPes or cables may hnve broken. "FishinQ" was just like it sounds: an attempt tci
recover something from the hottom of the hole through use of hooks, grapples, c~r other device~.
It is not an easy task today and it was certainly more complicated ancl difficult, in 19Q1.
Canfield moved tcr a new tocatinn twenty-five ~ir fifty feet south of the ~rst location, hut
also directed his attendon to two of his other wells.
The discovery on the McKenzie Ranch swe~t Aoulder, at that time a community of abc~ut
7,500 self remecting iJniver~ity oriented citizens. Most of the locals remainecl ~keptical and
were determined ncit to get sucked into a get rich yuick scheme, but sonie outsiders demonstratecl
cauickly hnw to make money from nil: a Colorado Springs dnctor reportecily purchased t00,0pQ
shares c~f Bo~ilder Oil Ccimpany stcick in July at five centc a share and sold it in August, a few
2
days after the discovery, for thirty cent~ a share, thus profiting a tidy $25,0(~, even though
Canfield was still fishing for the fiailer
Money began to flc~w into town in the fnrm of several new oil companies who ~wrchased
leases in the area for several miles north and south, and from the foothills east. Boom fever
began to take hold about as fast as the winter approached. L.eases were sold and resold and new
companies wece ft~rmed tn exploit the riches, but no oil was yet produced.
Canfield spudded his second well on the Dodd Ranch ncar Niwot but abandoned it as a
dry hole at ahnut 3,6!)0 feet on November 8, 1901.
In SePtemher he ha.l spudded two new wel~s: the new McKen~ie (then called the
McKenzie No. 2) twenty-five or fifry fcet south oF the nrikinal and anc>ther new well ahc>ut a half
or three-yuarter miles to the north on the Arnold R~nch in die northwest yuartcr of Section l6
(north af 7ay Road and west af 51 st Stree.). 13y early December the Arnnld well was pr~clucing
such quantitie~ of ga,e Ehat Canfleld sto}med night drilling for fear that the illuminatinQ tarches
wnuld ignite the well. On J~miary fi, 1902, the Arrold wel( showed oil at 2,72Q feet and
Canfield wirui to White in Colorado Springs. Thc I3oulder Camcra reported th~t White arcived
on the train the next day t~eaming "like a welt fed clergyman on vacaticm at full salary and
exPen~ee".
3
Bc~ulder was primed and ready, and the bcx>m tc~k off when the new McKenzie well (now
re-named McKenzie No, 1, hecau,~e the fir~t one was never completed) came in at 2,2Q0 feet in
the Pierre Shale on the night of Fehruary 5, 1902. Canfield ran a pipe up the Arnold derrick
and lit a flare to advertise tn the world that Bnu)~1er was sitting a ton a sea of oil.
The stcxk boomed! Prices ro~e from five cent~ to twenty cent~ over niQht. The Cnunty
Clerk's office was reportedly swamped with as many as forty ieases beinQ recorded in one day.
New companies were formed and plam were annnunced tn form xn Oil Stock ExchanKe
limited to companies who actually held acreaQe in the County. The listing committee, according
Yn the Denver Aaily News on Febn~ary 7, 1902; included Henry I.ebman, Iames Cowie (former
Mayor of Boulder), L. C. Paddock, S. R. Aartlett and I.ee A. Revncilds. Stock was actively
prc~motecl on the hasis that the investor could not lc~se. As you can see from the advertisements
re~roduced from the Denver Dai(y News, the Vuican Oi( Com~any promises that "This should
he an oil gusher". "Five harrel~ an hour" at. the cost of three cent~ per share is advertised by
The Boulder Basin Oil Wells and Refining Co. The Boiilder Petroleiim Comp~ny promises "Sure
ta ket oil".
A suhseyuent article in the Denver Post reported t.hat Fioulder was sn caught i~p in the
hoom that there was a serious sugQestion of p~ssinK a city ordiriance forhidding tt~e cirillinf, of
weils within the city iimi~ti, ancl there was a debate as to whether the weii~ Should be ~ermitted
to be drilled on 5unciay.
4
~ ~:
r
By the time the McKenzie well was comPleted in mid-February, it wa~ prociucing seventy
to one hundred harcels per day. Vesy soon over six oil rigs were in operation in the Boulder
Valley and oil was sellinR for ei~hty-five cente per harrel or more. Ay March there were 92 oii
companies listed on the new stock exchange and hy April, one hundred ~eventeen.
The hoom continued for several years. In 1905 it was repnrted that over one hundred
wells had been drillecl. Maximum Prnduction seems te~ have been reached in either 19(12 or 1903
at about 80,(b0 ba~els per year. T3y 1913, according tn <me re~xiR, the field was only prodt~cinQ
12,000 barrels.
The 3ain Oil C~mpany in another newspaper ad which is framed for your examination,
offered 100,000 shares of stock for sale at only 25 cents and promised oil from a new well to
be drilled southwest of Haystack Mountain. The ad quotes from Professor Fenneman's Repcn-t
on the "Ge~togy of the Bouldet District", published in 1905, anJ the mup which accompanies
the ad shows wells scattered for several milas north and sciuth of the original McKenzie location.
The Cowie and Rice 1902 map shows about a dozen weils in the area bounded on the south by
Yalmont Road, che north by eoulder Reservoir, and between a~roximatel_y 28th Street on the
West and 63rd Street on the East. (The James Cowie who procluced the map was the former
Mayor who was also on the listing committee of the stock exchange.)
The McKenzie well is still listed as a producing well today, although it is presently
capabie of only dbout 1 barcel per day. 7t is located, and many of you have seen it, hetween the
5
.r ~ ~"~
new and old Diagonal Highways east of the 47th Street intersection. There is a large green
pum~jack and a tank which have been there since at least the t95b's. You can park on the old
highsvay and walk into the location at the east end of the sliver of land. Jack Trigg, who has
been around town long enough to remember Betty Chronic when she was in the ]ayCee
Auxitiary, owned and operateci the well for a number of years. Jack acquirecl the property from
the University foundation to whom the McKen~ie family had donated the well. tt is currently
being operated by Douglas Meier. The land between tfie weU and the overpass is to be
developed as commercial propert_y. Peter bardick, who represants the developers, has indicatecl
their hope to be able to landmark or otherwise preserve the weit site.
And the concluding question, of course, is what happened to tsaac Canfield. Phyllis
Smith repor-s that 2 clays after t:~e McKenzie weli was brought in, he sold his stock to his
Colorado S~rings investars for a tidy profit and depafted for points unknown.
Visual Aids & Sources:
A Look At Doulder, Phyllis Smith, p.139 ff
"Boulder's brief oil boom", Empire Magazine, The Denver Post, March 3t, 1968
Framecl Clippings from The Daily News, Denver, Feb. 7, 1902 and The 8oulder Daily
Camera (?) about 1906 (horcowed from the Roulder Museum of Fiistory) {Clippings
donated to Museum by Jack Trigg)
Framed Map of Boulder County, t902, Cowie & Rice.
c:~~snen,Tr.ra
~
=;~ , . ' - -
~~~~~ew'~
~~~"q~`~ ~AA ~~~[~B1
By PAUI. M. SEAflS
_~_. .. ~
~' 1
~.1 : .. 7
~r 'i.'; ~
~
N TIIF, sprinR nf rumors
' sprcad lhrough Uic l ; ado Lusl•
ness Cmnm~mily lhnl lhc counlry
6Clwcrn [louldcr xnd tnnsmonl x~et
e gaod piospecl lor oil cxploralion,
lsaec Cnnflcld, lhc mun who x~ea lo
~um lhcxe rumort inln a ro:uins oil
boom, arrived In biny of Ihnt ycnr
lo be managcr of tiro nowly (ormed
^oulder Oil Co. CnnlirlJ had diillyd
for oil in Pennaylvnvla 30 yrars car-
licr, ond Intcr brmighl In Cotonda'a
(irsl Droducing weil, nl Flarence.
The tlaulder Oil Co. held leasrs on
nevernl proprrlles nenr Ooutdc~,
Thls finn was to have a hewilder-
Inq ~uccesslon af principals, backcrt,
nnA of(ittra, and quitkly developed
slnndnrd ha6lls ot 11ghUng nnd
mcrging wilh rivals, anA oI ~pawm
ing Inlerlocking xubsidia~ic~. ~
Lending bncken In lhe tirsl
monlhf iucluded mI11{annL'e mine
ox•ner Winfirld Scott Slrallnn nf Col-
nrado SprinR+: Tohn ii. ('nole, presl•'
denl nnd generel manager of Ihc
Denver Eleclric Lighl Cu., pnd C.W.
Santu~rn o( Rouider.
Cnnfieid pinnned lo driil lhree
wellx more or Iess almullnncously,
at tocnlim~s~ Spnced severni m i l e~
aparl Vn Ihr p~osped nrca. Ile hired
expcricnced tar0enlcrs from Ihe
Finrence firtld to bulld his rigs, nnd
stnrted his firsl well on Um Neil D.
McRrnEic ranch nnrlhens( of BauL
deq befote llm cud o( pin~•,
On Auq. 1 1}~e McRenrle well
atruck s~nnil mm~unla of gax and a
weck Inler, in lhc presnnce of sro~
erxl highly inlereslod hnckers of lLe
13uuldc~ OII Ca.~ lhc ballrr biou~hl
up Ihe (irst shaw nf oil in Rouldcr
eouoly, from a deplh of 1,700 (cet.
(Thc 6aiier is a piMe of piye, AnseA
al Ihe enA like e Iong Ihin huckel.
x4~ich Is lowcred lo Ihe Lotlnm ol a
x~AI !o rcmorc ihe mud formr~ ~urv
InB driilin6.) Can(icld eslhnaled
lhal lhc x~ell shnutA bc rrady ~~ ~n.
d~rec oll ihe foilowing wcek. Al Ihnt
neu•s, C. IL \1q~ile, nne of lhe h.~k~
ers from Cobrado Springs who u~as
in tioutder lhal dny, u~irrd lor f1,17n0
wnrtb ol fireu~orke, lo be sel of(
atnp Um McKrn:k dcrrick u~hrn oi~
proAucUnn begpn.
The (ireworka w~cr'e prrmalurr,
That xame day ~ rope Lroke e n d
Iofl Uic 6ailer at Ihe bollom ol Ihe
~hnlc. Finhing tar losl Inols In n drrp
u~Ml only a fnu• inchas in diameler
Is n thnncy npcralion. Dy mid8rp.
Icmbcr Il u~aa drar Ihat lhe 6ailv
c~uld nol be recovered, nnd Can-
liNd dccided lo move lhe denick
and drilt a new hole, 25 (ert aoulh nl
Ihc one l0 6e abanAoned.
The R1cKrneie well el lhal {uiin~
rrpreseuled an Inveslmrnl of n~arly
j,i,(100 fnr dcrrick, Jrilling ~~achin-
erY. and equlpmenl. aad sevrral
(housnnd dollara morc lor IatMir and
e>~penses ol pulling Ihe well Jo~rn. To
be so near his goal nnd havc lo slarl
over undoubteJiy enst Canfield and
Lis hpcken Frenl nnsuish, aa u~Ml
as murh mm~c moneY.
F.uang6 0ll !nr nnn~ysis had Lucn
rccove~ed finm Iliis il4faled wcll. il
proved la he lop~grnde parnlfimLase
Illurninaling oil, and D~qJder prM
malers rigldly expocled fl lo Le
worih several Ilines ns much ns ihe
asphal(~tnse oils fnimd im m~sl
other ficlJs Ihnl had bcen developed
allhnl llma '
F.ven wilh Ihie fruxlraling delay,
_ canlbmed
T,! ,~' "i' y" V,.
' II ;"r } ~ .
7,~.`L~~.,~ ~~:;Nw
F.. .I~. '~~`i:'.
:-, ~;~~. ; il~~,:,. ~
,,.;,.,,~.~.,yi ;~,s
f i~'•';') 1t; '' '`I~!: i
1 ;ir •
1 ~~.I • ~ /:",~, ~
.. . .1 ~~~' _+~'~.1. :~
Oil lonki, rusty and unused, afili iland in Jirida ond pa~lure land~ near fhe Doulder rearrcoir, nnrlhmrf of Ihe cify,
. ^ ' . ~ r'F.O.~~ ' ~t..~ . ~ ~
` , ; _ ... ~].T ~„` '~' 4 .
N .~~~._y.._~~_._~-~_...~~.___.~.~...:.:31t ~. ' -_.~.....~_-.~__.~'~'_'__"_'_' .-._F.fu<1 11, IY61 • ENIIMF A/A6A21N[ ,
A ~umthered "bull whe<!" ii mi.e oj U~e remrinntf oJ nn oI1 boom
nmr poutder, Coto., in !he eaAieet yenn oy the 201h Century.
~ .. . ~ . ~ ' ~ -~s;j~ ~ ~ ,
. . .~ ' . . . . ,'~~:-~-
OIL BQOfM conlin~td TIICy CaIIIC~ Ihey drilied, but only the few siruck oil
lhe unArniablc Drrsenro of oil in lht ~ .
McKenxit u~ell srnt a premonllory • . ~ -" ' ,
wave o( excilemenl Ihrough Atni~. ' ' ' , '~ ~ ' -
deq ~ u~ave uhich, hou~ever, al fiiF~~ '` ~~' " -
met rnnsidei~a6le ~esistnnce. Rrni~_ ~~~~1 (nlrrcaL uilh offrre lo farmvre dnu~n, na a Ary hole, nnd moved nll On Jnn. R, )9(17, (he Ainold weli
dcr w~as lhrn a prnspcrous, aelhic- and ranchers (or lenses, Standard hle operalions dos~r tn Poulder nnd hil oil nt 2,720 fceL Cnn(ield ui~~~J
`P°~~~~R. a~d sfrall.lacM unive}_ ~ri-~ns provided fnr usc o( Ihe lnnd !o Ihc promi~Ing McKenxie site. Wlille to rnme up frnm CnlornJn
.ify town of ],5(q prrsons, u~ilh xwq~ fnr d~illinR. ~~^ ~~~~erleience wlih In Scplem~~~r he hrgan 6olh Ihe Springs, nnA mel him al Ihn Jr~wl.
.igns o! sn6s(antial cicic pro~rr~;n f~rming. lhr Iensc lo lapse if evan nrw MclLrnzic nnd a(owlh wrll.lhe Arenrdinp, lo U~e Rvuldcr Pnily
as a new eleclric lighl plnnt and a "~~e Jay passed wilhoul aclual wo~l~ laller on Ihe William Amoid ranch, Camera, when Ihe new~ w-n.s'rrpen4
slrerlK~nr line under rnns(rncliop, °^ a w'~II, Ihe o~cnrr la grl 10 pei~- n lial(-mlle norlh nf lLe MeRenzie ed, "Nhlle's ~innAcome laar I~~nk n~~
Incal husiuesscs dr~pr~~~~~ heavilY ccnl o( produclinn, wilh lhe oli com. wells. On Oce. /, whrn Ihe A~nold lhe brnlg~~ lonk o! e u~clLf~J rie~~)'.
nn supplying the numerous slili-ac- P~"Y ~~king nll rixks nnd expensc, aoli wns down 1,500 (eel, It brgnp la mnn nn vernlion al lull sniary and
tiv< CnIA mines in Uie ninunlains ~~~ ~he scramble la secure dillling yicld gn+, so much lhal Cnn(ield ezpensee" Canfield Fnid he cnulAn'1
v~ost uf lou~n. Oil ndivi(y hnA h~rp rightx, apents diA no! hesilnle lo si~~p~d night drilling lur fcar llie predicl Ihe amounl of oii Ihe .cell
rrealrA in Lloulder's hackl'aiA large- sl~nder Iheir c~mPelilars, wllh Ihe gnx u~ould cnlch fire Irom lhe IilWn- might pmdnce, "h~d Ihis will be n
Iy by outsiders, and i3urins !he linnl resWl Ihnl In spite o! lhesc lrmp4 Inaling lorehes. . pnying wril, and Floulder mighl a~
mnnlhe n( IMtl most lnwnspeople ~ng lerme, x Cond mnny euspicinue Canfield, who Imd done no 6rng• well prrparo for lhe Mx~m."
Iri¢d !o slay skepljcal and were da~ ~~~~do~vnrr5 clammM up anA would ging nbout oil prnspects, was widely ~7pulder wu, In Inct, by now lully
irrmined ~ot b 6e suckeA ~nlo u~ild ~~^~ ~rase in anyonG Franlic bldding resprcted in IImJdrr, When he am primed fnr ihe honm. If IurUicr
schr~nre. (or lh~se holdout righte lafer enn- nounced Ihnl "we have enough gae slimulus wxs need~d, Il anme five
Ve! lhe ail devNapments con.. <<ibuled to n rvnaway boom by !o lurnish (uel for 50 Houlder bus{- daye ]nler when Om McKen{~e No,
Ii~med lo comrnand n(Icnlinp, Durv _ cAtly 1902, ' nessea~^ !he statemenl wna enough 2 xhowrd oll nt 2,200 lecl, lapping.
inP. ~he xwnmer and Inll a sueces- ~R7O~st ttiis 6ackgimind o( gnUierv !o nler( even cornervalive Ooulderv one Imnginatlve speculalar ~nulled,
siun o( apparci~~ly affivc~~~ v{silorx ~nR spreulalive nclivily, Cnnficid iles lo ihe cmnlnR hoom. The Ixn- ~•r sen o( oil." Wilh Ihis newa lhc ~
camc lo [kmlJer !n hwk ovor Cao- `~^rlod his second well, early in lions o( ^ie Arnuld nnA F1cKenzie ~qm roared inln hill voice.
firld's drillin n cralions. i(e w r.4 August lnpl, on the Dn~1d ranch welis. within lhree miiea o( lhe Iinul- ~ ~
~ ~ ncar Niw~ol, halfway belween 6ou6 der co~mly cow'Ihouse, also mnde It Cnn(irid ran A r~n~ up Leside lhe 1t
cmncA (hem all, and Iel them do tF.t Arnnld drrrirk ond Ill a(~nre (rom ~
drr nnd l.ongn+nnt. On Nov. 8 he casy for local penple ln vmify Cem
IalkingnF.outluiureprnspecla. lhe Ras no~~•, u~hich ~dv.~rtiseJ oil ~
' So~ne ou~siders ev~n demoo. °bindoned lhis wcll, lhen J,fAO feet ficld's sle~ement [or themselve6 - ~ar mile~ nmund cach niR~~~~ ~n spile
straled how lo make monry p~~l af , ` ... ~~ ... ' ~f .iam~ary winds. Fuggics Iined np
oil Fefore the oil wns pumprd. A' ' . ' - nlongsicle Fnlh w~eld, nnd on Sun~,
f~~w days Ur.(nrc lhc first show of onl ~ ~ ~ dnye ae mnny as 500 v(silors scrnm-""
m thr FicKrnzle w~ell, a Dr Ta1neY ~[ (~ ~ ~""~{Y '' ~ h`o")'° - L~', bled nrouud tach slte. All who
sl~ires~o(floddr~0ilC~hslnrkat5 G'.': n ~',j}hz ~°l~irf~~~lY~y'{}~ affr~cesnnpleeofnMuldcrnllliledwllh
~~rnts a share. Tu~n uceks lafcr h_ ~ ~ "'~ "^,~ ~' 1. ~, ~ ~, ~,~. '~'~~r Rornnd week in Jannnry sn~nr-
snld mt 30 <enls, pocketing $25,pIX1 in ~ , -'/ ; ~ ~-~ .,, one a(fered William Arnold SI,MI(1 nn
spile of the facl lhal lhe Afd(enve ~'x ~ ~ ~~ mcre fnr hie ~nnch, nnd snmrun.
was lhen blod<eA by a Iosl t,ailcr ~' ' ~.. -~. ¢~ ~ i~'?~ y's ~s~ ti; rlsc iminrdialcly oflcred hhn 5~,~.
anA no ni~ had bcen produceA com- ' . ' ~ ~' ~. ~~(".E,~•:.. ° %~,p.~f~~Y~,y; W1ien hc rrluFeA Imlti o(fcrt Onutder
mercinlly. ~ . r'~~ .~,, people called him q/~l, unl(I Cnn~
That (ail a fcu~ Flnuldcr prop;e - '{~... ficlA snid mlldl lhet he Jidn't
nished out lo cntch lhe ~ide of lur- '~-~`` y
1 . -~~..', . lAnmc Arnni~l~ Ihe Innd wn.~ prnFn-
lune fnr Ih~msrlv~s. Pmf. I3crlie ~ ~ ~~ . ., hty wnrlh nl le~el Ihnl much ind
InnB~~dge, o( Ihe Unive~sify o! CMo- ~ . . ~ - {` rna)'Ar mnre.
rado, made x bnsiness lrip tn IMSIon [,~ _ .~ }~ ~'f. - Stack In Iirndlip,ht Oit Co., the
, m Sepfember and came hack wllh i, a. y~#, ~;_ suhsidiuy whirh drillyd Lhe Arnold
5'+'A,~1 a~ New EnglaiiA caplfal In ~ . .~ .. ,~{ .-'4~" well, wenl Irom 5 cenls b 20 cenit
lhe ncw Inlervale Oil Cn. i,nngridR~ . ~ ~. ~~ Y~ r~. ~'~ {n ane daY m~ lhe slrenglh ot Ihe
~ ia rnnsiJered an aulhorily nn Inc ~ j. . ' " _ _~~ ~ _-: ~~{` .firxl show ol ail. Aul Ihe mosl exeil- l
~ p_ology. Tnd he naw stated ^aUY - ~'~ ~ .-.~ ~ In / (
I l~tj' ._~~eS .r ~ g~Pmlits in ~he Innin ~~rie rnnde (
ih~t 'tLc ~imc ie nnl (ar dislanl ~~' ' ~~ (, ~Z j: fiam nplinna tn Icasc smnll Irnclx `
u~hen ILe raslem edge o( the mnun . ~ • k~]~r' ,j ~'~]y In lhe nies uLlch were anl ~rt cnn- `
tains lo Ihc R' ~amin line u~il rr- . . ' ', g >
3 P. I p ~' y~ ~' i lrollrA hy lhe Lly,gr~ compaplce. \
s~nl p fr~resL o! dcrfickx.° fnicrvnlc 1~ •• '~'y'~ ~' . ; I
i/ ~' t~. ~~t ~ Tlicsp nplions were uflen sold sever.
I,.asrd 7fJ1 acres in lhe nnrllrern cnd ' i" y,,i.':S' ~1AS~,:k{~~.r ` ti~ ~ t~ ' ,~ fimes n day n! Ihc pcak nf Ihe
n( Tl~~ildcr eounly, rnlhpr far rc~ ~~.__'"__"__"'_'_!~ :r~t4`'~?~. ~¢,~' ~ -r . inwm' Aming JammrY. FclnuarY I
n~ovrd, as it evenlnall}• turnnd out, ~ , ~.` y~$!k' , ~ ~ _ n„a,nt,~~~i~. n~n~r~,r, w~s activily. 4
'ram lhe oflpindueing nicn. ' ~YD. ~~i~1 ' •~ . rfi, over 40 Icasee ~ AnY wem bein6 r
U~.dside mnnnyn rnrne ~u ik~uldr~ - ~~i x.w~ V.: ~~ ~~v filyd, mrt~ the counly cicrk. was ~ I
~~n se•.enl nfh.r snurre~ Fnr cx~ F+~ ( v~'y J+ .-_ ~~ swnmped ~
ple. Ihe C nsilidiled Oil nnd Re- '~wY L AY5 7'(~ ~1'~( ,~, sS '~ ~~ i N~w nil ~amp~nirs werc fnrmr~{ ~
.'nn~~ (b, liini.rd Ly ('a~if~.ininns r.'jN'T'`'£': ~~~~f t~'. j},iy.Y ~~0. ~ k$Ri in Ilnuldrr ninrotl dail3' In Ilm uim
..p.ured lr'ilin~ nghls 1~~ I~nds ~4~~i~j,k~+jyy~~ tf ~: S~ ~~ ~~,i J~~' lrr of 19(12. Civle leadeis nnd nii ~I
isL o( lhe hl~F:~nne xclL 'duch of .. ~~_~a (r,.~~~~~~ ~ f.+,'" ~' tv -~ tr xpeculalon (cnlvgnries vhich were t
~.< $INI.m(I capilal u•av pnl uP hy 'v3 t.~~ ,~r 7~r {~/('~,~`'E~j,~ ,1.t< lrnding ln ~~ierge al Il~at lime) am i
nry R'nnnmFlon. wcallFy San ~ ~~e ~7~ ~ •/~~ t~~ti n~uncnrl pinns fnr nn oil slMk cx-
~aneiun nunmg m~n Com.nlidil~d ~l. K r L~ i'~~a~~itlN~ ~~ , •
t.y ~~~~~~1,~Ir~ ~~a ~rt'y'~ r changr in fMWder. uilh lLe rrqniie-
flznd "n IinultJ niunhcr u( shaie5 ., ~ 1 ~ ~' (ply~~~ mrnl ~hnl only Mmp~nies uhi~h
,~ n~~ r~~1~n~' w,i r,n ..~u~ ,~re M a~z;~~`ti~ ~~;v ~k 1y~ ! I a~lunlly nunrd acrtap,e wuuld Lc
'lY ind rehre~~ce u~lurh unuid t~.~1~it~~.~F~~~.Y~',~y.~t~'t~.~~Yr~(,j •f lisir~. Ilclnre Il~e ~~id of J,i~itiaiy
, orrn odJly o4tf.~Jrlanrd in tM~dJcr ' i~'S•: •~'~;~'~j ' Y jr~ ~~' thv nvohauR~ ~~~ ~xlnLli.h•d, nud
<ithin a Icw mnnthe. tliis in e 1 o w n whrre mininB Ac-
AgcnLt tnr oil mmpanies tannfd ' TnrJ;e nnd pipinp Jnnn n IonAV Pnffern, ianrinp lo Iha xky, . vclopmenla had proeidM Ihe cn~~lin- .
r
... . aJ Shnde Ireq and elubb!< rncroach on a urnt of indurlrY. ~ . confinutd '
Al .aL ll, HN • EI./PIRE MAGA7. j
~i.i..... ..-~ ~.`C"~.._~ _. . '_."_ _. "_"_ . ~..:__...__. :.~.~_.~._.~._ .~:~......au:.m...''~.......,.~__.._"""~_.'.-INF..._.~
2 ;~~ •' i 'tr~ '1j' ~.
~'~''I~.P•'ly~~ .
~~
G,,;` l
~~. !.. .
` ,' ~
} -
~[ACii7i..w:v`~a.~ii'L~~u.V.~:~.iIV~Q.W1:fa:l..Lwl~J4dA ~.: .•~ _- -_.-
A°bnckyard'~ reJinerp, brickurnk rolfapsin0 and ~uiih piPtz:_._'.--'--' --A dtenf D~~mP tlnnds n¢pr an unused Pnir oJ Innkt. remnmd~
' ond wirea danylinD. i+ a sYmbW oJ piary lon0 Omu 1e n~in. eJ Ihe Jeverish days when enper mcn touVhl richet )*om oil.
. . . . . . . . ' _ ' `
~~~ poo~~ ~onlinued
uinR m a i n s 1 a y o[ busin~ss, nnd
u~here a mining exohanFe had becrz
discusaed lrnlalivcly Ior a la n 5
lime, but ncrer esta6lished.
In their' adverti~ements for zlock
~ssuee, proroolrrs now dropped al[
{~~-etcn<e o( caulion. 7'he r,lcaresC
aixns n( wveslra~ned speculaliort
rang oul in such nords ne: "6y in-
vcStiuR in Baulder Ccnb'al Qil Co..
you run no f~sk, ns u~e Sre v~re lo~
gct oil.'• '•Oil o~ ~~~anr.Y re(un7nl."'
"'fhis slack is surc lo peY,~~ ~i~d
similar stalemmis w~hich would bc
illcgal~ndny.'- '
l4hen respecled civir Ieadm~s pre-
dicted in nca~spapcr inlcrvicu~s lhat
niI u~nuld dou7)e flouidcr'a p~PUla-
lio~+ in tu'o ycars, u'ho w•as ihc com-
mon ~n~n lo hold h~~k7 11any T7ou1-
der people, after rnonths of slaying
snbrr in Ihe face of Icmptalinn~
gave In lo Ihe unlr.nshed excilemen[
arnund lhem. n~ Jan. lE. }lenry
Ro~kwaler, reporting in T6e Denu<r
Pnat on a visi~ lo fiouldce, described
thc hypnolic cffccl o! U~c ~metl ol
oil on IInuldcriles: Il made ~hem
run Gack lo ~ow'n io rnorlgn6e ll~cir
ho~nee lo buy oil slock. The h~m
w~as, oI rnurse, also henvily atoked
by lhe continucd inllux of out5ide
moncy.
The Post from ils delachcA posi-
linn 30 miles awnY. noled lhat q)
IndeeA, lhere wef oll ~n Ooulder,
(2) lhere u•ae not enouRh oii YcL ln
juslifY snch an inlefesling P~SSibi)-
i!y ae, say building a{+ipcline lo
Dem•er, and (3) mme fluu7der
people were Acad set ag~~nst Ihc ~j~
drvclupmeni becaasc il wxt lw'~~~C
llicir low~~ inlo n n~sl of Fpaculal~on
:~~~J R~~~~61ing, lou'cring lhc h i Q h
mpral tone nf which lhey haA been
.u~ proud. Bul Ihese s(out ~~ks rn
sisling U~e hunicane were e~idenlly
few in m~mbcr.
A good many 6ou~dec leadera
were no( onlY c a u g h t up in O~e ~
b~om. lheY had trouble lindinF (~l-
ing on which lo lnkc }x~aftionx. Fnr
exnmplq some of lhe more respan-
sihlc ~~Rures In lown, sharing t h e
gr.neral ignorance aboul ~he nclua~
exlent o( lhe "underground sca nf
oil," suggesled lhxl i( some ot Uic
~red~cuona werc trve, It might bc
necessnry io pnsn an ordinn~me tar-
bidJing drlilinR for oll wilhin Ihe ~
cily Ii~Nle. Thcy hed in'mind lhe~
unsighlly dcrticks that haA lale)y
Fegun lo grace lhe lront launs o[
fine resi~SenceS hi some disicicts ot
I.es AnRelee. . , . .
in a{mosl lhe Rame Frenth lheee
leaders re(lected the presxures Of
Ihe mament-nt lcasl, il miQhl hc
necessary lo tor6id drilling in Parle
ot llouider, Presumably, in lhe
belt~r residentlnl distrfcin.
Ano(hcr civic issuc, r~~sed and
pmsnr~j •z~i4h great wc+kness, wa5
driili~g for oil on SunAay. Oil opcrn-
mra wcrc now-pushed dospcrnlclY
by Ihe honm. T'irne was rnoncy, and
mosl of lhem drilled !wo shitla, 24
hours a Any, unless slnpped by a
breakdawn. Some operalors did Iny
o[f un S~mdays, but lhe majorily diA
nol, and lhe mnre plous residents o(
Boulder could only cluck ~bout il.
Tlie course of lhe boam A~~pended,
nl course, on produetion nnd merv
kcting oi oll. flow wns il going7 .
On ]mn. 11, fix riRs werc drllling
x~ithfn sighl of the Arnold wcll, and
new wNls were being slaricd ax fasl
as lhc opcrotors and lheir agc~l}
could Aring in equipmenl and h 1 r e
expcriencrd drilicrt. The Ofl Wetl
Supply Co. sel up e 6ranch o((kc in'
QoulAcq O~mn which sheafs o( lclec
grap)~ed ordcra tor equipmrnt wenl
pn dnn. 73 new PumCi inslalittl a
thc Arn~1d well brought up'~he [irst
oil ~n tammcrclal quanlitiea /rmn
Ihe Roulder (ield. (The Denun Poat
hauR~~t qre iirst Uarrel). Sy ihe end
o! Jan~nry Lhe Amnld wrll wns
pumpl~~g 2010 4U bnrrels n day, and
a x~eek laler McKenzi¢ No, 2 begnn
pumping IS W 100 barrrla e d~Y.
plher~ welle, hawever, were nol so
sucrecsful. ' '
Thc mnrkcl for 15oulAcr oi1 sclllyd
airotmd 8d t.enle n 6arrcl, which nl-
7nwed nc wclle e grm~ o( up In
aboul £85 n day. Wilh conUnurd pro-
•ItICIIOII~ u'CII9 [11C~1 'AS ~~1C ~IfG~ ~WO
would eventunlly xhow n profi( o~cr
drilling casls, Nut IIoul~er wclis
soon npPcarcA to 6e erralic Droduo-
ers. Therc waa rnough oil lo knep
intcrest nli~e, bul by nn meana
enough lo euslain the 6oom nl Oie
~~nt pnce o! February and March
wilhout Fnmc .speclacular Rrins fn
prexlucllon. They w~ere nol far~h•
caming.
On Marcb ]0'lNe reg{slcr of Rnul-
dcr n U companica IislcA 92 r~~-
crn~l, nnA hy thr. tirat af April Ihls
mimbSr had risen In 117-~1he h~gh
w~nler mark. Ailer that Ihc pace o(
dcalinRs' in shares, optinne, and
Icaxes alacke~ed ah~vpQy, ~
~ The end o( lhe boom did nnt menn
tbe end o( oii develapment in Rrnil-
der, According lo Fred L. Wldtney,
an auUwflly on lhe Ffauldcr fi¢Id,
]00 wclie u•erc drilied by ]905, and a
tnlal o( 1&7 wells by 1955. O( lho
(iral 100, only 28 w~ere proAucern,
aod 12 af lhese hed been abonAoned
by thc enA of 7901 es e resui~ of
dimfnished oll pr~duclian. (Ot lhe
lA7 u~elix, 75 prMluced some ail, and
li~e olbnra praluced some gas.)
hTnximum produclio~ trom t h e
(Inld for one year wes A6,D00 Uar-
rc~s In 1901. Dniy 12,fID0 banc)s wcre
pn~uccd in 1911, and pmgreczively
I t I l s T lal o-
nboul aneciShll~ o! the rnlire )c,n6'
term pnuluclion ot lhe Elou~der
IiAd. Tim tield st411 contalnx oll ai~d
e(ew wclls, 6~cluding the venerble
i.icKenzie Nn. 2, slill rumn a few
hnwe e weck~ puyU~B lhrir u•a~ 6y
eleaninR up accumulnled under-
gw~nd nil srrpnge.
Whnt happe~~ed lo CP~~~If.IAT Ile
fiad Meen Sn ai4 t~~ns 6efnte. On
Jan, 17, 1902, e week afler he
brauFLt in lhe Arnald well, lwa days
after McKencie No. 2 showcd ail.
and just as Ihe oil Lnntn la~k nfl,
Cantirld 6Nd his hPavy 1Merests in
^o~ddcr oil propeilics Lo twn eager
InvestoCS trom Colorado Springe.
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oul Amly. Wmden de~ ricke were dis• lewer n mos a er year.. o pr
mantlcd from dry holes near Colar. Auclion b 1956 w~a n6out 750,IN~0 , l,ike an rno~mmis tPider, en
ado Springs nnd shipped to Boulder barrri~. 7'I~e mosl pt«luctlve well nii fnnk ~mn on ~mpninly
la be renssembled. . in Iha fleld YielJed 1.70,000 barrelq etaik~like IeO~. Itoueel noio
~ ~ ~ .. . . . . . . . .
i._...~_~--.._._.~._-. _.__."-.._.._.!~::.~_,^,~.~t:.s:.~_........,...~..~~_J.---"
mcroach ' on otd oil Jield~.
, M..<L 11, N~I • EMFI0.E A~~6AIiHE
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~
F1tU11dii SE'I'TL~:NJ[E~IT ~"C~ CI~'Y~
PHYLLlS SMfTH
PRUETT ~UBLISHING COMPANY
BoulEeq Coloratlo
l~~/
,
Although most of F3oulder's residents had
recovered fram various goW booms, from ihe rush
f'or silver and tellurium, and from the excitemeitt
over tungsten, some never got over "prospecting
disease." Hence, the citizens were lo iose their heads
again-this time over oil. 7'he discovery of oil north-
east of Roulder was not a complele surprisc. Prom
the time oP the first settlcment in !he area, thcre had
been speculation as to Ihe possibility of oil between
t3ouldcr and Longmont. Peopic could sec il and smell
it. Some drilling For oil occurred in the 1890s. ln
1892, a well called "Old V,rhiterock" was sunk a[ the
top uf what is now Gunbarrel Hill. In 1901, after
some study, geologist Ferdinand V. Hayden announced
to E3oulder's 7,500 citizens that the counly '9ies over
a veritable sea of oil."2 Anothcr geologist, I3.A.
Langridge, f~irthcr excited the populalion with his
predictio+~ Ihat ^the time is not far distavv when the
eastern edge of the mountains ro the Wyoming line
will present a forest of oil derricks."~ The following
year, a Chautauqua bullctin modesdy stated, "the
[3oulder oil field gives promise of outranking in every
way any pre~~iously discovered field in the worl~."a
Inlcrest in oil walls heightened with the cxplora-
tions of speculator Isaac Canficld in thc spring of
190L CanfieW m~naged the i~ouider Oil CompanY,
bt~cked by iuvestors from Denver and Color~do
Springs. Canficld had come to I3oulder County in
1875 when he nnd his brothers mined coal (Rob Roy
mine) near a raih'oad stop called Tabur Station, eleven
miles east of Boulder. Tabor Stalion became the ~own
of Canficlil, evcn Ihough Mr. Can(ield had Icft ihc
area for morc Nian twenty-five years. ~
During tl~at time, he deveJoped oil fields in Ohio
and Pennsylvania. He returned to Culorado to bring
in the first oil at the Florence field near Cation City.
Perhaps he remembered the talk abo~t thc possibility
of oil near Boulder. He returned to the area an ex-
perienced oil speculalor, but hc also brought wid~
him a divining "bobbler,^ a sprout from a µ•itch
hazel bush.
Neil McKenzic's 480 farming acres• (near Niwot
along the present Independence Road) looked prom-
isinb to Ca+ifietcL Flc secured a tease and started dri4ling
early in August 190L AFter boring down 1,7f~ fect,
he hit oil sand, but before he could being in oil, a
bailing buchet was accidentally dropped in[o the well.
Since no one cuuld get il out, oil exploration ceased
•McKcnrie, a(rcc-silvcr Populisl who spcm ycars in Caribou,
managcd his inlcresls in the silccr minci, Ihcu rNircd tu Rouldcr lo
rnisc trmtin6 horxen, fnn c~ wus vcry fond uf sulky racing.
~G~lrl~`-~ ~`1~~,, ~tij/l~ 5,,; tti . ;: ~3y
Resting before a new gas and oil well around~1902. J.D. Shrrlevnn( pl~olo, A.A. Poddock Collectinn
140
Thc Great Oil llasin, a sca of dcrricks east of f3oulder, 1902. it wns prcdicted thcy would stretch lo the
1Vyoming horder. J.B. Stia~e~~a~i! pholn, iI.A. Paddock Colleclioii
?he first oil to be shippcd from IIo~ildcr's oi' fields, 1902. Note misspelling of "McKenzie." J.II. Snvtevant
photq A.A. PaddocA Callection
A wcll-hntted group ctudp
ihc board ~uid ihe tapc in
an c~n~lY tituck ni,uket.
17uuldrr /'uMir l.ihnn't'
Neil ~1cKenzic owncd silver mines at Caribou, later
moved to Fioulder to operate a ilour mill, still latrr
bought fann land ncar Niwot where Isaac Canficld suc-
cessfully drilled Cor oil in 1902. Kepresei~latire hfe~i ~J
Calorndn
at that spot. Laler that month, Canfield sunk a drill
closc by, but thc holc turncd out to he dry. F3y January
I902, Canfield had a crew working on the nearby
William Arnold property, where on January 2,
Canficld brought in gas at I,SfHI fcch, oil flowed up at
2,720 feet. The crowJs o( peopic who had Ueen
watching his crew were not disappointed. Canfield,
not unmindful of public relations, piped a g~s line to
thc top of the rig and set a match to it. At night, the
f7ames could be seen for miles.
Canficld also had ~ crew drilling again on the
McKenzie land; a week aftcr his Arnold Pind, hc
Urought iu lhe hicKenzie N? at 2,540 (cet. This well
was such a good produccr-70 to 1W barrcls per
day-Ihat a railroad spur was 6uilt to transpor[ the
oil to the Uenver market. Now the ncw rush was on
for sure.
Every few days, the Boulder Dnil~~ Cnmeru would
report ihe establishment of a new oil company, the
selling of ~rwrc Icases, or the visit to the area of a noted
"oil expert." Companics From the Plorence field at
Canon City opened branch oFfices here. Bouider now
had its own oil stock exchange, and a specialized
newspaper, Oil News, started publication. Both ge•
olo~ists Hayden and Langridge were enthusiastically
drilling Ihcir own wclls, and Ihe RockeFcllers were
expected momentarily.
1'he population was about to doublc, some
predicted. Perhaps that influenced [he school 6oard
to buy mvre land for two more schools, Washington
141
.,
~r~~ Lincoln. An imporeanf issue of the dny was `
whether or noi drilling sfl~ul~ he a~~~~ved ~n Sunclays.
industry (~r Rou(der CountY-a nitroglycerin Factory.
Evidently greed u~on ot~t, for rigs continuec! to operafe Gas ~'as associatect with most of the oil well,v in
on the Lord's day, this region, L;z~~y on, no one reall
Ry now, the diroensioos of thc [3op~~~er opl fictd n~eP~ts oP the Y apprcciated tlie
had taken shlpe, I~ a R~s~ Wh«~~ was reg~rded as a nuisancc.
~Wa mi(es wide, stret hing northc.s~~~ft~OiR~~ed Sane of the rigging cre~vs ca
finding tf inconvenient to deal ~v'th~In~Jy1~0 .supp~~,
Sometimes Itic region was cnlled thc Parallcl D~~~~e
or the Haystack Field, because rigs operated c(ose ~o ~~~~ ftom the duffalo titi~cll, hvo ~a»;es souQ}~of ~the
R1cKenzic N2, Most of the gay righ(s ~vere bough~ hy~
Haystack Motcntain, thc redcral C;as Com an in ~~ ~.
The oil seeped from thc porous Iaycrs, or Fracfures ~~'e~~~ o~~era~ed iro il~e coi niy, but the ne~vsplpers ~~
(Piarre shale) which h1d develo~ed about )qp n~p~~~~r
ionger sp~ke of an oii bo~n~~ ~~~r ~~.cre die Rockertellers
years before. Boulder's oi! w1s of high quality a~~~t stitl expected, qJl~~€~t~~er, iR3 hole,v wcre diilted in
w~s heavy Wi~h paraffin, but it was hard ~p ~~n~ eoulder County, ~pz ~~ ~hem were dry, Uesp(!e the
Since dri!liiag ihrough the shale layers wqs relatively
easY, cor~ventional boring equipmem was used. Rotary r„~"y c~m~`~nics in the arca, oalY eighly-one weH.e
drills did nol work foo well, for the rnud gencrated by 1°cre funceion;ng. pf ehosc, xeventy-six praduced oil
fhe circut~r motiqn would seal oFf the ~~(, and five produced g~s,
BY March 1902, ninefy-hvo oil companics
beiri Tdeve opedtas~sp~ou~l I~r~i~o~Spr i~gsfevit3~ its
operated in the arca oF the warm watcrs ~nd proximity to ncw railroad li~tcs, a~~s
ni`~gn71~7. ~Y April, i}te number hacf i~ c'rea cd to'Tl I7t destined to become a fa~hiopable resort. Sincc the
~A60s, set!lers had fazmed and r,{ised calUe there.
~eparled. Sir c+e he a}r d"his~hus ~ ess so i1ate.c I~ad
i!legaily moved some money to the }3~ulder opcrat(pn Andrew Douty built the region's fi;st ~rislrni~~ on the
South i3oulder.~ L;arly resident Carolinc Aarher
<<~e S~vernment was looking into tf~e matter. CanField n~~°!ed walnut trccs, some oF which stil! bcar. Tt~e
defaidted on the McKertzie lease and left the area hvG~ K~eale Camil
daysaFter hehad brou ~ Y~ °177t~~6rants from ihe Islc p( h~~n
6~u in tiu weA. ncrhaps Canfield °j~cratcd several sawmills in the arca.
woutd }~~ti,e ~floved on a~~yway, for lie seemed lo enioy
The canyon pr~pert y chnnged po-inds several times
tFie specalative part oF oil developR~ent, alw hcfore thc resort rvas biiilt, ~irst, Ceorge'I'aq~or bougl~l
on to something new. perli~ps he ivas smar~ eno gf~ t~o 480 acres Frorn the Union Paci(ic Raiirond itt ! 9(M to
kno~a that Boulder's oil boorn was to be a short one.
Even so, the developntcnt contiiii~ed. In 19p3, h~"efit :t spiritualist grotip ~vho held scancas and
44,(xx) i~~rrcls o( I3ou(der Cotutty oil were shi religious dances ne~r tfte NArm w~tcrs. At one point,
ouf, sotne on th~ir way to penver. I3y I905, a refinery r~yior had di(ferences with the railrond rncn, ivhicli
pPed he arpresscd by dYnamiting one of tt~eir turincis,
f~~~1 becn built bY the i3ou(der Oil and W.A. Carncr ancl L.C. Stocktoq then bought
Com~1nY; another plan[ wps coristrucled inR9p7~i~n the land; 6 1~
Pipeline to Denvcr was i~n~ter discussion. p Y~~5, Frank Fow9cr boug4t into titc nr~•
ject and became presidctti of Nie bi~;incss-~hc Moffat
1W rigs had becn built. in 1905, a rc~~! "gt~s~~crY car ~ l~kes Report Corttp7ny. Shortly dtercaltcr, the namt
in, produ~ing sorne 25d barrels a d1
like thc o(hers, slowcd dou•n aftcr a timc. Thc rcasou £idorado Springs, Spanish meaning „g~(~c~,,, µ.1s
Y~ but the wetl, used in advertisements which dcscribed t~ie briliiant
th~t many of these oi! we~l~ declined in productivfty b~ue "radium waters" as mineral-(ree and
is that U~e oil was c~uickfy dep~eled from the Picrre healtlr
FraMUres. For a few wells, as was the case with t)i~ nr~~tuing. Fowter bui(t a switnrtun& pool that (iest
Ye:ir. Eventually fie 6ui1t three, one with a farty-foot
M19cKenzie N,Z, seepage was cor~siant, and although fhe ~~~~~~ 1O`ti'er. ~o~~'ier constructed the ~1ew P.Idorado
number of barrels p~~ ~e Notel izi 19~g, a(ancy buf~d(~~g offorty to fiftyroomy
the su ~ Y W"~s no ionger spectacular, decoratec( in the ^~~~~ssion" style.
PP Y of oi! was steadY (The McKenzie tl2 stilt
P~~duccs today,) 7'hc pcak year For F3pu~der's oll ~ra ~"rf°g ~he resor('s ~~
~ dh~e on fresh trotrt, dance to~~heP~y~~°2esgof~St au~ss~
ductioq wa; 1909. 'i"he "real" wclls, produced 85,709 hike to Narmon Falis, takc a burro or iiorse Iri ~, .
bsrreis of oil. Plenty of "paper^ we11s and "~a icr,~
E t swim in one of the pool,s. Pool fiilers had itot ye~ hcen
~rR~nizations were setlira~ bogus slock. Some of lhc invcntcd, $~> one poot w~s afway,s bcing cleaned while
wells were encouraged to prod~ice more heavily bY the others were in use. At one p~int, a double-decker
"wcl! shooting." (}i~ar4s of nitrogiyccrin (dynarr,i;c
waa aiso userl) were dro huilding held a roller-skating rink below and a d~nce
technique produced fa~•orable~resultx for a few w~~~s~ ~~~II abot~e.
tafally ruined a few, , t'owJer aiso built, in 1906, the "eF~~y
~nd did nothing for most, ~~v~~~ s~,
"~~e~~ Sf10of1^ ' '~The 1R9d flood dexlroycJ ~i~c mill, hnt pouiy rchulll it. Shortty
8' caused thc cstnblishrnent o( anothcr
iherc~;kr, he cmistiticted annfher flo
Lov ~
c and. ur mill downstreani, clotc to
~42
i~ ; t~1~~~H~'~ ~ 4Y ~,i~ ,. ~iil~ r.7\ i ~~II ~, u ~i''% µ.~^r~n ~2'I I~_ ...
j. t t ~ r-- -~ . i ~ ~ ~1, ~ (,~ - 1(" - 1~---
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; ~y~A~„a/~~, '_ y ~ ~ ~ ! ~ ~ ic~
~ 1?$U'~ ~~ 1.e' 19~2 ' ~ ~~ ~~~~
~ ',F ~~~~ % _ Boulder County Map _ _ _. __ __ ____ -~~
_
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."_ -.~Il:~-£+i;a-_ --~ _ ~ )~.ro 1~ ._"__. J _ Y~ . 91
i9d~: ~c~:" s,~` ~ ,_ , , lF~~l ~J
]J~/ •.~ [A[ y ~ ~/ 3 Ne.t~
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I. . j ~"• i~x,~,d;~b_ c`. ' , I ~ ~j~,~ ' i
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I r ~Rk ~ F ! ? ~' ~q111S:~e _ :~6 , _ ~ ~ ~!1~ d.e...
~. I e` ~vu ` •' c- .+~.~ ~ i "v'. S'•
~ ~~' J¶I„~IIGdi W.,, e- -' _ _. 14_ _ _ ~, ~ ~ ~~ f/1~ m __ _ °' ~ ~
/111~ (' ~ Mar ! I
~ i - ~ ' ~I . ~~ic° v-a ~~~~(.~~~'~~j ~ \ ~ i ~ a t ~~ ~ ' . f
~ F ~ .. - i;...F ~ i D ~i .~cf i
i \ . _ r'_ _ . ~ ~ i ~° ~ ~"~, I v~ 1.
i 2eci iilll ~~
~o ... ~1•-:~. _ .i~.. t~~~+~~~ ~ ~"~. - ~ ---~ ~ +' -- ---~--h~~ - ~° --!
i ~/~' ;~ ~ . ~ .y ~ ~ .,--- ~ ~ p ~ ~ _'~ 0 ~
~ /+y r N~~ f~ f i~K r, ~~ ~ 0 1' , 'b I.,
~~ ~ ` ~~ : i. ~~ . ~ . ~ F ~ ~~ °~r-~i ~ ~ ~ aou,~y a . i . Nu ~+ //v~~ ~t-~ -
~' ' ~~, ~u,~ow t ~d ~
~~ ~, .- ., ~ :' ~- i ~ , .1 \ --
~ =_i'1..•T_ .. _'r'.«; 1 , .~i%.~r.,Tiiq „n., i ino~ i ~ >W Unit~4 5
.
v
_ _ . I .l '_'~ "~ ~.
ATTACHMENT B
Boulder Oil Field McKenzie VVell from northeast
ATTACHMENT C
Landmark Preservation Advisory Board
Adopted 9/17/75
SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA
Individual Landmark
September 1975
Secretary to the Board
On September 6, 1974, the City Council adopted Ordinance #4000 providing procedures
for the designation of Landmarks and Historic Districts in the City of Boulder. The purpose of
the ordinance is the preservation of the City's permitted cultural, historic, and azchitectural
heritage. The Landmazks Boazd 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.
Historical Significance
The place (building, site, area) should show character, interest or value as part of the
development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the communiiy, staYe or nation; be the site of
a historic, or prehistoric event that had an effect upon society; or exemplify te cultural, political,
economic, or social heritage of tke community. ~
Date of Conshuction: This area of considerarion ptaces particular importance on
the age of the structure.
2. Association with Historical Persons or Events: This association could be national,
state, or iocal,
3. Distinction in the Development of the CommunitXof Boulder: This is most
applicable to an institution (religious, educational, civic, etc) or business structure,
though is 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.
4. Recognition by Authorities: If it is recognized by Historic Boulder, Inc, the
Boulder Historical Society, local historians (Bazker, Crossen, Frink, Gladden,
Paddock, Schooland, etc), State Historical Society, The Improvement of Boulder,
Colorado by F.L. Olmsted, or others in publis6ed form as having historical
interest and value.
Other, if applicable.
04.OSsignif-indiv
Page 1 of 3
Architectural Siptinificance
The place should embody those distinguishing characteristics of an azchitectural 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/Stvle: It should exemplify specific elements of an architecturai
period/style, ie: Victorian, Revival styles, such as described by,iiistoricAmerican
Building Survey Criteria, Ginaerbread Aee (Maass), 76 Boulder Homes (Barkar),
The History of Architecturai Stvle (Mazcus/Wiffin), Architecture in San Francisco
(Gebhard et al}, History of Architecture (Flectcher), ArchitecturelColorado, and
any other gublished source of universal or local analysis of "style,"
2. 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.
4. Examnle of the IJncommon: Elements of architectural design, details, or
craftsmanship that are representative of a significant innovation.
5. Indiaenous Oualities: A style or material that is particularly associated with the
Boulder area.
6. Other, if applicable.
Environmental Si~nificance
The place should enhance the variety, interest, and sense of identity of the community by
the protection of the unique natural and man-made environxnent.
Site Characteristies: Tt should be of high quality in terms of planned or narizral
vegetation.
2. Com,Qatibility.with Site: Consideration will be given to scale, massing placement,
or other qualities of design with respect to its site.
3. Geo~raphic Importance: Due to its unique location or singulaz physical
characteristics, it represents an established and familiar visual feature of the
04.OSsignif-indiv
Page 2 of 3
community.
4. Environmental Appropriateness: The surroundings aze complementary and/or it is
situated in a manner particulazly suited to its funcrion.
Area Inteeritv: Places which provide histarical, architectural, or environmental
importance and continuity of an existing condition; although taken singularly or
out of context might not qualify under other criteria.
6. Other, if applicable.
S:~PLAN~data\Comdev~i-IIST~GEN~Designation~?.bout Landmazks4signif crit-indiv.wpd
04.OSsignif-indiv
Page 3 of 3
, COLORADO CULTLJRAL RESOURCE SURVEY -Preservation Office,
INVENTORY RECORD
ATTAC;HMENT D ~o ~~pED
~
IMPORTANT: COMPLETE THIS SHEET FOR EACH
RESOURCE PLUS EITHER AN AFCHAEOLOGICAL OR
HISTORICAL/AFCHITECTURAL COMPONENT FORM.
IELD USE
Dl'f. ~Ll~. ~
_ DET. NOT ELIG. j~.
NOMINATID
LISTED, DATE ~
6
I. IDENTIFICATION: 1)Resource No. .3 $~ H/S 2)Temp. No.
3)Resource NameBoulder Oil Fielcl 4~Project Name ~oulder County Historical.SitF
Site urvey
5)Category: Arch. Siie,_, Hist. /Archit. ~~µp~,e~, Hist. /Archit. District_
6)(For Arch. site)In a District:yes_no~;;Name jJp
II. LOCATION: 7)Township ;Range ;. ~t of ~ of ~t of ~L of
see attached sheet
Section ; P-.M.' . 8)County BouldeT
9)usGS QUAn cdiwot, Colorado
portion of Quad. Clearly show site. 10)Other
iQA
11)Dimensions "-- mX --"-- m 12)Area ------- sq.m(~4047=) i1A acres
13)UTM Reference: (One UTM centered on resource may be given for resource under l0 acres.)
A.~• e at acne E,I I ~ I ~f:l I~ I~~ hn ,~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~
. r i ~ ~ ~ tnN. B. E• mN.
C.~J;I I ~ I,~ ImE;I i I ~ ~ i~ Imx. D.VJ>I I~ I i ~ hnE;I ~ I I~ Imx.
1'~)Address ea~t of Boulder,Colox'ado Loti`1nSlock Addition
III. DfANAGEMENT DATA: 15)Field Assessment: Eligiblel=Not Eligible Need Data_
16)Owner/Address ntultiple
17)Gov't Involvement: County_State Federal Private_: Agency NA
18)Disturbance:none_light }imoderate heavy total_;Explain Sone modern ecluipt}tent has
been installed
19)Threats to Resource:Water Erosion Wind Erosion Animal Activity Neglect Vandalism_
Recreation Construction ;Cou~ents i1A
20)Management Reco~endations i1A
V. REFERENCE: 21)State/Fed. Pexmit Nos. ~Q~
22)Photo Nos. }3L29-1S.20/3L3&-10 ,oa'file at Colorado Iiistorical Society
Boulder Public Library
23)Report Title Enrels.K."Bould~r Oil F~ields" State_Inve_n_t_orv Form,i978
24)Recorder ~'Ianuel. ~'~eiss 25)Recording Date Z1 Ap
26)Recorder Affiliation ~oul der Gounty His.torical Soci,~t~~hone No. 441-3110__ __
t~ic~:enzie -Boulder Countq Parcel ~r038,Boulder-Gree ey ~~2- Parcel ~'p 2
7.S.X15_;Date1967(71j Attach photocepy
Form No. 619
Resource No. Page 2
V. SKETCH MAP: Map all features and show the bonndaries of the resources. Sfiow all
major topographic features, permanent modern features, and vegetation zones as appropriate.
Give name
s
scale:
key:
N
true
mag.
28)Location/Access: From Boulder (Canyon and Broadway; drive east on Canyon
ou evard 1.1 miles, turning north on 23th Street 1.4 miles to the
Diagonal Highway (119j. Drive northeast on the Diagonal Highway 1.2
r,liles, i:he LIcKenzie ~~2 tidell will be on the west side of the highwa~.
Continue northeast 0.6 miles, turning north on 51st Street driving
1.1 miles. Turn west on an unpaved road and drive 0.2 miles. The
Boulder-Greeley j~2` Well will be to the south 0.2 miles. -
29)Boundary Description: 1JA
3o)Boundary .Tustification: Limited to the sites of the Boulder Greelely ~k2 and
the 2•4cI:enzie oil we11s.
IIQVEivTORY EtECORD
Location
Boulder-Greeley ~~2
1N, 70W,idW-NW-ATW-NE-SW9
UTM Reference Points
E. N.
13 479650 4434760
iViwot Quad.,7.5 1967(71j
PicKenzie ~E2
lIJ,70W,NW-NE-NW-NW21
13 479480 4432380
IQiwot Quad.,7.5 1967(71)
COLUF~'DO CULTURAL RESOURCE SURVEY
Colorado Preservation Office
1300 Brcadway, Denver, CO 80203
ARCHITECTURAL/HISTORICAL COMPONENT FORM
IMPORTANT: USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GREEN Itv`VENTORY RECORD FORM F~R
FOR RECORDING HISTORIC STRUCTURES AND DISTRICTS. USE SEPARATELY FOR
RECORDING STRUCTtIRES LOCATED WITHIN DISTRICT BOUNDARIES.
1) Resource No. 2) Temp No. 3) Name Boulder Oil Field
4~ Address~as~ of ~oulder Colorado 51 District Name TQA _
I. INTEGRITY: fi) Condition: Good' _ Fair ~ Deteriorated _
7) Original Use oil wells 8~ Present Use ~Z] We11 c _
9Z Original Site }; 'Moved _ Date(s~ of 'Moves
10) Unaltered ~ Altered ~ Explaini~~a~nnenY hac hPPn ra~ laraA an~i ~ a~aA n~~a
t112 ;~ea~S. In 79`i0 the }~rPC~nY aazti,i~nmPnt c~aG hrnnr•ht tn tha Rnnlriar-
Greele~ a'~ o r ~i.1-G
TI. DESCRIPTION„ 11~ Building Materials r.7A
12~.Construction Date i~A 13} Arcfiitect/Builder ~TA _.
14) Arch~tectural Sty3e(s1 '1~;
15) Special Features/Surroundings.LG,~ •r rhnaan aa +-a~+-a a rar• 11
nf YhF n-i ~ 'E't P~ [7S Tha '1~~(`KT1P'll P Uel l~~7 i g ej,~7iat rl ncs t rn th T1i ],
,j~j,~l~wat~l l Q~• Aarr~ a~~mi anri etnra~ tanka f ra ant i t iy~1gYy~
4 r.7 ' r r rh ~ rh rh R ~,~ r 'I ~'.~ . 1 ; ~~
16~
~11 in 1950.
eological PotentTal: Yes ` No _'fJnknoWn ~ Explai~n:.
IiI. CI7LT(1RAL ACTNITTiES: Key the resource type (ie: house, barn, shed, school, church~etc
to the cultural activity theme and sub-theme categary associated
with it,
17) THEME I~dustry
28) SUH-THEME Gi1
19} TYPES Oil Ldells (2)
Fcrm. No. 618
FESOL'RCE N0.
(Attach Photographs) Frame Number
Roll Number
Facade Orientation
.~ rame ido . P.oll ido . Facade
18 BL29 ~7
20 BL29 ~d
10 BL38 :dE
IV. SIGNIFICANCE: Assess whether or not the resource has any historical or architectural
merit by checking appropriate categories and j_ustifyinR below. Include
any relevant historical data.
20) Architectural Significance:
Represents work of a master
Possesses high artistic values
21) Historical Significance:
Associated with significant persons
~; Associated with signi4icant events ar
Represents a type, peziod, or patterns
method of const=uction . Contributes to the significance of an
historic district
~arly attempts at oil pro'duction were prompted by the petroleum
like odor issuing from various rock formations nortiz and east of
3oulder. ^this was noted by early nioneers and U.S.Geological
surveyor, F.V.Hayden. The first aCteinpt at drilling was in 1892,
when thepld iJhiterock ~~e11 was sunk at GunUarrel Hill,. By the turn
of the century interest was renewed and in 1901 the ~oulder Oil
Company was or~anized through the eff_orts of Isaac Canfield and
(;harles Page. Ear1y backers of this Project were located in Colorado
Springs and Denver. Canfield selected his first site with the help
of a bobbler (witch-hazel sprout; and Ue~an to drill at the Nei1
D. iZcl:enzie P.anch. At 1700' oil sands wer.e struck, but an accident
iorced the immediate closin~ of the well. By mid-September he started
two rnore wells, the lst again at McKe.~tzie's nroperty, the 2nd on the
bdilliam Arnold F.anch. On 2 January 1902 the Arnold ldell struck oil,
followed five days later by the PicI:enzie ~p2. Initially producing
3 barrels a day, this was increased to 20 and soon the oil boom began.
By January 24, '_,73~; derricks were in place and by F;pril, 117 oil
cornpanies were operating in the Boulder area, anong them, investors frc
(continued;
22) List Any Associated Cu2tural Group: i~A _
q• ~.~ ~.• (continued }
1. Andrews, John;Boulder Oil Gusher now Goner,"Boulder Daily Car.iera,
25 January 1976.
2. Boulder Dail~,~ ~C~~~amera, conte~porary articles, 1901-1930.
3. Enge s, Kat ee1 n, "Boulder Oil Fie1d," State Inventory rorm, 1978.
4. renneman, N.ti.,"lhe Boulder Colorado Oil Fie1d," U.S. Geolo~ical Survey
Bulletin 1Vo.213, Washin~ton, D.G'U.S.Government Printing Office, 1903,
PP.322-332.
RECORDER IIanuel i7eiss DATE 21 Aaril 1981
ARCHITECTURAL/HISTORICAL.COP~ONENT FORM
Signi.fic,ance
the oil fields o£ Beaumont,Texas, Over 11,00~ baxrels had been
pzoduced.hy the end o,~ 1RQ2 and shipped to a refinery at Florence,
Colorado for $1,0~ per barrel. Th.is increased to 39,000 the next
year, at $1,10 per barxel.
Althaugti tFie wells at £irst produced large amounts of oil,
thi.s sopn slowed to a small, but steady f1ow, Investors were not
di.scouraged and more derricks Fzere erected, Soon the area of the
field had been defined-bordered on the north by Tafile Mesa and
Haystack Mpuntain, tl~:e south by the City of Boulder, the east by
the plains near Longmont, and on the west by the foothills.
The average well was 2p55` deep, with approximately 100`
accomplished per day by percussion drrlling,
By 1405 Bouldex ~ad built its own re£inery and four years
later production peaked at 85,704 taarrels, Two moxe refineries were
erected east of Boulder. In addition, gas, at first considered a
nuisance, was bein~ sold to the Federal Gas Company from some
o£ tlze wells, During this year (191Q~ the Boulder~Gxeeley ~k2 Well
was(sunk to a dept of 2100' and producti.on leveled of£ at 1 to
1.5 bazrels per day,
Production continued to decline the £ollowing years and
in 1923 only 12 we11s were at Frork, By the 1350~s this had dropped
to 11 wells producing 500 to 600 barrels per month., In total, 183
holes were drilled in Soulder County and of these, 1~2 were dry.
Today tlie oiI fieid sti11 has a number of operating we11s
but th.ese have been overshadowed by modern housing and industrial
development, ^!wo have been chosen as representative samples, the
ilcKenzie ~~2 because o~' its early association with the field, and
the Bouldex~Greeley~k2 because o£ the variety o£ drillin~ equipment
at the site. These two wells help to illustrate the once thriving
Boulder OiI Fie1d.
References:
5. Fenneman, N.D4.,"Structure of the Boulder Oil Field,Colorado, with
Records for the Year 1903," U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin,~~225,
LJashington,D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1904, pp.383-391.
6. Fenneman, N.M „"Geology of the Boulder District,Colorado,"
U.S. Geolo ical Surve Bulletin ~k265, Washington,D.C.:U.S. Govern-
ment Printing 0 ice, S,pp.7 -98.
7. Lon mont Led er,24 January 1902,Vo1.23,~~22,p.3,c,4.
S. Smit ,P y is, When Black Gold was the King of the Foothills; or
Boulder's Oi1 Boom of 1902," $ould~r Daily Fqcus,.27 Jan.1980,pp..~
1956.
9. Whitney, Fred L. The Boulder Oil Field,Boulder Count ,Colorado,
'C.U. master's thesis, 95 .
10. Interview - George Poor, resident and well owner, 13 February 1987
11. Interview - Terry Gallagher, owner of the Boulder-Greeley ~p2,
19 February 1981.
ATTACHMENT E
Tlll; 1~OUI,UI;Ii, COLO., OIL [~'II~:LD.
By N. -i. Fr:sara[nx.
INTRODUCTION.
I'or m~~ny yo~6tv tl~o ror,kn rtm~r I;oal~ler hnvo becn ~~~~anTty A~~~,• -
~~ Poaod to contuin potroleum. Th~~ bayin of auch rumor.s Iay.partly in
I tl~e etrong bituminous oilor ~>f rcrlain rocks and partly in cert~~in
r i cnAOS of ecopn~u knnwu as "nil aprin~s." Roport~ based on tlio
~ foi~mor c~ui Uo trmr,cQ bmak Lo 1367, ~~t wLich timie tl~c blark I3enGm
' sL'ttiles wero du{; intn in sr..ncch of conl. '1'heir e~•ident bitnmiiwne
~~ CI174C7LCLOP led 1[r. .Ioaopl~ ~Vo11F ~tnd othurw nbout ten yeare Intcr
. to attmnpt tho formution of ain oil emnp~iny, wiGl~ tlie inG+ntion af
drilling net~r tha center of tho present d~fvcloped licld. Tho proposc4
]ocntion at tlit~t timu wae dotermined Ly going etraigLt enst from tLo .
e~cavt~tiona in tl~e upturned 13outon of the fouthills to x point on tho
plnins whero it was suPpowed tdio ewmo yt~uta might Ue ho:izontnl.
Thu projeet faLiled for lnek of funds.
,'1'l~0 oil sprinas which li.ive Ucen reported lie north of thie aren, tLo
ano Uest laiowu being on uhe Culver r:inch on t6e north bank of tho
Little 7'hmnpsmi, 17 mila~ nortli of lioulder nnd se~•eral miles enst of
tl~u foobhilly. Ilere, nt tho Unso of the l~eavy saudstonc etratum in
the I'iorre (mentioncd Uclo~~~)~ ~L 8C0pt~$0 Of oii l~as Ueeu oUserved for
forty yenrs. Secer:nl aimilar Unt less-kno~vn or,currences are reportea
from 5 tu 10 miles nortli of Boulder.
In 189•~ ~~~~elt ws~y drille~l on (',uuUnrrel hill, 1 mile nort•h of Boulder
~ Creek and 7 miles onnt of tl~o foothill9. Accounts of this well xro
vaiy emillictin;. Su~'icient ~ncotu•a~emont acems to have been
~ olitnined from tt~is aGtompt to l:eep alivo tl~o iden thnt futm~e effocGv
in~ tho vicinity wottld devcl01) FL PI'O(IUCIII~ fiela.
~Ui~ou tl~o rene~vnl'uf iitti~rest in I:iOI tl~e Poiilder Oil Compauy wnH
org:~nized tl~rou~h tlt~ eftorts of .l[r. Isane Canfield sucl \Lr Charlca
Pige. '1'he ,llclimv.ie well w~ts drilled by Lhis compxny. This woll
~ BtCI1CIC OII 1R J7411Ut11'y, 1'JOL~, since which t1ID0 111ARY C'O1llP1R109 I1AV8
been orgt~nia,eQ.nnd the esploiting of the fiold Lns proceeded withou6
interruption.
iT1io axxet locntion of moet wclly hav Ueeu detarmined Uy "UoUbere."
; Rumors ascribe to IIayden vurioua utterances on the euUject of oil,
~ sxa ~
.. .._.._............_n~.... I..-«..°I;:-~a.-a.,....Me.»...,.~...:~.......W, -.. :,,,.,w....-e~....,.,~~'....,N+,..k,Jr;<MMfi.s.+..w-----
~•YVNI:MA~.~
;iud il, in ec~m ~•I~~
~~( welln. A pnrt
u.ed n:s "Ifa~~~~~.
r;i~lo Curmxtinn (i
"IIay'~lcn'.y nil ft
thuG l~is nun•uy N
7'h~~ l;onliler n
wil~ti nnML~~;~~t ~
hx~•o nttract~•~I ai
1~~5y 1L:tn 7 mil~~s
tl~c c:~~tcrn limit
Sl i•nl i~ rnpG ~. -
in tliin 4ititrict, :
~ ~1t thc ba,e an• _'
of co.~r:~c, red, L
~~ hi;;h un{~lc ~~ni
feet t~re mom i~r
ahulea to d:irk-~
l~ed licdti rc,t c.
tLemseh•es prrc
They rhemture :
useles~ to look ~
All higher furm
of peVOleum nt
connection w-ill
O~•erlciu;; thr
about :50 fcet o
ous ~tnQ~tnu~~Y.
ea~il}• er~le~l. at
valle~'. The~-n
The Dakotn :
Its outcrop, Cor
cra~s of tl~rred
rtiph}•. The Da
times xt the Las~
Its ontemp ~'~i~
elcewhcre a Iwi
soon carrirs it
this is alao pewi
~' In ~cneral c
i dtirk o~uQ bitiu
td~e nortl~ cu~l ~
Cert~~in liorizor
end Inocerarriu
.~. -----------,,.--~ :..
' •` ~ yfVNf:AAN.~
~ + ;~ud iL ia evi`
~ nf wolls. A
nxrQ uy "li
ra~lo format:
~ ,
161,D.
• liecn pnpnl:tirly snp-
~ rnnw~~ lay pnrtly in
:u~d part.ty in em•t,ain
teporta U~tised m~ tl~~e
im~3 4he bi~~~k Uontai
r e~'idenG bitaminoan
;11111t1t Yd•Il yCiIPA IiLt~f
Hith tlie iatcntio~i nf
l liclcL TLe propoacd
straigUt east from tlio
,hills Lo a point on tho
a might Ue ho:izontal.
north of thi~ nrc~n, tho
Jie nr '~ bank of tLo
t ,e~•e=,.. nliles etist oL
sanrlstmie str~ttum in
lias Ueen oUsorved 4or
curroneestire ruported
mile nrn~th of liouldur
°owits of tliie ~vell aro
;~~n~~ W hnve bceu
Ics~ Rltat futuro e~urta
IQer Oil Company was
~field sud ~Ir Cliarles
; compt~ny. Thia well
m:~ny companies havo
uxs proceeded without
rmined by `• UoUUerA „
on tbe auUject of oil,
"If~i)•Qen a
6Lat Uis sur
utr, ru?~.u. R23
T~us pou~.m:ic, cur.o., .
cl:timc~l i,h:~L iro ~c1, slakr.w ta~ ~nark 6h~~ pr~~pur 1ncuLion
,u•t o[ Shcet XII of l~ix i~ubliwi~ud a61~~n L:~.v Luun h•ur.l),
;den's ;nil mali,,, su~d Idu~ arc:~ nf outorop of hix Colo-
n(inclndi~i;; 61w Pierr~+) IuLe Ucr.n lurgcly udvertiMr,d nn
I Uolt." 'l'ho Uolic~ oveii esiate ~~mong domo invcdtum
v~vttin i+tin~a f~r tLo Purpoao of locnting oi1•
GENERAL.GEOLOGY.
1'ho lioqlcl r oit ficid, so fcoc a~ <loveloped, haa it:s uentcr alwut 3.
mileK ~~~~~•t}«`si t of tho city of I3c~ul~ler, Colo. 1[oat o[ tfio rvoll~s wtiicl~
~ia~•o iotta•~~ctc l mttentiou s+s p~a~h~cci~s lio in u nm~tli-xonlli 1in~ n liLtlo
Icsa th~iu 3 m ~es caet of I:hc prominent Dtikotai Logback which marka
tho ca,tcru li uik of t,ho footl~ill bolt.
Strnligriipl ~.-Yrnati~ullytLc O71Et7'Q nICfl07.OlC {yCOll]) ]N IY!~u•esent~~l
111 tI1141118Y~C1 6, 1ULQ I110NG'nF it ia o[ inG~rci+t in tLo xtudy o[ Lho oil. .
At tlw liaa~ ni o t'.,000 fcot of Red l;edn of LUu foothilln u~roxiating ls+rgely
of cu:~rse, rei , fulQnpatl~ic ennilatonea or conglomeratew, npbuened at
~~ Ligli nn81o ni~rforuting :ti sli~erp +i~~ luru~iu color,~[row li~;l Gcolor~
fcot aro mor ~tr ill~~ceous anQ ~~arp
a~i;i~ca Lo cLti k-cqloral, o~~~croiix, r~~l xhalen +tina enn~lntonea. Thene
lted 73eds rc C upmi 1,Lu unovmi surfaco of thu pre•C+uuLrim~ iwd ttro
Lhemnelves ructically £reo fl~om focsaila und en,rlionaccou~ matter.
TheY tliurofo ~a form m definitu Uuse in ~vhicL :ind Uoluw wLicl~ iG is
useless to loc k cither for tlie accumult~timi oP oil or foc its yource~.
All 1~igLec fi rmntiona aro r~sociateu in eomo «'ny ~~'itli iudicationa
of petrolen at vflrious plzwes iu tho Ii,oeky \Iountuinr+, 7LR~ Ill L11IA
¢onnection ~~'ll Uo mentioned Uulow uuder tho oecurrunco of tho oil.
Ocerl~iu;; ~l~c~s~+ iZecl L'eds in tlio Morrison form.ttion, conHisting of
n}~out ~50 fe~t of cl.~ys ~~p~ lilnestone9, ~°~erloneslof~the'Red~Peds, stie
~ ous sand,t,ouc~. Tlieso Ueds, ]il:e tlio uPP
~ enaily oroded; and tl» ]ine of tlioir outerop ie mnrkeS by oe continttnus
vnll~y. 7'liey aro nut not:~L1y foas~Cl eta~ceous) lo~ ecl eset ~~ Iorr sion.
~ Tl~~ UnkOtn sllll(ISt.~~llf ~UPP"
~ Its outcrop, foem»~n tii~ well-kno~~'n Dakot~ hoab~~clc, is, uost to tlie
erxgs oP tlio reQ rocks, the most prominont fefltllra of tho footliill topoe
~ ~.;~~~~~y, 7`I~eD:~kotatiisha•e+~350-footstratuiriofgraysnndstone,some-
' times tLt the LiLSC eonglmnerftitie nnd oftou nt liighar horizous quartzitic.
~ Its outcrop ~voald, on tli~ ~vl~olo, inilicttto tltttt tlio Dakota is here ae
clsowUcre fl porous atr:tt.um, thongh its high dip toward tLe plnins
soon enrries ;it Ueyond tho reach of the drill. Like the strnta below
S tl~is is nlso poor in fossils.
~ In general couformablo on the Dakotm ure the I3enton sh»les,
8nrk .tind Uituminouti, with n tl~ickness of b00 feet: Locnlly, ns nt
the nortL ouQ af tho field, these shnles become dense blu,ek limestone.
Certnin horizona ui~e crowded with fossile, especir~lly speciea of OsErea
nnd Inocerarnus.
i
~
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r
~ ~ i
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, __w__ .,.___.. _....._.__ ._._._._._..._._......._.. ... .._ .._.., .----....____
-.- -
;Y~ 1: I~~~'~.~..-~:t. r•r.nar.>inn.~ TIIh: BUUi.ll]dli~ buLU.~ ulf. I+I1:LD. 3~Z1
~111 t~0 ~110~~11`R O^ ~)Ol~ti. T~IR S!l I1P Itl ~d'UP~ O~ (~~IR ~il!I1~J111~ \\'~IONO N~17L~PM 741'1! (!~I:ll':1(!1BP-
u~)URIt1011 U~ ~~~IP. 111~ ivtirally~ dark 111~~ \C~lO,re ,~~I~~IIIIIIIIUIIN Ip~lll' 18 71~~ ~a71!f~~ ilti \P~•~~ III:U'~:C~
' Ilitll'O I~INPI'1111111iL~- !lF I.I16~ O( ~~II ; T10~1191PoL ~~~III` I)lL~U~iL ~1OiN'ti b1I III ~~~\'llllllllr~ fl11fl
M1S~IIIiIIE UO'I.OH ~I'Oill 1~~4 CI':lL'ICH AI V7N'IOIIY ]l~:lf!Ctl ~MOOI ~V)'OIIIIII~ f,0
Ot~lll'~7, ~Il'8171 III1C1?1'- SOU~.~Il1"OSf~CI'll ~O~OP7L1~0. I:VOII ~~~11; ~~OI'195UI1.~)C1~41'OIIL:LI11 NIIIIIC 01~~7LH
IS III~~CI11~P1~ ~.U ti~lil~- HI!CII ]ll!7U' t,~10 ' ~OI'OIICO ~('.~1~. . ~'
OPIl ~Il'CUIIl1I1}; IOOP/! ~1'~ll'~ Nt1Yl~:4 ~~1114 OIIIIIIl0I94f~011 ~11.V0 74 CQI11I)1111',Q EIIICIC11C4ri fl~ ~POIII
u~ Q~~pihv of ~~II fnr• 000 tn G,000
; ur,t bnlo~d tho Loriznn of Lhu lnweat uil rrar.h~vl in tho
F.~~im in ~~•i•II4 but ,
IionlQcr ficl~i. Not nll pnrY,s of thin qrcut Ul~i~+knosv nro oq~u~llp prob-
~i dnlifhy uf imlior- nblo ~sonrcoy ~ f t,ho.oil. 1'h~+ lower lioQa of Lhu Piorre uru uwu:illy
. dai•l:er in col r nnd ricl~or~in org+inic muttcr thnn Lhotia horiznns
i:ice may~ Lo ren4ily immeQi~~tely i olo~v tho Uoalaer oiL .Th~ Uc;wt of tLo "oil nprin~s„
1)n7;0118 1'OCIC 8l4Ltl- ' pISO ~)Olflt LO 7Y OIl l'CC llOt ~lIn~1CT tl174i1 tI10 PI'i11Cin:41 N74IIQh~.Ot10 Ht17d,U7n~
T~118 PnC~: lA 11oW W~IIC~1 IS 74UOU7 ~~l)O~~~COt iLl)OV0 }~Ilb Iqlfl6~OF L~10 PIOI'PC. ~~~IO ~i0i1~011
~.I IN (71'C33Cll O~l\YiLI'1~ pll(~ NIOUI:LPt4 i41'O proUi~Uly riclior in oil 6hmn nny'Lirh~r atratt~, ~UI(~
hvr ~liroction, buin~; snrolp in Lliir immcdiitto locnlity~ far ricL~v tLnn nn~•tliin;; brlo~c.
'Chiy ~roll ia no~v 1'ho moro prv Lnblo auuruoa, tLorefm•~, lio' beL~ceen bho top nt thc
. ruckx ~~'Li~'L h~~co Dnkotn ~in4 t io miQdl~ of tLo I'icrru, a LhialCT1lf4411~ sta•ut:~ ~~robably
' I~~IP FlL11Q ll~' OY~IIOP IIIIlItOQ t0 ~~nl'O fCOC.
ted in othor porou.y Of td~eso 4,c~00 fcet proUnUly contninin;; oil, frow d00 to IffiO fbet of
~
~M1 111A}' 1)P 17CUl~l1CP~~ L~1011108C ~11~~U171110119 17C1~H ~G~10 ~iC~1~011 ti~171~1!Y~ ~1fi ~ll'~UW ~',~IC POIIIII:ICt
'rP PIOjI~~I~'PII ~10 ~.UO ~ ~)l4S71I IIIIICF}OI O Of (~~10 NIOLI':41;~. ~1~~11Y ~III1Ctif~n110~ ~~~lUil!;l~ lcy~c t,lutn 30
~et e~iHi : u0 Iinun~l>r ~ fauG 6hick ~vhi revi+r qu;u•ried for limo ~cent of tho uil turritor~•, is ~-ery
i~l'II1:L~~11111 71~10~"C ~~IP i I~C~I1R('~ Fllll~ \V~ CI'U U1lUPO~CIl lllUtit~ PI'U~):6~)~y ])1'O~Il~llt ~~~1071CClllllll~~lt1(I71
I)' O` II~ti~O11O \\9lY ~ OF OI~ l4~.)O\'U ~1'UIII ROUPCC4 Lolow~L~IIN ~101'IZOII. ~~~)Ltt Ir, 74 1111~IP0{CC^
IIIUIII ~.. ~ 1 ~pltllll~tl. Lenenth t~10 1~ 11 ~IO~1~ 1N ~ly' 710 771C:L11N CP~f1~R111. ~~~It.~tl^ 1 1111~C3 ~t~IC
~
r;ick~ of :in innL m• viciniby of \fu•:sl~nll) f~ulty nb~wid, nuu~y nf Llwm lu~vin}; displnce-
;411I1:1~1~)' :l~%11~ C17U'~:Y ~ meut.e f:~r ~rc ~tur tluui tl~o L~IICILIICHP OC LIIC ~i IQIII9LP.4 IIIl~7l1 Iillll'S1fI11C.
n~xsnube vliattcrc.d. Pronounced iupturin~ of tUo strfltn in ahn~~•n wiLLin 2 miles, bp tLo
„ t.l~u ono ob,jucC in Vnlmont <lik~. Such faultin;,~, na thu,t at \(:~rsLwll could nof, lie
oil anQ thnt onlp. deteetod on tlic onterop oF tlic hnmo};~nouuH un~l eaeily ~~~eatficrca
^G :lll(1 (a19C1'll11i11111,- ~ P101'i'O fi~17L~C9. . ~
~'~IIC~I ~~10 folimein;; ' ~r~l(f f0~(~ltt~ W~11C~1 19 R~1Tl,OHt CCI'C7LIT1~)' jll'C9CIlfi NOII~[~ C71RI~y~ ,joint or
ti}776tU111 Slll'~1 7l4 ~O j ~ Ureccinto tho brittle Niobrar.t ]imeytoue Eo sue~l illl (!S}.Cil~'• :LS t~0 11174~C
compactcQ'.' ~Vhnt i it no bnrrier +o tho ncciunol~itim~ of oil ~,bovc from LLo enrbonnceous
icQ tl~ron~h)Y Iiuw ~ constitucnts of tho Uedy Uclow. Poc tl~c Prex~~nt, tLerefm~e, tl~e
ithout ~iviu;; o6h~r 1 I3enton altnlei elwuld Uo tnken iuto ~uconnt. along wi6h tho Li!~her
grcat import;uico in strata, in tho considerntion of. poysiblo sources of oil in this lcenlity.
nS Gln b~ 7411w~vePOd ~ ' PRODUCTION.
utmplus. not oul~~ of
Y
~..
cca~tit their lwlui~'iur ~ Since Jnninr~~ 1, 1001, tli~re Lavo Ucen Uui1t wit,hin b miles of tlie
IIcI{euzio we_l :~llout ]°0 Qcrrieke. At 8`J of GLe~sq ~vells lui~•e Uecn ;
nnL yot ~l~~tormim~d iL~illed t,o de~tl~a vtu•ying from ~00 or 300 to 3,400 fcet. In a4di- --
t' the Yierre in black tion to the~e,,l:i dcattereQ wel1K luivo Ueen drillmi nt ~•arious i7istnnces
ob~;Rra~ belo~r isyimi- from tho footLilln, both north nnd sontl~ uf Ruiilder frum tho Cnche
a u~uro foyailiferoun la Pondre Ryvor m~ tho nortL to Uonl Crei~k ou Lhu aoatL. Of tl~ese ~.
i ~
I _
I .
-~:a , .. . .. . , .. . ... .. , .. .. .. . . . . ~_ . .... . _,._. ... -
.,r-"""~"~"'~'--»... ..__._.. . . ,,. ...~..-~.W..~-
:j+j3 ~ CON1Rll411TIONR 'PO A:aoN~)Mi(1 (iM02.0(11'~ 1!ut•_. H~~~~a..2c~.
S3 wi~ Iv ~~•i6hin ~ mih;vof 6hn ,llaKrnzic, 87 lin ~~~ilhiu u rr~+i:m;,qn Lnt'-
~ ' lllf~" i4 ~l`.II~~~~~I O~ :~ IOI~CH IIIIP~~~I iNll~ NOIIL~I 71111~ 7t \PIIILII O( L~ IIIIII:4 f!:LtiL
~tinQ ~•c~t, ~~dwpri4in„ nr~+n. R; 9; l ii, 17, 9n~ ~uul 31, 7'. 1 N., li. iU \1'.
Outsi ic. nf f.Li:+ roc6:wnlu buti bhrco pum~iy lun~~~ ~~~~t brrn iu,t:tllu4
,
IIOIII'. l( \\'~II(!~l l4C0 76L \VIII'~ 7l6 t,~10 ~II'1'tif!O~V R'1'll,lil~. R~IlI11I1 LIIIH 7CI1•
~dN1~~1- t~1C1'11 ~IIlVO UCCII 1114I1LIIC(1 111 3L~~ ~~ ~111111~IN~ q~ \1']IIC~I ]:) 7U'0II~ :11'~'~.,~~~r ~)
! \POI'~: -'C~;U~:Ll'I)'. ~1~I10 1'CI'UPtIH O~ rilll(IIIIOIIG fl'OIIt 1,IIU 1!Ilf~ll'C IIpIQ 111 ~IIC
~ .~IPP8CI7~4 PO(11'ONPIIf~Y11L)9I1LOL17tIIf LIIO ill'UIIIIL'IN OL LIII!8!: ]:) 1)11111(11'II 1\'BIItl.
Siii_imonGv priur Ui DocemUer Ju, 1DOc', n;;;;ri~y,~u6r.d 9,uiN~ barrols.
~ l~~1 ~~~I~+~PI'C9CIIt LIIOU ~~~10 Q7ll~Y N~II(IOlClltB 7lPL` 7LbO11E H~ ~INI j;7lllu0H~ OI'
nbout 900 La~~ruls of crn~lo oil. A mm~ll u~nr~in may Lu ~u14e4 tn
theso "iguruy ri+pravont~iu;; Lhu nmount emieumed nt the wulla fur li~;ht
nnd o~ensionnl fiwl nnd aolQ nt Chq tivelln for eimilar purposes. A T)nrin„ 1L~~ fi~d
- sni~tll roRnery Lns Ueen ereotqd,'haXiu~ ti ettnteQ enPacity of 7~~ Larrule eri~•a, un~~ ~~f :~~pP
' p f]6)'~ Ul1G llUE IRI1CIl OII ~1748 yOL UCCII ]16T1(IICC] I101'C. ' O'IIIN. ~~~IIIIe :1~
'1`he Unitoil Oil Gomli$ny Lae Ini4 its owu liipi~ linea tn nll pralnc- \hxil ;nkcu pl:u•~•.
•lu
m~•n
L d
'
ii~r wolls autl La4 bougLt pracLicmlly Lho entiru pr~xlnet, ~vhialt luGC p
c~
i
Suc
Ucen rhipp~d to ite rufiuori~a at I~ loronce, Colo. '1`ho price now Paid Urief nntie~•v of
on ais monUh»' cuntriict ie $L ~ti bi~rrel at tLo moutli of tLu ~cell. As geolu~ic ntructn~
mny L-o inferred from tho price, Lh~ oil itt oP Ligh gra~c. It in a ligLt
~
illumi iating ofl witli pnrnfl'in bxec. A valuiibl~ residuum now eokl
for fuel mny in the future a~d muterially to th~ price of tl~e crude I)urinqth~• dril
i Prudu.t. ' :~t Yrini•rtnn, iu
{ found ;nme~cLai
L~171G R'~UCI~ 18 II11
Li thia connrr.
suppou~d tn Lac
~ west out~kirts o
th:it in tLc mini
liquid u4pLxlt, :
nn estent th:it ~
It is said tn eut+
Prolntblt• th~•
~t:~s oLhtin~•~1 ni
~r~,~ r~c „~~u ~
Ec~in~cille. IuJ
rock,,, at a ~lc]
nffonled nlwut
Ueen done. i"~
~~-LicL obtninei.
T. 3 ti., R. :S ~\'
att,l llil Cum}~a
Soutl~ern Indi
opemting in tU
.....,,, , .. . , . . . . .Mwnrw~.r~+kzsarkr.F:,m ,:.,«. ~ , , ,. ....~; . ..
~ $ILVIA PETTEM
~ Boulder County History
' ~LZ CL~1~'
; : natural gas
~ = triggered
~ econom2c
boom
~
~i
; . ..
n)anuary 1902, Isaac Canfield driAed for
oil on the McKenzie farm neaz toda~s
Boulder Couaty airpork When he hit
"black gold," his well was said to have
gushed 72 barrels per day for weeks.
Boulder residents were thn1led.
°AI( manner of rnrriages, tally hos,
columbines, auromobiles, cyck motors and
things on wheels kept the road hot to the
wells," wrote a Camera reporter. People
went away with souvenit bnttles of the
amber liquid that was considered "beautiful
to look upon."
As other wells were discovered, the
newspaper followed the oil field's progress .
on a da~7y basis. Each development was
explained iu great deqil in a regular column
called "Drippings of the Oit Flow"
WhIIe he driiled for oil, Canfield also '
struck natural gas. He lit a flame, wlilch was
seen from miles around, as a symbol of the
communit~s newfuund weakh.
Crooks and competent conhactors alike
took out incorporation papers and sold
penny stocks. Newspaper maders were
guazanteed that they would get rich quickly
if they invested under special limited-time
offers. • -
Mere with money poured into Boulder on
neazly every Vain. The Rockefellers were
expected any day, and residen~s were cer-
tain that the populatioa of their city would
double overnighk
In February 1902, 0~1 from Canfield's
weIl was shipped to a re5nery neaz Canon
City.lhe suPPiY seemed to be Andless. By
March~ Boulder had 92 oi! companies. A
month lates, there were 217.
Although the oil underthe iaud north-
east of Boulder was real, no amount of
drilling rnuld keep up with eapectations. In
just a few months, the bottom seemed to fall
out of the markek and the ciry's eathusiasm
was replaced wlth skepticism. As one com-
pany representative explained, "Suckers
became.sick, and thinlring people refused to
take their platxs."
Despite the frauds and faihaes, however,
a few conservative businessmen managed
W keep the iudush-y a]ive. From 1904 to
1914, one weII supplied most of Boulder :
with nahiral gas for cookiag and lighting:
When the Hotel Boulderado openedin
1909, the contractor didn't know if nalura'
gas or electricity would be more reliable,
he fitted the hotel's lamps to run on both,
Boulder's o~7 output peaked in 1909 wi~
a total of 85,709 barrels. But, by then, res
dents had lost interest in oil and natural g
production. From 1910 on, the output qui
ly diminished until the 1950s, and, more
recently, in the 1980s, when dn'lling rigs
temporarily sprouted up again in Boulde~
County.
Canfield, wha started all the hoopla in
the Boulder oil fields, was more of a spec
lator than a businessman. He te[t town
shorUy after his big shike, neissed out bc
the reported $600,000. it produced, and R
never heard from again.
Silvia Pettem i latest book, Boulder. A
Sense of Time and Place,' is a eaUectioe o
seleded history eofurans. Look Jor it in on
66okstores. '
TO REACH US: Edicor. Mazia Coce; (303) 473-1306 wtemw~thedailycamera.com FAX: {303) 473-1131 WWw.ihedailyCamE
~OU~dP~r rC~~trrc{ 3~/5/pl --
i ;
TAE BODLDER OZL FIELD,
. BODLDER COIINZ'Y, COLORADO
bY
~ Fred Leigh Whitney
B.S., IIniveraity ot Texae, 1943 ~ '
~~ ,, " i
I
,~ , .
~
I,.
~ ,,
~
A Thesis aubmitted to the Faculty of the t}raduate
School ;of~the IIniveraity of Colorado in partiel
ful•fillment of the requirementa for the Degree
Master of Saience
Department or.aeoiogy
. ~ 1956
+~. „ . .
Whitney, Fred Leigh (M. 3, Geolosy)
The Soulder oi1 Field, Boulder County, Colorado
Theais direc~ed by Professor Warren 0. Thompaon
The Boulder oi~ field was diacovered in January, 19G1, _
xhen the Bou=der 011 Company dFilled the McKenzie well. De-
velopment wa~ rapid, but not very successful as only 28
~rslls produced oil out of 100 wella drilled by 1905. Tha
best product=on has beeri Prom a northern extenaion diecover-
ed in 190$, by the Inland 011 Company. Production reached
85,709 barre=s oP oil during 1909, then declinad rapidly to
leas than 10,000 barrele per year. Drilling in the field
during the psst forty-f~ve years has been aporadic and most-
,
ly unproduct~ve.
The a.ratigraphic section tn the Boulder oil field
includes the (Peruisylvanian) Fountain, the (Permian) Lyons,
(Permo-Triasaic), Lykins, (Jurasaic) Morrison and Entrada
formations, end the (C retaceous) Dakota end Benton groupa,
Niobrara an@ Pierre formations. The maaimum thiclmeas oP
the sedimentary co3umn ia about 8000 feet. •
The B~ulder oil field is near the extreme weatern edge
oP the Denve- Hasin where.the.regional dip is eastward. The
productive part of the.field liea on the flanks of one of
the en echal~n folds near the foothilla of the northern
Front Range. The aubaurface atructure ia a southward plung-
ing anticlinal nosa whioh approximately parallele the moun-
tain Pront. The northern end of thie antioline, known Srom
aurPace outc~opa as the Heyataok antialine, has a aloaura
, ,;:
~
of more th~z 1~00 feet. ;The better wells• are, located near ,
the south exd of the closing contour. A shalloe southward
plunging synclirie separates this antlcline from the mono-
clinal uptu~ned edges oS the Denver Basin sediments againat
the Front Range. ,
VYith one exaeption, ell of the oil and gas in the
Boulder oil.field has been produced Prom the Pierre forma- -
tion. The oil seems to be derived locally from the dark
coZored sha=es o1' the Pierre formation~ and to have accumu-
lated as a~esult of fracture porosity which developed with
the folding. Fracture poroaity is encountered at vsrying
depths Rith_n the limits oY' elongate fracture belta.. The
031 product~on decline.'curve for the field reaembles that
of lmown fracture fields. Following the rapid decline from
initial production, oil is recovered at a greatly diminished
rate as it soeps from the shale into the fracturea.
Prom'_se of future production in the field in sandy
horizons be=ow the Pierre is not great because sands pene-
trated by d ep wells are impermeable. Proapects for ezten-
sive added ~roduction from Precturea in the Pierre aeem poor
because thel'producing area has been deSined and fracturea
are difficult to'.locate.
This abatrac~ t of about 250 words is approved as to Torm and
content. ~ I Ireco~end its publication.
Signed ~.-
natructor
sse
The
COLORADANS
Robert G. Athearn
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO PRESS
Albuquerque
256
COLORADO IN MIDPASSAGE
by the United States. The agreement, much of wluch was written
by Delph Carpenter, was known as the Colorado River Compact or
sometimes as the Santa Fe Compact, and although years passed
before all its details were settled, this historic document not only
led to the construction of Boulder Dam but was a landmark in
western interstate diplomacy.29
By the 1920s another Colorado resource was in great demand.
Oil, once regarded as useful principally for illumination or
lubrication, now was useful as a fuel to provide home heat or, in
the form of gasoline, to operate the intemal combustion engines
that powered automobiles, tractors, airplanes, and motorboats.
Nationally, this was the decade of the automobile, an era that in
1924 saw Henry Ford drive down the price of his vehicle to an
all-time record low of $290, and one in which General Motors
moved into the automotive field in force. After producing Sfteen
million units of his famed Model T, Henry Ford turned to the
equally famous Model A and outsold the combined efforts of
General Motors. The family caz came into such demand that in
1923 Walter Chrysler, who eazlier had worked as a mechanic in the
Denver and Rio Grande Railroad's Salt Lake City shops, organized
his own company; within a few yeax~ he offered the public a rival
to the Ford and Chevrolet-a small car called the Plymouth. In
1920 the American automotive industry produced just under two
million cars annually; by 1929 the figure approached five million. It
was this item of inerchandise, one that became the favorite of
American buyers, that was to present demands upon the domestic
petroleum industry that one day would outstrip its ability to
produce.
The sharply increased demand for petroleum products sent a
whole new group of prospectors called petroleum geologists
scurrying into the field. During the twenties major oil discoveries
were made in a number of locations in the American West, some of
them in Colorado. Of great interest was the Wellington dome,
north of Fort Collins, brought in during 1923, and the Moffat and
Iles domes developed near Craig. During that same period the Tow
Creek field, in Routt County, began to produce.
Until that time Colorado's production had been small. Beginning
in 1862, when the owner of a small "oil spring" near Canon City
sold small quantiries of oil to Denver, Pueblo, and Santa Fe for
about five dollars a gallon, the local industry grew very slowly. By
•• Tis a Priuilege"
257
the mid 1860s between twenty-five and fl~irty barrels of oil were
produced daily at Canon City and Denver businessmen were
excited over the prospect of a strike near Golden. Such well-lmown
Coloradans as Govemor Cummings and W. A. H. Loveland became
involved in the formarion of an oil company to e~ctract what the
Rocky Mountain News called "the precious liquid."30 This eazly oil
excitement came to nothing, and even in what became lmown as
the Florence field, near Canon City, the production was limited
because of a small demand for the product at that time. By the
1880s that field had a number of producing wells and three
refineries with a combined capacity of three thousand barrels a
day, but litde of the product was being sold outside the region. In
1911 the Florence field was said to be controlled by a Standard Oil
subsidiary lmown as the United Oil Company of Denver. A few
independents operated there, but lacldng a mazket of their own
they sold to United for a dollaz a barrel.. There was some talk that
natural gas one day would prove to be an asset to Colorado, but in
the early days of the twentieth century chat product was far from
developed in terms of practical use 31
Although there was talk of an oil boom in Colorado shortly after
1g00, when a number of holes were put down in various sections of
the state, there were at that time only two bona fide fields where oil
was produced commercially: Florence and Boulder. At the latter
place an oil well lmown as the McKenzie, drilled almost at random,
gave such favorable results that by 190.3 more than a hundred rigs
sprouted just northeast of that quiet universiry town. When a
two-hundred-and-fifty barrel "gusher" was brought in during 1908,
the Boulder field amacted even more attention, but after that there
was litde to boast about. By 1917 the total production of the field
amounted to no more than six thousand barrels and by 1923
perhaps a dozen we1Ls were at work, producing only a few barrels a
day.32 About the time the Boulder field first made news, oil was
discovered in faz westem Colorado, at De Beque, a find that
produced more excitement than oil. The westem slope's Rangely
field dated from 1911, but by the mid-twenties it was producing
only about a hundred barrels a week. Nevertheless, by that time
Colorado petroleum pralucdon had hit an all time high of five
million dollars, thanks to production in the Wellington and Moffat
domes. Before the state's oil resources were able to contribute
heavily to the economy, the Great Depression struck. By 1933
258
COLORADOINMIDPASSACE
production had sunk to just over a half-million dollars' worth per
year. Not unril the years of World War II did the local industry
recover.
For decades one of Colorado's much-talked-about petroleum
potentials has been oil shale. Neither oil nor shale, but rather an
organic mazlstone from which an incompletely developed oil
called kerogen is produced by applying heat, the substance is found
in great quantity in the northwest comer of the state. One of the
most commonly told stories about the eazly discovery of shale oil
concems Mike Calahan's housewarming party. The rancher, who
had equipped his new home with a giant fireplace made of black
rock found in the Rifle neighborhood, proudiy lit the fire. The logs,
then the &eplace itself, and finally the entire house went up in a
spectacular blaze that quickly ended the evening's festivities.
Even before the 1920s, when more traditional oil extraction in
Colorado grew rapidly, oil shale received considerable publicity.
Between 1915 and 1920 a 6oom developed that saw some thirty
thousand claims staked on about four million acres of Colorado.
Based on the 1872 mining law, these claims were made so rapidly
that sometimes they were piled one atop another on the same land.
The 1920 Mineral Leasing Act tried to clear up the confusion by
holding that publicly owned shale lands could be leased only from
the Secretary of the Interior. But the inidal momentum of the
boom carried it forward, and by 1921 there were over two hundred
and fifty companies in this country listed as oil shale firms. Only
nineteen of them had erected ercperimental plants or had indicated
that they were anything but "paper" organizations. A great many
of the companies were formed for no other purpose than to defraud
investors, and when it became apparent that this means of oil
extraction was commercially unprofitable under the existing price
structure, this aspect of oil prospecting earned a very unsavory
name. Since ordinary oil, drilled in the traditional manner, found a
declining market with the onset of the depression, the possible use
of oil shale fell back into the realm of theory. The notion came out
of hibemation from rime to time in the coming years, but it was
not until the "crunch" of the 1970s that mnch more than experi-
mentation resulted from the talk this interesting phenomenon
generafied.sa
The great demaad arno~g Acnericans for petroleum products
re#lected an incre~sing use of the au~omobile, noi only for purposes
of business or Sunday joyriding, but also as a means of traveling far
" Tis a Prioilege"
259
afield on vacation trips enjoyed by the enrire family. Almost
ovemight the nation plunged into what became lmown as the
"gasoline age," and as the number of automobiles multiplied, the
demand for better roads upon which to operate them increased.
Supplied with his own vehicle, the average American~~go~fYo
the open road and adventure in parts of the country
him; frequendy he headed for the Rocky Mountains and their
fabled scenery. Coloradans, who had seen the possibilities of .
tourism since the .days when recreational railroad travel had
become popular, realized that the automobile held great promise
for travelers who sought both independence and economy on their
summer outings. The mountains and the "champagne air" long had
been an attraction for those in more humid climates. These
resources still beckoned.
It was the automobile and the rapid development of Colorado
highways during these years that altered the nature of the seasonal
invasion of tourists and caused it to gi'ow to such proportions that
one day the tourist industry K'ould rank very close to the top in
annual revenues.34 But Hus turn of events did not happen by
accident. As eazly as 1905 the state's Good Roads Association was
organized, and in the ensuing years a great deal of effort was put
into highway construction so that the new "tin-can" tourist could
make his way to points of scenic interest. During 1913, for
example, state penitentiary wazden Tom Tynan's convicts were
hard at work improving the road from Canon City to the Royal
Gorge overlook, an eight-mile stretch that was cut on'. c=f s~=lid rock.
At that time there was talk of constructing a suspension bridge
across the gorge, a plan that when carried out later made the azea
increasingly attractive as a twrist spot. For the moment, however,
the road builders were concerned with building a feeder to what
then was referred to as the "new Santa Fe speedway," an
automobile highway that ran from Independence, Missouri>
through Kansas, and to Pueblo, Colorado, along the old Santa Fe
Trail.as
The efforts of Tom Tynan's "boys" typified the activity of
Colorado road buildeis in general at that time. From 1914, when
the state had just under ri~'elve hundred miles of improved roads,
construction was carried on so intensively that within little over a
decade the mileage of improved roads jumped to more than
eighty-five hundied. And, by that later date, more adventurous
motorists could work their way into some of the less popalated
Remarkable Activity
A Look At The Boulder Oil Field
1901-1904
by
Ella M. Travis
1995
,
REMARKABLE ACTIVITY
"There was remarkable activity all over the
State in the latter half of 1901, and many welis were
drilled in isolated localities. Toward the close of 1901
a well completed near Boulder, 30 miles northwest of
Denver, caused renewed interest all over the state."'
This was Boulder Oil Company's discovery of oil in McKenzie #1..
"Remarkable" was an understatement to the activity in Boulder County on
January 6, 1902 when the Boulder County Herald announced "Great ExcitemenY'
and "splendid stuff" after Consolidated Oil brought in the Arnold well. "Great
ExcitemenY' was reported again three days later with oil in McKenzie #2 at 2530
feet. Two weeks later, the Boulder County Herald reported that a"complete
pumping outfit of 3000' of sucker rods and 3000' of tubing shipped yesterday to
Boulder Oil Company for McKenzie #2"2 and that the well would be pumping
within a few days.
This discovery of oil in Boulder County set off a flurry of activity that is
both economically and historically interesting. People's thoughts were turned
more toward gold and silver mining than to oil, which had few known practical
uses at the time. In the eariy 1900s Boulder was a mining town, dependent on
the output from the mines in the mountains to the west, There were family farms
on the plains north and east of Boulder, and coal mines at Lafayette and
Louisville. There was no hint of the turmoil about to be unleashed. Farm land
"north of Boulder" had been advertised for sale at $5 an acre.' At its annual
meeting, Boulder Building and Loan announced they had helped build 272
houses in the last ten years.° There was talk of building another hotel (it would be
the Boulderado) in Boulder. "The oil boom has ... revived the question of a larger
and up to date hotel."' The city population was about 6200 and the county
directories listed communities such as Caribou, Gold Hill, Jamestown, Marshall,
Rowena, and Ward.
There was great excitement and the oil did prove to be splendid stuff.
How much was true discovery and how much newspaper hype and promoter
speculation was di~cult to determine.
PERSPECTIVE
The 1901 discovery of oil in Texas and California was reported by Boulder
News when reduced train rates to Texas were announced because of the oil.
Law firms from Colorado Springs were engaged to write articles of incorporation
for oil companies to operate in California.b It was probably not accidental that the
investors were Colorado Springs people. Money from Cripple Creek and
1
Florence' usually went to banks in Colorado Springs, the nearest banking center.
Naturally, bankers needed someplace to invest their capital. Boulder News
commented on Jan 23, 1902, "There is more excitement in Colorado Springs
than here [Boulder] and the whole male population (with their money),threatens
to move here."e
Boulder was a small university town. In August 1901, the Denver
Republican reported 8000 people attended the quatro centennial celebration in
Boulder, with tweive coaches on the Colorado and Southern Railroad from
Denver.' In 1901, the student body population at the University numbered more
than 700. Just before Christmas vacation, CU President Baker told the students
that the University was about to close for lack of funds to pay the professors and
to buy coal, which was selling for less than $3 per ton. At that time, professors'
salaries were $2000 a year while the president of CU received $4500.'°
According to the 1900 Census of the United States, the population of
Boulder County was 21,544 with 6,150 in Boulder; Teller County was 29,000 with
10,000 in Cripple Creek; Colorado Springs had 21,085 out of an EI Paso County
population of 31,602; Denver was the largest city with 133,859."
The remarkable thing about the Boulder oil boom was that, economically
speaking, it was so small in comparison with the output of two of the state's other
industries, mining and agriculture. No oil was sold from the Boulder field in 1901.
In 1902, the first full year of production, only 11,800 barrels of oil were produced
at an average price of $1 per barrel.'~ The total Colorado production of crude oil
in 1901 was 460,520 barrels at an average price of $1 per barrel." Boulder
County's entire oil production for 23 years (1902-1925) was only about
$730,000.'°
In comparison, 10,000 tons of ore were mined in Boulder County in 1901,
for a total value of nearly $900,000.~' The Denver Republican reported that
595,000 tons of ore had been mined in Cripple Creek with a gold production of
$25,500,000 in 1901.16 The Portland Mine at Victor took out ore valued at
$10,000 per day for each day in 1901." Under a Loveland byline, the Denver
Republican reported that the small fruit production for Larimer County for 1901
was $16,000.'° Five hundred carloads -- 30 tons per car -- of sugar beets with a
"value of $57,500 were shipped in 1901 from Boulder County while 7000 carloads
of potatoes were sent #rom Greeley.19 September of 1901 brought the news that
a sugar factory would be built in Longmont.
One must conclude that the remarkable thing is the very small economic
impact of the.oil boom on Boulder County.
z
BEGINNINGS
As early as 1862, an oil well had been drilled near a live oil seep near
Florence in Fremont Coun:y. Other ~ti-ells were drilled after 1876 in the Florence
field, the only field in the state. Of the thirty-five wells drilled in the Florence field
in 1901, sixteen (45.7%) were dry holes and five small produc~rs were
abandoned.'°
A geologist's comparison of the geology of Florence with that of Boulder
showed similarities and it was concluded that oil was to be found near Boulder
also. That there was some oil in the area north and ~east of Boulder was not
doubted. A well with a showing of petroleum had been drilled on Gun Barrel Hill
about 10 years earlier. Too, there was knowledge of an oil spring on the bank of
the Little Thompson River about 17 miles north of Boulder.
N. M. Fenneman had been named to the geology department at CU in
August 1901. His article on the Boulder oil field was published in 1905 in the
United States Geological Survey Bulletin, a scientific publication not given to
speculation. Fenneman noted:
"The early beliefs [about the existence of oil]
were based upon grounds which might now be
regarded as far from demonstrative. The subsequent
finding of oil must therefore be regarded largely as a
piece of good fortune rather than the assured
outcome of a safe business venture. The evidence
consisted largely in the strong bituminous odor of the
Benton and Niobrara limestones and shales. It was
therefore assumed that the strong-smelling rocks
were themselves the reservoirs of petroleum ... . They
[the formations] have the same characteristic odor
, near the oil fields and far away. It was reasoned out
~ with equal certainty that the shales must produce coal
on account of their black color. It was while
prospecting for coal in the Benton [formation] that the
project of drilling for oil was first conceived.""
Again, quoting from Fenneman's paper:
"The exact location of a larg.e proportion of the
wells of this field has been fixed by ... bobbers. The
principle on which the use of the bobber rests is the
same as that by which the proper site of a water well
is determined by the involuntary turning of a witch-
3
hazel sprout when held in the hand. In two instances,
completed derricks have been taken down and
removed to distances not exceeding forty feet,
because of the behavior of the bobber after their
erection."u
The characteristic odor of oil, the similarity of geology between Florence
and Boulder, and good fortune combined with "bobbers" or witching sticks were
the determining factors for locations for drilling. It was not surprising that
Fenneman's tabulation of wells in the Boulder District list 28 welis "that have at
some time produced oil" and 47 "dry or neariy dry holes".
CAP(TAL INVESTMENT
Money was needed to pay the expense of drilling and other start up costs.
Messages were mixed. Some encouraged investors to do so immediately with
almost certain expectations of huge returns in investments. Others urged caution
and a knowledge of the promoters.
"And it is the capitalists of Colorado Springs who most
appreciate the importance of the Bou~der field and not
the money men of Denver. True, there is some
Denver money, but nothing to that being poured in by
mining men from "Little London". All these Springs
men who are now investing their money in Boulder oil
land secured their wealth from Cripple Creek and are
not afraid to tempt Dame Fortune in Colorado once
more.""
The Bouider County Herald reported on January 8, 1902 that "eapitalists
from Florence are at the Arnold well".
` "New companies are formed almost daily,
some of them appear backed by su~cient funds,
others based on hot air and for purely speculative
purposes."~'
"As regards investing in oil lands or oil shares,
the pubiic cannot be too much cautioned, there ... is
more uncertainty .., more risk ... far from being a
reliable productive field ... People should not invest
unless they have a little money to gamble with ... it
may be some time before profits are legitimately
derived from ... oil, if indeed that day ever comes."='
4
"Investors in oil stock should be very careful as
to companies they patronize. Especially see who the
men are backing them. There are many companies
formed that will never drill a foot or erect a derrick.
They do not intend to, the object is to sefl stock and
as much of that as they can unload on the public will
be clear gain to the promoters."=°
Boulder County oil production in 1902 was 11,000 barrels at $0.90 to
$1.00 per barrel. The money realized was not enough to enrich stockholders or
speculators. On January 22, 1902, the Denver Republican reported that
Consofidated Oil Company had spent $44,000 before striking oil. Three days
later the same paper reported drillers were being paid $4.50 per day and
assistant drillers $3.50 with a noticeable demand. The carpenters union wanted
a raise~to $3.50 per day with great demand. Even little boys were cashing in on
the oil boom by selling bottles of oil at the railroad depot.~~ By October two years
later (1904) twelve of the 28 producing wells were abandoned.
"As regards investing in oil shares, the public
cannot be too much cautioned, that in the present
condition of the field in Colorado there is far more
uncertainty than in even investing in gold and silver
mines or prospects. There is far more of risk in it. The
country at present is very far from being a reliable
productive oil field. It is in a purely prospective state.
So far, as we have said, we have only discovered a
little oil at one or two localities. We hope for more.
The signs are promising, but it may begin and end in
the two or three moderately producing wells we have
spoken of in a restricted area in restricted localities.
~ ~ Quantity is what we are looking for and so far we
have not found it.
"People should not, therefore, invest in these
oil schemes unless they have a little money to gamble
with, the loss of which would not hurt them. Money
doubtless will be made by the•handling of stocks and
lands, but it may be some time before profits are
legitimately derived from large quantities of the oil
itself, if indeed that day ever comes:"3e
s
~~
PURELY SPECULATIVE
"Oil excitement contagious. The interest in oil
wells is increasing. This is not so much the case with
people of Boulder as with outsiders. Boulder people
have been at top notch of excitement for some time."29
Boulder News: "new companies formed almost daily -- purely
speculative".'° Companies with penny stock attracted investbrs who had only
small amounts of capital to invest. Also, this permitted companies to be formed
with only a small value to their haldings. That is, a few thousand dollars in
equipment or leases wouid be fully paid for by the initial investors. These few
doilars in the form of hundreds of shares of stock amounted to small losses for
investors in companies that hit dry holes.
As early as May 1901, Boulder News had reported an oil company had
been organized in Longmont and intended "to make haste slowly". The same
issue of the News reported a stock company in Fort Collins had been formed to
"boar" (sic) for oil or coal. Boulder Oil Company was formed.in July 1901. By
August 8 the Boulder News reported ".., that oil has been struck in McKenzie
weil northeast of town but in what quantity is not known at least to the public.
There seems no doubt whatever that they have found oil." Throughout the
remainder of the year, the News continued to report on the progress of boring for
oil, a professor organizing a company in Boston, larger boilers and machinery in
freight depot yards. Skepticism appeared in both the popular press and the trade
papers.
With the discovery of oil on the Arnold farm, a frenzy took possession of
formerly cautious individuals. This was reffected in articles that appeared in both
the Boulder County Herald and the Boulder News that winter of 1901-1902.
While the Boulder News, in an editorial on January 9th, talked of a dry hole, the
~ ~ Boulder County Herald continued to put "Oil News" in the center of the upper half
of each front age of their paper with headlines in the popu(ar "tombstone" s4yle;
that is, large type at the top followed by sequentially s,maller type through several
column inches. The more cautious Boulder News continued, "in weA and on mind
-- think, taik, dream" and "one effect is to raise real estate prices. Oil interest
overshadows all else.""
T. V. Wilson, a real estate man instrumental in giving the oil boom a start,
now sold oil stock, A week later Boulder News reported Wilson had secured
options on "many of the most choice tracts in the county" and was agent for
Consolidated Oil Company.
"The effect on Boulder real estate has been
remarkable, a great demand having been occasioned
6
// .
for lots in the northeast part of the city. They have
trebled in price and are being rapidly purchased."'Z
Land had been selling at $5 an acre'~ A tract of 16 acres in alkali flats sold
for $16,000 "because of oil excitemenY', estimated to be worth $1 an acre
because of the alkali.'° Options were taken for ten years and called for leases at
$25 an acre a month ~°
The "special correspondenY' writing in the Engineering and Mining Journal
said,
"As an offset to these doubts as to quantity,
suggested by present production, is always the
reasonable chance that some of many of the new
wells now being sunk will encounter more saturated
areas, or possibly penetrate cavities, or even lakes,
from which phenomenal returns may be obtained. "So
far as relates to the present excitement, it can be
safely a~rmed that notwithstanding occasional
speculative exaggerations, the promoters of the best
of the Boulder enterprises are citizens of such
established acumen as to insure an economical use
and strict accounting of receipts and expenditures.
"Whatever may be the outcome of many of
these individual enterprises, the effect on allied and
dependent industries has been most pronounced.
Chief among these is the demand for skilled labor and
for such structural material as lumber for sheds and
derricks, and iron and stee! for tanks and general
equipment."16
~ By January 1902 when Boulder County Herald was reporting on the
completion of a railroad spur and the shipment of the first car of oil to the refinery
in Florence, the Boulder News was reporting how oil "... has been found at last
in the well and on everybody's brain. People think oil, talk oil, dream oil."" The
editorial page mentioned a dry hole. Boulder County Herald said "If this thing
keeps on the whole valley will soon be dotted with oil wells."3e
By the end of February 1902, twenty-one wells were being drilled in
Boulder County and there were 39 derricks. On,March 3, 1902 twenty of these
derricks were visible from Whitely Hill (Folsom and Bluf~."
~
Fenneman described the Boulder District to be 16 miles north and south
by 9 miles east and west, yet narrowed the oil producing area to Sections 8 and
9, 16 and 17, and 20 and 21 in Township 1 North Range 70 West, or 3840 acres.
From the number of dry or nearly dry holes delineated by Fenneman, one
was forced to conclude this was a speculative venture at besf: With so much
money being spent on drilling with dry holes being the only result, it became
common practice to "shooY' a well.'° This was an inexact science and
nitroglycerine varied from 10 to 140 quarts with dynamite charges as large as
500 Ibs. (70% nitro) a widely accepted practice. All but one well which had been
pumped in 1902 was shot 41
Of the 18 subsidiary companies listed on the Consolidated Oil Company
Map (fig. 1), twelve had been recorded. Fenneman had listed about 75 wells in
sections 8 and 9, 16 and 17, and 20 and 21 of N 70W. Fenneman listed only
Boulder Illuminating well on his list of "wells that have at some time produced
oil." He made note of Boulder Illuminating as a"very small producer" in section
10 and only a few feet from eastern boundary of the rectangle named. Alamo,
Keystone, and Blue Jacket weils were on the list labeled "dry or neariy dry
holes". Lafayette well was on this list but was outside the area of the map.
Fenneman did not include Sections 2, 3, and 10 which had been included on
Consolidated Oil Map. Perhaps he did not think these other sections were in the
Boulder Oil Field.
FICTI7lOl1S STOCK°'
With the large number of oil companies formed in such a short time, one
could not help but notice that companies were incorporated in different states.
The Colorado Constitution provided that stock could be issued onfy for labor
done, services pertormed, or money or property received,^° Fictitious increase or
` indebtedness would be void. There couid be no stock which did not represent
~ property in possession. That is, fictitious stock was illegal. Under Section 490 of
Mills Annotated Statutes, stock companies could purchase property necessary
for their business and issue stock to pay for it. This stock was fully paid and not
subject to other calis.
When stock had been issued to buy property, then a certain amount was
returned to the treasury to be sold and directors filed a certificate of fully paid
stock. Treasury stock was then offered for sale on the open market. Under
Section 486 {Mills) each stockholder was liable for the corporate debts to the
amount unpaid on his stock. If a company had highly valued stock (for example,
$1 per share par value}, then the property acquired had to have a fair market
value equa! to that of the total number of shares. That is, if there were 1,000,000
s
;
/
shares at $1 each, then the fair market value of property would have had to have
been $1,000,000.
- Unless the above were true, then the stockholder was liable. The legal
precedent was a Supreme Court Case from Montana where stock was found to
be 1 2/3% of par value. The Court held that stockholders were liable to the
creditors for 98 1/3%. (Kelly v. Fourth of July Mining Company, 21 Mont. 291, 53
Pac. 59.45 )
To protect themselves and their stockholders' from the same danger,
companies took advantage of states which permitted issuance of stock of a low
par value, that is, $0.01 per share. One such state was Wyoming and many
companies doing business in Colorado were incorporated there. This foreign
corporation could give profitable investment to smafl investors whife this same
small investor was immune from further liability. Safe investments demanded
that the investor know his liability on the investment. Investors were best served
6y companies issuing stock with a small par value. This was particularly true in a
highly speculative venture, such as the Boulder Oil field.
MANUFACTURED NEWSd6
In the absence of good scientific data as to the location of oil, other
means were used to entice people to invest. One name used to advantage was
that of Professor F. V. Hayden of the U.S. Geological Survey of the Territories,
who had mapped this area of northern Colorado in 1873-76. Maps were
prepared with "Boulder Oil Belt USGS Survey by Hayden"" across that part of
Bouider County which included all or parts of Sections 25-36 in Township 2
North, Range 70 West of the 6th Principal Meridian and Sections 1 through 30 in
Township 1 North, Range 70 West of the 6th Principal Meridian. Someone even
went so far as to inscribe "Center of Boulder Oil Field" on a fence post and
\signed Hayden's name to it. Boulder photographer Joseph B. Sturtevant
recorded the same for posterity in photograph. (ill. 1)
Brokers used a ploy to create interest in investor's minds about an
offering. Brokers or other promoters sent a small "news" article purporting to be ~
a press news telegram to a big, out of town -- usually New York -- newspaper
together with a big ad (costing $600-$700). Both the ad and the news article
would be about the industry being promoted; for example, the same oil company.
The hook was that the ad was to be used only if the news article were printed
first. Naturaily, the prospect of a large, paid ad was incentive enough for the
paper to print. "news". Now, "... when a company whose stock is foisted on the
public turns out a failure, as it assuredly will, the stock purchaser blames not only
the fakir who sold the stock, but believes the west to be in league with eastern
stock seller; because he read in his newspaper telegrams endorsing and
9
j
~
boosting the very propositions and schemes and statements made by the
eastern 'fiscal agents'."0e In order to continue to generate funds for the oil
company, "news" items were created on a regular basis. Examples can be found
in newspapers of the period. While the idea may have worked first with
newspapers in the east whose writers/editors had no knowledge of the
boomtown mentality, it appeared to have worked in papers printed here also. It
is legitimate for company A to own stock in company B, for Company A to be a
wholly owned subsidiary of Company B, or for Company A to be a partner of
Company B. If the person interested in investing in Company A perceives A as
the parent company and owner of land, options, leases, etc., then in the paper
the ad for Company A which contains the names of the several oil wells leads
one to surmise that each one is a separate entity with plenty of its own capital
and other resources.
Discovery of oil in Boulder County set off some remarkable activity. There
was no real scientific data available to locate oil; good fortune was often the
determining factor. Wells were expensive to drill. The price of oil was low.
Fictitious stock was issued and manufactured news printed. Yet, remarkable
activity did take place in Boulder in late 1901 and 1902. Consider now these
photos as a visual sample of the time.
PHOTOGRAPHIC FRAUD
On January 11, the Herald reported that photographs were being taken of
various oil wells about Bouider. And so they were
If promotion of oil wells and oil stocks was one way to make money, one
way to promote the growth of an oil field was through photographs. Many wells in
one picture, who surely was proof of a productive field. And, if there was such a
booming field, then one should certainly invest in companies operating in that
feld.
The photographs were taken by Joseph B. Sturtevant, a Boulder
photographer. Did Sturtevant make photographs of phony operations on his own
initiative or was he part of another's promotion? The answer to that question is
not clear. Let us consider the evidence.
If the object of these photographs were promotion and money making,
there had to be others involved. Fenneman listed nearly 70 wells in the
productive area called the Boulder Oil Field and reported 28 had pumped oil "at
some time". His choice of words indicates a report of facts with no inflammatory
language to suggest a booming oil field. Fenneman went on to say that 12 wells
of the 28 were abandoned before October 1904. That left 16 "operating" on
some scale. One large company that advertised widely in newspapers, such as
io
~
the Mining Investor and elsewhere was Consolidated Oil Company. Early in
1902, Consolidated Oil Company had leases on large tracts of land. The
Consolidated Company map shows 20 tracts in which this company had an
interest. Yet of the twenty subsidiary companies listed, Fenneman lists only
Boulder Illuminating in Section 10, T1 N, R70W as a well that has "at some time
produced oil" and he lists only the depth of the well and not "depth to oil".
Boulder Illuminating was "shot" with 100 quarts of nitroglycerine as listed on
Fenneman's table of "wells shot before June 1903" and not as "not pumped
before; a very small producer". Consolidated Oil Company wells listed as "dry or
nearly dry holes" were Blue Jacket, Alamo, Keystone, and Lafayette. Fenneman
did not include in his list of nearly 70 wells these other Consolidated wells:
Boulder Queen, century, Colorado Beaumont, Cosmo, crystal, Footlight,
Headlight, Interstate, Jasper, National, Nebraska, and Sunrise. A search of
Boulder County records for the period turned up many leases and assignments
as well as some sales.
Photograph XX138 (ill. 2) was taken looking north and shows a pumping
well. The walking beam is caught in two positions (top and bottom) because of
the slow time exposure for the glass plate negative. Guy wires are visible from
parts of the oil derrick. these wires were essential to hold the derrick stable in
high winds. A power generating building is close by with chimney protruding.
Note that the observer can see the foothills "through" the machinery/piping near
the base of the chimney and through the derrick. A close observation shows
people standing in the shadow on the drilling platForm under the walking beam.
This indicates the sun was shinning from behind the right shoulder of the
photographer and casting shadows to the left of objects in the photograph. Note
the shapes of the buildings. Observe the patterns of light and dark boards in
building at the base of the derrick. The building at the left edge of the photograph
is McKenzie's house, located south of Jay Road on the west side of the road
now known as 47th Street,
Now look at photograph XX143 (ill. 3), purported to be "Location of
~Boulder Belle looking easY'. Fenneman does not list a well by that name.
Compare the patterns of light and dark boards in the building at the base of the
derrick with those in XX138 (ill. 2). The small shed which was at the left of the
structure in XX138 is gone. The walking beam now shows only one position. Guy
wires have disappeared. The building with the chimney is closer to the small
shed. But the most telling thing to note is the white cutting line across the bottom
of the well structure and the building with the chimney. Paper copies of #s 138,
135, and 143 held on fop of each other show the derrick to be the same size in
ali three pictures with no change in image size when distance from camera
changes.
Look now at photograph XX135,, again, the Boulder Belle wall. But now
the view is to the northwest. Yet, the image size has not changed. Now, the
1~
/
/
walking beams is only a pointed shadow; now wood is visible beyond the
shadow. One cannot see the foothills "through" the piping near the chimney
structure. the small shed is gone.
In photograph XX148, we again see the same derrick/building structure.
Now, the photograph is listed as the Maxwell Oil and Gas Well. This well is much
closer to the foothills in Section 24, T1 N, R71 W as shown on the 1924 Drumm
map. The well is on Fenneman's list of dry or nearly dry holes. The walking beam
shadow shows light source coming from right. A shadow is cast across the
drilling platform. One can't see "through" the piping, Observe the cowboy and
horse. The horse's shadow is to the right of the horse, indicating the light source
from the left. Even in Boulder, the sun cannot cast shadows to the right and to
the left at the same time.
.In the small photograph taken from east of Boulder on Hoover Hill looking
west along Arapahoe, cottonwood trees are clearly visible. The Longmont Times
Call in April 1993 reported the record North American cottonwood tree is 105 feet
high. But notice the derricks are several times higher than are the trees. The
average derrick was 75 to 80 feet high and coufd be taller than the trees but not
several times as tall. And observe how all the well buildings are aligned north to
south and none east to west or haphazardiy. And don't the structures look
familiar? Note, too, how weeds in the foreground of smaller photograph match
those on the larger photograph. the smaller photograph is the same view without
oil derricks. Again, a bit of creation. Therefore, the only logical conclusion is that
some of the photographs are fakes.
So there you have it. The beginning of a new century in a young state
built on exploitation of the earth. A new product, oil, waiting to be exploited,
perhaps in Boulder as well as in Florence. A news media that was willing to
spread the "news". A corporate structure that allowed small investors to take
their chances. And the technology of the moment, the photograph, by which the
~investments were being promoted.
As Will Rogers said, "All I know is what I read in the newspapers". And
photographs don't lie.
To conclude with a quote from B. A. Langridge, M.E., etc.,. etc.,: "Thus
then we have to pride ourselves ... on daily adding to the world's wealth and all
from nature's storehouse, a~l within the sedimentary deposits, with our metal
value from our granite hills yet to be added to the productive features of this
small spot on the map of Colorado. Proud of Boulder County! Why not7 What
county in the.state can duplicate it for diversified interests and nature's brilliant
donation?"°' What county indeed.
12
Map Caption?
Henry A. Drumm's 1902 Boulder County Map°~ shows Boulder city limits in
Township 1 North Range 70 West to be in Sectior 30 and west i;;~lf of Section
31. For ease in visualizing, the line between Sections 29 and 30 is Folsom Street
(26th Street) in north Boulder. The area of the oil field is north of the Denver and
Bouider Valley Railroad (now the Union Pacific) traeks on Drumm's map. Today,
Foothills Parkway (47th Street) is on the section line between Sections 20 and
21. The McKenzie #2 oil well (21-1N-70W) is still visible south of Foothills
Parkway (Colorado Highway 119) as it turns to the east north of the overpass
over the diagonal highway.
'1901 Minera{ Resources, p. 559.
2Boulder County Herald, January 23, 1902.
'Boulder News, May 16, 1901.
^Denver Republican, January 16, 1902.
Slbid., January 31, 1902.
6 Hall, Babbitt, and Thayer collection.
' Florence had 7 refineries with a daily capacity of 2000 barrels. Eight gold reduction milis were
there also.
e Boufder News, January 23, 1902.
' Denver Republican, August 2, 1901.
10 Glory Colorado, p. 111.
" 1900 U. S. Census.
u
" Mineral Resources, p. 562 and 563.
'" History of Colorado, p. 554.
" Engineering and Mining Journal, v. 73, p. 195.
"Denver Republican, January 1, 1902.
" Ibid.
1e Ibid., January 19, 1902.
19 Longmont Times, December 2, 1902.
20 ibid, p. 562.
Z' "Geology of Boulder District, CO", p. 76.
ZZ Ibid., p. 78..
~" Denver Republican, January 14, 1902.
_` Boulder News, October 17, 1901.
ZS Mines and Minerals, April 1902, p. 403-4.
zfi Boulder News, January 30, 1902.
27 Boulder County Herald, January 8, 1902.
'B Mines and Minerals, April 1902.
z9 Ibid.
'0 Bouider News, October 17, 1901.
3' January 9, 1902.
"Denver Republican, January 19, 1902.
" See note #32.
" Denver Repubiican, January 24, 1902.
75 Boulder County records.
36 Engineering and Mining Journal, vol. 73, p. 466.
" Boulder News, January 9, 1902.
13
'B Ibid.
" Bouider News, March 3, 1902.
4D
"' "Geology of Boulder District, CO", p. 44.
Ibid., p, 45.
"' Mining Investor, November 10, 1902.
*' Ibid.
45 Mining Investor, November 10, 1902, p. 256.
°6 Mining Investor, January 13, 1902, p. 148.
^' Hall, Babbitt, and Thayer Collection. Note: Citations
for maps are first encounter. Maps are available elsewhere.
°e Ibid.
49
51 H. A. Drumm collection. See note with #23.
14
SOURCES
-----. MINING IN BOULDER COUNTY. Silver Jubilee Edition issued by The
Boulder County Metal Mining Association, Boulder, Colorado, 1919.
----. PROGRESSIVE MEN OF COLORADO. A. W. Bowen and Co., Chicago,
1905.
----. MINERAL RESOURCES OF COLORADO, First Sequel 196Q. State of
Colorado Mineral Resosurces Board, Denver, 1960.
Baker, James H., Editor. HISTORY OF COLORADO. Linderman and Co.,
Denver, 1927.
Chamblin, Thomas S., Editor. HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COLORADO.
Colorado Historical Associafion, 1975.
Davis, William E. GLORY COLORADO! Pruett Press, Boulder, CO
1965.
Frink, Maurice. THE BOULDER STORY; Historical Portrait of a
Colorado Town. Pruett Press, Boulder, 1965.
Guliiford, Andrew. BOOMTOWN BLUES. University Press of
Colorado, Niwot, CO 1989.
Ives, James R., Manager. COLORADO STATE BUSINESS DIRECTORY,
32nd Anniversary Edition. Gazetteer Publishing Co., Denver,
1906:
Mills, J. Warner. MILLS ANNOTATED CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE.
W. H. Kistler Stationery Co., Denver, 1905. .
Mills, J. Warner. MILLS ANNOTATED STATUTES, Revised
Supplement, 1894-1905. Mills Publishing Co., Denver, 1904.
Schoolland, J. B. BOULDER THEN AND NOW. Pruett Press,
Boulder, Colorado, 1967.
Schooolland, J. B. BOULDER IN PERSPECTIVE. Johnson
Publishing, Boulder, Colorado, 1980.
Smith, Phyllis. A LOOK AT BOULDER. Pruett Press, Boulder,
Colorado, 1981.
Swearingen, Tom, Editor. THE CO-OPERATIVE CENTURY. Colorado
Cattlemen's Centennial Commission, Denver, 1967.
Whitney, Fred Leigh. THE BOULDER OIL FIELD, BOULDER COUNTY,
COLORADO, Master's Thesis, CU, 1956.
1901-02 Biennial Report of Bureau of Labor Statistics for
Colorado, Smith Brooks Publishing Co., State Printers,
Denver, 1902. Smith, James A., deputy commissioner.
1908 COLORADO REVISED STATUTES.
1956 Boulder County Farm Atlas and Directory, published by
Rocky Mountain Directory Co., Loveland, CO.
100 Years of Newspapering, Daily Camera Centennial Edition,
March 17, 1991, published by Daily Camera, Boulder.
Crysler, Mildred G. "Old Black Magic of the Rockies" in
Rocky Mountain Oil Reporter, February and April 1954.
Day, David T., USGS, Mineral Resources, Vol. 1908, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1902. Day, chief of
division of mining and mineral resources.
Fenneman, N. M. "Geology of Boulder District, Colorado",
United States Geological Survey Bulletin #265. Government
Printing Office, Washington, 1905.
~ Lakes, Arthur, "Present Oil Situation in Colorado" in Mines
and Minerals, v. 23, p. 399-401, 1903.
Lakes, Arthur, "Geology of Boulder Oil Field", in Mining
Science, v 63, p.341-2, 1911. ~
Lakes, Arthur, "Origin of Oil", in Mining Science, v.60,
1909.
Langridge, B.A., "Geology of Boulder Oil and Coal Measures"
in Mining Investor, January 25, 1904.
Langridge, B.A., "Cool Measures" in Mining Investor, January
25, 1904:
The John Aubert Collection
The H. O. Andrew Collection
The Hall, Babbitt, and Thayer Collection
The H. A. Drumm Collection
PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTIONS
The C. O. Drumm collection
The H.A. Drumm collection
The A. A. Paddock collection
The Martin R. Parsons Collection
The J. B. Sturtevant Collection
The Ed Tangen collection
PUBLIC RECORDS
Boulder County public records, including, but not limited to,
Assessor's records,
Clerk and Recorder's records,
Treasurer's records,
County Commissioner's proceedings
Boulder County Land Use (maps)
Bureau of Land Management
USGS Maps
OTHER SOURCES
Interview with Eric Paddock of Colorado History Library about
photographs made from glass plate negatives.
, ~
Personal assistance from Mrs. Frances Heath and Mrs. Terri
McGill, both retired legal secretaries, who helped me with
legal research.
„~~,~~~, University of Pittsburgh
_;"""~"~° at Johnstown
Mr. Deon Wolfenbarger, Preservation Planner,
Planniug Department
City of Boulder
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, CO 80306-0791
Dear Mr. Wolfenbuger:
ATTACHMENT F
6 August 2002
REC~,~e~~~tu
auc f 2 zoo2
Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
Telephone:814•269-7000
It has come to my attention that the City of Boulder is considering a historic landmark application for
the 1-21 Mckenzie Well, and I wanted to express my support for the application. I became aware of the
well and its historic significance at an Drake Well Foundation Oil Industty History Symposium in June of
2001 held at Oil City, Pennsylvania, and through the paper published in "Oil-Industry History," a joarnal
devoted to the history of the oil industry published by the Drake Well Foundation. T am forwarding a
copy of this article to you under separate cover.
The Boulder Oil Field, discovered in 1901, is the second oldest field in Colorado. This McKenzie Well
#1-21, the last of about 200 drilled in the area, was the first to produce petroleum in commerical
qualtities, and is the last remaining producer in the field, perhaps the last producing well in the Rocky
Mountain region. Therefore, as such, the well and the Boulder Field hold an important and historic place
in the history of the oil industry, both in Colorado and in the United States.
I very much support the application to preserve this well and the equipment as a historic landmark
site. It is important for future generations to know the history of our energy institutions and how we
obtained that energy. Preserving this well is a wxy of keeping this heritage for the future.
Thank you for the consideration.
Yo very t ,
~
~~~~ ~
ilh nce, Ph. ., Pro e
Geology & Planetary Science
Secretary-Treasurer-Editor
History of Geology Division
Geological Society of America
President-Elect
History of Earth Science Society
Vice President
Drake Well Foundation
G.ro1 FIl~~ ~i ~~C~1~ I/1 ul~~
r ~ ~'f~~cL~1~'Yk°6'ff~~
I of t Tra~asfornting the Preserzt-Discoveri~ag the FzetZtr•e 8/6/2002 5:50 Pb
Paul Oldaker
Hydrologist / Hydrogeologist
P: O. Box 775048
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
80477 USA
(970) 879-0082
REFERENCES
Lakes, A. 1801
Oil Springs, Mines and Minerals, Pebruary 1901, pp.150. Arthur Lakes Library,
Colorado School of Mines.
Oldaker, Paul R.1995
Historical 7imeline for Colorado Nydrocarbons Including Coal, Oil, and Gas
Seeps, Shallow Shows, and Discovery Wells Up to 1827. 1995 Rocky Mountain
Symposium on Environmental Issues in Oil and Gas Operations, Colorado
School of Mines, 16-19 October 1995.
Silverman, Matthew R. 2001
Oil or Money Refunded: Boom and Bust in the Boulder Oil Field, Colorado,
1801-2001. Oi( Industry History, Volume 2, Number 1, 2009. A publication of the
Drake Watl Foundation.
~ ~,n•,~ ,.
~ ~;r, ~. t., ~. ~.. ,..
~:
Pau) Oldaker ~UG ~ 4 2002
Hydrologist / Hydrogeologist
P. O. Box 775048 •-
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
80477 USA
(970) 879-0082
12 August 2002
Mr. Deon Wolfenbarger
Preservation Planner
Planning Department
City of Bouider
P. O. Boz 781
Boulder, Colorado
80306-0791 USA
Dear Mr. Wolfenbarger;
I am writing to offer my support for the historic landmark application for the 1-
21 McKenzie wett. It is the last remaining well for the historic Boutder oilfield.
According to Mr. Matt Silverman's and my own research (see attached
referbnces), the field is the second oldest in the state of Colorado. The well is
also the twin of the #1 McKenzie well, which was the discovery welt for the
field. Our research place's the discovery in 1901 (Lakes 1901).
The discovery and final well locations are the same. 1 believe it to be an
appropriate place to be designated for remembering a significant part of the
history of natural resources development in Colorado.
Thank you for you time and consideration.
Sincerely,
~ok. ~/ ~.,~~a~L~.~,
C~ECt~utD
Bruce F.
4840 Thunderbird
Boulder, CO
Curtis
Dr., Apt. 292
80303-3830
AUG 1 4 2002
August 11, 2002
Deon Wolfenbarger, Preservation Planner
Planning Department, City of Boulder
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, C0, 80306-0791
Re. Historic Landmark Designation
McKenzie Oilwell
For the September 4 City Landmarks Board meeting, I'd like
to send my enthusiastic support of the application for
Landmark status to be accorded to the McKenzie Oilwell in
Section 16, Twp. 1 N. - Rg. 70 W. This well is remarkable in
having produced continuously over a century since Boulder's
very early days when Theodore Roosevelt first became the nation's
President after the assassination of President William McKinley.
We're indeed fortunate that this, the discovery well of the
Boulder Oil Field has survived to attest to a colorful and
economically important part of Boulder's history. It is essential
to act now lest this final vestige of our past be lost to us and
to Boulderites to follow.
As a geologist and a lifelong Colorado resident of 83 years,
I sincerely hope that the Board will approve this small step in
preserving Boulder's and Colorado's heritage.
Cordially,
'~i~,~c-~.P
~/'
f ~~~~~ .
Bruce F. Curtis
Prof. Emeritus of Geology
Univ. of Colo., Boulder
Member: National Trust For
Historic Preservation.
cc. Mr. Matthew R. Silverman
Page 1 of 1
Deon Wolfenbarger - Gateway Property/MeKenzie Junction Concept Plan Review
From: Matthew Silverman <silvermanmr@yahoo.com>
To: <hansonl@ci.boulder.co.us>
Date: 8/21/2001 5:20 PM
Subject: Gateway Property/McKenzie Junction Concept Plan Review
CC: <WOlfenbargerd@ci.boulder.co.us>
Dear Ms. Hanson
I have reviewed the plans submitted recently by AS W Realty for the
Gateway/McKenzie site and note with pleasure tfiat the plans call for
accommodation of continued operations of the 100-year-old McKenzie
well. They also call for aclmowledgment of the history o£the well and
the site.
This we(1 is of great local importance historically and should be
considered for historic landmarking and preservation in this, the
centennial year of the field. I urge you ro take whatever steps
necessary to do so.
As you may know, I have prepared a paper on the Boulder Oil Field and
the McKenzie welL Copies were left a[ your office for you and other
City staffmembers. In summary, the Boulder Oil Field was discovered
exactly 100 yeare ago, in 1901. It is [he second oldest fie(d in the
stfl[e of Coloredo and one of the oldest producing fields in Ihe Rocky
Mountain region.
Ironically, the single remaining well was ihe firs[ commercial produeer
in [he fieid. This ~yell, possibly [he oldest con[inuously producing
well in the state arid region, now represents a unique opporlunity for
his[oric preserva[ion.
The fietd was discovered by the dubious, but ancient practice of
witching. The discovery is credited to a group associated with Isaac
Canfield, one ofthe pioneers of the Florence Field, Colorado's oldes[.
Boulder Field was the focus of a forgot[en boom. Over a hundred wetls
were drilled in the firs[ few years, and scores of oil companies
sprouted up. Aggressive promaters used doctored photographs flnd
promised "OiI or money refunded," but the suvviest invesrors got out
early.
A decades-long bust foilowed and all the wells have now been plugged
but the #1-21 McKenzie, on Ihe Diagonal Highway.
This is a special part ofBouldeYs fiistory, and the MeKenzie weli
offers an excellen[ opportunity m save it, but the very last one.
If I may provide any addi[ional informa[ioq including a PowerPoint
presentation I have prepared on the history of the Boulder Oil Field,
please Ict me know.
Very tmly yours,
MaR Silvemian
Matthew R, Silverman
3195 llth Street
Boulder, CO 80304 USA
Phone: 1303-049•376I
Fax: 1-303-473-9633
Ccll: 1-303-915-0518
silvetmanmr@yahoo,com
Do You Yahool?
Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger
httn://ahonecard.yahoo.con~/
file://C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\GW}00003.HTM 8/22/2001
~
BRUCB F. CURTLS ~~ r~ ~ 1. ~{ ~ L~
4840 TH[JNDERBIItD DR, #292
BOULDER COIARADO 80303-3830 S~P ~ ~ ~OOS
September 1, 2001
Ms. Elizabeth Hanson, Senior Planner -
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, CO 80306-0791
Dear Ms. Flanson:
I write to urge that city planning Officers
proceed diligently to arrange the historic landmarking and
preservation of the McKenzie #1-21 well site near the Diagonal
Highway. In this I fully support my colleague Matthew Silverman
who has, I know, communicated to you the historic significance
of this unique well and has furnished copies of his perceptive
history of the Boulder Oil Field. You probably also have seen
the brief account of the histary written by Silvia Pettem in her
Boulder County History column in the Boulder Daily Camera of
last March 15th date - a copy is attached in case you missed it.
The 1901 discovery and subsequent development of the Boulder
Oil Field is an important and colorful chapter in the history of
Boulder, both City and County; and the McKenzie well, as the sole
surviving trace of the exciting events of 100-years ago, surely
demands alert attention to ensure its preservation.
Not only the geological profession, but certainly all
historically conscious Boulderites will be extremely grateful
for your efforts to ensure that this interesting evidence of
our community's past remains with us.
Sincerely,
/ Ji~~l~-
[i
~ C~...
Bruce F. Curtis
Professor Emeritus of Geological Sciences
University bf Coiorado at Boulder
copies:
Deon Wolfenbarger, Preservation Planner
Matthew Silverman, Consulting Geologist
_,~
~ «.
G. ALLAN NELSON
CONSULTING PETROLEUM GEOLOGIST .
1645 COURT PLACE, SUITE302 R E C E! V E D
' DENYER, COLORADO 80202
Wyoming Professional Geologist No. PG-1723 AUG 2 9 2001
BUS.303-573-0699 HM.303-469-2935
CELL 303-514-5785 FAX 303-831-0602
Augu~t 27th~ 2001
Ms. Elizabcth Hanaon, Senior Planner
P.o. Box 791
Boulder~ Colorado
Desr Ms. Hanaon,
The oil and gae industry in Colorado annually contributea a few
million or moro dollars to the State coffera in taxea and
royalties on State and Federal lands. Since we in the induatrg
are in a business that gi.ves ao muah to help pay for State govern-
ment it aecros to me appropriate to put some ldnd of landmark,
monument, eta.~ in what 2 underatand is the aeeond oldest oil
field in Colorado and I believe the third oldest oil Pield diseovered
in the whole countxy.
~fntt Silverman ~ust took me out to the site of the old oil field and
I saw the well that is still producing after 100 years. This general
area around or near thia well-aite I think would be a good location
for a historical marker of some kind beforo the area 3.e ovcrrun by
unchecked real estate deoeelopment.
I apeak as a reaident of ~olorado for 54 y~~s, ~d as one of the
longest in tnembership in the local geologi.cal aoaiety~ the Rooky 24t.
Assoeiation of Geologista in Denver.
• Ver~ tru yours~,G~~~
Cc:DW ~ llan Nel~on
~
uw orrices or
KARL F. ANUTA'
vosr oFnce eox iooi ,
7 720 14TH SiREET
(30ULDER, COLORADO 80306
(3031444~76G0
August 23, 2001
Elizabeth Hanson, Senior Planner
City of Boulder, Planning and Development Services
1739 Broadway
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, Colorado 80306-0791
Re: McKenzie Junction Project
Dear Liz:
REGFlV'EQ
A~'tt % Y c~.:c~. ~
I looked at the Proposal on the subject project and obtained a copy of the Project
Summary dated August 6, 2001. I am delighted with the choice of the name, and
especially pleased that the developer seems, in part, to recognize the historicity of the
McKenzie No. 1 Well. Unfortunately, the development proposal does not give nearly
enough presentation, nor commitment, to the preservation aspects.
As you know, the McKenzie No. 1 is the "discovery" well for the Boulder Oil
Field. It was drilled and completed (according to newspaper reports) on February 5,
1902. The original well, which it replaced, had discovered gas on August i, 1901.
This was the second oil discovery in Colorado, and the first in the front range. The
location is of substantial significance in the history of $oulder, and, indeed, the State of
Colorado.
I believe that Matt Silverman may have given you a copy of his paper "Oil or
Money Refunded: Boom and Bust in the Boulder Oil Field, Colorado, 1901-2001." As
Matt points out, the discovery of the field and the brief production leading to a short-
lived oil boom, was significant not only to the history of the community but to the
history of the oil industry in this region. The fact that this original discovery well is
still producing 100 years later is also significant.
The site, therefore, must absolutely be preserved. I am pleased to see that the
developer recognizes the importance, but I am bothered by the statement on page 4 of
the Project Summary that "if the well is capped...artifacts of the well - or other
Elizabeth Hanson
August 23, 2001
Page 2
acknowledgement of its history - would be incorporated into the office plaza...". This
is far too indefinite and amounts to tittle more than expression of a hope, A much
stronger acknowledgement of the importance of the site is necessary.
As to the "artifacts," that is to say the pump jack and tank currently located at
the site, [hese particular items of equipment may be more than 50 years old. Even if
not, they are certainly approaching that age. Although the equipment may be generic,
the fact of its location and use on the McKe:izie No. I is significant. One might relate
it to lumber or windows incorporated into a structure having historic significance. The
items themselves are important because of their relationship to the history of the site.
As such, they take on a much greater importance than other similar items which might
even be more ancient and in better condition. The pump jack and tank should be
preserved as part of the history.
The site, and the equipment, are sufficiently important that they should be
landmarked under the City Landmark Ordinance. The developer should be asked to
define [he area immediately around the pump jack and tank, and submit that area to the
Landmarks Board for designation. There are numerous citizens who would support
such a designation before both the Landmarks Board and the City Council.
One matter which I note to be absent from the submittal (perhaps because it is
still preliminary) is a Certification of Compliance with House Bill 1088 (Colo. Rev.
Stat. 24-65.5-101 et seq.) The mineral owner needs to be advised of the surface
development. It is not indicated that the mineral owner was so advised or 9s
participating in the development.
In this connection, Matt Silverman has already made contact with the Colorado
Oil and Gas Commission. It is our belief that the developer, as well as the mineral
owner, could both benefit by landmark designation of the site and the equipment. Such
designation might reduce the potential closure and cleanup costs that both ownerships
otherwise face in the future. You may want to make this suggestion to the developer.
Again, I am delighted with the choice of the name and with the recognition of
the importance of this site. I hope that your department can work with the developer to
Elizabeth Hanson
August 23, 2001
Page 3
assure the citizens of Boulder, and Boulder County, that this most important location,
and equipment, will be preserved.
Yours truly,
'l zu~
~
Karl F. Anuta ~
KFA: cam
Enclosure
cc: Dion Wolfenbarger
Sharon Rosall
Matt Silverman
peNboulder oil ag 37
Page 1 of 1
Deon Wolfenbarger - historic oil well
Trom: "Thomas L. T. Grose" atgrose@Mines.EDU>
To: <hanson@ci.boulder.co.us>
Date: 9/8/2001 1:26 PM
Subjecf: historic oil well
CC: <wolfenbazgerd@ci.boulder.co.us>
Dear Elizabeth Hanson,
1 am writing [his short note in support of efforts being made to historic
landmark the one remaining proAucing oil well in the famous Boulder Oil Field.
As a geologis[, I am acutely aware of [he tremendous inFluence on Western
society of [he oil and mineral ind~stries [ha[ have bols[ered Iocal
economies and developments in legendary scenarios Ihat fill our history and
heritage with mosUy positive contributions. Bouider's story, that you know
well, is [ruly remarkable and highly worthy o£remem6rance. The #1-2I
McKenzie well is a livi~g bit of Houlder his[ory lhat today's citizens
should preserve if at all possible. 1 fervenqy hope preservation efforts
are successfui. Thank you and bes[ wishes...Sincerely, 7'homas L. T. Grose,
Professor of Geology, Colorado School of Mines
file://C:\WINDOWS\TEMPIGW}00003.HTM 9/10/2001
Deon Wolfenbarger - 1-21 McKenzie Well Preservation
From: "Sam Pees" <spees@toolcity.net>
To: <wolfenbargerdCci.boulder.co.us>
Date: 8/7/2002 9:49 AM
Subject: 1-21 McKenzie Well Preservation
Mr. Deon Wolfenbarger
Preservation Planner
Planning Department
City of Boulder
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, CO 80306-0791
re: 1-21 McKenzie Well Preservation
Dear Mr. Wolfenbarger:
Some oil wells played stellar roles in the history of the oil industry, commerce and the states. The
ancient McKenzie 1-21 well in the Denver basin is one of these. Incredibly it is still producing after 100
years, but that is not the main story. It is a twin to the discovery well of the Boulder field which saw
boom days and plenty of wild west (oil) history.
I have learned that an application for a historical landmark for this well will be submitted to Boulder's
Landmark Board. Many states have historical wells and have presarved them. Here in Pennsylvania we
brag about the Drake Well and several others. Texas has theirs, so does Ohio, Canada, California,
Louisiana, Kansas, Alaska and others. I hope that Colorado landmarks McKenzie #1-21 and that
information on the event will be passed to the national press. You need an oil museum out there too.
Sincerely,
Samuel T. Pees
Petroleum Geologist
STP:bIb
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Deon Wolfenbarger - Historic Landmark Status - McKenzie 1-21 well
From: "robinson~jw ROBINSON" <robinson~w@msn.com>
To: <wolfenbargerd@ci.boulder.co.us>
Date: 8/7/2002 1:20 PM
Subject: Historic Landmark Status - McKenzie 1-21 well
CC: <silvermanmr@yahoo.com>
TO: Ms. Deon Wolfenbarger, Preservation Planner
On September 4 the Landmark Board for the City of Boulder will meet to
consider a historic landmark application for the 1-21 McKenzie well.
I am writing this letter is support of the application.
As you may know, the well is now over 100 years old and is still
producing. It may be the oldest continuously producing oil well
in the state and the entire Rocky Mountain region.
The discovery well for the Boulder Field was the McKenzie #1, for which this
well is a twin. A lively boom followed the discovery, exploration
flourished, and the Denver basin was established as an oil-producing
region. This is now the last remaining well in the field, out of about 200
drilfed.
Landmarking would enable the operator to keep producing as long as they
see fit. When they decide to piug, the surface equipment will remain
on the site. This will enable future generations to better appreciate
the role of natural resources like petroleum in the development of
Colorado and the West.
Please add my name to the list of supporters for the designation of the
McKenzie 1-21 as a historic landmark.
Sincerly,
John W. Robinson
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:
http•//photos msn.com/supporUworldwide aspx
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k~cEivEo
1026 Monroe Way Q~~ ~ 2 20~2
Superior, Colorado 80027
August 7, 2002
Deon Wolfenbarger
Planning Deparhnent
City of Boulder
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, Colorado 80306-0791
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to express my support for the application, which I understand will be considered by
the Landmarks Board on September 4, to list the 1-21 McKenzie oil well as a historic landmark.
The Boulder Oil Field played a significant role in the history of Boulder, and established the
Denver basin as an oil-producing region. As a twin to the discovery well for the Boulder Oil
Field, and a producing well over 100 yeazs old, I feel strongly that this well deserves recognition
as a historic landmark.
Thank you in advance for considering my opinion when making your decision on this
forthcoming application.
l:
Sincer y,~~/ ~`
~~
Letha C. Lencioni
RECEIVE[
Paul Oldaker AuG 2 0 200~
Hydrologist I Hydrogeologist
P. O. Box 775048
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
80477 USA
(s7o} $7s-oosz
74 August 2002
Mr. Deon Wotfenbarger
Preservation Planner
Planning Department
City o# Bou~der
P. O. Box 791
Boulder, Colorado
80306-0791 USA
Dear Mr. Wolfenbarger:
1 am writing to correct a reference in my 12 August 2002. The Lakes 1901
reference shouid be as follows:
Lakes, A.1901
The Geological Occurrence of Oil in Colorado, Mining Reporter V44, Pp. 197.
Arthur Lakes Library, Colorado School of Mines.
Thank you for you time and consideration,
Sincerely,
/ ~.t~vf ~.~~02iA./k.
L4W OFFlCES OF
KARL R ANUTA
POST OFFfCE BOX 1001
1720 14TH STREET
BOULDER, COLORADO 80306
(303) 444~7660
August 21, 2002
Deon Wolfanbarger
Planning Dept City of Boulder
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, Colorado 80306
Re: McKenzie No. 1 Oil Well Landmazk Application
Dear Deon:
R L C~ 1 V~ Q
AUG 2 2 2002
I received the Public Notice and your letter of August 13 addressed to Birch Mountain,
LLC. I presume, and hope, that you have also sent notice to the mineral owner:
Kim Stephenson
E & F Investments
44734 Fairway Estates Place
EI Maceo, California 95618-1010
Notification of both the surface owner and the mineral estate owner is essential if we are to
protect the property.
Yours
Anuta
KFA:cam
cc: Matt Silverman
hb/walfen eu21
Deon Wolfenbarger - McKenzie Well
From: "Albert Bartlett" <Albert.Bartlett@colorado.edu>
To: <wolfenbargerdQci.boulder.co.us>
Date: 8/23/2002 6:00 AM
Subject: McKenzie Well
CC: "Matthew Silverman" <SilvermanMR@Yahoo.COM>
Dear Friends,
Let me add my support to that of others who want to see the McKenzie Well designated as a historical site. It
reminds us of an important development in Boulder which is now all but forgotten.
With thanks and best wishes, I am,
Sincerely yours,
AL
ALBERT ALLEN BARTLETI'
Professor Emeritus of Physics
University of Colorado at Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, 80309-0390
Phones, Office: (303) 492-7016: Department: (303) 492-6952
FAX: (303) 492-3352
Home: 2935 19th Street
Boulder, Colorado, 80304-2719
Phone: (303) 443-0595
E-Mail: Albert.Bartlett@Colorado.EDU
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Deon Wolfenbarger - FW: Preservation of McKenzie well
From: "Harrell, Ron" <Ron_Harrell@RyderScott.com>
To: <wolfenbargerd@ci.boulder.co.us>
Date: 8/27/2002 12:51 PM
Subject: FW: Preservation of McKenzie well
-----Original Message-----
Prom: Harrell, Ron '
Sent: Tuesday, Augus[ 27, 2002 11;24 AM
70: 'wolfenbarger@ci.boulder.co.us'
Subject: Preservation of McKenzle well
Dear Ms Wolfenbarger:
I understand that a decision is to be made soon regarding the identification of the 1902 McKenzie oil well in
the Boulder Field as a historic landmark worthy of preservation. I would encourage that this action be taken so
that those that follow after us may have some appreciation of the early oil and gas explorers and the contribution
that cheap energy from petroleum has had in making this nation strong and a world leader.
My company was founded in Bradford PA in 1937 and I continue to appreciate those who came before me
in building our industry. We have offices in Houston, Calgary and Denver. Please contact me if you have any
questions. Thank you for allowing me and my company to express our opinion in this matter.
Best regards -
Ron Harrell
Chairman & CEO
Ryder Scott Company, L.P.
713-651-9191;713-651-0849 fax
wWW,Nderscott.com
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Deon Wolfenbarger - Historic landmark application for 1-21 McKenzie well
From: "george lewis" <jogeorge@msn.com>
To: <wolfenbargerd@ci.boulder.co.us>
Date: 8/28/2002 4:04 PM
Subject: Historic landmark application for 1-21 McKenzie well
CC: <silvermanmr@yahoo.com>
Ms. Deon Wolfenbarger
Preservation Planner
City of Boulder
I strongly support the designation of the 1-21 McKenzie as a historic landmark by the city of
Boulder. The discovery of oil in the Boulder Field led to a boom which lasted for many years. The
contributions of mining'and farming in the history of Boulder are well documented, but the part
played by the petroleum industry beginning in the early 20th century is virtually unknown and
unrecognized. Designation of the 1-21 would serve as a reminder of the number of welis in the
Boulder Field whose production was refined on site and marketed locally.
George R. Lewis
5448 White Place
Boulder, CO 80303-1227
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Deon Wolfenbarger - Historic designation of Boulder Oil Field
From: "M G Bishop" <mbishop@indra.com>
To: <wolfenbargerd@ci.boulder.co.us>
Date: 8/27/2002 7:53 PM
Subject: Historic designation of Boulder Oil Field
CC: <silvermanmr@yahoo.com>
Dear Deon Wolfenbarger,
I am wridng to encourage recognition of the Boulder Oil Field by tha historic landmacking of tha si[e of the McKenzie 1-21
well. It has been ]00 years since the discovery of this oil field. The site of the discovery well is currendy be[ween [he lanes of
the Diagonal.
Oil, gas, and other minerals have been of significant economic importance in the growth and his[ory of Boulder. Energy and
minerals continue to play a vital role in the economy of our state and the Rocky Mountain Region. In addition, early business
promotion practices and prominent local investors in the Boulder Oil Field make a wonderful human-interest story recorded
in photographs by Rocky Mountain Joe.
The only symbol of the energy industry more recognizable than a derrick is a pumpjack. There is still a working pumpjack on
this si[e. The historic landmarking of this site and the presarvation of oilfield equipment would celebra[e this important event
and be an educational opportunity for the public [o learn more about earth history, our valuable resources, and this part of the
human history of Boulder.
I encourage you to preserve and landmark [his loca[ion. I do so as a lifetime resident of Boulder and a pe[roleum geologist.
Thank your for your careful considera[ion of this request.
Michele G. Bishop
1705 Arapahoe Avenue
Boulder, CO 80302
file://C:\Documents%20and%205ettings\wolfdl~L,ocal%20Settings\Temp\GW}00004.HTM 8/28/2002
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l.andm=nr4::ir~g the Mr.k::FnziE w~l.l ta h~ip p~rpetuate Coloruadr~'s
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Fi~ld -- The alde~t Calcir~da oil field (1881> -- are not c,nly
hist.or-ic hec~,~.~se of th~ir ~ge, but beca~~se of their g~olc~gic
sEatting within a thick depoe;it c~f tf-~F F'ierre Sh~le« Oil
gener~tteq wi.thin anci r-~cav~red fi~om shale rem~ins, to this d~y,
an i.tn~i.i~l t.ype of co+nraarcizl. oi2 production. The ~~il p~~mping
~qui.pment c~n thE h1r_h::enziE well is ~lsr, of cnnsiderable histpric
inter-est -- a tyN~ fast di.,apF,earing all over the U.S.
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ATTACHMENT G
Administrative Regulation L
Adopted August 2, 1989
•
Adopted August 2, 1989
~'
~~ ' ~•~ 1 ~Jr ~
ecretary to the 8oard
GUIDELINES fOR NAMES DF IANOMARKED STRUCTURES AND SITES
'~
Purpose:
The City of Boulder Landmarks Preservation Advisory 6oard fi~ds tnat adoption
or guidelines for the official landmark names of structures and sites designatea
by the City Council as City of Soulder Landmarks will provide consistency in
meeting the historic preservation goals as set forth in the Historic Preservation
Code (10-31-1 and 10-13-3). ,
Criteria for Selection of Official Landmark Names:
1. The official landmark name of the site or structure should be based on one
or more of the following criteria:
A. Original owners, architect or builder;
8. Historically significant persons or prominent long term residenr,s;
C. A commonly accepted name;
D. Original or later events or use;
E. Uwsual or architectural characteristic which clearly identifies the
landmark; and
F. The contributions of both men and women.
•
2. Owners requesting landmark designation for their buildings may be
considered under the above criteria. In the event that tne official
landmark name does not include the present owners, a separate plaque
containing the statement "Landmark designation applied for (date) by owners
(names of owners)" will be made available at the owner's expense.
LMNames.GDL
U9.14AdminReg-L
September 4, 2002
TO: Boulder Landmarks Preservation Board
FROM: Deon Wolfenbarger, Neil Holthouser
SUBJECT: Update Memo
• Please Tind a reminder of an upcoming training for those on preservation boards and commissions. It is
sponsored by OAHP and will be on December 6, 2002.
• Please find comments from a resource planner at the NPS about evaluating post WWII properties.
• Please find information from the National Trust information series about the impact of the ADA on historic
structures.
• Please find information from the National Trust information series about historic districts.
1. Broadway Bridge reconstruction project
It was specified in the MOA that two fifteen foot sections of trolley tracks with ties would be salvaged. In
addition, other track material may be removed, but not in "perfecY' condition. The transportation division is
looking for input from the Board for future use of the tracks, and suggestions for storage.
2. 2003 CLG grant application
• The following ideas have been suggested by Board members for possible CLG grant projects
A survey of all buildings in the University Hill area (both residential and commercial) which have not yet
been inventoried. The re-survey which was compieted in June 2002 only evaluated those buildings which
had already been inventoried in the past. That project identified approximately 179 non-surveyed buildings.
Of those, 95 were built between 1942 and 1952. The recommendations were that an intensive-level survey of
the buildings constructed between 1942 and 1952 be completed. Staff would also recommend a
reconnaisance-level survey of the remaining buildings in the disYrict.
• A video which would illustrate the benefits of historic preservation and historic district designation.
Preservation incentives and the landmarks alteration certificate process could also be topics. The video could
be shown at public open house meetings, when discussing potential districts, and shown at various times on
Channel8.
LANDMARK ALTERATION CERTIFICATES
ISSUED
August 14 - August 30, 2002
Approved by Landmarks Board:
~ • ! , '
8.21.02' 602 Maxwell David Raccuglia lnstall new door opening in east Mapleton Hill
conditional wall of ori inal masonr buildin
Approved by Landmarks Design Review Committee:
~ .RECtIWkD
AUG 2 3 '1002
COI~~~,ADO
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
The Colorado Hiatory Muaeum 1300 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80203-2137
AUguSt 22, 2002
To: Colorado Historic Preservation Commissions and Those Interested in Forming a Local
Commission
Re: COMMISSION TRAINING
YOUR COMMISSION AND STAFT ARE INVITED to attend a Historic Preservation
Cammission Training Session sponsored by the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
(OAHP) on Friday, December 6, 2002, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Colorado History
Museum, Boettcher Auditorium, 1300 Broadway, Denver, Colorado. OAHP will provide lunch.
Attendees will receive free admission to the Colorado History Museuxn and special exhibit--"High
Stakes Preservation"--celebrating the first ten years of the State Historical Fund.
CLGs should remember that at least one commission member is required to attend an educational
session each state fiscal yeaz (July 1 through June 30).
The session will cover the following topics:
- The difference between "significance" and "integrity" in evaluating and designating
structures.
- Archaeology and the local commission.
- A design review slide show based upon the Secretary of the Interiar's Standazds for
Rehabilitation
- Roundtable discussions regarding garnering local media and political support.
- Public hearings: How to Plan and Conduct Them
- A new version of a mock design review hearing (involving the participants)
Please RSVP to or obtain further information from Dan Corson, Local Govemment Liaison, by
Tuesday, December 3, 2002, at (303) 866-2673, fax (303) 866-2711, or e-mail
dan.corson~chs.state.co.us
Deon Wolfenbarger - FW: [forum-I] disposing of the notion of architectural styles?
From: "Corson, Dan" <Dan.Corson@chs.state.co.us>
To: <amyg@ci.aspen.co.us>, <jrakke@ci.aurora.co.us>, <wolfenbargerd@ci.boulder.co.us>,
<jeffh@ci.breckenridge.co.us>, <jbrasel@ci.castlerock.co.us>, <tscanlon@ci.colospgs.co.us>,
<molly@crestedbutte.cc>, <planning@crippie-creek.co.us>, <buckedc@ci.denver.co.us>,
<vandegriftvs@ci.durango.co.us>, <ctunner@ci.fort-collins.co.us>, <planner@frii.net>,
<gtownadmin@earthlink.net>, <mpelletier@ci.glenwood-springs.co.us>, <chearn@ci.golden.co.us>,
<kellumsb@ci.greeley.co.us>, <admin@idahospringsco.com>, <susank@cityoflafayette.com>,
<lakecity@youngminds.com>, rpcortese@littletongov.org>, <ryan.kragerud@ci.longmot.co.us>,
<msmma@ci.manitou-springs.co.us>, <bentleyc@centurytel.net>, <Ischaffer@steamboat-
springs.net>, <hhutchinson@town.telluride.co.us>, <brucewilson@prodigy.net>,
<ddglu@co.boulder.co.us>, <pchpac@amigo.net>, <robenm@ci.loveland.co.us>
Date: 8/28/2002 11:02 AM
Subject: FW: [forum-I] disposing of the notion of architectural styles?
Below are some comments from Sue Renaud of the National Park Service
regarding evaluating post-WW II properties.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sue_Renaud@nps.gov [mailto:Sue RenaudCc~nps.qov.
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 7:44 AM
To: forum-I@lists.nationaltrust.org
Subject: [forum-I] disposing of the notion of architectural styles?
Jeanne and others on the list --
In 1998, I addressed this topic in a presentation at the National Alliance
of Preservation Commission's first "National Commission Forum" in Denver.
The session was called "New Survey Strategies," and dealt with a variety of
topics, including "Post-War Properties." My remarks on this topic (see
below) may be of interest to you and others as you grapple with this issue.
I also seem to recall that the National Register is working on a new
bulletin dealing with suburbs.
Sue Henry Renaud, RPA
Senior Resource Planner
Heritage Preservation Services
National Park Service
****Denver 1998 Remarks (apologies for the formatting)'**
POST-WAR PROPERTIES
I understand that, with the 20th century nearing an end, many of you
are concerned about how to deal with post-war historic properties, which
are becoming potentially eligible for listing in the National Register.
I have worked on and written about the archaeology of 20th-century
sites. It's not often you find automobile parts ? a 6-cylinder crankshaft,
valve gaskets, an exhaust pipe, a fender? on an archaeological sitel But
it sure did encourage me to think differently about how we face
archaeological sites of the more recent past.
Perhaps some of my conclusions may be relevant to how we look at
file://C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\wolfdlU~oca1%20Settings\Temp\GW}OOOOS.HTM 8/28/2002
"O-
20th-century above-ground properties.
I suspect that some of the problems that we're having in dealing with
recent properties may be because we're trying to approach them the way
we would 19th- or 18th-century properties. I would propose to you that we
should change that approach.
As we're faced with suburbs, strip malls, urban renewal, and other
products of 20th-century development and "progress," we need to rethink
HOW we look at these properties, and WHAT we look at ?
Looking at them building by building, or as individual buildings of a
particular architectural style that make up a district, doesn't seem very
effective.
Maybe we should look at them, instead, as an area, a
neighborhood, a cultural or historical landscape, iF you wili, that is made
up of many diverse features ? buildings, streets, landscape, etc. ? the
entirety of which represents and reflects the historical, cultural,
sociai, and economic development of that area over the years.
The scale of suburban development raises other issues, such as how
large of an area can be effectively managed or preserved & how to deal
with incremental losses of integrity within this large area before the whole
area can be said to have lost its integrity.
Here we are, at the thorny issue of integrity, and how we deal with
alterations that have occurred in the past.
This is what I meant when I said we need to change our
approach.
Rather than being concerned with past alterations as negative
activities that may have damaged the integrity of the fabric of a building,
we can look at alterations as positive features that represent changes in
the development of the neighborhood or business district.
Then we can look at the area as a holistic entity, and assess
integrity and significance in the context of broader neighborhood or
community development.
Since neighborhoods continue to change and respond to social and
cultural needs, this issue will be an ongoing one to be dealt with
during any "design review" process ? only we can't really cail it "design"
review, then, can we? ~
Then there's the equally thorny issue of quantity ? there are an
awful lot of 20th-century and Post-War properties ? what do we do with them
all? How can we survey all of them? How can we tell which ones are
significant, and worth designating and protecting?
First of all, we can't make any decisions about significance
until we've had a chance to survey them and study them ? what are they, how
have they come to exist, and what roles have they played in our community's
development?
Once we understand the answers to those questions, then we can
make well-informed decisions about significance and how these properties
should best be managed.
So, I propose to you, for your discussion today on Post-War and other
20th-century properties, that we need to look at them in new and different
ways ? as neighborhood landscapes containing various types of properties to
be examined holistically in the broader context of the community's
development.
file://C:~Documents%20and%20Settings\woJfdl~I.ocal°Io20Settings\Temp\GW}OOOOS.HTM 8/28/2002
Infoxmation Series No. 55,1991
~ , , ~ ~ ~
n July 2b, 1990, President
Bush signed one of the
most important and far-reaching
laws passed in recent years, che
Americans with Disabilities Act
~ADA~. Its purpose is to estahlish
a ciear and comprehensive prohi-
bition of discrimination on the
basis of disability in private sec-
tor employment, public accom-
modetions, pu6lic services,
transportation, and telecommuni-
cations. Among other things, the
law requires that state and local
government entities, places of
public accommodation, and
commercial facilities be readily
accessible to persons with dis-
abilities. These new accessibility
requirements have led to many
questions on how efforts to rnake
facilities accessible can be bal-
anced with histoxic pxeservation
concerns, The ADA specifically
recognizes the importance of
historic preservation and includes
a number of special provisions for
historic sites, For the most part,
however, historic buildings will
have to comply with acceasibility
requirements in the same way as
non-historic buildings. The pur-
pose of this Information booklet
is to discuss the impact of the
ADA on historic resources and to
review how a number of organiza-
tions have taken innovative
approaches to preserving the past
while making it accessi6le to
everyone.
What is a Disability?
In order to accurately determine
whether a building or facility is
accessible to persons with dis-
abilities, it is important to clearly
understand how the law defines
disability. Many people tend to
think that making a structure
accessible simpTy means making
it accessible to people in wheel-
chairs. In fact, under the ADA a
disabi(ity is defined more broadly
as a permanent or temporary
physical or mental impairment
that su6stantially limits one or
more major life funetions. Ex-
amples include orthopedic, visual,
speech and hearing impairments,
cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular
dystrophy, multiple sclerosis,
cancer, heart diseasa, diabetes,
mental retardation, emotional
illness, specific Iearning disabili-
ties, HIV disease,tuberculosis,
drug addiction, and alcoholism.
A person is also considered to
have a disability if he or she has a
record of an impairment, such as
someone who has recovered from
cancer, or iE he or she is regarded
as having an impairment, such as
a burn victim who is not im-
paired, but who may be errone-
ously regarded as disabled because
of it. Clearly it is important to
understand the broad range of
disabilities in designing accessi-
bility provisions in any facility.
What Types af
Buildings and
Facilities are
Covered?
The AI~A accessibility require-
ments apply to public accommo-
dations, commercial facilities,
and state and local govemment
entities. If you own, operate or
lease a historic building orfacil-
ity, it is important to determine
whether that building falls into
one of the Eollowing categories.
Public Accommodations
A place of public accommodation
is a facility that falls within at
least one of 12 specific categorias.
A facility is defined broadly to
include any portion of buildings,
stmctures, sites, complexes,
equipment, rolling stock or other
conveyances (such as cruise ships
or floating restaurants), roads,
walks, passageways, parking lots,
or other real or persona! property,
including the site where the
building, property, structure, or
equipment is located.
0
The 12 categories are:
1. an inn, hotel, motel, or
other similar place of lodging;
2. a restaurant, bar, or other
establishment serving food or
drink;
3. a motion picture house,
theater, concert hall, stadium,
or other place oF exhibition or
entertainment;
4. an auditorium, convention
center, or lecture hall;
5. a bakery, grocery store,
clothing store, hardware
store, shopping center, or
other similar retail sales
establishment;
6. a laundromat, dry-cleaner,
6ank, barber shop, beauty
shop, travel service, shoe
xepair service, funeral parlor,
gas station, office of an
accountant or lawyer, phar-
macy, insuxance office,
professional office of a health
care provider, hospital, or
other similar service estab-
lishment;
7, a terminal used for public
transportation;
8. a museum, tibrary, gallery, or
other similar place of public
display or collection;
9. a park or zoo;
10. a nursery, elementary, sec-
ondary, undergraduate, or post
graduate school;
11, a day care center, senior
citizen center, homeless
shelter, food bank, adoption
program, or other similar
social service center; and
12. a gymnasium, health spa,
bowling alley, golf course, or
other similar place of exercise
or recreation.
Commercial Pacilities
A commercial facility is one that
has operations affecting com-
merce and that is intended for
nonresidential use. This term is
broadly de#ined and includes
factories, warehouses, office
buildings, and other buildings
where employment may occur.
State and Local Government
Entities
A state or local govemment
entity includes any depanment,
agency, special purpose district,
or oth'er instrumentality of state
or local government. Buildings
and facilities which house any
such office will be affected.
Exceptions
The ADA specifically exempts
certain types of buildings and
facilities from coverage. For
instance, a place of lodging with
five or fewer rooms that is also
the residence of the proprietor,
such as a sma21 bed and brea[cfast,
is exempt from the requirements
of ADA.
Private clubs and religious enti-
ties are also specifically ex-
empted. Finally, the ADA does
not apply to a private home that
is used exclusively as a residence.
However, if part of the home is
used as a place of public accom-
modation, for example a clentist's
office or knitting shop, the
portions used in such a manner
are covered. Thus the ADA
would apply to any doors, entry
ways, hallways, rest rooms, and
any other portion of the resi-
dence, interior or exterior, used
by customers or clients of that
place of public accommodation.
What Actions are
Required?
For state and local government
entities and public accommoda•
tions the ADA requires:
• that all newly constructed
buildings and facilities be
readity accessible,
• that all altered portions of
ea~sting buildings and facili-
ties be readily accessible, and
+ that all barriers to accessibi4
ity in existing buildings and
facilities be removed when it
is "readily achievable" to do
so.
Most commercial facilities are
also considered public accommo-
dations and, therefore, must meet
the requirements described above.
Those commercial facilities that
are not puUlic accommodations,
such as a building used solely for
warehousing, are required only to
make new construction and
alterations readily accessible. A
structure is readily accessible if it
meets the requirements of the
ADA Accessibility Guidelines foz
Buildings and Facilities. These
guidelines are published by the
Architectural and Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board. Their
address is listed in the resource
section of this booklet.
Ncw Constrnction
The ADA requires that all com-
pletely new facilities which are
buiit for first occupancy, and
which are designed and con-
structed after January 26, 1993,
must be readily accessible to and
usable by individuals with dis-
abilities. Design and construc-
tion is considered to occur after
January 2G, 1993 if a completed
application for a building permit,
or permit extension, is filed after
0
January 26, 1992 and the facility
is occupied after january 26,
1993. After this date a facility
may only be exempted from this
requirement if it can demonstrate
that it is stcucturally impracei•
cable to comply. Structurally
impractica6le means that unique
characteristics of the terrain
prevent the incorporation of
accessibility features, such as a
structure that must be buiit on
stiits 6ecause of its location in
marshlands or over water.
While the new construction
requirements will not have an
impact on historic baildings, they
will apply to recreations of
historic buildings. For instance,
if a farm museum wanted to build
an eacact replica of a historic bam
for visitors to tour, that replica
would have to be readily acces-
sible.
Alterations to Existing Buildings
and Facilities
The ADA requires that if a
building or facility is altered after
January 26, 1992, the altered
portions must, to the maximum
extent feasible, be readily acces-
sible to and usable by individuals
with disabilities. An "alteration"
means a change to a building or
facility that affects or could affect
its usaUility. Alterations include
remodeling, renovacion, rehabili•
tation, restoration, reconstruc-
tion, and changes or rearrange-
ment in structural parts or ele-
ments or in the configuration of
walls and partitions. Normal
maintenance, reroofing, painting
or wallcovering, or changes to
mechanical and electrical sys-
tems are not alterations unless
they affect the usability of the
building or facility. Clearly many
of the proceduzes necessary to
restore and maintain historic
buildings and facilities are consid-
ered to be alterations for purposes
of the ADA.
In addition to making the altered
poztion of a building accessible, if
the alteration affec.ts the usability
of, or access to, an area contain-
ing a primary function, the path
of travei to the altered area, and
the bathrooras, telephones, and
drinking fountains serving the
area, must be readily accessible to
and usable hy individuals with
disabilities. In no case, however,
will an entity have to spend more
than 20 percent of the total cost
of altering the primary function
area to provide s¢ch an accessi6le
path. If it would cost more than
20 percent of the total cost to do
so, only an amount equa! to 20
percent must be spent.
A "primary function" means a
major activity for which tha
facility was intended. For ex-
ample, the customer services
lobby of a hank, the dining area of
a cafeteria, the meeting rooms in
a conference center, and the
viewing galleries of a museum
contain a primary function. A
m~chanical room, boiler room,
suppiy storage room, or janitorial
closet are not areas containing a
primary function.
Generally historic sites should be
altered in such a manner that, to
the maximum extent feasible, the
altered ponions are readily
accessible just like all non-
historic buildings. However, if
making the altered portion of a
"qualified" historic building
ieadily accessible would threaten
or destroy the historic signiEi-
cance of that building, certain
alternative minimum accessibil-
ity standards may be applied. A
qualified historic building or
facility is one that is either listed,
or eligible for listing, in the
National Register of Historic
Places, or one that is designated
as historic under state or local
law.
~
The procedure for determining
whether the historic significance
of a site would be threatened or
destroyed depends on whether the
building or facility is subject to
Section 106 of the Nationai
Historic Preservation Act. If the
alteration is part of a federal
undertaking, or one that is
federally assisted or federally
lice~sed, and the building is listed
or eligible for listing in the
National Register of Historic
Places, Section 106 of the Na-
tional Historic Preservation Act
appties.
In this case the federal agency
with jurisdiction over that under-
taking must consider the effects
that the alteration will have on
the building's historic signifi-
cance and give the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation
a reasonable opportunity to
comment on the maeter. In
addition, the federal agency
should consult with the state
historic preservaCion officer of the
state where the site is located.
If either the state historic preser-
vation officer or the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation
agrees that compliance with the
nortnal accessibility requirements
during alteration would threaten
or destroy the historic signifi-
cance of the building, altemative
minimum accessibility standards
may be used.
If alterations are undertaken to a
qualified historic building or
facility that is not subject to
Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act, and if
the entity undertaking the alter-
ation believes that compliance
with normal accessibility require-
ments would threaten or destroy
the historic significance of the
building or facility, the entity
should consult the state historic
preservation officer. The state
historic preservation officer may
delegate this consultation respon-
sibility to a locai government
historic preservation program,
Other interested persons should
also be invited to participate in
the consultation process, includ-
ing state and local govemment
accessibility officials, individaals
with disabilities, and organiza-
tions representing individuals
with disabilities.
Altexnative Minimum
Requicements
If the state historic preservatio~
officer, or his or her designee,
agrees that the historic signifi-
cance of a building would be
threatened or destroyed, the
alternative minimum require-
ments may 6e used. The alterna-
tive minimum requirements
permit the following exceptions
to the normal standards:
Only ona accessible route
from a site access point, such
as a designated parking space
for the clisabled, to an acces-
sible entrance must be pro-
vided. A ramp with a slope of
no greater than 1:6 for a run
not to exceed 2 feet may be
used as part of this accessible
route to an entrance. Nor-
mally the maacimum allow-
able slope is 1:12.
Only one accessible public
entrance must be provided. If
it is determined that no
entrance used by the public
can meet normal accessibility
standards then an altemative
building entrance should be
identified by signs and left
unlocked during hours of
operation.
• If toilets are provided, then
only one accessible unisex
toilet facility must be pro-
vided along an accessible
route.
• Only the puUlicly used spaces
on the level of the accessible
entrance must be made
accessible.
Displays and written informa-
tion should be located where
they can 6e seen by a seated
pei•son. Exhibits and signs
displayed horizontally should
be no higher than 44 inches
above the. floor surface.
In some instances it will still not
be possible to achieve compliance
with chese alternative accessibil•
ity requirements without destroy-
ing the historic significance of the
huilding. The current regulations
recogniza that some sort of
exception in such cases is neces-
sary, but lawmakere have not yet
come up with a specific proposal.
Such a proposal will be made in
che next phase of rulemaking. It
is likely to bc a very narrow one,
however, and virtually all altered
buildings and facilitiec will still
be required to achieve some
degree of accessibility.
Removal of Bacriexs
The ADA reqaires that all places
of public accommodation and all
facilities providing state or local
government programs or services
must rerr~ove architectural
barriers and communication
barriers that are structural in
nature, where such removal is
readily achievable, An architec-
tural barrier is a physical6arrier
to access of any kind, such as
steps, turnstiles, narrow doors,
sidewatks without curb cuts, or
the close arrangement of fumi-
ture. A communication barrier is
one that is an integral part of the
physical structure of the facility
such telephones mounted high on
a wall, signs mounted out of sight
of individuals in wheelchairs, the
absence of braille markings on
elevator buttons, and alarms that
provide only audio signals.
~:=-.
~~ ::~
~
If the installation of a ramp were
to tlireaten or destroy the
historic significance o~a
buiiding, alternatives sach as
this temparary rarup at Colonial
Wl(liamsburg may be used.
(PGoto: Colonial Williamsburg)
What is "Readily Achievable"?
The term "xeadily achievable"
means easily accomplishabie and
ahle to be carried out without
much difficulty or expense. 'Che
difficulty and expense of barrier
removal wiil depend on such
factors as the nature and cost of
the action needed, the impact of
the action upon the operation of
the site, the overall financial
resources of the organization
responsible for the barrier re-
moval, the number of persons
employed at the site, and any
legitimate safety requirements.
Thus for most facilities the
readily achievabte standard wi12
only require physical access that
can be achieved without exten-
sive restructuring or burdensorne
expense. For qualified historic
buildings, however, historic
preservation concems may also be
considered. Therefore, if barrier
removal would threaten or
destroy the historic significancc
of a building, it will not be
considered "readily achievable."
For example, a non•historic public
accommodation would not be
reyuired to provide access if a
flight of steps woufd require
extensive ramps or an elevator
be.cause of its burdensome cost.
However, a small low-cost ramp
probably would be required. In
contxast, if a qualified histozic
building is involved and the small
ramp would completely destroy a
historically significant door or
stairway such a ramp might not
be required.
In many cases removing architec-
tural barriers is not difficult,
Typical eacamples include a res-
ca~arant that mc~st rearrange tables
and chairs, or a store that must
adjust its layout of display racks
and shelves, in order to permit
access to individuals who use
wheelchairs. Other examples of
barriex removal include making
curb cuts in sidewalks and en-
trances; repositioning telephones;
installing grab bars in rest rooms;
adding raised markings to eleva-
tor control buttons; installing
flashing alarm lights; widening
entrances; repositioning a paper
eowel dispenser in a bathroom;
creating designated accessible
parking spaces; installing an
accessible paper cup dispenser at
an existing inaccessible water
fountain; and even removing high
pile, low dens'rty carpeting which
hampers wheelchair movement.
Alternative Methods
Where an entity can demonstrate
that removal of a barrier is not
readity achievable it musc make
its goods, services, facilities,
privileges, advantages, and ac-
commodations avaitable through
alternative methods if such
methods are readily achievable.
For example, if it is not readily
achieva6le For a retail establish-
ment to change counter top
heights or to rearrange display
racks to provide accessible aisles,
the store may have to provide a
clerk to retrieve inaccessible
merchandise. Similarly, if it is
not readily achievable to ramp a
long flight of stairs leading to the
front door of a restaurant, the res-
taurant may have to take altema-
tive measures, such as providing
curb service or home delivery.
Othar examples include coming
to the door to reeeive or retum
dry cleaning; allowing a disabled
patron to be served drinks ara
tabte even thoagh nondisabled
persons having only dcinks are
required to drink at the inacces-
sible bar; and rotating movies
between the first floor accessible
theater and a comparable second
floor inaccessible theater.
~
It is important to remember that
individuals with disabilities may
not be charged for the costs of an
altemative~ method.
Services and Pcogxams of Public
Entities
The ADA requires that all public
entities must operate each ser-
vice, program, or activity so that
it is readily accessible to and
usable by inclividuals with ctis-
abilities. If a service, program, or
activity is provided in a facility
that is not accessible, ti~e pubtic
entity will have to either:
• remove the 6arriers to access
in that facility,
• shift the location where the
service or program is provided
to an accessible site,
• provide the service in some
altemative mathod like visits
to the home,
• make alterations to existing
facilities, or
• construct new accessible
facilities.
If structural changes are to he
made in order to compty with this
requirement, they must be
complete~ by January 26, 1995.
There is one important exception
to this requirement. Public
entikies are not teguired to take
any action that would threaten or
destroy the historic significance
of a historic property. IE a service,
program, or activity is provided at
a historic property and making
that property accessi6le would
threaten or destroy its historic
significance, the service, program,
or activity must either Ue relo-
cated to au accessible facility or
provided in an altemative acces-
sible manner.
The only excepcion is fot historic
presen+ation progxams. A historic
prec,ervation program is one that
has the preservation of historic
properties as a primary purpose.
I3ecause such programs uniquely
concem the preservation and
experience of the property itself,
they often must be located in or
near the historic site. If this is
the case and 1 ~ making the
historic structure accessible
would threaten or destroy its
historic significance and 2) relo-
cation would result in a funda-
mental alteration in the nature of
the program or in undue financial
and administrative burdens, the
public entity does not have to
ensure physical access. However,
ic still must adopt alternative
methods for providing program
accessibility. 5uch altemative
methods inctude:
• using audio-visuai macerials
and devices to depict those
portions of a historic propertq
that cannot otherwise Ue
made accessiUle;
• assigning persons to guide
individuals with disa6ilities
into ox through portions of
historic properties that cannot
otherwise 6e made accessible;
or
• adopting other innovative
methods.
Staff at Chesterwood, located in
the Berkshires in western
Massachusetts, assist visually
uapaired visitors by using
objects to interpret the history of
the estate. (Photo: Chesterwood)
~
""a
Historic Rail Cars
The ADA generally requires that
transportation facilicies be acces-
sible in much the same way as
buildings and facilities. Buses,
trains, boats, and other vehicles
for public transportation wiil have
to 6e modified to achieve this
goal. Howevar, as with historic
buildings, the law grants some
fle~dbility in the interest of
historicpreservation. TheADA
therefore sets out a speciEic
exception for historic or anti-
quated rail passenger cars and rail
statlons served exclusively.by
such cars. A "historica! or
antiquated rail passenger car" is
one that is more than 30 years old
and was manufactured by a
company that is no longer in the
business of manufacturing rail
passenger cars. The car must also
have a consequential association
with significant events or persons
or it must emUody the distinctive
characteristics of a type of rail
passengex car used in the past. If
compliance with any accessibility
requirement would significantly
alter the hiseoric or antiquated
character of such passenger car or
station compliance is not re-
quired.
How Will the ADA
Be Enforced?
The intent of the ADA is to
encourage voluntary compliance
6y requiring structural changes
only when new construction or
alteration is already taking place
and barrier removal only when it
is readily achievable. However to
ensure compliance, che law
permits both private civil suits by
individuals and suits by the U.S.
Attomey Generai. Private suits
for preventive relief may be filed
by any person who is subjected to
discrimination on the basis of a
disability, or who has reasonable
grounds for believing that he or
she is about to be subjected to
discrimination. Thus an indi-
vidual may file suit both to
remove barriers from existing
facilities, as well as to prevent
new construction of facilities
with architectural barriers. The
only relieE available to individuals
is injunctive relief. For example,
an individual may seek a court
order to make a facility readlly
accessible to persons with dis-
abilities, ar an order requiring
that a particular au~tiliary aid or
service be provided or a particular
policy be modified.
Individuals also have the option
of reporting violations of the
ADA to the U.S. Justice Depart-
ment. The iI.S. Attomey Gen-
eral, through the Assistant
Attorney General for Civil Rights,
has the power to investigate these
alleged violations. If there is a
reason to believe that a violation
has occurred, he or she may
initiace a compliance review of a
particular facility. The purpose o#
a compliance review is to pro-
mote voluntary compliance and
avoid the need for litigation.
Should litigation be necessary,
the Attorney General has the
power to initiate civil suits if,
he or she has reason to
believe that any person or
group of persons is engaged in
a pattem or practice of dis-
crimination on the basis of
disability or,
if any person or group af
persons has heen discrimi-
nated against on the basis of
disability and the discrimina-
tion raises an issue of general
puUlic importance.
In such cases, the ADA gives
courts the power to grant not onty
the equitable relief availabie in an
individual private suit but also
any other relieE it considers to be
appxopriate, including monetary
damages. Monetary damages can
include all forms of compensatory
damages, including out-of•pocket
eacpenses and damages for pain
and suffering. In extieme cases
the court may assess a civil
penalty of up to $50,000 for a first
violation and up to $100,000 for
any subsequent violation, if such
a penalty is necessary to vindicate
the public interest. The statute
indicates that in assessing such a
civil penalty the coun should
consider whether the entity to be
penalized has made any goodfaith
effort or attempt to comply with
the ADA.
While the ADA permits enforce-
ment through the couns as
described above, it also encour-
ages the use of altemative dispute
resolution methods. These
include settlement negotiations,
conciliacion, facilitation, media-
tion, fact finding, mini-trials, and
arbitration. These procedures are
usually less costly and time
consuming methods of resolving
disputes,
What Is the Time
Frame for
Compliance?
Different sections of the ADA
become effective at different
times. New construction com-
pleted after January 26, 1993,
must meet mittimum accessibil-
ity standards. Alterations to
existing structures made after
January 26, 1992, must also meet
the same standards. $arrier
removal that is readily achievable
must also be accomplished after
January 26, 1992. State and local
governments have three years
from this date to complete re-
quired changes.
0
The important thing to keep in
mind is that everyone should
start now to incorporate acces-
si61e designs into planned new
construction and alterations and
develop plans for removing
barriers in existing buildings from
the work place and from spaces
used 6y the public.
Citations
1. The Americans with Disabili-
ties Act, Title 42, U.S.C.A. §§
12101 to 12213.
2. Nondiscrimination on the
Basis of Disability in State and
Local Government Services; Final
Rale, 28 CFR part 35.
3. Nandiscrimination on the
Basis of Disability by Public
Accommodatians aad in Com-
mercial Facilities; Final Rule, 28
CFR part 36.
~ ;;.
r:,~.
Drayton Hall, one of Elmerica's /inesi examples o`Georgian Palladian
architecture, has installed a Stair Trac unit to transport visitors in
wheelchairs up a jlight o/ 13 steps to the main (loor. No nlterations [o
the building were required. (Photo: Drayton Hull)
;~;;
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Case Studies
Historic building museums often
present problems for disabled
visitors. Doorcvays are not wide
enough for wheelchairs, stairs are
sometimes too steep and narrow
for the elderly, and a verbal tour
given to visitors standing behind
velvet ropes does little to help the
visually or hearing impaired
visitox understand the historic
significance of the building.
Administrators at historic sites
have worked to minimize these
barriers even prior to the passage
of the Americans with Disabili•
ties Act. In the next 10 years
mare anc! more historic sites wiil
implement interpretation pro-
grams for disabled visitors in
order to comply with the new
law. The following examples
from a variety of historic sites
provide some ideas on ways to
interpret and make historic sites
accessible to disabled visitors.
This does not mean that these
sites have aiready fulfilled the
requirements of the ADA. The
organizations listed below may
still need to examine the accessi-
bility of their properties and may
need to make further changes in
light of the new legislation.
The Frank Lloyd
Wright Home and
Studio Foundation
The Frank Lloyd 4Vright Home
and Studio in Oak Park, Ill., built
6etween 1889-1898, was the
architect's home and studio for 20
years. Designated a National
Historic Landmark in 1976,
Wright's home and studio are
surrounded by the tree-lined
streets of the Frank Lloyd Wright
Prairie School of Architecture
National Historic District.
To enable all visitors to e~cperi-
ence the history and beauty of the
building, the Frank Lloyd Wright
Home and Studio Foundation
offers apecial programs to make
the buiiding accessible to disabled
visitors. A 35-minute videotape,
shown in Wright's office, takes
guests who are unable to navigate
the stairs to the house on a visual
walking tour of Wright's home.
The studio portion of the tour is
accessible to all visitors. The
video is available for sale in the
bookstore at the property and has
been used in training interpreters
and for school groups unable to
visit the site. A self-guided tour
using an audio cassette recording
and map takes visitors through
the surrounding historic district.
Curb cuts have been installed
throughout the district to make
the tour accessible for wheeichair
users.
A pu6lic lecture series relating to
the Frank Lloyd Wright Home
and Studio and the Prairie School
of Architecture is held year-round
in the Oak Park Public Libiary.
Wheelchair zamps and elevators
provide handicapped accessibility
at the library.
Drayton Hall
Located on the Ashley River near
Charleston, S.C., Drayton Hali
stands as one of America's finest
examples of Georgian Palladian
architecture. Built between 1738
and 1742, the house was occupied
by seven generations of the
Drayton family and appears much
as it did in the 18th century,
without running water, electric
lighting, or central heating.
Access to the hause is by guided
tour only. Visitors to Drayton
Halt are often surprised to find no
furniture, household objects, or
portraits inside. Instead guides
use the outstanding architecture
oF the hoase and the surrounding
landscape to interpret300 years of
history and culture. There are no
exhibits orintexpretive signsin
any of the rooms. While this
approach altows visitors to fu11y
appreciate the axchitecture in its
original form, it is not adequate
for hearing impaired guests.
In 1986 the National Endowment
for the Arts held a workshop at
Drayton Hall on accese far dis-
abled visitors to historic sites. As
a result of this workshop,
Drayton Hail staff began to
explore ways to interpret the
house for the hearing impaired.
Their first attempt using sign
language interpreters proved too
cumbersome to be used on a
regular basis. Aecause of Che
wealth of architectural terms, the
interpreters had to finger~spell
most of the tour which proved to
be a lengthy and tiring process.
The staff decided a written tour
was a better solution and, in the
course of a year, with much trial
and error, drafted a text based on
the current interpretation and
tour flow through the house. The
final 40-page notebook includes a
written description ot each room
paired with black-and-white
illustrations depicting azchitec-
tural elements.
An original flight of 13 steps leads
up to the main floor of Drayton
Hall which, in the past, made it
difficult for physicaliy disabled
visitors to see the main part of
the house. To solve this problem,
guests were oEfered a 50-minute
video tour of the house and could
participate in the regular tour
outside and on the ground floor.
Drayton Hall recently purchased
a Stair Trac unit which can carry
a visitor in a wheelchair up the
stairs without any alteration to
the building. Stair Trac devices
cost from $3,500 to $4,500 and
will work on an maximum stair
0
pitch of 35 degrees. Once on the
main floor, physically disabled
visitors follow the regular tour
and then descend to ground level
on the Stair Trac unit.
Drayton Hall guides use a scaled-
down, wooden model of the house
to help visually impaired visitors
understand the building's overall
shape and design. Guides can
provide individual "Touch Tours"
of the property using a variety of
textures and materials that won't
be harmed by gentte contact such
as native plants, stone, masonry,
decorative ironwork, and glass.
Work is undenvay to provide
models of moldings, materials,
and architectural details tound
throughout the liouse.
Chesterwood
Accessibility has been an impor-
tant issue at Chesterwood for
several years. Located in the
picturesque Berkshire Mountains
of western Massachusetts,
Chesterwood was the summer
residence and studio of sculptor
Daniel Chester French who
created such important works as
the Minute Man in Concord,
Mass., and the seated Abraham
Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial
in Washington, D.C.
Por those individuals who are
unable to tour the entire property,
each building displays a number
of large photographs of the vari-
ous buildings on the site and of
objects associated with French.
These laminated place-mat size
photographs are used as visual
aids not only when disabled
visitors tour the site, but for all
visitors.
To assist visually impaired
visitors the property offers a
written tour in braille that de-
scribes the estate, written bro-
chures in large print, and "please
touch" repxoductions of some of
French's most important works
and sculptor's tools. A "sensory"
tour of Chesterwood has also
been developed. Items relating to
French and the property itself are
used to interpret the history of
the estate. These items include
sculpting tools, pieces of mar6le
and clay, and a bird's nest. Inter-
ested groups may make reserva-
tions for the sensory tour.
Colonial
Williamsburg
The restoration of the Colonial
Williamsburg historic site, which
began in 1926, covers 73 acres.
There are 88 surviving 18th- and
early 19th-century buildings, as
well as many others that have
been reconstructed as accurately
as possible on their original
foundations.
Colonial Williamsburg attracts
more than one million visitors
each year and has taken special
measures to assure that all
visitors are able to enjoy the
historic village. A Guide For
Visitors With Disabilities is
available at the Visitor Center,
and provides details on the
buildings, restaurants, hotels, and
shops accessible to the disabled.
The Visitor Center is fully
accessible to the handicapped. A
printed synopsis of the orienta-
tion film, Williamsburg - The
Story of a Patriot, is availabla at
the Visitor Center, as are special
headsets with adjustable volume
control. Information is available
on wheelchair rentals, portable
wheelchair ramps, and special
passes for parking.
There are hands-on activities at
many of the exhiUits throughout
Colonial Williamsburg. Major
~~; -,
;;r;;;
m
Small sculpture replicas at Chesterwood, depict those portions o/ a
historic property that cannoi otherwrse be made accessible, (Photo:
Chesterwood)
~: ~a
At Coloninl William~burg, a vartety of textures and materials such as
this replica oja wig, can further enhance a visit to the site ~or visually
impaired visitors. (Photo: Colonral Williarasburg)
exhibition 6uildings have "Touch
Ma" baskets that include artifacts
and reproductions of items
important to the interpretation of
the site. Visitors at the
Governox's Palace, for example,
can hold a sampte of the mos,
quito netting used at the palace
and a reproduction of an early
firearm.
Signing interpreters are available
to assist visitors with hearing
impairments. The numerous
crafts demonstration that eake
place-baking, candiemaking,
forging, and printing-are ex-
plained further in the guide for
hearing impaired visitors.
In addition to house museums,
other historic sites must comply
with the provisions of the Ameri-
cans with Disabilities Act. Some
of these include: lighthouses and
historic vessels, historic theaters,
downtown commercial districts,
parks, and archeological sites.
Several programs already under-
way aie listed below.
The Frelinghuysen
Arboretum
The surrounding tandscape is
integral to understanding historic
sites, yet many arboretums and
gardens are not fully accessible to
visitors with disabilities. The
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, located
in Morristown, N. J., offers
several programs for the disabled.
The 127-acre arboretum provides
a quiet oasis where visitors can
relax and leam about the
plantings and soil climate of
Morris County. Known for its
rose garden and litac collection,
the arboretum is a regional center
for horticultural activities. It
offers educational programs and
provides a comprehensive collec-
tion of botanical literature.
m
Ramps in the education center
and the home demonstration
garden provide a barrier-free
environment. The arboretum
recently installed a raised 6ed
container garden in the home
demonstration garden for handi-
capped visitors. Because of its
height, the garden is ideal for
individuals in wheelchairs orfor
those who use walkers. Hanging
flower baskets are on puileys that
can be adjusted to whatever
height is needed.
A self-guided nature trail features
piant markers in braille and in
raised letters to accommodate the
visually impaired. The traii
includes 32 stations identifying
trees, shruUs, and flowering
plants. The nature trail booklet is
also available in braitle.
Cape May Point
Lighthouse
Although the 200-year-old tradi-
tion of the manned lighthouse is
coming to a close, many light-
houses remain and are being
preservedforfuture generations
as symbols of our maritime
heritage.
At the Cape May Point LighL-
house in New Jersey, a fully
accessible Visitors Orientation
Center is now in place in the
newly-restored Oil Hoase on the
lighthouse grounds. Visitors who
are unable to ciimb the light-
house staircase can see a photo
mural of the view from the
Watchroom Gallery, as well as
reproductions of each display in
the lighthouse. An information
'video about the lighthouse is
shown in the Visitors Orientation
Center.
Samuel Clemens
Center for the
Performing Arts
Historic theaters also need to
consider the needs of disabled
patrons. The original renovation
in the 1970s of the Samuel
Clemens Center in Elmira, N.Y.,
included barrier-free adaptations,
and over the years the theater's
board and staff have continued to
improve the building's accessibi6
ity. To locate obstacles, the
director took a tour of the theater
while sitting in a wheelchair.
The first obstacle was the front
door; the door handles were
difficult to reach. Next, the
director found it difficult to carry
on a comfortable conversation
with the box office clerk given
the height of the counter. As a
result of the tour, specially-
designed door handles that were
easier to grip were installed and
the box office counter height was
adjusted.
After an emotional interview
with local pxess in 1985 by
musician Itzhak Perlman, city
fathers donated funds for a 6ack-
stage wheelchair lift, making
stage facilities accessible to the
physically disabled.
Mystic Seaport
Access to historic vessels oFten
poses problems for disabled
visitors. Boats are usually
moored at docks, rising up and
down with the tide. Aisles and
doorways are often too narrow to
accommodate wheelchairs.
Ladders and gangways replace
stairs. Mystic Seaport, a non-
profit maritime museum located
on the Mystic River in Mystic,
Conn., has made provisions to
make at least one of their historic
ships accessible. The 17-acre
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum,
located in Morristocvn, N.J., has
installed a raised bed container
garden as a demonstration
garden /or disabled and elderly
visitors, (Photo: Mo1lyAdamsJ
, .w,
m
~ museum, founded in 1929,
includes tall ships, a complex of
~„ historic buildings, a preservation
s'"`,;~ shipyard, planetarium, and
numerous exhibit buildings.
The museum has four historic
vessels, one of which, the 1841
Charles W. Morgan, is accessible
to wheelchair users. The gang-
way ramp to this historic whaling
bark was placed on rollers which
allows it to risa and fall with the
tides. A smaller ramp was added
to permit wheelchair access to
the gangway ramp. An additional
ramp was added at the top of the
gangway ramp to provide access
to the main deck,
The ship's design as a whaling
ship provides easieraccessfor
disabled visitors than is the case
with other historic vessels, On
the Morgan's star6oard side is a
removable section of the ship's
bulwarks and rail. Originaily this
allowed the crew to strip the
biubber from the whale. Today,
this opening provides easy access
for disabled visitors.
Mystic also gives visitors a
brochure indicating which exhib-
its and buildings are accessible to
wheelchairs, allowing disabled
visitors to better plan their tour.
Acknowledgernents
This Information booklet was
written by David H, Battaglia, an
attomey with the Washington
office of the law firm of Hunton
& Williams. Inquiries conceming
the ADA can be directed to the
author in writing at the following
address: Hunton & Williams, P.O.
Box 19230, Washington, D.C.
20036.
The case studies and resource
sections were prepared 6y Na-
tional Trust interns Daphne
.- Lingon, Theresa Park, and Maria
Roach.
Selected Resources
The Association foc Persons with
Severe Handicaps (TASH) is a
nonprofit, intemational member-
ship organization concemed with
education andindependencefor
individuals who traditionally
have been labelled severely
intellectually disabled, TASH
publishes a month2y newsletter, a
quarterly joumal, numerous
books and videos, and holds an
annualconference. For more
information contact: The Asso-
ciation For Persons With Severe
Handicaps, 7010 Roosevelt Way,
N.E., Seattle, Wash. 98115. ~206)
523-8446.
The United States Architectucal
and Transportation Bacriers
Compliance Boaid is an indepen-
dent federal agency that ensures
aceessibility to fedecally-owned or
funded programs or facilities and
handles complaints on non-
compliance. The board produces
and distributes a variety of free
publications on the ADA and
barrier removal. For an order
form contact: United States
Architectural and Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board, 1111
18th Street, N.W., Suite 501,
Washington, D.C. 20036-3894.
f202~653-7834.
The Clearinghouse on Disability
Information responds to inquiries
on disability issues, federal
legislation, and programs benefit-
ing the disabled. For more infor-
mation contact: Clearing House
on Disability Information, Office
of Special Education and Rehabili-
tation Services, U.S. Depaztment
of Education, Room 3132, Switzer
Building, Washington, D.C.
20202. (202) 732-1723.
~
The Cape May PoinY Lighthouse prorides a murnl o/'the view from the
Watchroom Gallery ~or those visitors unable Lo climb the stairs,
(Photo: CapeMayPointLighiLousef
Several offices of the National
Park Service, U.S. Department of
the Interior provide technical
assistance and publications
related to access for the disabled
at historic sites.
The Branch of Special Programs
and Populations administers the
National Park Service accessibil-
ity program and handles com-
plaints for non-compliance of
NPS-owned properties. This
office also produces accessibility
resource materials and provides
technical assistance. ~202) 343-
3674.
The Park Historic Architecture
Division is responsible for devel-
oping policies, guidelines, and
procedures including those for
accessibility to historic and
prehistoric properties in the
National Park System. (202) 343-
8148.
The Preservation Assistance
Division is responsible for devel-
oping policy and technical guid-
ance for alterations to historic
buildings and landscapes. This
division respands to questions
regarding proposed treatments
that meet the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards for Historic
Preservation projects.~202~343-
9578. For more information
contact: National Park Service,
P.O, Box 37127, Washington,
D.C. 20013J127 or call the
telephone numbers listed with
each office.
The Paralyzed Veterans of
America (PVA) is a private non-
profit organization established to
support improved progzams for
rehabilitation and social integra-
tion of disabled Americans. PVA's
Architecture and Barrier Free
Design Program includes staff
architects who provide assistance
on barrier-free design and remov-
ing barriers from existing build-
ings. The program's Access
Resource Center distributes a
variety of publications on accessi-
bility and design which are
available free to PVA chapters and
mem6ers and at low- or no cpst to
others. For more information
contact: Paralyzed Veterans of
America, Department of Archi-
tecture and Barrier•free Design,
801 18th Street, N.W., Washing-
ton, D.C. 20006. ~202) 872-1300.
The PresidenYs Committee on
Emplayment of the Disabled is a
public, nonprpfit organization
established by an Executive Order
to acquire, organize, and dissemi-
nate information to increase
public awareness of the needs,
capabilities, and opportunities for
disabted individuals. Publica-
tions, referrals, and assistance are
availahle at nb charge. For more
information contact: President's
Committee on Employment of
the Disabled, Law and Regula-
tions Department, 1111 20th
Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.
20036. ~202~ 653-5044.
The National Endowment for the
Acts, Office for Special Constitu-
encies serves as the technical
assistance and advocacy arm of
the Arts Endowment for people
who are older, disabled, or living
in institutions such as nursing
}iomes. This office works with
Endowment staff and grantees,
state and local arts organizations,
as well as other federal agencies
to educate artists and administra-
tors on how to mainstream
special constituencies into the ,
arts. For more information
contact: The National Endow-
ment for the Arts, Office for
Special Constituencies, 1100
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20506. (202)
682-5532.
The National Infocmation Centec
on Deafness (NICD~ is a central-
ized source of information about
hearing loss and deafness. NICD
collects, develops, and dissemi-
nates up•to•date information on
deafness, hearing loss, and re-
sources and services for deaf and
hearing impaired people. For a
list of publications, directory of
nationai organizations, or further
inquiries, contact: National
Information Center on Deafness,
Gallaudet University, 800 Florida
Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C.
20002-3695. ~202~ 651-5051.
Alexander Gcaham Bell Associa-
tion for the Deaf, Inc. is a non-
profit memberahip organization
that provides services and support
for the hearing impaixed to
broaden educational, vocational,
and personal opportunities Eor
hearing impaired people. For
further information on services
and/or publications contact:
Alexander Graham Bell Associa-
tion for the Deaf, 3417 Volta
Place, N.W., Washington, D.C.
200U7-2778. (202) 337-5220.
Through a variety of programs
and services, The Amecican
Council of the Blind (ACB~, a
national membership organiza-
tion, enables 61ind people to live
and work independently. ACB
programs and activities inciude:
information and referral, publica-
tions, legislative and governmen-
tal monitoring, scholarships,
public awareness and education,
and legal advice and assistance.
For further information contact:
American Council of the Blind,
1155 l5th Street, N.W., Suite 720,
Washington, D.C. 20005. (202)
467-5081 within D.C., or ~800)
467-5081.
`..i-y{
`r,~.S
~
The Disabled American Veterans
~DAV~ halps veterans with repre-
sentation before the Veterans
Administration and provides a
wide range of assistance for
veterans and their families. DAV
has actively pursued the removal
of barriers to all handicapped
people. Their services are pro-
vided free of charge for memhers.
For more information contact:
Disabled American Veterans, 807
MaineAvenue, S.W., Wasliing-
ton, D.C. 20024. (202) 554•3501.
The Society fot the Advancement
of Travel for the Handicapped has
material on many popular domes-
tic tourist destinations and will
provide contacts for callers to get
in£ormation about specially
adapted rental cars and accessibil-
ity on airlines, trains or buses.
For more information contact:
Society Eor the Advancement of
Travel for the Handicapped, 347
Fifth Avenue, Suite 610, New
York, N.Y. 10016. ~202) 447-7284.
Publications
Access to Historic Buildings for
ihe Disabled: Suggestions /or
Planning and Implementation.
Charles Parrott. Washington,
D.C.: Technica( Preservation
Services, U.S. Department of the
Interior, 1980. This publication
describes methods to achieve
barrier-free access to historic
buildings that conform with the
Department of the Interior's
historic preservation standards. It
addresses a variety of specific
needs for the disabled, including
ramps, vertical wheelchair lifts,
curb cuts, railings, rest rooms,
miscellaneous fixtures, and
signage. It also examines tech-
niques to make programs and
services housed in historic
Uuildings accessible in lieu of
architectural changes. Available
from the U.S. Department of
Commerce, National Technical
Information Service, 5285 Port
Royal Road, Springfieid, Va.
22161. (703) 487-4600. NTIS order
number: PB 85-180826. $17.00
paper.
Accommodation o/'Disabled
Visitors ot Flistoxic Sites in the
National Park System. Duncan S.
Baliantyne. Washington, D.C.:
Technical Preservation Services,
U.S. Department of the Interior.
This pubiication focuses on
physical access and the need to
resolve the differences between
the needs of physically disa6led
visitors and the need to preserve
the historic integrity of sites and
structures. Available from the
U.S. Department of Commerce,
National Z'echnical Information
Services, 5285 Port Royal Road,
Springfield, Va. 22161. (703~ 487-
4600, NTIS order number PB 85-
103711. $23.00 paper.
ADA Compliance Guidebook: A
Checklist /'or Your Building.
Building Owners and Managers
Association Intemationai. Wash-
ington, D.C.: BOMA Intl., 1991.
This handbook promot~s volun-
tary compliance by commercial
properties with the Americans
with Disabilities Act . The cost
is $36 for mem6ers/ $46 for
nonmembers. For information or
purchase contact: BOMA Intl.,
1201 New York Avenue, N.W.,
Suite 300, Washington, D.C.
20005. (202~ 408•2662.
"The Americans with Disabilities
Act: What It Means foz Main
Street," Kennedy Smith. Main
Street News, September, 1991.
This issue reports on the impact
of ADA on historic and neighbor-
hood commercial districts. The
cost is $3.50 including postage
and handling. To order a copy
contact: National Main Street
Center, National Trust for
Historic Preservation, 1785
Massachusetts Avenue, N.W„
Washington, D.C. 20036. (202~
673-4219.
Preserving the Past and Making
it Accessi6/e to Everyone: How
Easy a Taskf CRM Supplement
1991. Washington, D.C.: Preser-
vation Assistance Division, U.S.
Department oE the Interior, 1991.
This publication outlines ADA
requirements, the time frame of
the new law, and various types o4
project work needed to comply.
A list of organizations and a
bibliography is included. The
pu6lication is avai(able free of
charge to the public. To order a
copy contact: Cuitural Resources,
National Park Service, U.S.
Department of Interior, P.O. Box
37127, Washington, D.C. 20013-
7127. ~202) 343•9573.
Within the U.S. Department of
Justice, the Office on the Ameri-
cans with Disabilities Act has an
information packet on the ADA
thatincludes:finalregulations
and highlights of Title II and Titie
III, and a question and answer
brochure. To request the packet
or further information contact:
Offiee on the Americans with
Disabilities Act, Civil Rights
Division, U.S. Department of
Justice, P.O. Box 66118, Washing-
ton, D.C.,20035•6118,~202~514-
0301 ~Voice~ or (202) 514-0381 or
(202~ 514-0383 (TDD~.
~
f ~; "
Informatian Series No. 58, 1992
- he spring 1956 issue of Old-
Time New Englancl, the bu11e-
tin of the Society fox the Prescrvation
of New England A~rtiquities (SPNEA~,
contained an anonymous article en-
titled "Area Preservation and the
Seacon Hill Bill," wl~ich explained
how Boston's Beacon Hill Historic
District was created.
"In [Charleston, New Orleans, Alex-
andria, Winston Salem, Georgetown,
and Annapolis] it has Ueen recognized
that the preservation of historic
monuments involves wider respon-
siUilities than saving the single sur-
viving old Uuilding, forlomly hemmed
in on all sides by later structures and
completely shorn af any meaningful
context. ... It is significant also that
'area preservation' has Ueen started
along a course of development which
avoids the concept of a Yestored
community.' The emphasis instead
has Ueen placed upon `historic and
architectural zoning For contemporary
use' with the feeling that architects,
planners, students, tourists, and the
seeker-of-charm can derive as much
iE not greater satisfaction from an area
which is protected from distortion
and yet remains a vit11, functioning
part of the community. ... This is
not a negative approach in the long
run. Actttally, it is an extension of
the various foxms oE zoning for Uusi-
ness, industry and residence which
have been fully accepted in most
cities and towns for a good many
years. It is by such regulations that
property interests are safeguarded,
and it has been a matter of enicial
importance where 'historic zoning'
is under consideration that the
whole cominunity recognize the
sound potential advantages to Ue
gained from the staUilization of an
existing pattem and consequent ap-
preciation in real estate values. .."'
In 1992, almost 3C years after the
SPNEA article, Historic Boston, In-
coxporated (HBI) produced a case
statemene, °Save our City: A Case
Eor Boston," to ensure that the Boston
Landmarks Commission and local
district commissions, including the
Beacon Hill Historic District, have
appropriate staff and leadership with
preservation vision. The "Save Our
City" project provides a suitaUle
measure of the influence that Boston's
local historic district and landmark
protection program has had on the
city, The lcey points presented as
findings in the study closely parallel
the SPNEA predictions in 1956.
HBI found local preservation to Ue
effective for these reasons:
1. Preservation means joUs.
2. Preservation means money for
Boston.
3. Preservation means strengthening
our neighUorhoods.
4. Preservation is no longer an isolated
activity, but a practical proUlem-
solving tool?
The HBI study demonstrates why a
local historic preservation program
that features municipally based pro-
tection and promotion of hisepric re-
sources is so vital for Boston. "City
residents, liy overwhelming inargins,
want City Hall to protect $oston's
unique, historic character. Poll results
conEirm this. City Hall must lead
and direct the effort to save Boston
by empowering the Landmarks
Commission to carry out its statutory
duties with energy and imagination.'°
The Evolution of
Historic Districts
The Boston experieuce proves that
local preservation programs are efFec-
tive. In fact, one of the first lessons
leaxned in preservation is that the le-
gal power to protect historic places
lies chiefly with local government.
Historic resources are first signifi-
cant to a local population, and it
seems reasonable that local people
should play the leading role in pro-
tecting them.
Many Americans wrongly assume
that the federal government protects
historic resources and that listing in
the National Register of Historic
Places is sufficient to prevent demo-
lition. The fallacy of this assump-
w
tion is often discovered the hard
way when a building is demolished,
a fence is erected, or plans far a new
building are unveiled. The strongest
laws for histoxic preseroation arc
local laws, not federal. A municipal
process creating a local historic dis•
trict and providing a xegulatoxy
method to protect a cummunity's
historic chaeacter is one of the
strongest mechanisms to ensure
that preseivation occurs?
The historic preservation movement
as a whole has evolved from the
time when the single landmark was
preserved and promoted as a show-
piece. Today, preservationists have
becnme more concerned with total
environments, developmental his-
tory, community planning, and
politics. Local historic disCricts are
a part of that evolution and reflect
today's Uroadened preservation per-
spective that encompasses commu-
nity hiskory, culture, and values.
Local historic districts are generally
created to protect entire areas or
groups of historic stnictuxes. Such
districts are often economic assets
to communities and a source of
civic pride. Local districts always
serve a puUlic purpose, which may
be as simple as giving recognition to
histoxic resources ox as complex as
establishing .i finaneial incentive
program to spur revitalization efforts.
Downtown commercial areas and
main streets, watexfront districts with
associated warehouscs and maritime
resources, or residential clistricts rang-
uig from the colonial cobUlestoned
neighUorhoods of the eastem United
States to the early 20th-century
Uungalows of Califomia are the most
familiar local historic districts.
Most often, the reason for creating a
local district is to prevent unregulated
and insei2sitive change. This pro-
tection is accomplished through the
adoption of a preservation oxdinance,
which is a local statute estaUlishing
a design review Uoard and creating a
design review process. The design
review board is often called a pxeser-
vation ox historic district commission.
The first local historic district was
established in Charleston, S.C„ in
1931. Charlestoniansrecognized
the special character of their com-
munity alid Felt it deseroed protection.
r: .:
~ ,
The Beacon Hill Historic bistrict in Boston, Mass. was established in 1955.
; ;'°;,;.
he spring 1956 issue of Old-
Time New England, the Uulle-
tin of the Society for the Preservation
of New Eng,land Antiquities ~SPNEAI,
contained an anonymous article en-
titled "Area Preservation and the
Beacon Hill Bill," which explained
how Boston's Beacon Hill Historic
District was created.
"In [Charleston, New Oxleans, Alex-
andria, Winston Salem, Georgetown,
and Annapolis] it has Ueen recognized
that the preseroation of historic
monuments involves widex respon-
siUilities than saving the single sur-
viving old Uullding, forlomly hemtned
in on all sides by later structures and
completely shom of any meaningful
context. ... It is significant also that
'area preservation' has Ueen started
along a course of development which
avoids the concept of a'restored
community.' The emphasis instead
has Ueen placed upon `histoxic and
architectural zoning for contemporary
use' with the feeling that architects,
planners, students, tourists, and the
seeker-of-charm can dexive as much
if not greater satisfaction from an area
which is protected from distortion
and yet remains a vital, functioning
part of the community. ... This is
not a negative approach in the long
run. Actually, it is an extension of
the various forms of zoning for Uusi-
ness, industry and residence which
have Ueen fully accepted in most
cities and towns for a good many
years. It is Uy such regulations that
property interests are safeguarded,
and it has Ueen a matter of crucial
importance where 'historic zoning'
is under consideration that the
whole community recognize the
sound potential advantages to Ue
gained from the staUilizatiou of an
existing pattem and consequent ap-
preciation in real estate values. .." '
In 19J2, ahiiost 36 years after the
SPNEA article, Historic ]3oston, In-
co~orated ~HBI) produced a case
statement, °Save our City: A Case
for Boston," to ensure that the Boston
Landmarlcs Commission and local
district commissions, inchiding the
Beacon Hi11 Historic District, have
appropriate staff and leadership with
preservation vision. The "Save Our
City" project provides a suitaUle
measure of the influence that Boston's
local historic district and landmarle
protection program has had on the
city. The lcey poincs presented as
findings in the study closely parallel
the SPNEA predictions in 1956.
HBI found local preservation to Ue
effective for these reasons:
1. Preservahion means jobs.
2. Preservation means money for
Bostan.
3. Preservation means strengthening
our neighUorhoods.
4. Preservation is no longer an isolated
activity, but a practical problern-
solving tool.z
The HBI study demonstrates why a
local historic preservation program
that features mimicipally based pro-
tection and proinotion of histoxic re-
sources is so vital for Boston. "City
residents, Uy overwhelming margins,
want City Hall to protect Boston's
Lmique, historic character. Poll results
confirm this. Ciry Hall must lead
and direct the effort to save Boston
Uy empowering the Landmarks
Commission ro carry out its statutory
duties with energy and imagination."'
The Evolution of
Historic Districts
The Boston experience proves that
local preservation programs are effec-
tive. In fact, one of the first lessons
learned in preservation is that the le-
gal power to protect historic places
lies chiefly with local government.
Historic resources are first signifi-
cant to a local population, and it
seems reasonaUle that locnl people
should play the leading role in pro-
tecting them.
Many Americans wrongly assume
that the federal government protects
historic resources and that listing in
the National Register of Historic
Places is sufficient to prevent demo-
lition. The fallacy of this assump-
n
Today, more khan 1,800 communi-
i
h CQSE StUCI :
y
t
es across t
e country have followed
;, Charleston's example. America has Protecting Neighborhoods
seen a ground swell in the number
oflocalpreservation ordinances
adopted by local governments and,
consequently
an equally large in- Chihuahuita or "little Chihuahua" is roughly a six-Ulnck neighUorhood in
,
crease in the numUer of historic dis southwest EI Paso, Tex. Bounded Uy the Rio Grande River, railroad tracks,
and a water treatment plant
Chihuahuita is often overlook
d 6
tricts and properties dasignated at ,
e
ecause of
its isolation and poverty.
the local level.
In spite oi the increased use of Iocal
"districting" as a means to preserve
communiry charaeter, countless
neighborhoods, commercial cores,
industri2l districts, and niral areas
remain unprotected. These resources
are at the mercy of adverse market
forces, neglect, and poor planning.
How to Use This
BOOI~~t
This booklet is designed to help in
establishing a local histoxic district.
The techniques descriUed are meant
to serve as a xoacl map to determine
whethex a loca] district is the best
protective strategy for your commu-
nity. Homeowners in historic
neighborhoods, local government
officials, downtown merchants, and
property owners will either endarse,
amend, or reject pxoposals to create
a district, depending on how well
they understand the issues involved.
The advantages may Ue crystal cleax
to the preservaeion community, but
not everyone will find the establish-
ment of a local district as appealing
as the district proponents.
There are no easy solutions when it
comes to shaping local seneiment or
opinions. Whether a decision is
about where to locate a toxic waste
site, a zoning reclassification, a tax
increase, or the passage of a preser-
vation ordinance and estabtishment
of local districts, increasing com-
munity awareness and the fine art
of influence become critical when
moved from the individual to the
community level.
The neighUorhood Uegan in the 1840s as a collection of wooden shaclcs and
adobe houses mostly for immigrants from Ciudad Chihuahua, Chihuahua,
Mexico. These immigrants began arriving in refuge From the threatening
Apaches prior to the Civil War. They Uuilt canals or "acequias" for iiYiga-
tion, introduced viticulture, and established a small community along tite
Uanlcs of the Rio Grande. The community continued to grow, stimulated
Uy its proximity to Mexico, the arrival of the railroad in 1881, and the con-
stniction of Che Franklin Cana( in 1889. The vast majority of the immi-
grants, however, settled during the Mexican Revolution, which began in
1910. The wartime. reE~igecs were housed in hastily built tenements.
During the 1920s, Chihuahuita took the name "La Mancha Roja" because of
its role as a Uootlegging center. The isolation from mxinstream El Paso
continued, with zhe 1940s beirtg dominated Uy "Pachuco" gangs, who terror-
ized toiuists and residents. Although social relations improved atter die 1950s,
Chihuahuita remained an impoverished neighUorhood of one- and two-story
adoUe and wood frame houses and tenements.
The area began to receive attention from local prescrvationists in the
1970s, but did noC become a local historic district tmtil ] 991. Residents
Uanded together eo request designation as a means of galvanizing the neigh-
borhood against two inuninent threats of encroachment. First, the City of
El Paso's zoning ordinance called for M-1 or heavy industrial and waxe-
house uses. Any new development in the neighborhood would likely re-
duce housing opportunities and increase the already growing warehouse
uses. Second, a proposed expansion of the Border Highway along the Rio
Grande called for an extension directly through the neighUorhood.
In an impassioned puUlic hearing, local residents sought designation to
give their neighborhood a Future and confirm its place in Iocal history, The
designation was approved with some modifications Uy the Lanci~nark Com-
mission and the City Commission, Toclay, the area is experiencing renewed
interest with the rehabilitation of teneinents, some asing the historic xeha-
bilitation t~c creclits, and constniction of new housing units. Soldiers froin
nearUy Fort Bliss recently volunteered to paint more than a dozen houses.
These acts indicate a greater acceptance of the neighborhood in El Paso.
Residents serve as spokespersons for local historic districts, stating that the
history of the poor needs to be reeognized and respected, and that local dis-
tricts can be Ueneficial in planning the future of neighUorhoods.
This case study was prepared by Dwayne Jones, local government coordi-
nator, Texas Historical Commission, Austin, Tex.
~
Why a Local District?
The reasons For considering a local
district vary from commnnity fo
community. Usually, the area un-
der consideration isfaced with de-
velopment pressures that will alter
its historic ettaracter. Perhaps the
district will Ue targeted for special
planning efforts or community de•
velopment programs such as a fa-
cade/home improvement program,
a streetscape plan, a crime-watch
patrol, or a tree planting project.
Whatever the goals, a local historic
district is but one component of a
community's comprehensive pxo=
gram for maintaining a thriving, vi-
able, and lively coIlection of historic
and coneemporary resources. It is
not the only solution for inaking
preseivation work at the local lcvel.
The local districr is simply onc tool
ta protect community character and
should Ue used in comUination with
other planning and revitalization
strategies. Although the district is
quite often the centerpiece of a
comprehensive local preservation
program, it is rarely a so]o act.
The nssociative value of historic re-
sources is one of the long-standing
reasonsfor preservacion. Keeping
buildings, sites, and oUjects around
for future generations to appreciate
is the most o£ten cepeated justification
fnr historic preservation. Another
compelling reason fox communities
to consider a local liistoric district
is the economic advlntage of well-
preserved 1nd revitalized historic
districts. A locally regulatcd his-
toric distxict can Ue a tool in fighting
many of the negative economic
txends that occur in the older sections
of a community.
According to Dennis Gale, a profes-
sor of puUlic policy and management
at the University of Southem Maine,
"Che designation of histoxic districts
in residential neighUorhoods has
grown in popularity. .. there is mod-
est evidence that historic districts
are more resistant than essentially
identical but undesignated neigh-
borhoods to price volatility associ-
ated with 'Uoom and Uust' cycles in
xeal estate trends." His studies
point to a clear connection between
district recognition, improved com-
munity awareness programs, insti-
tuting municipal rehaUilitation
programs, and promoting federal
preservation incentives, and im-
proved resident and investor confi-
dence, thereby having a direct or
indirect pasitive effect on pxoperty
values.s
The Uenefits of creating a local his-
toric district must Ue clearly articu-
lated co government oEficials. More
iinportantly, property owilers musY
fully imderstand what design~tion
will mean to them, since che use of
their property will in some ways bc
restricted. Controversy betweeu
supporters of a local distxict and op-
ponents can often be avoided Uy ex-
plaiuing the beneEits that other
conununities have realized from
their local hiseoxic districts, These
benefits include:
1. Local disericts protect the invest-
ments of ownexs and residents of
historic prapexties. SuburUanites
have availaUle a sophisticated ar-
ray of property valuc protection
tools ranging from covenants and
easements to suUdivision regula-
tions. UrUan property owners
rarely have the same security and
oEten feel the pinch when insen-
sitive development undermines
their property value Uy tuming
their neighborhood or commer-
cial area into a hodgepodge of
poorly planned developments.
The resulting lack of cohesive-
ness matces che area 2ess attrac-
tive to investors and home buyers.
Historic district designation en-
courages the purchase and reha-
bilitation of properties Uecause
the investmant is better pro-
tected over a long period of time.
Buyers will know that the as-
pects that make a particular area
attxactive will be maintained.
Realtors in many American cit-
ies use historic district status as a
marketiug tool to sell properties.
2. Local districts encourage bettex
quality design. Ellen Beasley,
historic preservation consultant,
noted in a study of nine historic
c~istricts that Uctter design, i.e., a
greater sense of relatedness, more
innovative use of materials and
~eaher public appeal, occurred
more often within the districts
than in areas without historic
designations. b
3. Local districts help the environ-
ment. As our world gets smaller
and our resources more limited,
it is as irresponsiUle to waste the
Uui1C environment as it is ta
waste natural areas. Building
cjernolition that encourages suU-
url~an sprawl and decentraliza-
tion of cities wastes tax dollars
through constnxction of duplica-
tive roads, sewers, and utilities;
adds to landfill problems; and
makes us more auto-dependent
which contributes to pollution
and congestion. This situation
contributes to the decay of inner
cicies and the unwise use of in-
hastructure, land, and other non-
renewaUle resources. Historic
clistrict revi[alization shoutd be a
plrt of a comprehensive commu-
nity recycling effort and environ-
mental policy.
4. The educational benefits of creat-
ing local districts are the same as
those derived from any historic
preservation effort. Historic dis-
tricts give a tangiUle link to the
past, a way to Uring meaning to
history and to people's lives.
Districts help explain the devel-
opment of a place, the source of
inspiration and technological ad-
vances. They are a record of our-
selvas and our communities.
5. A local district can xesult in a
positive economic impact from
tourism. A hiscoric district that
is aesthetically cohesive and well
"~q~3
n,!tiF
, „,
~ ~~~
~
Today, more than 1,800 communi-
ties across the country have followed
Charleston's example. Amexica has
seen a ground swell in the number
of local preservation ordinances
adopted Uy local governments and,
consequently, an equally large in-
crease in the numUer of historic dis-
tricts and properties desigunted at
the local level.
In spite of the increased use of local
"districting° as a means to pxeserve
community character, coundess
neighborhoods, commercial cores,
indusaial districts, and niral areas
remain unprotected. These resources
are at the mercy of adverse market
forces, neglect, and poor planning.
How to Use This
Booklet
This Uooklet is designed to help in
estaUlishing a local historic district.
The techniques descriUed are meant
to serve as a road map to determine
whether a local district is the Uest
protective strategy for your cominu-
nity. Homeownexs in historic
neighUorhoods, local government
officials, downtown mexchants, and
property owners will either endoxse,
amend, or reject proposals to create
a district, depending on how well
they understlndtheissuesinvolved.
The advantages may Ue crystal clear
to the preservation community, Uut
not everyone will Eind the estaUlish-
ment of a local district as appealing
as the district proponents.
There are no easy solutions when it
comes to shaping local sentiment or
opinions. Whether a decision is
aUout where to locate a toxic waste
site, a zoning reclassification, a tax
increase, or the passage of a preser-
vation ordinance and establishment
af local districts, increasing com-
munity awareness and the fine art
of influence become critical when
moved from the individual to the
community level.
Case Study:
Protecting Neighborhoods
Chihuahuita or "little Chihuahua" is roughly a six-Ulock neighborhood in
southwest El Paso, Tex. Bounded Uy the Rio Grande River, raikoad tracks,
and a water treatment plant, Chihuahuita is often overloolced Uecause oE
its isolation and poverty.
The neighUorhood Uegan in the 1840s as a wllection of wooden shacks and
adobe houses mostly for immigrants Erom Ciudad Chihuahua, Chihuahua,
Mexico. These immigrants Uegan arriving in refiige from the threatening
Apaches prior to the Civil War. They Uuilt canals or "acequias° for irriga-
tion, introduced viticulture, and estaUlished a small community along the
Uanles of the Rio Grande. The comnnmity continued to grow, stimulated
Uy its proximity to Mexico, the arrival of the railroad in 1881, and the con-
stniction of the Franklin Canal in 1889. The vast majority of the immi-
grants, however, settled during the Mexican Revolution, which began in
1910. The wartnne. ref~igees were housed in hastily Uuilt tenements.
During the 1920s, Chihuahuita took the name "La Maucha Roja" Uecause of
its role as a Uootlegging cencer. The isolation from mainstream E] Paso
continued, witl~ the 1940s Ueing dominated Uy "Pachuco" gnngs, who terror-
ized tourists and residents. Although social rclations improved after the 1950s,
Chihuahuita remauied an impoverished neighUorhood of one- and two-story
adobe and wood frame houses and tenements.
The area Uegan to receive attention From local prescrvationists in the
1970s, but did not Uecome a local historic district until 1991. Resiaents '
Uanded together to request designation as a means of galvanizing the neigh-
Uorhood against twv imminent thrcats of encroachment. First, the City of
El Paso's zoning ordinance called for M-1 or heavy industrial and ware-
house uses. Any new development in the neighUarhood would likely re-
duce housing opportunities aud increase the already growing warehouse
uses. Second, a proposed expansion of the Border Highway along the Rio
Grande called for an extension direcdy through the neighUorhood.
In an impassioned puUlic hearing, local xesidents sought designation to
give their neighUorhood a future and confirm its place in local hismry. The
designation was approvecl with some modifications by the Lanclmark Com-
inission and the City Commission. Today, the area is experiencing renewed
interest with the rehaUilitation of t~nements, some using the histaric reha-
bilitation tax creclits, and construction of new housing units. Soldiers from
nearUy Fort Bliss recently volunteered to paint mare thau a dozen houses.
These acts indicate a greater acceptance of the neighUorhood in EI Paso.
Residents serve as spokespersons for local historic districts, stating that the
history of the poor needs to Ue recognized and respected, and that local dis-
tricts can be beneficial in planning the future of neighUorhoods.
This case study was prepared Uy Dwnyne Jones, local government coordi-
nator, Texas Historical Commission, Austin, Tex.
~
promoted can be a community's
most important attraction. Stud-
;,~ ies by the U.S. Travel Data Cen-
ter in Washington, D.C. indicate
that tourism wiil be the world's
leading industry bq the year 2000
and that tourists' major goal is to
experience history and culture.
The retention of historic areas as
a way to attract tourist dollars
makes good economic sense.
6. The proteceion of local histoxic
districts can enhance business
xecruitment potential. Vibrant
commercial cores and attractive
neighboxhoods attract new busi-
ness and quality industry, Com-
panies continually xelocate to
communities which offer their
workers a higher quality of life
which is greatly enhanced Uy
successful local preservation pro-
grams and staUle historic districts.
7. Local districts provide social and
psychological benefits. The
comforc found in human-scale
'`~ environments, the desire to live
and work in attractive surround-
ings, the emotional stability
gained by maintaining a recog-
nizable and walkable neighbor-
hood, and the galvanizing effect
of community-Uased group ac-
tion are all direct results of most
local historic district ventures.
The district designation process
also allows citizens to take part
in deciding the future of their
communities. A sense of em-
powerment and confidence de-
velops when community
decisions are made through a
structured participatory process
rather than behind closed doors
or withaut puUlic comment.'
Case Study:
EC01102T11C BE11Ef1tS
A recent analysis performed Uy the Junior League of MoUile, Ala., shows
that property values in the Church Street East Historic District increased
by 582 percent in the 15-year period Uetween 1974 and 1989, By contrast,
general property values in Mobile increased by only 100 percent during the
same period. The Church Street East Historic District is an area where in-
tensive restoration and xehaUilitation have taken place. It is protected Uy a
preservation ordinance that requires that changes to Uuildings in the dis-
trict Ue approved Uy an architectural review board prior to oUtaining a build-
ing permit.
Junior League volunteers followed a methodology developed by the Wash-
ington•based Government Finance Research Center far tt~e National Trust
for Historic Preseroation'. Volunteers researched more than 170 histocic
buildings to generate the figures. Property values for 1975 in a 21-Ulock
area were taken from property tax assessment sheets. Comparable values
for calendar year 1989 were then generated Uy computer. The individual
property tax values ~vere totaled foc each year. The astounding results
were: 1975 property values for this neighUorhood totaled $1,679,083. The
same pazcels in 1989 totaled $9,770,745. The increase in values over this IS-
year period was 582 percent.
The rise in property values reflects uot only the neighborhood Uecoming a
more desiraUle place to live, but also the investment of capital into this
area. The economic benefits of this neighborhood's revitalization can be
measured in terms oE retum of propexty taxes to local government, sales tax
collected on the puxchase of constnxction materials, construction joUs cre-
ated Uy the rehabilitation activity, and creation of an attraction for Mobile's
expanding tourist economy. This survey conclusively illustrates that a
well-developed historic preservation program and the creation of a local his-
toric district is not only good for the cultural and social values of a city, it
also increases property values and Uenefits the local economy.
Prepared by the Junior League of [Vlobile, Inc. and Mark McDonnld, direc-
tor, Mobile Historic Development Commission.
~ Government Finance Research Center, "The Economic Benefits of Preserving
~Community Character," Washington, D.C.; National Txust for Historic Preserva-
tion, SeptemUer 1992.
~
How to Increase
Community Support
An easy way to launch a public
awareness campaign for creating a
historic district and establisliing a
local design review process is to fonn
a Uxoad-Uased task foxce ox study
committee, composed of individu-
als froin every walk of life. It is im-
perative that property owners from
the proposed district be involved
fram the Ueginning. Task force
members should Ue hard workers,
civic-minded, supportive, and will-
ing to learn. This tasle force should
Ue officially recognized Uy a resolu-
tion passed 6y the local governing
Uody to give it crediUility. It may Ue
helpful for an existing organization,
such as a historical society, down-
town developm.ent organization, or
neighUorhood association,to ap-
proaeh localleaders with the idea.
The eask force will then Uecome the
primary group to push for the cre-
ation of local distxicts and some
memUers may eventually Ue candi-
dates for appointment to the pxeser-
vation commission.
Begin e~rly to Uuild puUlic and po-
litical support. Education should
target a variety of groups through-
out lhe cotrununity. From political
leaders to schoolchildren, a wide
range of citizens will be Uoth af-
fected by and intexested in the pro-
cess of creating historic districts.
Some groups to target in this educa-
tional campaign would include:
• Elected ofEicials
• Municipal depaxYment heads
• Media
• Business community
• Developers
• Legal community
• Homeowners and neighUorhood
organizations
• Downtown and commercial
property owners
• Religious leadexs
• Realtors and xeal estate brokers
• Architects, landscape architects,
and designers
• Civic cluUs
• Educational leaders and school-
childxen
• Pxeservation coinmunity
Your creativity is the only limit in
developing educational tools. Com-
munities have had success in using
any comUination of the following:
• Town meetings, workshops, and
worle sessions
• Fact sheets and flyers
• Press releases
• Contests
• Festivals, tours, and special
events
• Booths and exhiUits
• Baziners ancl posters
• School curriculums
• Slide and video presentations
• Lecture series
• NeighUorhood coEfee ldatches
• How-to seminars
Many communities havc found a
comUination of educat'sonal tech-
niques to Ue most successful. Clear,
concise, and easy-to-understand ma-
terials are important to the success
of any effort. This approach to com-
munity educatian can Ue repeated
when a specific proposal is Uefore
the govexning body. The pxoponents
for adopting an ordinance, designat-
ing a district, or i~nplementing any
preseroation strategy MUST be pre-
pared to tcstify in large numUers to
support their cause. Always assume
that those who oppose the idea will
also be there in force. District pro-
ponents are more likely to reach
their goals and community consensus
when they are well versed in the
Uenefits of local districts and pre-
pared to counter possible opposition.
Community education is a collaUo-
rative effort. Just as preservation
planning cannot occur in the isola-
tion of one pxogxam or undex che
auspices of one agency, department,
or organization, neither can a
community's efforts to educate resi-
denEs and political leaders about a
local preseroation ordinance. The
collaboxation Uetween like-minded
individuals, civic groups, merchant
and neighUorhood associations, and
proEessional organizations makes
the task of community-wide puUlic
relations an easier one.
Often a local nonprofit preservation
organization or historical society is
the most logical gxoup to coordinate
the activities of district supporters.
The role played by the nonprofit as
the predominant district advocate is
a tremendously important one. The
nonprofit serves as the patient edu-
catar before the ordinance comes up
fos consideiation Uy elected officials.
The nonpxofit is the chief organizer
to loUby for the passage of preserva-
tion legislation which includes ar-
ranging for infonned and supportive
testimony at puUlic meetings and
hearings. The duties of the local
nonprofit do not stop with ordi-
nance adoption. Its proactive in-
volvement should be ongoing and
might include: conducting straw
polls, completing historic resource
surveys, developing district aware-
ness campaigns, and sponsoring
planning studies Uefore, during, and
after district designation occurs.
Many nonprofits extend their role
as the pTimary advocate for the "
commission and suggest names to
fill vacancies 1s terms expixe on the
cammission. They sometimes pro~
vide staff assistance, often serve as
mediator in disputes, and partici-
pate in commission training and
goal setting exercises.
Although essential to successful lo-
cal preservation efforts, collabora-
tion is not always the easiest thing
to sustain. Fierce turf Uattles can
develop between groups that share
similar goals. Shortsighted com-
mission members and local plan-
ners, as well as unproductive
nonprofit stafE or Uoard members,
can get caught up in miscommuni-
cation and needless disagreements.
This always hurts the crediUility of
local preservationists and can lead
to ehe ultimate demise of the entire
local preservation process.
~}r:.
~a:~
;~,
~
promoted can Ue a community's
most irnportant attxaction. Stud-
.~ ies by the U.S. Travel Data Cen-
ter in Washington, D.C. indicate
that tourism will be the world's
leading industry by the year 2000
and that tourists' major goal is to
experience history and culture.
The retention of historic areas as
a way to attract tourist dollars
makes good economic sense.
6. The protection of local historic
districts can enhance business
xecruitment potential. ViUrant
commercial cores and attractive
neighborhoods attract new busi-
ness and quality industry. Com-
panies continually relocate to
communities which offer their
workers a higher quality of life
which is greatly enhanced Uy
successful local preseroation pxo-
grams and staUle historic districts.
7. Local districts provide social and
psychological benefits. The
comfort found in human-scale
-'"`'': environments, the desire to live
°' and work in attractive surround-
ings, the emotional staUility
gained by maintaining a recog-
nizaUle and walkable neighbor-
hood, and the galvanizing effect
of community-Uased group ac-
tion are all direct results of most
local historic district ventures.
The district designation process
also allows citizens to take part
in deciding the future of their
communities. A sense of em-
powerment and confidence de-
velops when community
decisions are made through a
structured paxticipatory process
rather than Uehind closed doors
or without puUlic comment7
Case Study:
Economic Benefits
A recent analysis peiformed Uy the Junior League of MoUile, Ala., shows
that property values in the Church Street East Historic District increased
by 582 percent in the 15-year period between 1974 and 1989. By contrast,
general property values in MoUile increased by only 100 percent during the
same period. The Church Street East Historic District is an area where in-
tensive restoration and xehaUilitation have taken place. It is protected by a
preservation ordinance that requires that changes to buildings in the dis-
trict be approved Uy an architectural review Uoard prior to oUtaining a Uuild-
ing permit.
Junior League volunteers followed a methodology developed Uy the Wash-
ington-Uased Government Finance Research Center for the National Trust
for Historic Presernation'. Volunteers researched more than 170 historic
buildings to generate the figures. Property values for 1975 in a 21-Ulock
axea were taken fxom property tax assessment sheets. Comparable values
for calendar year 1989 were then generated by computer. The individual
property tax values were totaled for each year. The astounding results
were: 1975 property vahies for this neighUorhood totaled $1,679,083. The
same parcels in 1989 totaled $9,770,745. The increase in values over this 15-
year period was 582 percent.
The rise in property values reflects not only the neighUorhood becoming a
mare desiraUle place to live, but also the investment of capital into this
axea. The economic benefits of this neighUorhood's revitalization can be
measured in terms of return of properry taxes to local government, sales tax
collected on the purchase of construction materials, constniction joUs cre-
ated Uy the rehaUilitation activity, and creation of an attraction for MoUile's
expanding tourist economy. This survey conclusively illustrates that a
well-developed historic preservation program and the creation of a local his-
toric district is not only good Eor the cultural and social values of a city, it
also increases property values and Uenefits the local economy.
Prepared by the Junior League of Mobile, Inc. and Mar]< McDonald, direc-
tor, Mobile Historic Develo~ment Commission.
~ Government Finance Reseaxch Center, "The Economic Benefits of Pxeserving
Community Character," Washington, D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preserva-
tion, SeptemUer 1992.
~
The need for propexty owner and
resident awareness does not and
once the historic designation occurs.
The most effective cammunity
education programs are continuous.
In Eact, it is especially important to
make sure that purchasers of prop-
erty in a historic district after it is
designated know that their property
is subject to restrictions. Recogniz-
DO YOU THINK THAT BRUNSWICK
NEEDS A HISTORIC PRESERVATiON
ORDINANCE?
• working with reaItors to inform
and educace the real estate com-
inunity about historic properties
and what historic district status
means;
• inciudiug historic district status
in real estate multiple listings;
Learn about and express your views on the
proposed preservation ordinance at the public
meetings conducted by Mayor A.C. Knight.
AUGUST 1-- Glynn County Middle
School, 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 21 " Risley Center Middle
School, 7:30 p.m.
$EPTEMBER 5 -- Burroughs-Mollette
School, 7:30 p.m.
ing this, the Baltimore City Commis-
sion Eor Historical and Architectural
Preservation ~CHAP) conducted a
nationwide survey oE selected com-
munities with preservation com-
missions in 1992 to deterxnine what
inethods are being used by other lo-
cal preservation commissions to en-
hance property owner awareness of
the meaning of historic designation.
Survey responsesindicated numer-
ous methodsincluding:
• sending annual notices ~list of ad~
dxesses and maps~ to title compa-
nies, real escate agencies, and
xelevant public agencies to advise
of all designated addresses~
• mliling notice of historic district
designation and commission in-
formation witli annual tax Uill,
w~ter Uill or new ~vater account
Uill;
mailing annual commission
newsletter to all historic neigh-
borhood associations notifying/
reminding owners of recoxd ~and
tenants if possible~ of historic dis-
trict designation, guidelines, and
pexmit requirements ~through use
of tax records data base~;
-~.
~;IT.~ t~~ . ~~: JE~ _
.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available
at City Hall and also at the meetings.
REMEMBER
Your op9nion counts!
Town meetings can help educate local residents abo~t the designation
process.
forming neighUorhooct associa-
tion "welcome committees" to
distriUute cominission guidelines
to new homeowners; and
• implementing city award pro-
gram for owners who have done
significant work on their property.
0
Case Study: Understanding
With a Little Help From Yottr Friends... Historic Districts
Preservationists can Ue more than a vocal constituency. The shrewd land-
marks commission realizes that preservationists may Ue its strongest and
only organized supporters. Preservation in New York is often a hard sell, es-
pecially against the Uig guns of the developers. Working with preservation
groups-either organized nonprofits or grass-xoots community organiza-
tious-is often the only way to countex these powerful antagonists.
For some time, a group of ieligious nonpxofits tried to get exempted from
New Yorlc Ciry's landmaxks law. Stating economic hardship, the religious
groups hired loUbyists and lawyers to argue their case and brought dozens of
priests, ministers and raUUis ~almost all, ironically, representing non-
landmarlced UuildingsJ to testify. The issue was pitched on a politically at-
tractive emotional level. The city administxation was under consideral~le
pressure to accept legislation that would efEectively exempt nonprofits from
the law.
The preservation community rallied to the support of the landmarks com-
mission. They Urought their own ministers, priests and rabbis to testify (all
from landmarlced buildings~. They got preservation-minded constituencs and
neighUorhood groups to visit city council members, reminding the politi-
cians that their position on this issue would matter on election clay. They
deUated their side of the argument on radio shows and in the letters column
of the press. None of this could have been done Uy a city agency. The preser-
vation community and the landmarks commission won! The legislation
that was passed met the requirements of the charter change without eviscera[-
ing the landmarks law.
Sometimes preservation Unttles are lost. The Dvorak House, where Antonin
Dvorak lived and wrote the NewWorld Symphony was recently destroyed
following a hard preservation Uattle. Despite a well-funded campaign Uy a
major New York hospital and the fact that this was an emotional issue over
constructing an AIDS faciliry on the site, over a third of the ciry council voted
to con(ixm the landmark status of the building. Without the activities of pres-
ervation groups, Czech associations, and music societies, including two ar-
chestras, the vote would not even have Ueen close.
The trick is for Uoth sides-the commission and the preservation group-to
realize they will occasionally disagree. The commission cannot ask the
preservationists to abandon theix prodding oE the commission. The preserva-
tionists must rememUer, on the other hand, that a landmarks commission
has to function within an administrative bureaucracy and tight Uudgets and
is not always the master of its own fate. But, iE communications are kept
open in the areas of mutual agreement, the preservationists, like any other in-
terast group in today's politics, can Uring consideraUle pressure to bear on
the political process.
Prepared by Eric Allison, president of the Historic Districts Council in New
York.
~
Much confusion, misinformation,
and suspicion surrounds the issue af
creating local historic districts and
designating local landmarks. Even
the terminology is misleading and
ambi~ious at times. The apprehen-
sion oE typical property owners is
understandaUle. Their questions
and concerns stem from having
only a vague awareness of commu-
nity enhancement programs and
historic preservation. Most Ameri-
cans do not understand the specifics
oE municipally based clesign review
and historic resource protection
strategies and may have difficulty dis-
anguishing lacal preservation
endeavors from state or national
programs.
The lverage citizen might wonder
why a particular area should become
a local l~istoric district in addition
to Ueing listed in the National Reg-
ister of I-Iistoric Places or in a state
register of historic places. A his-
toric district can be a local distxict,
a National Register district, a state-
designated clistrict or all three. Each
type of designation is a useful pres-
ervntion tool and, while they are
different, they share some common
characteristics. Since every state
does not have a state register and
since there is great variety ainong
those that do, this Uooklet will ad-
dress the differences Uetween local
and National Register districts only.
A National Register district is any
area of a community that has Ueen
determined to Ue of historic signifi-
cance Uased on criteria estaUlished
Uy the U.S. Department of the Inte-
rior (see Appendix A~. The National
Register is a federal designation sig-
nifying that a Uuilding or site has
historic or archeological signifi-
cance to the nation. Such designa-
tion does not trigger any restrictions
on private property owners. It may,
however, call upon federal agencies
~~
~
The need for property owner and
resident awareness does not end
once the historic designation occurs.
The most effective community
education programs are continuous.
In fact, it is especially important to
make sure that purchasers of prop-
erty in a historic district after it is
designated lrnow that their pxoperty
is subject to restrictions, Recogniz-
DO YOU THINK THAT BRUN3WICK
NEEDS A HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ORDINANCE?
ing this, the Baltimore Ciry Commis-
sion for Historical and Architectural
Preservation ~CHAP) conducted a
nationwide survey of selected com-
munities with preservation com-
missions in 1992 to determine what
methods are Ueing used by other lo-
cal preservation commissions to en.
hance property owner awareness of
the meaning of historic designation.
Survey responses indicated numer-
ous methods inchiding:
• working with realtors to inform
and educate the xeal estate com-
inunity aUout historic properties
and what historic district status
means;
• including historic district status
in real estate mttltiple listings;
.;.~
~;~ =h
: r,
Learn about and express your views on the
proposed preservation ordinance at the public
meetings conducted by Mayor A.C. Knight.
AUGUST 1" Glynn County Middle
School, 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 21 -- Risley Center Middle
School, 7:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 5 -- Burroughs-Mollette
School, 7:30 p.m.
_~.
~~,'I-- ~ I~I ~ ~ ~Hbk ~ l~L ~~
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available
at City Hall and also at the meetings.
REMEMBER
Your opinion counts 1
;; * Town meedngs can help educate local residents about the designation
process.
• sending annual notices (list of ad-
dresses and maps~ to citle compa-
nies, real estate agencies, and
relevant public agencies to advise
of all designated addresses;
• mailing notice of historic district
deaignation and commission in-
formation witti annual tax bill,
water bill or new water account
Uill;
• mailing annual commission
newsletter to all histoxic neigh-
Uorhood associations notifying/
reminding owners of record ~and
tenants if possiUle) of historic dis-
txict designation, guidelines, and
permit requirements ~through use
of tax records data Uase~;
• forming neighUorhood associa-
tion "welcome committees" to
distriUute commission guidelines
to new homeowners; and
• implementing city award pro-
gram for owners who have done
significant work on their property.
~
; ~%~
:*.~
'w:i%
to consider the impact of their ac-
tivities on historic sites Uefore pro-
ceeding with federally funded or
licensed projects. Preservation in-
centives, such as historic rehabilita-
tion tax credits, are also available to
qualifying buildings in National
Register districts. The major func-
tion of a National Register district,
however, is simply to recogiize the
historic significance of the re-
sources within it and to use this in-
formation as a planning tool.
A local district is similar to a National
Register district in many ways. The
two can Ue used independently or co-
operatively to protect a community's
resources. Like the National Regster
district, rhe local district identifies
historically and architecturally signifi-
cant Uuildings, Uut this recognition
can be Uased on locally developed,
rather thau national, criteria and
policies. Local significance, attitudes
and contemporary events will affect
what a cominunity views as impox-
tant. Because properties less than
50 years old axe generally not eligUle
Far. Naeional Register listing, the
National Register may not seroe as
a good measure for identifying and
evaluating more recent character-
deEining development in a commu-
nity. It is, therefore, possiUle to
include in a local district resources
such as cemeteries, religious insti-
tutions, moved Uuildings, and prop-
erties less than 50 years old, which
ordinarily are not considered Na-
tional Registex-eligiUle.
The primary strength of local desig-
nation is that it is tailored to specific
community needs and provides
greater protection for local resources.
The preservation commission oc
other local government Uody,
through the design review process,
has the means to assure that pro-
posed major changes are sympathetic
to the character of the district. Be-
cause National Register listing does
not provide for a design review pxo-
cess, properties listed only in the
National Register can Ue readily
and easily altered or demolished by
anyone not using federal funds.
National Register and local designa-
tions can worlc together. For example,
an existing National Register dis-
trict can serve as the Uasis for desig-
nating a local district, perhaps with
boundary lines altered as research,
community needs, and local politics
dictate. The National Register pro-
gram is also a crecliUle way to identify
a community's histaric resources
while local district designation can
further protect and enhance them.
Thus, what the National Register
helps to identify, the local district
helps to protect.
Necause the listing process is often
less involved, less Uureaucratic, and
less time consuming for a publicly
supported local district than for a
National Register district, local des-
ignation may precede National Reg-
ister activity. An existing local
district can provide the Uasis for a
subsequent National Register nomi-
nation. The order in which a com-
munity pursues designation and
whether dual designation is useful
varies according to local circum-
stances. Uifferences in research re-
quixed, property owner consent,
SHPO and National Park Service
concurrence, and costs will all play
a xole in deterinining what types of
designation are appropriate.
How aYe District
Boundary Lines
Established?
Preservationists, planners, design
professionals, elected officials, and
neighUorhood advocatesarefaced
with the challenge of setting Uound-
aries for a wide range of historic dis-
tricts. Hundreds of questions arise
when districts are proposed. Which
buildings should Ue included?
Should vacant lots Ue excluded?
What about contemporary.intru-
sions? Should a Uuffer zone sur-
round the district? Should National
Register boundaries and local zon-
ing or planning Uoundaries differ?
What will happen to the properties
in a district after designation?
The proUlems are oUvious. Solving
them can become a community
nightmare, but this does not have to
be the case. There is a logical pro-
cess for determining the edges of
historic districts.
The visual and environmental char-
acter of any area, especi~lly historic
districr.s, comes hom the relationship
between natural and man-made fea-
tures. That relationship is vital to
understanding why one area is dif-
ferent, perhaps even Uetter, than an-
other. The individualized design of
buildings and landscapes, the settle-
ment patterns of communities, the
comfort of human-scale neighbor-
hoods with tree-lined streets, and
the physical connection to the past
all contriUute to a vibrant, harmoni-
ous relationship in most histoxic
distxicts.
A historic resources survey-the
process of identifying and gathering
data on a community's historic re-
sources-must Ue conducted prior
to successful district designation.
The historic resources survey will
define the.community's historic
character and will produce a woxking
inventory of sites and structures
used to make judgments aUout where,
what size, and how many historic
district designations should Ue made.
An ongoing process, the survey is
the Uasis for community education
and puUlic awareness campaigns
about local historic resources.
Russell Wright's A Guide to Delin-
eating Edges of Historie Districts
stresses the importance of prelimi-
nary work, such as a comprehensive
historic resources survey, to identify
and document current conditions:
It offers a series of six "edge factors"
to consider when estaUlishing
boundaries:
~
l. Histoxical Factors
• Soundaries of an original
settlement or early planned
community
. Concentration of early buildings
and sites
2. Visual Factors
• Determinations ox infhiences
of an archicectural survey
• Ghanges in the visual character
of an area
• Topogcaphical considerations
• Gateways, entxances, andvistas
to and from a district
3. Physical Factors
• Railr~ads, expressways, and
majot highways
• Major urUan spaces
• Itivers, marshlands, and other
naturalfeatures
• Major changes in land use
• Walls, embankments, fence lines
• Limits of a settled axea
4. Surveyed lines and lines of com
venience
• Legally estabiished boundar!7
lines
• Stxeets and odiec local rights-
of-way
• Property lines
• Unifoxm setUack lines
• Other lines of convenience
5. Polltical considecaeions
• Opinions of government oEfi-
cials, institutions, private citi-
zens, and pxopexty owners
6. Socioeconoinic factors
• Ability a£ xesidents to pay for
improvements
Desire to eonform to disrxict
regulations
Affordability of zemaining in
area after designation
This list is a sample of the miny
Eactors that influence decisions re-
garding district boundaries. In
many cities puUlic meetings and
pxe-designation worlcshops are held
to discuss boundary proposals with
residents, propexty ownezs, and
preservationists. Some communi-
ties utilize planning st~ff, consult-
ants, or cc~miniesion memUers to
conduct these woTkshops. After
gathexing commLinity sentiment,
reviewuig designation cxiteria, ana-
lyzing all the "edge factors," and
considering other community de-
velopment and planning goals, an
informed recominendation segaxd-
ing district boundaries can be made.
What are the
Components of a
Landmarle Ordinance?
The preservation ordinance and xe-
view commission are key elements
of mimicipal preservation programs.
They are the foundations of iocal
govesnment preservation policy and
represent the willingness af a com-
munity to recognize, invest in, and
pxotect its historic resources. The
preservation oxdinance is nothing
more than local legislation enacted
to protect Uuildings and neighUor-
hoodsfxom destruction oxinsensi-
tive rehaUilitation.
Due to vaxiations among state en-
abling legislation that a4fects local
xegulatory statutes and 60 yeaYs of
evolution of state und federal legis-
lative and judicial action regaxding
historic designitions and aesthetic
contmis, great variety exists among
local pxeservation pxograms. Desig-
nation criteria and ordinance pxovi-
sions are ofcen borrowed from
community to commu~iity, and
they evolve and, hopefully improve
as they move from town to town.
Th~re4oxe, pxovisions aifEer and are
soinetimes hard to compxehend and
even harder to cornpare.
Each preservatian ordinance should
Ue imique. Eacli one should Ue
written to meet the speciEic needs
oI a paxticular community. There
ate, however, some Uasic compo-
nents that almost a11 pxeservation
ordinances have in wmmon A
The local pxeservation ordinance is
a type of land-use law. The powex
oE iocal government to xegulate pri-
vate pxupexty thxough land-use laws
is referred to as °police power° and
is eesen~ed to the states by the
United States Constitution. Since
preservation oxdinances axe an ex-
pressi~n of the police power govem
ing land use, they should strive to
comply with tl~e foux cardinal xules
oE land-use law:
1. An ordinance must pxomote a
valid puUlic purpose. That is, it
must somehow advance the puU-
lic health, safety, or genexal wel-
fare.
2. An ordinance must honox a
citizen's constitutional right xo
"due process" undex the law. In
other words, fair heaxings and no-
tice to properry awners must be.
provided and rational procedures
must Ue followed in the adminis-
tration of an ordinance.
3. An ordinance must not Ue so xe-
strictive as to depxive a property
ownex of all reasonable economic
use of his propexty.
4, An oxdinance must comply with
all relevant state laws 9
~
~111
Botmdnries for the Madison
Historic District in Madison, Gct.
`` ~
~:~'
to consider the impact of their ac-
tivities on historic sites before pro-
ceeding with federally funded or
licensed projects. Preservation in-
centives, such as historic rehabilita-
tion tax credits, are also availaUle to
qualifying Uuildings in National
Register districts. The major func-
tion of a National Register district,
however, is simply to recognize the
historic significance of the re-
sources within it and to use this in-
formation as a planning tool.
A local district is similar to a National
Register district in many ways. The
two can Ue used independently ox co-
operatively to protect a community's
resources. Like the National Register
district, the local district identifies
historically and arc}vtecturally sigufi-
cant buildings, but this recognition
can Ue Uased on locally developed,
rather than national, criteria and
policies. Local significance, atcitudes
and contemporary events will affect
what a community views as impor-
tant. Because properties less than
SO years old are generally not eligible
for National Registee listing, the
National Register may not serve as
a good measure for identifying and
evaluating more recent character-
defining development in a commu-
nity. It is, therefore, possiUle to
include in a local district resources
such as cemeteries, religious insti-
tutions, moved buildings, and prop-
erties less than 50 years old, which
ordinarily are not considered Na-
tional Register-eligible.
The priinary strength of local desig-
nation is that it is tailored to speciEic
community needs and pxovides
greater protection for local resources.
The preservation commission or
other local government Uody,
through the design review process,
has the means to assure that pro-
posed majox changes aze sympathetic
to the character oF the district. Be-
cause National Register listing does
not provide for a desigi review pro-
cess, properties listed only in the
National Register can be readily
and easily altered or demolished by
anyone not using federal funds.
National Register and local designa-
tions can woxk together. For example,
an existing National Register dis-
trict can serve as the basis for desig-
nating a local district, perhaps with
Uoundary lines altered as research,
community needs, and local poliYics
dictate. The National Register pro-
gram is also a crecliUle way to identify
a community's historic resources
while local distxict designation can
further protect and enhance them.
Thus, what the National Register
helps to identify, the local district
helps to protect.
Because the listing process is often
less involved, less bureaucratic, and
less time consuming for a puUlicly
supported local district than for a
National Register district, local des-
ignation may precede National Reg-
istex activity. An existing local
district can provide the basis for a
suUsequent National Register nomi-
nation. The order in which a com-
munity pursues designation and
whether dual designation is useful
varies according to local circum-
stances. Differences in research re-
quired, property awner consent,
SHPO and National Park Service
concurrence, and costs will all play
a role in deterinining what types of
designation are appropriate.
How are District
Boundary Lines
Establ.ished?
Preservationists, planners, design
professionals, elected officials, and
neighUorhood advocatesarefaced
with the challenge of setting Uound-
aries for a wide range of historic dis-
tricts. Hundxeds of questions arise
when districts are proposed. Which
Uuildings should be included?
Should vacant lots be excluded?
What about contemporary intru-
sions? Should a Uuffer zone sur-
round the district? Should National
Register Uoundaries and local zon-
in$ or plam~ing Uoundaries differ?
What will happen to the properties
in a district after designation?
The proUleins are oUvious. Solving
them can become a community
nightruare, but this does not have to
Ue the case. There is a logical pro-
cess for determining the edges of
historic districts.
The visual and environmental char-
acter of any area, especially historic
discricts, comes from the relationship
between natural and man-made fea-
tures. That relationship is vital to
understanding why one area is dif-
ferent, perhaps even Uetter, than an-
other. The individualized design of
buildings and landscapes, the settle-
ment pattems of communities, the
comfort of human-scale neighUor-
hoods with tree-lined streets, and
the physical connection to the past
all contribute to a vibrant, harmoni-
ous relationship in most histoiic
districts.
A historic resources survey-the
process of identifying and gathering
data on a community's historic re-
sources-must Ue conducted prior
to successful district designation.
The historic resources survey will
define the community's historic
character and will produce a working
inventory of sites and structures
used to make jucigments aUout where,
what size, and how many historic
district designations should Ue made.
An ongoing process, the survey is
the Uasis for community education
and puUlic awareness campaigns
aUout local historic resources.
Russell Wright's A Guide to Delin-
eating Edges of Historic Dzstricts
stresses the importance of prelimi-
nary work, such as a comprehensive
historic resources survey, to identify
and document current conditions.
It ofEers a series of six "edge factors"
to consider when establishing
Uoundaries:
~
~
,c~
If a local ordinance violates any of
these rules, it could be challenged in
court. In the case of Caemel, N.Y., a
trial court invalidated the town's
historic preservation ordinanca. In
1988, the court held that the town's
failure to provide adequate notice of
a puUlic hearing prior to the adop-
tion of the ardinance created a juris-
dictional defect and, eherefore, the
ordinance was invalid. The Town
Law governing the enactment of or-
dinances requires that a ten-day no-
tice bf public hearing be provided,
The notice for the puUlic hearing on
the preservation ordinance was
given only seven days Uefore the or-
dinance was adopted.
When an ordinance to designate dis-
tricts and/or individual landmarks
is pass~d, it sigiifies that affected
property owners are suUject to one
additional layer of regulation, over
and above thc existing zoning and
land-use ordinances governing that
property. These ordinances are of-
ten called "overlay zoning" Uecause
they are laid atop the underlying or
"Unse zoning" regulations. They
generally require praperty owners to
obtain a permit, called a°certificate
of appropriateness," Uefore a Uuild-
ing is demolished, moved, or its ex-
terior altered in ways that would
affect its character and the character
of the district, and before new con-
struction may occur. The commis-
sion or review board issues the
permit, which is the go•ahead for
other municipal boards and agencies
to Uegin their pexmit approval pro-
cess. An appeals procedure is avail-
aUle to property owners or other
citizens who are dissatisfied with
the commission's decision.
Preservation ordinances provide a
constitutional way for local govern-
ments to protect special aspects of
their communities. The basic consti-
tutionality of preservation ordinances
was upheld in the 1978 Supreme
Court decision affecting Grand Cen-
tral terminal in New York City. In
its ruling on Penn Central Transpor-
tation Company v. City of New
Case Study: Citizen Involvement
In Athens, Ga., the preservation cotnmission was estaUlished by ordinance
iu 1986. Athens' designation process is governed by the provisions of the
Georgia Historic Preservation Act, the state enaUling legislation for creating
local districts. As a mattex of local policy, the city planners and the preser-
vation commission give consideraUle weight to owner and occupant support
for local district nominations.
The I~oulevaxd District, a mixed-income, tum-of-tlie-century residential dis-
trict, is a good example of how Athens Ualanced citizen input conceming
district Uoundaries with historic significance and architectural merit. The
neigh6orhood association, in cooperation with local planning staff, the state
historic presen ation office, and
memUers of the preservation com-
mission, sponsored community
meetings at a public school in the
district to explain ehe nature of his-
toric designation and to begin the O OO
pxocess of influencing puUlic senti-
ment. The historic and architectural
significance of the area was ex-
plained, maps of proposed Uound- I
aries presented, and the Uenefits and
responsiUilities of designation dis-
cussed. The meeting confirmed that
there was strong support for the dis-
trict and, as required by ordinance,
the historic preservation commis- I
sion scheduled and mailed notices of
a public hearing to both owners and
occupants of pxoperty in the area. r., ({ ~~„~, ~ ,~
A questionnaixe was included with I I I
these notices to further assess the
sentiment of those who might have
Ueen unable to attend the puUlic
hearings. The findings of the questionnaire were not Uinding on the preser-
vation commission or elected officials.
As a result of the public participation and community education compo-
nents of the local designation process, the preservation commission decided to
redraw the Uoundaries of their first district proposal. Some property owners
wanced to be excluded from tiie Boulevard District. They felt that their part
of the neighborhood should Ue desigttated separately and at a later date due
to a visual and geographic separation hom the main Uody of tha proposed dis-
trict. Additionally, the axea xequesting exclusion includad a larger percentage
of renters on fixed incomes. The commission agreed somewhat reluctantly
and made its final proposal to city council excluding the portion under dis-
pute. The district was designated as recommended.
The commission's responsiveness to local sentiment and encouragement oE
owners and residents to Ue part of the process resulted in a sense of owner-
ship and responsiUility among the district residents. The residents have
emerged as district watchdogs so that the sole responsiUility for monitoring
the district does not lie with the commission members or city staff.
Prepared by Jr~lie Morgan, preservation planner with Athens/Clarke County.
m
Xork f438 U.S. 104J, the court indi-
cated that historic preseroation is a
valid public purpose and that the
New Yorlc tandmarks preservation
ordinance had not "talcen" private
property in violation oE the ConsEZ-
tncion because the ordinance's re-
strictions laft Penn Central with a
"xeasouaUle heneficial use" of its
landmark property.
Because of the legal nature of local
preservation ordiriances, it is impera-
~ive that community groups consult,
with leg~l staff when drafting an or-
dinance. The city staff attorney and
loc~il attomeys interested in preserva-
tion, as yye71 as nahional organizations
provicling preservation lega( zsgis-
tance, ~e good sourees of assistance,
Kaw does the Design
~eview Process Work?
Jhile local districes and the reasons
ir creating theui vary, districts are
:nerally based on the adoption of
i ordinance and the creation of a
sign review board called a preser-
tion commissi~n. Commissions
ve a range of poti,er or authority.
~ompulsorq or mandarory design
iew pto~ram is the most com-
n method used to reguiate loca]
oric discricts, Property owners
required to follow established
gn review procedures, just as
~ are required to eonform to
lillg and fire codes and other
iations.
nmission's authority can be
advisory in nature, whereby
ions simply serve as guidance
~perty owners, planning com-
~ns, town councils, ox county
iissioners.
local preseroation review and
tion strategies are incentive-
. These programs operate in
~t and stick" fashion and are
precursor to implementing a
,uanaatozy review program. Gener-
ally, ~ properpy owner is afforded a
special service, such as #ree techni-
cal advice or design assistance, in
retuxn for adherence to certain stan-
dards, guidelines, and/orrestric-
tions. Most oFten, incantive•related
design review is assaciated with
downtown revitalization programs.
Ma~1y local Main Street programs,
for exarnple, offer low-interest loatis
or matching grants-in-aid to down-
town businesses to help finance
building facade improvements. The
Property owner is required to follow
eseai~lisheci design guidelines and
submit plans and drawings to a de-
sign review committee and/or loan
approval board before work begills.
Many communities have a com.
biued approach and have added a
number of incentives to the more
tYPi~a1 cnmpulsory ox mandatory
design review to strengthen their
municipal preservation programs,
Community platmers have discov-
ered that reguiations and restric~ive
ordinances are more palatable if
they "sweeten ehe pie" by linking
strong incantives to a regulatory
process. Among the incenfive pro-
b~rauis offered by local govermnents
are tax inceneives, direc2 financTal
assistance, zoning incentives, regu-
laeory relief from 6uilding codes or
parlcing requirements, and a variety
of technical assistance pxogrlms.
T~e preservation commission's de-
cisions and activities muse be
baclced up by the local goveming
body and municipal staff to be effec-
tive. Enforcement of commission
decisions and penalties or fines Eor
non-corripliance with the provisions
oE the ordinance make the
commission's voice carry tlte full
weight of tacal law. Ttzis kind of
municipal support is a critical part
of the commission's public man-
date and muse be earefully nureured
and maintainad.
'~;
~
'~,
~+ry'
If a local ordinance violates any of
these rulcs, it could Ue challenged in
court. In the case of Carmel, N.Y., a
trial couxt invalidated the town's
historic preservation ordinance. In
1988, the court held that the town's
failure to provide adequate notice of
a public hearing prior to the adop-
tion of the ordinance created a juris-
dictional defect and, therefore, the
ordinance was invalid. The Town
Law governing the enactment of or-
dinances requires that a ten-day no-
tice bf public hearing Ue provided.
The notice for the puUlic hearing on
the preservation ordinance was
given only seven days Uefore the or-
dinance was adopted.
When an ordinance to designate dis-
tricts and/or individual landmarks
is passed, it signifies that affected
property owners are subject to one
additional layer of regulation, over
and above the existing zoning and
land-use ordinances governing that
property. These ordinances are of-
ten called "oveday zoning" Uecause
they are laid atop the underlying or
"Uase zoning" regulations. They
generally require property owners to
obtain a permit, called a"certificate
oE appropriateness," Uefore a Uuild-
ing is demolished, moved, or its ex-
terior altered in ways that would
affect its character and the character
of the district, and Uefore new con-
struction may occur. The commis-
sion ar Teview Uoard issues the
permit, which is the go-ahead far
other municipal boazcls and agencies
to Uegin their permit approval pro-
cess. An appeals procedure is avail-
aUle to property owners or other
citizens who are dissatisfied with
the commission's decision.
Preservation ordinances provide a
constitutional way for local govern-
inents to protect special aspects of
their communities. The Uasic consti-
tutionality of preservation ord'uiances
was upheld in Che 1978 Supxeme
Court decision affecting Grand Cen-
tral terminal in New York City. In
its ruling on Penn Central Transpor-
tation Company v, City of New
Case Study: Citizen Involvement
In Athens, Ga., the preservation commission was estaUlished by ardinance
in 1986. Atheus' desi~iation process is governed by the provisions of the
Georgia Historic Preservation Act, the state enaUling legislation for creating
local districts. As a matter of local policy, the city planners and the preser-
vation commission give consideraUle weight to owner and occupant support
for local district nominations.
The Boulevard Distxict, a mixed-income, tum-of-the-centuty residential dis-
trict, is a good example of how Athens Ualanced citizen input conceming
district Uoundaries with historic significance and axchitectural merit. The
neighUorhood association, in cooperation with local planning staff, the state
historic preservation office, and
members of the preservation com-
mission, sponsored community
meetings at a puUlic school in the
district to explain the nature oE his-
toric designation and to begin the O O
process of influencing puUlic senti-
ment. T'he historic and architectural
significance of the area was ex-
plained, maps of proposed Uound- ~
axies presented, and the benefits and
responsibilicies of designation dis-
cussed. The meeting conEirmed that
there was strong support for the dis-
trict and, as required Uy ordinance,
the historic preservation commis-
sion scheduled and mailed notices of
a puUlic hearing to Uoth owners and
occupants of property in the area. ~~ ^ \~~, ~
A questionnaire was included with I
these notices to further assess the
sentiment of those who inight have
been unaUle to attend the puUlic
hearings. The findings of the qucstionnaire were not Uinding on the preser-
vation commission or elected officials.
As a result of the public participation and community education compo-
nents of the local designation process, the preservation commission decided t~
xedraw the Uowidaries of their first district proposal. Some property owners
wanted to be excluded from the Boulevard District. They felt that their part
oE the neighUorhood should Ue designated separately and at a later date due
to a visual and geographic separation from the main body of the proposed dis-
trict. Additionally, the area requesting exclusion included a larger percentage
of renters on fixed incomes. The commission agreed somewhat reluctantly
and made its final proposal to city council excluding the portion under dis-
pute. The district was designated as recommended.
The commission's responsiveness to local sentiment and encouragement of
owners and residents to Ue part of the process xesulted in a sense of owner-
ship and responsiUility among the district residents. The residents have
emerged as district watchdogs so that the sole responsiUility for monitoring
the district dces not lie with the commission members or city staff.
Prepared by Julie Morgan, preservation planner with Athens/Clarke Couniy.
m
Local Innovations
~ More than 60 years have passed since
the enactment of the 1931 Charleston
statute. Communities are imple-
menting revisions and innovations
to the traditional preservation ordi-
nance, local historic district, and
design review l~oard. These changes
are inevitable and shottld be wel-
comed by preservationists.
Consetvation Districts
One of the most tallced aUout exten-
sions of the traditional local historic
district program is the conservation
district. Cities such as Raleigh,
N.C.; Omaha, Neb.; Porfland, Ore.;
Camliridge and Roston, Mass.; Dal-
las, Tex. and Nashville, Tenn. have
all supplemented their preseivation
programs with conservati.on dis-
tricts. While great variety exists
among these programs and they can
Ue applied to coinmercial, residen-
tial, industrial, or iural districts,
~y`~~ most conservation districts share
c;;y,~' similar goals:
1. to maintain the buildings and
character of an area that may not
fully meet the criteria for a local
historic distxice;
2. to provide guidance for mainte-
nance and alterations that allows
more design flexiUility than a lo-
cal historic district;
to reduce the number of applica-
tions that come beEore a com-
mission Uy delegating some
approval authority to staff ~this is
especially impoxtant in districts
that contain a large numUer re-
sources that have similar charac-
teristics, such as bungalow
neighUorhoods or row houses~;
and
4. to retain a source of affordable
housing in low- to moderate-in-
i~ come areas.
Case Study.• Incentive Programs
In 1989, Roanoke, Va., created a Historic Buildings RehaUilitation Loan
Program. Local Uanlcs provide rehaUilitation loans of up to $100,000 per
project. The interest rate is set at two percent below prime and the loan
term at seven yeaxs. The pxogram is limited to historic Uuildings in
Roanoke's downtown historic district or Uuildings in the district that are
determined tn contriUute to its character. In addition, the Ciry of Roanoke
offers facade improvement matching grants of up to $5,000 and provides free
architectural design assistance to property owners in local histaric districts.
To qualify for these grants, a person must rehabilitate a detexiorated Uuild-
ing and provide joU opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.
This program is funded through Community Development Block Grant
funds availaUle from the U.S. Department of Housing and UrUan Develop-
ment.
In Lansing, Mich., the following language in the preservation ordinance
serves as an incentive for compatiUle infill development in local historic
districts: "Due to particular conditions of design and construction in his-
toric neighUorhoods where struchires are often Uuilt close to lot lines, and
since it is in the puUlic interest to retain a neighUorhood's historic appear-
ance Uy making variances to normal yarcl xequirements where it is cleemed
that such variances will not adversely affect neighUorhood properties, the
Historic District Commission may recommend to the Board of Zoning Ap-
peals that a variance to standard yaxd requirements Ue made."
In Miami, Fla., zoning, parlcing, and Uuilding code requixements axe ex-
tremely flexiUle when applied to historic structures. Undez the Miami his-
toric overlay zone ordinance, the city may approve conditional uses, i.e.,
professional oEfices, tourist and guest hoines, museums, private clubs and
lodges, in order to make die preservation of historic structures more eco-
nomically feasible. Miami also permits waivers of minimum lot size, floor
area, open space, height, UuIlding spacing, and footprait requirements to en-
courage historic preservation: Where the size or coi~figuration of a historic dis-
trict is such that compliance with off-street parking requirements would
destroy the area's historic character, the city may authorize a reduction of up
to one-third of the number of parlcing spaces that would othercvise be re-
quired,
In Seattle, Wash., the preservation ordinance authorizes an entire package
of incentives containing "tax relief, conditional use permits, rezoning, street
vacation [or closings), planned unit development, transfer of development
rights, facade easements, named gifts, preferential leasing policies, private
or public grants-in-aid, beneficial placement of public improvements, or
amenities, or the like."'
' Constance E. Beaumont, °Local Incentives for Historic Pxeservation,"
Washington, D.C.: Center for Preservation Policy Studies, National Trust
for Historic Preservation, 1991 and Richard C. Collins, Elizabeth B. Waters,
and A. Bruce Dotson, America's Downtowns: Growth, Politics and Preser-
vation, Washingmn: The Preservation Press, 1991.
~
Specific architectural and urUan dc-
sign standards and guidelines are a
very important part of most conscr-
vation district programs. Some
wmmLmities also choose to extend
local preservation incenuves to Uoth
histaric and conservation districts.1°
Euvironment~l and Landscape
Protection
Many local governments have
enacted laws to protect the land
scape of their historic districts.
Very stringent sCreetscape provi-
sions axe added to design guidelines
and preservation ordinances or may
Ue a separate and specific ordinance
governing histoTic plant matexial
retention, tree replacement, and
landscape improvemenes.
In Ailcen, S.C. for example, historic
district design guidelines were writ-
ten to emphasize landscape design,
streetscape considerations, the
parlcway sysEem, plant materials,
and town form. A community
whose °Winter Colony" Uegan at-
tracting America's wealthy ltorse
enthusiasts in the 1870s; Aiken has
a unique pastoral quality created Uy
wide parkways, Uoulevards, and
dense tree plantings. Unpaved
roads persisted throughout the 20th
century as a Uenefit to the horses.
'' °>~r ~ ~ ~ .
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Nken,9au11i,Gnllne ~ ~
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Design guidelines in Aiken, S.C.
emphnsize the landscape.
A provision in the Aiken preserva-
tion ordinance requires municip~il
and county departments, as well as
utility companies, to comply with
the design guidelines and to oUtain
presezvation commission approval
of work proposed in historic dis-
exicts. This provision is extremely
important since most of the signiti-
cantlandscapefeaturesin Aiken are
in public rights-of-way."
Interim Protectiou
In some communitics, property owu-
ers, fearful that proposed regulations
will restrict their abiliry to fiiAy re-
develop their property, i.e., demolish
a historic structure and replace ix
with a much larger bullding or make
significant additions, seek demoli-
tion permits at the mere men[ion of
1 proposed clistrict. This is especially
crue in cominunities where the de-
vclopment climate is speculative
and property values vary widely Ue-
tween new buildings and old ones.
In these cases, interim controls and
moratoxia on permits have Ueen insti-
tuted fox axeas nominated, Uut not
yet officially designated, as historic.
All controls axe unposed for a speci-
fied time to provide reasonaUle
limitations to curU speculative
demolitions and prevent hasty actions
made Uy uneasy propexty ownecs.
Phoenix, Ariz. for example, passed
an ordinance to provide interim pro-
tection. Following the demolition
of two historic Uirildings, a circa 1910
bungalow and a Moderne style com-
mercial building ~the commercial
building was listed in the National
Regster, but neither UuIlding was lo-
cally designated~, the city approved
a temporary ordinance prohibiting
the demolition of any Uuilding 40
years old or older without pemut re-
view Uy the Phoenix Historic Preser-
vation Commission (PHPC~.
Seemingly a strong preservation
tool, the ordinance soon proved to
Ue an overwhelming Uurden. In a
three-month period, the PHPC re-
viewed 102 demolition applications.
Rather than continue to review ev-
ery demolition perinit requested for
buildings of 40 years or older, the
PHPC proposed stronger protection
of historic resources that have not
yet Ueen designated, but for which
application for histnric designation
has been "initiated." The revised
ordinance provides the same demo-
lition review protection for these
properties as for resources already
clesignated. The PHPC recognizes
that many oE the ciey's historic xe-
souYCes have not Ueen surveyed or
designated, and this way is aUle to
protect potentially vahiaUle proper-
ties without placing an undue bur-
den on itself or its staff.1z
Again, it is impoxtant that commu-
nities nsing interim controls take
care to comply with all relevant
state enaUling laws, follow proper
administrative procedures, and ad-
here to puUlic notice and hearing re-
quiTements. Although these
requirements vary, depending on lo-
cal circumstances, it is important to
remember that a U.S. citizen's right
to °due process" under the law
must not be taken away.
~
Nashville, Tenn. hns established
conservntion districts in addition
to local historic districts.
Local Innovations Case Study: Incentive Programs
More than 60 years have passed since
the enactment of the I931 Ch
l In 1989, Roanoke, Va., created a Historic Buildings Rehabilitation Loan
P
ax
eston rogram. Local banlcs provide rehabilitation loans of up to $100
000 per
statute. Communities are imple- ,
project. The interest rate is set at two percenc below prime and the loan
menting revisions and innovations term at seven years. The pxogram is limited to historic Uuildiq
ns in
to the traditional preservation ordi- ,
Roanoke's downtown historic clistrict or buildings in the district that are
nance, local historic district, and
design review board. These changes determined to contriUute to its character. In addition, the City of Roanoke
offers facade improvement matching grants of u
to $5
000
d
are inevitable and shoidd be wel- p
,
an
provides free
architectural design assistance to property owners in local historic districts
comed Uy preservationists. .
To qualiFy for these grants, a person must rehabilitate a deteriorated Uuild-
Conservation Districts ing and provide job opportunities for low- and moderate-iucome persons.
This program is fiinded through Community Develo
ment Bl
k G
p
oc
rtint
funds availaUle from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
One of the most tallzed about exten- ment.
sions of the traditional local historic
district program is the conseroation Tn Lansing, Mich., the following language in the preservation ordinance
district. Cities such as Raleigh,
N.C.; Omaha, Neb.; Portland, Ore.; serves as an incentive for compatiUle infill development in local historic
districts: "Due to particular conditions of design and const
ti
h
Cambridge and Boston, Mass.; Dal-
las
Tex. and Nashville
Tenn
h ruc
on in
is-
toric neighborhoods where stnictures are often built close to lot lines, and
i
i
i
,
,
.
ave
all supplemented Yheir preservation s
nce
t
s in the puUlic interest to retain a neighUorhood's historic appear-
ance by malcing variances to norinal yard re
uire
t
l
pxograms with conseroation dis- q
men
s w
iere it is deemed
that such variances will not adversely affect neighborhood properties
the
txicts, While great variety exists ,
Hishoric District Commission may recommend to the Board oE Zoning Ap-
among these programs and they can peals that a variance to standard yard requiremencs be made
"
be applied to commercial, residen- .
tial, industrial, or iuraI districts, Tn Miami, Fla., zoning, parking, and Uuilding code requirements are ex-
~, most conservation districts share
~ similar goals tremely flexible when apptied to historic structures. Under the Miami his-
i
tor
c overlay zone ordinance, the city may approve conditional uses
i
e
1. to maintain the Uuildings and ,
.
.,
pmfessional offices, tourist and guest homes, museums, private c1uUs and
lodges, in order to make the preservation of lustoric stnictt~
character of an area that may not res more eco-
nomically feasible. Miami also permits waivers of minimum lot size
fl
Eully meet the criteria for a local
historic district ,
oor
area, open space, height, building spacin~, and footprint requirements to en-
; courage historic preservauon: Where the size or config«ration of a historic dis-
2. to provide guidance for mainte- trict is such that compliance with off-street parking requirements would
destroy the area's historic character, the ciry may authorize a reduction of up
nance and alterations that allows to one-thixd of the number of parlcing spaces that would otherwise be re-
more design flexiUility than a lo- quired.
cal historic district;
3, to reduce the numUer of applica- Tn Seattle, Wash., the preservation ordinance authorizes an entire package
of incentives containing "tax relief, conditional use permits
rezoning
street
tions that come before a com-
mission Uy delegating some ,
,
vacation [or closings), planned unit development, transfer of development
rights, facade easements
named gifts
preferential leasi
li
i
approval autharity to staff (this is ,
,
ng po
c
es, private
or puUlic grants-in-aid, Ueneficial placement of public improvements
or
especially important in districts ,
amenities, or the ltke."'
that contain a large numUer re-
sources that have similar charao-
teristics, such ~s Uungalow ~ Constance E. Beaumont, "Local Incentives for Historic Preservation,"
neighUorhoods or row houses~; Washington, D.C.: Center for Preservation Policy Studies, National Trust
for Historic Preservation, 1991 and R[chard C. Collins
ElizaUeth B
W
t
and ,
.
ers,
a
and A. Bruce Dotson, America's Downtowns: Growth, Politics and Preser-
vpdon, Washington: The Preservation Press, 1991.
4. to retain a source of affordable
housing in low- to moderate-in-
come areas.
~
~~
;. y.
t;;;~;i
Sign Contxols
Many historic districts are espe-
cially wlneraUle to insensitive
signage and can become cluttered
with signs of all types, sizes, and
functions. As a result, communi-
ties are strengthening existing sign
controls to reflect the goals of their
historic districts. While signage
within historic districts may Ue
successfully regulated, the en-
trances and approaches to the dis-
trict often re~nained unprotected.
A comprehensive study of signage
and sign controls is often precipi-
tated Uy the creation of a local dis-
trict. Innovations in this area
include the recognition and protec-
tion of historic signage, such as
neon and wall murals. Historic
signage will often fail to conform to
local regulations. A "grandfather
clause" added to existing sign con-
trols protects the historic signs
while allowing the regulation of
contemporaiy signage.
Minimum Mainteuance
In many cities the proUlems associ-
ated with histaric stiuctures in-
volve poor mainkenance especially
Uy aUsenree landlords. Structures
are left in such a state of disrepaix
or aUandonment that puUlic saEety
coines into question. In a few
cases, there is no optian Uut to de-
molish a Uuilding that has reached
the point of no return. Often re-
ferxed to as "demolition Uy ne-
glect," this condition can be
counteracted by including provi-
sions in a local preservation oxdi-
nance that require all property to Ue
maintained to minimum standards.
Generally this means that water,
vagrants, and vermin should not
penetrate the Uuilding, thereby re-
quiring property owners to keep
historic Uuildings stable. These
provisions are referred to as the af-
firmative or minimum mainte-
nance clause of an ordinance. Such
provisions have proved very effec-
tive in communities where ne-
glected properties are a problem.
Charlottesville, Va., has an affirma-
tive maintenance provision which
prohibits the owner or person in
charge of regulated pxoperty from
allowing deterioration. Some of the
prohiUitions include: deterioration
of exterior walls, roofs ancl chim-
neys, ineffective waterpxoofing, and
peeling paint, rotting and other
forms of decay. This ordinance is
effective in preventing demolition
Uy neglect since it xequires repairs
at an early stage in the deterioration
process.
The anti-neglect provision in the
PetersUuxg, Va., code is cast in
terms of the repairs which can Ue
ardered, rather than the canditions
prohiUited: "The owner of any
Uuilding or structure, which is lo-
cated within the historic area, shall
keep such stnicture properly main-
tained and repaired. ..." This ordi-
navice requires prevention oF only
sexious structural defects threaten-
ing permanent damage to a struc-
ture-a requirement that allows
considerable damage tu occur before
repairs can Ue mandated.13
Land Use Provisions
Most preservation coinmissions
deal primarily with design changes
in districts. They are charged with
malcing sure that pxoposed alter-
:~tions are compatiUle with the char-
acter of the district. Because it is
the underlying use of the land, e.g.,
commercial, multi-family, single-
family, or light industrial, that can
ultimately determine how a given
parcel will Ue developed, the com-
mission can Ue placed in the un-
comfortaUle role of trying to malce a
square peg fit into a round hole.
The district's chaxacter may have
been formed by the kind of activity
that historically occurred there. For
example, a commercial area made
up of locally owned, small Uusi-
nesses might be forever changed
when larger national chains or fran-
chises replace them. For these rea-
sons, more and more ordinances
spell out a clear relationship Ue-
tween the design decisions and
land-use decisions made in a his-
toric district.
Reviewing Local Government
Activities
Many local governments exempt
their own undertalcings from the or-
dinances adopted to protect historic
areas, even though one of the largest
owners of histaric buildings in a
community is often the local gov-
ernment. Fox this reason, many lo-
cal preservation statutes now
address how governmental action
will be reviewed by the commis-
sion. The majority of tl~ese pxovi-
sions state that the preservation
commission will heve the opportu-
nity to review and comment on gov-
ernmental activity that will affect
historic properties. Their com-
menes usually are not Uinding on
the local goveYnment entity.
Some local governments Eeel that
since they are imposing historic dis-
trict regulations on the private citi-
zen, they should also Ue wmpelled,
as a matter of policy or law, to fol-
low the same regulations. It should
also be noted that state and federal
actions are often not bound Uy local
ordinances. Many state govem-
mcnts are enacting environmental
review laws similar to the federal
environmental review process to
overcome this lack of protection.
The programs require a special re-
port and recommendations for miti-
gation Tnethods when federal or
state actions or funding threaten a
designated historic resource.
Review oF Histoxic Interiors
Many local preservationists have in-
terpreted their local ordinances in
such a way as to permit the regula-
tion oE the entire Uuilding, while
others feel that a separate designa-
tion process is needed to recognize
and protect historic incerior spaces.
Some local laws are written in such
a way that only those interiors to
which the puUlic has ordinary ac-
~
cess can be designated and regu-
lated. Other coinmissions feel that
they are specifically prohibited by
state enabling laws from designat-
ing and reviewing interiors. India-
napolis, Seattle, Boston, New York
and Asheville, N.C., all have inte-
rior clesignation programs.14
When a locally designated historic
commercial property went up far
sale in 1990, the Sacraniento Design
Review and Preservation I3oard
~DRPII~ and staff were concerned
aUout reuse alterations that might
be harmful to the landmark's sig-
nificant interior. Citing the intent
of the ordinance as protection of
historic resources for tlie "benefit of
the public, ° the DRPI3 amended.the
the preservation ordinance requir-
ing llRPB design review of alter-
ations of interiors considered as
"puUlic spaces" in designated prop-
erties. Hotel loUbies, puUlic bank
interiors, and similar spaces arc af-
forded an added level oE pmtection
through this provision.15
Additional Duties
Many commissions are authorized
to conduct a wide variety oE re-
seaxch and community seroice ac-
tivities. They sometimes seek
funding, adininister grants, receive
and m~nage property, conduct plan-
ning studies, maintain local regis-
ters or inventories of historic
properties, conduct educational pro-
grams, maintain resource centers
and libraries, and provide technical
assistance to the puUlia These ad-
ditional duties ean Ue limitless and
should Ue considered carefully.
A comprehensive local preseroation
program goes well beyond design re-
view in historic districts. Doing
more than designating and protect-
ing historic districts, however, may
Ue Ueyond the capaUilities of newer
commissions or commissions with
small Uudgets and little or no staff
assistance. Cooperation between
local government agencies and del-
egation of additional responsiUilities
to downtown Uusiness councils,
neighUorhood associations, non-
profit preservation organizations,
or historical societies can help the
preservation commission develop
long-term comprehensive programs.
Historic Districts and
Local Planning Issues
The community planning process
can Ue coinpared to a jigsaw puzzle,
wich historic pmservation as one of
thc siRnificant pieces. Of course,
the planning process is able to oper-
ate without preservation as a com-
ponent, as it has for decades in
many communities, sometimes re-
sulting in wholesale destruction of
historic resources and the creation
of nanieless and facetess planned
failuxes. When hiseoric presen~ation is
~v-t of a comprehensive planning
strategy that includes ALL of a
contmtmity's resources, the xesults
can Ue iinpressive. The identifica-
tion and protection process of local
historic distiicts, of~en coupled with a
landmulc protection progam, works
with other elemenes of a compxe-
l~ensive plan to complete the com-
inunity development picture.
Zoning, for example, is one of the
chieE components of tlie commu-
nity planning process. Zoning de-
fines areas or districts and specifies
how land in them can Ue used.
Generally zonuig regiilations specify
the inaximum size of buildings, lot
sizes, the requu~ed open space around
buildings, the number of parking
spaces required, and any number of
other development criteria.
Zoning nmst Ue closely coordinated
with the goals of the local district
and landmark designation program.
When zoning regulations and pres-
ervation goals work at cross purposes,
Uoth suffer. Coordination can take
place in a variety of ways. Simple
strategies involving increased com-
munication between municipal
agencies and review Uoard memUers
are important. Zoning and preser-
vation ordinances should inchide
provisions spelling out their interre-
latedness aud ways to remedy poten-
tial conElicts between the regidauons.
The following questions are a start-
ing point for identifying conflicts
between zoning and preservation:
L Are historic residential neighUor- ~,
hoods with singlc-family houses
zoned for single-family residen-
tial or other compatible uses?
2. Do lot sizes and the Uuilding set-
Unclc requiremeuts from the front
lot line match historic patterns?
S
J
~
3
~
~
ro
V
~
In Pocatello, Idaho review procedures in the downtown historic district
extend to historic signs.
Sign Controls
t,;~
Many historic districts are espe-
cially vulneraUle to insensitive
signage and can become cluttexed
with signs of a11 types, sizes, and
functions. As a result, communi-
ties are strsngthening existing sig~l
contmis to reflect the goals of their
historic distxicts. While signage
within historic distxicts may va
successEully regulated, the en-
trances and appTOaches to the dis-
trict often remained unprotected.
A comprehensive study of signage
and sign contxols is often precipi-
tated by the creation of a local dis-
trict. Innovatinns in this area
inchide the recognition and proteo-
tion oI tdstoric signage, such as
nec~n and wall murals. I-Tistoric
signage will often fail eoandfa~thex to
local regiilations. A g
ciause" added to existing si~m con-
trois protects the liistoric signs
while allowing the Tegulation of
contemp~raiy sign~Se•
Miuinmm Maintenance
Charloetesville, Va., has an affixma-
tive maintenance provision whicli
psohiUits the owner or person in
charge of xegulated propeety from
allowing detetioration. Some of the
pzohiUitions include: deterioration
of exteriox walls, xoofs and chim-
neys, ineffective watexpxoofing, and
peeling paint, roteing and other
forms of decay. This oYdinance is
effeccive in preventing demolition
by neglect since it requires repairs
at an early stage in the deterioration
process.
The anti-neglect pxovision in the
PetersUuxg, Va., code is cast in
texms of the repairs which can Ue
ordered, rather chan the conditions
pro6iUited: °The ownex o4 uiy
liuilding ox str~lcture, which is lo-
cated within the histoxic area, shall
keep such stnicture pxoperly main-
tained and repaired. ..." This oxdi-
nance requires pxevention of only
sezious structural defects thxeaten-
ing pexmAnent damage to a stxuc-
ture-a requireinent that allows
considerable damage to occui befoxe
sepAirs can be mandated.'a
In many cities the pxoUlems associ-
ated with lustoiic sauctuxes in-
volve poor uiaintenance aspecially
by aUsenteclandloras. Stnictures
are left in such a state of disrepair
or abandonment that puUlic safety
comes into qLlestion. In a few
cases, thexe is no option ULit to de-
molish a building that has reached
the point af no return. Often re-
ferred to as "demolition Uy ne-
glect," this conclition can Ue
countexacted by including pxovi-
sions in ~ local preservation ordi-
nance that xequire all pxopexty to 6e
maintained to ininimum standaxds.
Genexally tl~is means that water,
vagrants, and vexmin should not
penetxate the Uuilding, thereby xe-
qniring pxopexty owners to keep
historic Uuildings staUle. These
pxovisions are referred to as the af-
firmative ox minimum mainee-
nance clause of an oxdinanceeffee h
pzovisions have proved very
tive in communities where ne-
glecced properties axe a pxoblem.
L~and Use Provisions
tween the design decisions and
land-use decisions made in a his-
toxic distxict.
Reviewing Local Government
Activities
Many local governments exempt
theix own undertakings from the or-
dinances adopted to pxotect historic
areas, even though one of the laxgest
owners of hiseoric buildings in a
community is often the local gov-
ernment. Fox this reason, many lo-
cal pTeservation statutes now
address how govemmental action
will Ue reviewed Uy the commis-
sion. The majority of these provi-
sions state that the preservation
commission will have the oppartu-
nity to ceview and comment on gov-
ernmental activity that will affect
historic properties. Theix com-
ments usually are not Uinding on
the local govexnment entity.
Some local govemments feel that
since they axe imposing historic dis-
trict regulations on the pxivate citi-
zen, they should also be compelled,
as a matter of policy ox law, to fol-
low the same re~ilations. It should
also be noted that state and federal
actions axe o£ten noe bound by local
ordinances. Many state govern-
ments are enacting environmental
xeview laws similar to the federal
environmental xeview pxocess to
overcome this lack of protection.
The pxograms xequire a special re-
part and recotnmendations for miti-
gation inethods when fe hreaten a
seate actions or funding
designared histoYic resouxce.
Most preservation cominissions
deal primarily with design changes
in districts, They 1re chnxged with
makin~ suie thac proposed alter-
ations 1xe compatible with the char-
acter oE the district. Because it is
the underlying use of the land, e.g.,
commexcial, multi-family, single-
family, or light industxial, that can
ultim~tely determine how a given
parcel will Ue developed, the com-
mission can Ue placed in t~~ malce a
comEoTtaUle xole of trying
square peg fit into a xound hole.
The districNs character may have
Ueen Eormed Uy the kind of activity
that histoxically occurxed there. For
example, a commetciai axea made
up of l~cally owned, small Uusi-
nesses might lie foxever changed
when larger national chains ox fxan-
chises ceplace them. For these rea-
sons, more and more ~xdinances
spcll out a clear relationship Ue-
Raview af Histoxic Intexiors
M1ny local preservationists have in-
terpreted their local ordinances in
such a way as to pexmit the regula-
tian of the entire building, while
othexs feel that a separate designa-
tion process is needed to recognize
and protect historic intesiox spaces.
Some local laws are written in such
a way that only those interiors to
~yhich the public has ordinary ac-
~
3, Do separate zoning districts with Case Study: Local Innovations
widely divergent regulations ~one
~,: for high-den.sity commercial use,
i
d
l The historic preservation board in Bozeman, Mont. devised an innovative
~~ ent
a
,
ane for single-family resi program, the "ContriUuted Services Razik,° to help property owners comply
for example~ divide a single his- ~vith historic district guidelines. The concept was quite snnple: ask preserva-
toric district? tion-minded architects, historians and other professionals who had demon-
strated sensitivity toward historic propexties to contribute 20 hours of
4. Does the zoning for areas imme- professional time over a year's period. The time would Ue "banked" and suU-
diately surrounding a liistaric
district provide an adequate sequently "granted° to property owners considering improvements.
Uuffer against development that The time granted to property owners was limited to two hours from each
would have.a negative impact on profcssional. As the professionals toured the property with the owners, they
the historic area? ma~le suggestions, answered questions and sketched ideas. The owners were
5. Do commercial zones allow Eree to accept ar reject the suggestions. Although some ideas were rejected,
in most instances they were enthusiastically received and implemented, In
much taller and larger Uuildings
than currently exist in the his- some cases, those same professionals were retained Uy the owners to detail
toxic district? designs, research property histories or assist with restoration.
Do comtnercial zones permit au-
6 Bozeman's newly-created design review board has now assumed much of the
.
tomoUile-oriented commereial role of the Service Banlc, however, the Banlc played a critical role in helping
such as drive-through fa-
uses citizens pirotect the city's historic resources. One property owner stxted, "I
,
cilities with large parking lots, had no idea how to implement my rather vague aspirations for my newly ac-
that conflict with the traditional quired property, The [Preservation Board) advisors helped me sort out my
street-front and pedestrian orien- thoughts and recommended the lcinds of improvements that would enhance
tation of historic commercial the character of my house.°
buildings?
Pocatello, Idaho is ttnique, not only in the name it shares with no other cit-
7. Does zoning require so many oFf- ies, Uut also Uecause of its downtown historic district which is one of the
~ stxeet parking spaces that it ham- most diverse and well-pxeserved in the region. The district rvas first placed
pers the rehabilitation of historic on the National Registex in 1982. The Do+,vntown IIistoric DistricY ~DHD)
buildings or the constniction of was created three years later when, after the demolition of a historic Uuild-
compatiUle new infill UuIldings716 ing, concerned citizens estaUlished what is now the Historic Preservation
Commission ~HPC~. Today the DI3D encompasses all or part of 18 city
Similar analysis should occur fox blocks and is composed primarily of one and nvo-story commercial buildings.
every municipal planning activity,
inclttding transportation, housing,
In 1987, the Pocatello City Council adopted a sign ordinance requiring that
social services, infrastructure and signs proposed for placement in the DHD be reviewed and approved by the
capital improvements, parks and commission Uefore issuing a sign permit, The commission, in addition to
recreation, and economic or indus- ensuring conformity with other standards set forth in the ordinance, evalu-
trial development. ates the general appearance of the sign and ensuxes its compatibility of size,
color, style and material with the Uuilding on which it is mounted, as well as
The American Planning Associa- with neighUoring buildings. Signs within the district must be constructed of
tion ~APA) has endorsed the con- wood or metal with intemal illumination prohibited. Neon signs, however,
cept of identifying and protecting are permitted due to their historic significance.
historic resources through local sur-
vey and designation programs by The cornmission recently completed a sign survey for the DHU in order to
adopting a sweeping policy regard- present a structural, cosmetic, and cost azialysis for possiUle rehaUilitation of
ing local preservation: the 20 historically significant downtown signs. Information obtained from
the survey has already helped preserve a Greyhound Bus neon sign featuring
"The APA supports efforts Uy local a nznning greyhound. The oUjective of the study was achieved-a historic
governments to integrate preserva- sign was saved rather than Ueing removed. The HPC has had a proactive role
tion into the land use planning pro- in the preservation oE downtown signs rathex than waiting to xeact to appli-
cess, inchiding incorporating cations for sign replacement.
~ preservation goals into the commu-
nity master plan and reconciling
Prepared by Keith G. Swenson, AICP, plnnning consultant, Bozeman, Mont.
and coordinating preservation poli- and Nlatthew G. Lewis, principal planner, Pocatello, Idaho.
m
cies with local developmeizt poli-
cies. The reasons for this support
are that a sound preservation pro-
gram must be Uased on a survey, an
historic preservation ordinance and
plan, and economic and technical
assistance in coordination with
other corrimunity policies and ordi-
nances. Local gnvernments should
work witl~ citizens and lacal inter-
est ~roups to make preservation a
part of the overall effort to fostex
and ptomote the general welfaxe of
the coimnuuity."°
Is Your Community
Ready to EstaUlish a
Local Historic District?
You migl~t be wondexing, is my
town ready for a disa~ice? How do
we do it? Where do we turn Eor
help? There are seven essential
questions to cansider Uefore escab-
lishing a local district.
1. What is the method for locally
designating and pcotecting historic
xesources in my state?
Each state has a diEEerent set of en-
a6liug statutes to guide local govem-
ments in estaUlishing preservation
commissions. Most states have en-
acted very specific laws that estaU-
lish parameters for commission
compoaition, pxovisions ta ensure
due process, definitions covering
what constitutes a local distxict or
landmark, as well as exemptions,
economic hardship determination,
and penalty provisions. Check with
your state historic preservation of-
fice, statewide pxeservation oxgani-
zation, statewide planning asso-
ciation, National Trust for
Historic Preservation regional of-
fice, or mimicipal league to find out
how your state has enaUled the cre-
ation of local distsicts.
2. Is thexe local support for a pxes•
ecvation oxdinance, review commis-
sion, and local distxicts?
Local support, especially the sup-
port of property owners in the pro-
posed districts, is proUably the most
critical elemeizt for local hietoric
distxict estaUlishment. Even Uefore
pxeliminary plaaning can take
place, a positive climate regarding
preseroation must Ue created. A
hismric resource protection pxo-
gram cannot be implemented until
a compxehensive community edu-
cation program is well underway,
and historic resource protection
cannot be maintained withaut on-
going community education.
3. Can the administxative aspects
of liistoric district regulation be
handled effecrivelyl
This question is often the first one
aslced by elected officials and is usu-
ally phxased as, "How much is this
going to cost us?" A commwlity
should expect that new administra-
tive activities and costs will accom-
pany the creation of any new
regulatory process. Altliough this
might bc seen as Uurdensome to ex-
isting staff and dwindling Uudgets,
most commissions are willing to
seelc specinl grants and staffing ar-
rangements [o facilirate operations.
The additional work associated
with a new coinmission azid district
pxotection pxogxam is xaxely so great
as to prohiUit its creation. Duties
usually inchide processing forms,
keeping minutes, advertising, noti-
fication and posting requirements,
and providing open meeting space.
This work is not overly cumUex-
soine for most local governments.
Genexally existing personnel within
a planning office, shared staff with a
local nonprofit organization, or a re-
gional planning agency can handle
most of the day-to-day activities.
As the benefits of a local pxotection
program accrue, local govemments
ofeen appropriate municipal funding
to assist in the cominission's work.
As more districts are designated in a
community, many governmental
unies find it beneficial to hire a full-
time pxeservation planner or preser-
vation officer.
4. Will this mesh with the cuxxent
planning policies in my wmmunity?
Almost every American communiry
has some sort of planning process in
place. It may be vety organized and
sophisticated or might appeax xan-
dom and haphazard. It is important
to realize that preservation deci-
sions inade as paxt of a iocal xegul~i-
tory process will reflect the way
other planning decisions are made.
If land-use, zoning, and planning
judgments are poorly made and are
not re~darly enfoxced, it is highly
proUaUlc that preservation decisions
will suffer a similar face. The archi-
tects of the plan to establish a local
district must carefully analyze how
a new as~ect of local planning will
celata to the existing decision-mak-
ing process. How will the local his-
Coric district relaee to signage and
Ui1lUoard control, beautification pro-
grams, downtown revitalization
strategies, transportatiun policies,
neighUorhood associations, and
tourism efforts? All of these local
programs are designed to propel
communities toward a cominon
goal, Uut if a discrepancy exists Ue-
tween communiry development
policies and the goals for setting up
a local district, that district will be
politically difficult to establish and
even harder to administer.
5. How will the commission make
Jecisions? W ill tliere be txaining
oppaxtunitiesl
One vE the questions property own-
ers most frequently ask is, "How
will this board decide what appro-
priate means?" This is a valid
query and is at the heart of success-
ful commission decisions. Often,
relevant professional disciplines,
such as history, architecture, or law,
are not represented in a communiry
or availaUle professionals are not
aUle to serve. Many local review
commissions have no option Uuk to
appoint non-professional orlay
members. While it may Ue argued
that ic is important to have a few
lay memUers to Ualance the com-
missiou, the need for pxofessional
~
3. Do separate zoning districts with Case Study: Local Innovations
widely divergent regulations (one
~~ for high-density commercial use,
residential
one for sin
le-famil The historic preservation Uoard in Bozeman, Mont. devised an innovative
"
g
y
, to help property owners comply
program, the "ContriUuted Services Bank,
for example~ divide a single his- With historic district guidelines. The concept was quite sunple: ask preserva-
toric district? tion-mincled architects, historians and other professionals who had demon-
4. Does the zoning for areas imme- strated sensitivity toward historic properties to contribute 20 hours of
diately surrounding a historic professional time over a year's period. The time would Ue "Uanked" and sub-
district provide an adequate sequently granted to property owners considering improvements.
Uuffer against development that
would have a negative impact on The time granted to property owners was limited to two hours from each
the historic area professional. As the professionals toured the property with the owners, they
. made suggestions, answered questions and sketched ideas. The owners were
5. Do commercial zones allow hee to accept or reject the suggestions. Although some ideas were rejected,
inuch taller ancl larger Uuildings z11 most instances they were enthusiastically received and implemented. In
than currently exist in the his- some cases, those same professionals were retained Uy the owners to detail
toric distxict? designs, research property histories or assist with restoration.
6. Do commercial zones permit au- Bozeman's newly-created design review board has now assumed much of the
tomoUile-oriented commercial role of the Seroice 13ank, however, the Bank played a critical role in helping
uses, such as drive-through fa- citizens protect the city's historic resources. One property owner stated, °I
cilities with large parking lots, had no idea how to implement my rather vague aspirations for my newly ac-
that conflict with dze traditional quired pxoperty, The [Preseroation Board] advisors helped me soxt out my
street-front and pedestrian orien- thoughts and recommended the kinds of improvements that would euhance
tation of historic commercial the character of my house."
Uuildings?
Pocatello, Idaho is unique, not only in the name it shares with no other cia
' 7. Does zoning require so many off- ies, Uut also Uecause of its downtown historic district which is one of the
,.~ street parlcing spaces that it ham- most diverse and well-preserved in the region. The district was first placed
pers the rehabilitation of historic on the National Register in 1982. I'he Do~vntown Historic District (DHD)
buildings or the construction of was created three years later when, after the deinolition of a historic Uuild-
coinpatiUle new infill Uuflclings?'F ing, concexned citizens estaUlished what is now the Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC~. Today the DHD encompasses all or part of 18 city
Similar analysis should occur for Ulocks and is composed primarily of one and tcvo-story commercial Uuffdings.
every municipal planning activity,
including transportation, housing, In 1987, the Pocatello City Council adopted a sign ordinance requiring that
social services, infrastructure and signs proposed for placement in the DHD Ue reviewed and approved by the
capital improvements, parks and commission before issuing a sign permit. The commission, in addition to
recreation, and economic or indus- ensuring conformity with other standards set forth in the ordinance, evalu-
trial development. ates the general appearance of the sign and ensures its compatiUility of size,
color, style and material with the Uuilding on which it is mounted, as well as
The American Planning Associa- with neighUoring Uuildings. Signs within the district must Ue constmcted of
tion ~APA~ has endorsed the con- wood or metal with internal illumination prohibited. Neon signs, however,
cept of identifying and protecting are permitted due to their historic significance.
historic resources through local sur-
vey and designation programs Uy The commission recently completed a sign suroey for the DHD in order to
adopting a sweeping policy regard- present a structural, cosmetic, and cost analysis for possiUle xehabilitation of
ing local preservation: the 20 historically significant downtown signs. Information oUtained from
the survey has already helped preserve a Greyhound Bus neon sign featuring
"The APA suppoxts efforts by local a running greyhound. The oUjective of the study was achieved-a historic
governments to integrate preserva- sign was saved rather than Ueing removed. The HPC has had a proactive role
tion into the land use planning pro- in the preservation of downtown signs rather than waiting to react to appli-
cess, including incorpoiating cations for sign replacement.
~'";;~ preservation goals into the commu-
`~~' nity master plan and reconciling Prepared by Keith G. Swenson, AICP, planning consultant, Bozeman, Mont.
and coordinating preservation poli- and Matthew G. Lewis, prihcipal planner, PocateIlo, Idaho.
m
expertise on the comnussion c~at
be over-emphasized,
~s°`
k~ pne ~ery important mechanism for
ensuring consistency ~d ~~ar~tv
is design gu(~elines. Design guide-
lines are generally district-s ecific and
spell out appYOpriate chan~
variety of historic resourc~types,~
as welt as setting srandards for new
construction. The design g~~xae-
lines help the cummission to
determine approplqateness and
com~at~bility. TheYProvideguid~
ance to the developer and the prop.
erty owner as wej( and stxengthen
the commission's decision if an a
peal is filed, Some communities
considergil[delines so important
thet they require thein in conjunc-
tion with siesigna~o~
Many commissions basc decisions
on 7he Secretarv of tbe [nterior's
Standards and Guide]~nes far Fe-
$abilitatlon. Tlze Srtandards were
developea for a11 nationa] preserva.
~ tion pxoRxams ana ~or advising (ed-
eral agencies on the preseroation of
Propeeties listed or eligibie for ]ist.
ing in ehe National Re~+ister ot His-
torie Places. They provide a good
basis for distriet-speciEic guidelines
but, alone, tlieyrarelyprovide
enough guidance for non-profes-
sional commissioners and property
owners who have nat been e~osed
to Uasic preservation and design
ptinciptes. Therefore, many com-
inissions augment The Standards
with guzdelines developed inter-
nally oC by a design, ptannin~., ar
preservatiun consuleant.
How will the commission leam to
use guidelines, or far that matter
even know that g~iidelines should
be developed? 'I'rain1ng is the an-
swer. Since the Penn Central deca-
sion in the 2970s and the more
recent creation of the CLG pr~_
gram, many consnltants, national
preservation and p1anning organiza-
t"tons, and especially SHPOs have
~e~ejoped preservation commission
training materials and wor2cshops
It is possible to attend a training
session for commission members
on architecturaI history, the intrica-
cies of design review, or the legal
nature of ordinances in any of the
50 states. The SHPO, the Nationa2
Trustfor Historic Pieservation,the
National Alliance of Preservation
Commissions, and statecvide pon-
pro{it preeervation organizatlons
l~{nd especially state~yid~ associa-
tions of commissions) are sources of
informatiun about the available
training opportunities.
G. FIow wiU the commission's dee~.
P- sions be enforced?
A commission's effectiveness is de-
termined by how ti,ell its decisions
aze ei~forced and how well it can cvith-
stand legat challenge. Are building
inspectars and code officials fully
aware of the cominission's author-
ity? Is the city attorney confident
thae ehe commission's decisions
wil! stand up in court? Do elected
officiais see the commission as an
asset in the ~ammunity? Are th~y
willing to a{firin tke actions of rhe
board and ]evy fines and pEt~alties
for noncornplia~zae? The design re-
°;~~' az~thori ry of the commission
must }aecame a legieimate componenk
of a comulunity's reg~elatory frame-
work. Muru~lpal spaff and eleceed
officials must be ready to enfarce a11
prvvisions of the pYeser,iation orai-
nance, even when enforcemenr
might ~e an unpppular notio~,
7. Wl~at is the next step?
The neXt phase is datermined by
the eonditions in each particujar
community. For some cowns the
limina as a~ready been set with pre-
Yy historic resouxce sarveY
worlc. In other cases, an active non-
profitpreservation organization
may sponsor educational programs,
a community may already hade a
district or districcs listed in the Na-
tional Register, or there may lie a
vocal Main Street program or neigh-
~701'hood association that has spear-
headed economic awareness o£
liistoric preservation, Many com_
munities are in the process of
implementing or updating com~~•N,
hensive pIans and include preserva-
don and the creation of historic
districts as one oE fhe areas to inves-
tigate.
W$atever yo~r yituaCion, the next
step is a broad-besed communizy
education campaign. No effort, es-
pectally a historic preservation ini-
tiative, is launched properly until
constituent attitucles are assessed
and the public has had the opportu-
nity to learn about the issue, Advo-
cacy, the heart of establishing a
strong p~•eSErvation ethic, is the se-
~ret to makingpreservation work ~t
tlie locnl ]evel.
Obstacles
This booldet wouid be remiss if the
obstacles one mig(~t ~ricouuter
when attempting to establish a local
district were not discussecl,
The benafits of 1oca1 designation
are fairly oli~,loUS bY 1ool~ing at the
well-lrnown, Iocally regulaeed dis-
triets sueh as the Uld andHisearie
District in CharlesEon, S,C.; Beacon
Hill in $oseon~ Pioneer Square in Se-
aYele; Che Vieux Carre in Neyv
Orleans~ and the GeYmantowns in
Columbus, Ohio, Memphis, and
Philadefphla, The al.g~me~ts
against a district inight not 6e as ob-
vious as the benefits, Dissensl~n is
very rea! and shoqld be anticipated.
The fnllowing 1isE includes aome
possible arguments from those con-
teseing local districts:
1. Perceived Invasinn oF piy~,ate
Property R(gh~s
Commissions and 1oca1 preserva-
t~onists encqunter the private prop,
erty righYS argument; "This is rpy
house and I don't want someone
tclling rne what T can and can't do
with my property,° Current laws
for regu~ating pYOperty use, which
include zoning, height restrictions,
and other regulahions, as well as
preservat2oh laws, have been found
°°nstituti°°al vy State ~°urt5 ana Cnse Study: The Designation Process
the United States Supreme Court.
Numexous publications
some In Necvport, a northem Kentuclry city located directly across the Ohio
,
listed in the resource section oF this River from Cincinnati„the designation of the East Row Historic District
Uooklet, will help you explore the resulted in a step-by-step process which is used as a model for other cities
legality of preservation controls xe- Pursuing local historic district designations in Kentucky.
lated to aesdietic and economic
pu~oses. Lawyers, especially local ~, Do youx homework, proceed carefully, and produce anly results of the
government atmrneys, and organi- highest possible qnality.
The Newport Histoxic Pxeservation Commission ~NHPC~
created by the
zations devoted to preservation-re-
lated legal issues will Ue of ,
City of Newport in 1959, targehed the East Row area of Newport as hav-
invaluaUle assistance in pursuing ing strong potential for designation as a local historic dastrict. Two years
loca] historic designations. veEore the district was designated, the NHPC oUtained a matching grant-
in-aid from the Kentucky Heritage Council through the Certified Local
2. Feax of Additional Expendituxes Government program to conduct a historic resources survey and produce
Many properry owners think that a design guidelines. The NHPC hired a consultant wich a good traclc record
local ordinance will require costly for producing high quality design guidelines to conduct the survey, which
impmvements. They fear that ap- estal~lished proposed district boundaries and contained a description of
propriate preservation treatments each Uuilding and an overview and history of the district. This informa-
will Ue more expensive than those tion is the Uasis foz walking tours, puUlications, and bxochures.
they might plan otherwise. This is
not often tiue. In most cases
de- NHPC produced a 70-page design guidelines Uooklet which was impor-
,
sign review and the technical assis- tant to the success of the local district for a number of reasons: the guide-
'
tance provided by commission staff lines were specific to Newport
s architecture; drawings of Uuilding types
result in substantial savings for and graphic examples of do's and don'ts were used; and each guideline has
property owners and ensure that ~ reference numUer of which mention is made when the NHPC makes a
improvemeut expenditures will Ue a decision.
better long-term investment.
~,
Several issues arose during the designation process, such as charging a fee ` r
There is also concern that an ardi- foT the Cettificate of Appxopxiateness, creating a Uuffex zone sxoimd the
nance and commission will result historic district, and the enforcement process for commission decisions.
in increased expenses to local gov- In each case, city staff researched the issue for the NHPC, drawing on re-
t1~eYeUy increasing the
emments sources such as the National Alliance of Preseroation Commissioizs, the
,
Uurden on taxpayers. There is a SHPO, the National Tnist for Hiscoric Preservation, the National Center
small amount of truth to this in the for Preservation Law, and individuat commissions in Kentucky and across
short run, but long-term benefits the country.
derived from local district regula-
tion
such as the staUilization of Several puUlic ineetings to discuss the proposed district were plamied.
,
increased commu-
property values At the largest of these puUlic meetings, speakers included the consultant
,
nity pride and its associated Uen- who produced the suxvey and guidelines, who gave a presentation on the
and economic revitalization
efits unique aspects of Newport's architecture; the state CLG program coordi-
,
,
far outweigh any initial public ex- nator, who gave his endorsemene and a statewide perspective on local dis-
penditures. tricts; and the mayor [rom a neaxUy town, who spoke on the effectiveness of
local districts in his city. Roughly a third of the 250 attendees had ques-
3. Fear of Displacement and tions or concerns aUout the district which were answered Uy speakers or
Gentrification NHPC memUers.
Another concern-the result of real
estate trends
not necessarily dis- 2, Countex opposition with organized suppoxt.
,
trict designation-is that acceler- In May 1990, the city commission held a public hearing to make a deci-
ated property values in historic sion on the boundaxies of the disteict. AUout 50 peopLe showed up with
~
"
districts will cause tax assessments ~
WE SAY NO
protest signs to picket the meeting. Local residents in fa-
to rise. DisaUled or retired property vor of the district wore Uuttons saying "I LOVE HISTORIC PRESERVA-
"
ownexs and renters on fixed in- Local residents went door-to-door distributing
TION AND I VOTE.
comes
for example, fear that in- flyers that explained the designation process. The local television station '~'
`"~~
,
creased tax liabilities will result in gave unUiased wverage on the evening news.
involuntary displacement and ex-
~
~
expertise on the comnussion cannot
be over-emphasized.
One very important mechanism for
ensuring consistency and unifomury
is design guidelines. Design guide-
lines are generally district-specific and
spell out appropriate changes for a
variery of historic resouxce types,
as well as setting standards for new
construction. The design guide-
lines help the commission to
determine appropriateness and
compatiUility, They provide guid-
ance to the developer and the prop-
exty owner as well and strengthen
the coinmission's decision if an ap-
peal is filed. Some communities
consider guidelines so important
that they require thein in conjunc-
tion with designation.
Many commissions Uase decisions
on The Secretary of the Interior's
Standards and Guidelines for Re-
habilitation. The Standards were
developed for all national pxeserva-
tion progxams and for advising fed-
eral agencies on the preservation of
pxopexties listed or eligiUle for list-
ing in the National Register of His-
toxic Places. They provide a good
basis for distxict-specific ~iidelines
Uut, alone, they rarely provide
enough guidancefornon-profes-
sional commissioners and property
owners who have not been exposed
to Uasic preservation and design
principles. Therefore, many com-
missions augment The Standards
with guidelines developed inter-
nally or by a design, planning, or
preservation consultant.
How will the commission learn to
use guidelines, or for that matter
even know that guidelines should
be developed? Training is the an-
swer. Since the Penn Central deci-
sion in the 1970s and the more
recent creation of the CLG pro-
gram, many consultants, national
preservation and ~lanning organiza-
tions, and especially SHPOs have
developed preservation commission
training inaterials and workshops.
It is ppssiUle to attend a training
session for commission inemUers
on architectural history, the intrica-
cies of design review, or the legal
nature of ordinances in any of the
50 states. The SHPO, the National
Trust for Historic Preservation, the
National Alliance of Preservation
Commissions, and statewide non-
profit preservation organizations
~and especially statewide associa-
tions of commissions) are sources of
information aUout the available
training oppoxtunities.
6, How will the commission's deci-
sions be euForced?
A commission's effectiveness is de-
termined Uy how well its decisions
are enforced and how well it can with-
stand legal challenge. Are Uuilding
inspectors and code officials fully
aware of the commission's authox-
ity? Is the city attoxney confident
that the commission's decisions
will stand up in court? Do elected
officials see the commission as an
asset in the community? Are they
willing to affirm the actions of the
board and levy fines and penalties .
for noncompliance? The design re-
view authority of the commission
must Uecome a legtimate component
of a cominunity's regulatory frame-
work. Municipal staff and elected
officials must Ue xeady to enforce all
provisions of the preservation ordi-
nance, even when enforcemene
might be an unpopular notion.
7. What is the next scep?
The next phase is determined Uy
the conditions in each paxticular
community. For some towns the
stage has already been set with pre-
liminary historic xesource survey
work. In other cases, an active non-
profit preseroation organization
may sponsor educational programs,
a community may already have a
district or districts listed in the Na-
tional Register, or there may be a
vocal Main Street program or neigh-
borhood association that has spear-
headed economic awareness of
historic preservation. Many com-
munities are in the process of
implementing or updating compre-
hensive plans and include preserva-
tion and the creation of historic
districts as one of the areas to inves-
tigate.
Whatever youi situation, the next
step is a Uroad-Uased community
education campaign. No eFfort, es-
pecially a historic preservation ini-
tiative, is launched properly until
constituent attitudes are assessed
and the public has had the opportu-
nity to learn aUout the issue. Advo-
cacy, the heart of estaUlishing a
strong preservation ethic, is the se-
cret to making preservation work at
the local level.
Obstacles
This Uooklet would Ue remiss if the
oUstacles one might encounter
when attempting to establish a local
district were not discussed.
The Uenefits of local designation
are faixly oUvious Uy looking at the
well-known, locally regillated dis-
tricts such as the Old and Historic
District in Charleston, S.C.; Beacon
Hill in Boston; Pioneer Square in Se-
attle; the Vieux Carre in New
Orleans; and the Germantowns in
ColumUus, Ohio, Memphis, and
Philadelphia. The arguments
against a district inight not be as ob-
vious as the Uenefits. Dissension is
very real and should be anticipated.
The following list includes soine
possiUle arg~iments from those con-
testing local districts:
1. Perceived Invasion of Pxivate
Property Rights
Commissions and local preserva-
tionists encounter the private prop-
erty rights argument: "This is my
house and I don't want someone
telling me what I can and can't do
with my property.° Cuxrent laws
for regulating property use, which
include zoning, height restrictions,
and other regulations, as well as
preservation laws, have Ueen found
~
3. Obtain a wide cross section of distxict suppoxt.
For two years the NHPC educated neighborhood orga-
nizations, friends, and civic associations aUout the Uen-
> efits of a local district. The NHPC provided
information to local politicians and city staff to make
sure that they understood the ramifications of local
designation,
The city wmmission, however, decided to exclude an
area from the edge of the distxict where a large nutnUer
of properry owners opposed to the district. The origi-
nal district proposal contained 1,150 buildings, and the
fin~l designation covered 1,100 builclings. This was
not viewed as a sethaclc as much as it was seen as a re-
sponse to local political considerations.
4. Always educate.
Pre•designation education efforts included two infonna-
tional handouts distributed door-to-doar, a certified letter
explaining the district designation, newspaper articles,
and a series of public information meecings.
The NHPC planned a dedication ceremony for the
newly created East Row Local Historic Distxict, with a
well known Cincinnati news commentator(art patxon
and the Kentucky state historic preservation officer as
guest speakers. Tl~ey brought out the police
department's color guard, had a wallcing tour of the
``% district, and seroed a special cake decorated to look
like some of the East Row's distinctive row houses.
Through the aggxessive voluilteer effarts of a puUlic re-
lations consultant who was a resident of the district, The Cincinnati
Enquirer, four radio stations, and three television stations covered the evene.
The NHPC continues to stress education as a key element in the success of
the distxict. An easy-to-read brochure explaining the design review process
was mailed to every prnperty owner in the discrict, every licensed contractor
in the city receives a letter on the design review process twice a year, and ar-
ticles are regularly pubiished in the local Newport News and neighUorhood
newsletters reminding residents of the review process. The NHPC has
worked to promote the district in a variety of ways: printing a poster high-
lighting Uuildings in the historic district, holding a Christmas carriage tour
and spring walking tours, printing a walking tour brochure, printing a his-
tory workUook for schoolchildren, and installing cast iron signs marking the
East Row Historic District. City staff has worked to create a low-interest
loan program for rehabilitation, promote enterprise zone incentives, and en-
courage the use of federal rehaUilitation tax credits.
Newport's ef£orts have not gone unnoticed. The Miami Purchase Associa-
tion for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit Cincinnati organization, recently
awarded Uoth the City of Newport and the NHPC a bronze plaque for "care-
ful education and promotion of the concept of historic preservation and for
worlting together to create the largest local historic district in Northern Ken-
tucky."
Prepared hy Theresa Brum, director of historic preservation, City of New-
port, Kentucky.
NewporYs varied architecture i.s
re/lected in this poster promoting
the historic district.
~
cessive economic Uurdens. While
dispJacement does occur in older
areas of communities, it is not
linked to district designation, as
such, but is more the result of popu-
Inr tastes, housing availaUility, aud
other economic forces.
The displaceinent argument per-
sists, however, and it presents a se-
rious challenge to preservation
advocates. Proponents of desigtta-
tion often find that they are battling
Uoth sides of the same argument.
One group of property owners will
claim that their properry is Ueing
devahied as a result of the designa-
tion, while another group, generally
low- and moderate-income persons
and Uusinesses, claim that the prop-
erty value will rise and the inevi-
table rent increase and tax hilce will
foxce them out of the area.
This is a delicaee situation and an-
ticipating it can avoid a very un-
comEortaUle public dispute. Careful
analysi,s of the socio-economic sta-
tus of residents of a proposed dis-
trict will reveal any potential fox
die displaceinent charge. Renters'
organizat.ions and anti-displacemene
housing programs, such eis "circuit-
breaker° tax relief and rent relief,
c:in Ue called into play pxior to dis-
trict designation.
Circuit breaker progranis, for ex-
ample, exist in mare than 35 states.
Their provisions vary, but mosc pro-
vide homeowners with incomes be-
low prescriUed limits a xebate of a
portion of their annual property tax
payments. Renters may Ue eligiUle
too. A percentnge of their rental
payrnent is considcred part of their
landlord's propesty tax liability and
is refunded annually. In Washiug-
ton, D.C., for example, elderly, low-
income owners and renters are
eligible.'"
4. Fear of die Unknown
In many communities, there is a Ua-
sic mistnist of change. In smaller
communities with less sophisti-
cated planning programs, a presex-
vation ordinance and commission
may be the most advanced type of
appointed board that the commu-
nity estaUlishes. Residents and
community leaders may Uelieve
that such planning is too compli-
cated and Ueyond their intellectual
and administrative capability. Al-
though district re~ilation has Ueen
around since the 1930s, real growth
in ordinances and commissions did
not occtu~ untIl the 1970s and 1980s,
and most ordinances were adopted
hy big citics. As more and mare
municipalities embrace the con-
cepk, it will becoine a less highten-
ing option for other communities.
One of the Uest ways to combat diis
fear, and oehers that arise, is to in-
vite to your town representatives
from nearl~y towns that have had
positive experiences with local dis-
tricts. Hearing it "straight fxoin the
horse's moutl~° can help ro assuaga
any uneasiness that your commu-
nity might feel.
5. Apathy
Many American commLmities suf-
fer from political lethargy. Voters
fcel powerless, and elected officials
lack vision. As a result, innovative
commui~ity improvement plans are
rarely implemented, and the locai
planning process Uecomes sta~zant.
Local preservation programs have a
difficule time tl~riving, or in some
cases surviving, in this kind of envi-
ronment. Community leadership
development prograins can help
move citizens out of this inertia. In
some cases, preservation awareness
has been the catalyst for filling a lo-
calleadership void. Stace municipal
associatious, university-Uased gov-
ernmental training programs, de~
partments of community affairs or
similar etate agencies, and national
organizations can assist in cultivat-
ing a strong leadership Uase.
Programs such as the National
Trust's Preservation Leadership
Training comUine specialized pres-
ervation skill training with broad
community leadership skills. This
program serves both tn identify and
train local leaders who possess some
degree of interest in preservation and
to t~ain preservc~tionists in the skills
diey need to Uecome leaders. Devel-
oping a better undexstanding of the
role of preservation in the commu-
nity and the roles and relationships of
public and private partnets inereases
the aUility of commission memUers
and others to act as a positive force
for reaching both preservation and
community goals.
G. Development Pxessure/Loss of
Maxket Valtte
As a xesult of pxivate market forces,
especially in real estate develop-
ment, any regu}ation that might
limit the full developmental oppor-
tunitics derived from a piece of prop-
erty is kequently vicwed as a thxeat
to a developer's ability to makc a
pxofie. Unfortunately, in many
marl<ets, "highest and best use" is
seen as a divine right. This prin-
ciple can Ue extremely dcstructive
wheu applied to historic districts.
I~ecause oF the perceived loss of
marl<at value, a vocal portiou of the
development community, as well as
commercial property owners and
government officials desiring the
joUs and revenue Urought in Uy de-
velopment, might oppose a local or-
dinnnce and the estaUlishment of
local historic districts. The putpose
of the ordinance, however, is to
manage growth and avoid rapid, in-
sensitive and ruthless exploitation
of significant, vulnerable, and un-
protected areas, not to stunt devel-
opment.
Proponents ofthe ordinance
should counter the arguments of
tlie development community Uy
pointing out that regulation does
not freeze a district in time, but
allows it to grow, change, and im-
prove. It is wise to garner the sup-
port of developers who are sensitive
to preservation concems. Real es-
tate pmfessionals, Uankers, and ar-
chitects who have been positively
involved in historic preservation,
~~ ~4~ ,~,
~
3. Obtain a wide cross section of district suppoxt.
For two years the NHPC educated neighborhood orga-
~ nizations, friends, and civic associations aUout the Uen-
efits of a local district. The NHPC provided
information to local politicians and ciry staff to make
sure that they understood the ramifications of local
designation.
The city commission, however, decided to exchide an
area from the edge of the district whexe a large nuinUer
of property owners opposed to the district. The origi-
nal district proposal contained 1,150 Uuildings, and the
final designation covered 1,100 buildings. This was
not viewed as a setbaclc as much as it was seen as a re-
sponse to local political considerations.
4. Always educate.
Pre-designation education efforts included two informa-
[ional handouts distriUuted door-to-doar, a certified letter
explaining the district designation, newspaper articles,
and a series of puUlic inforination meecings.
The NHPC planned a dedication ceremony for the
newly cxeatecl East Row Local Histarie District, with a
well known Cincinnati news commentaeor/art patron
and the Kentuclry state historic preservation officer as
guest spealzers. They Urought out the police
department's color guard, had a walking tour of the
`,;= distTict, and sexved a special cake decoxated to look
"~ like some of the East Row's distinctive row houses.
Through the aggressive volunteer efforts of a puUlic re-
lauons consultant who was a xesident of the dietrict, The Cincinnati
Enqtiirer, four radio stations, and three television sfations covered the event.
The NHPC continues to stress education as a key element in the success of
the district, An easy-to-read Urochure explaining the design xeview process
was mailed to eveiy property owner in the district, every licensed contractox
in the city receives a letter on the design review process twice a year, and ar-
ticles are regularly published in the local Newport News and neighUorhood
newsletters reminding residents of the review process. The NHPC has
worked to promote the district in a variety of ways: printing a poster high-
lighting Uuildings in the histoYic distYict, holding a Chxistmas carxiage toux
and spring walkin~ tours, printing a walldng tour brochure, printing a his-
tory workbook for schoolchildren, and installing cast iron signs marlcing the
East Row Historic Distxict. City staff has warked to create a low-intexest
loan program for rshabilitation, promote enterprise zone incentives, and en-
courage the use of Eederal rehaUilitation tax credits.
Newport's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Miami Purchase Associa-
tion for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit Cincinnati organization, recently
awarded Uoth the City of Newport and the NHPC a Uronze plaque for "care-
ful education and promotion of the concept of historic preservation and for
working together to create the largest local historic district in Northern Ken-
tucky."
Prepared by Theresa Brum, director of historic preservation, City of New-
port, Kentiicky.
NewporYs varied architecture is
re/lected in this poster promoting
the historic district.
~
especially those that have Uene-
Eitted from the fedexal investment
tax credit projects, are goodor ndi-
dates for ]ending their supp
In many communities, especially
where development pYessure is in-
tense and extxeme increases in lot
density are common, "txansfer of
,~
development zights ~TDR) can be
one of the tools to countex the loss
of market value axgument. TDR is
a means by which a developer is
peLmitted to build moxe density on
one site Uy building less (ax noching
at all) on anothex. The unused de-
velopment rights of one paxcel are
thus tcansferred ~often in exchange
for money~ to the otl~ex, although
the underlying restxictions af the
zoning code are still in {oxce.'~
niques. As the preservation move-
ment itself has leamed to embrace
inore contemporary and less xecog-
nized resources, the genexal puUlic
should also Ue encouraged to under-
stand their significance and impox-
tance. Realizing that there might
Ue a bias against certain classes of
histozic resources, it might be mare
prudent to initially create local his-
toric districts comptising cesources
that axe easily recognized by the
public as historic. A community's
fixst local district might be a high-
style Victarian-era neighUorhood
that is fairly homogeneous. Subse-
quent designations of less oUvious,
more oUscure historic axeas might
requixe an int~enan' ~ fo e he desig-
awaxeness p gr
nation pxocess is initiated.
7. Dislike for "Rloated Buxeaucxa-
cies"
Many citizens Uelieve that ~ovem-
ment alceady imposes too many
layers of regulation. They see the
cxeation of the review commission
and the designation of lacal dis-
tricts and the accompanying xegula-
tions as an additional buxden.
Some citizens think that efEorts
should Ue made to xestxict govern-
ment xather than expand municipal
functions. While this might seem a
good idea in theory, the xeality of
cutUacks in federal domestic pra
gxams, the accelerating pace of de-
velopment, a more txansient and
moUile population, global coinmu-
nications, and rapidly disappcaring
historic resouxces all demand that
govemments manage theix re-
sources more wisely now than evex.
This reinforces the need foe better
planning with sPecialized elements
designed to protect speciEic re-
sources.
,.~
g, Lack oF Awaxeness of the Signifi-
cance o[ Histocic Resoucce5
Many citizens question whetHex
cectain resources axe woxthy af
preservation. ~ox example, many
people do not recognize ehe historic
value o£ early 20th-centuxy Ye' tech-
souYCes or vernacular Uuilding
SummarY
tions can Ue found through careful
consideration of the many planning
tools available to a cocrununity.
A local histoxic district is but one
of those tools and it has proven to
be a vexy powezful one. Regulating
change within historic areas im-
proves the quality of life for citi-
zens. Creating local historic
districts will not automatically pxo-
duce claan, beautiEul, end vital
places, bursuch regulation may
help avoid an unplanned atrocity.
Used in conjunction with other
tools and balanced with od~er com-
munity development options, historic
districts pxotect investments and
spur revitalization. They continue
to malce it possible~eciateuand leanz
people to enjoy, ~ pP
from our past. They have helped
pares of America become destination
spots rather than places ta bypass.
Although New York Ciry garnexed
the spotlight Uecause its landmaxk
case xeached the U.S. Supxeme
CouYt, and Chaxleston Uoasts the
fiYSt histoxic distxict and architec-
tuTal xeview b~ard, the use of local
histoxic districts as a means to man-
age gxowth and change is not xe-
served for l~ig cities, noYtool u ed Ue
pexceived as a planning
only by old east coast cities. Local
historlc districts are far ALL com-
munitiies. Dhsh commun ty goals
help accomp cit town-
in any size village, town, Y~
ship, county, or parish, fxom the
smallest to tha largest, from colo-
nial ViYginia to suUuxban Phoenix.
The evaluation of historic xeaoucces
at the local level and development
of pxotection strategies results in
bettex communiteconomss raeid de-
from a changing y' o ula-
velopment, and declining p P
tions can all contriUute to the
demise or success of a particular
place. Community leadexs and gov-
exnment officials must plan Eor a
successful futuxe. There axe tough
decisions eo Ue made and not every-
one will agree all the time. Solu-
Aclcnowledgements
This Inf ormation booldet was pre-
pared by Pxatt Cassity, preservation
services coordinatoc fox the School
of Environmental Design at the
UniveTSity of Geoegia. In that ca-
pacity he serves as executive direc-
tor of the National Alliance of
Preservation Commissions.
Endnotes
~ Stephen N. Dennis, "Policy Axgu-
ments fox the Cxeation of Beacon Hill
Historic District," PreservAUOn Latn'
Update, 1192-1~, Ma~c1123,1992•
2 PIistoxic Boston, Incorporated,
"Save Ouz CiCar ec Wilkier a d Wil-
compiled Uy
liam Fasrell, March 1992•
' IUid, p. 6.
^ Constance E. Beaumont, "Local
Pxeservation Oxdinances," Land-
mark Yellow Pages, Washingeon
D.C.: Pxesexvation Press, 1992.
5 Dennis E. Gale, "The Impacts of
~
Histaric District Designation Plan-
ning and Policy Implications," /ournal
of the American Planning Associa-
tion, Va1..57, No. 3 ~Summer 1991~.
~ Ellen Baasley, "The Impact of the
Public Review Process on New De-
sign in Historic Districts in the
United States," ICOMOS 8th Gen-
eral AsseinUly and International
Symposium, "Old Cultures in New
Wurlds" Vol. l, 1987.
' Infoimeition contributing to the
section xelating to the Uenefits of lo-
cal districts was obtained from; Re-
view Board News, The Preservation
Alli~mce oE Vixginia, No, 13, Augiist/
SeptemUer, 1991 and Constance E.
Beaumont, °Local Preservation Or-
dinauces,° Las~dmark Ye]Iow Pages,
Preservation Press, 1992.
d Richard J. Roddewig, Preparing a
Historic Preservntion Ordinance,
Plannin~ Advi~ory Service Report
No. 374, Chicago: Americnn P1an-
ning Association, 1983.
~ Beaumont, Landmark Yellow
Pnges, 1992.
10 Det~arah Kelly and Jennifer
Goodman, "Conservation District
Yroject Report," Preservation Coali-
tion of Greater Philadelphia, June
1991.
" Jaeger(Pyburn, Inc. Desigu
Manual: Aiken, South, Carolina,
Ailzen I-Hstoric Pxesexvation Commis-
sion and the City of Aiken Depart-
ment of Planning and Community
Development, August 1990.
12 Courtney Damkroger, "Western
Regional Office Preservation P1lnning
Study," San Francisco: Natioval Trust
for Historie Preseroation, August 199D.
" Oliver A. Pollard, III, "Counter-
acting Demolition By Neglect: Ef-
Eective Regulations for Historic
District Ordinances," The Alliance
Review, National Alliance of Preser-
vation Commissions, Winter 1990.
'" Stephen N. Dennis, "Legal Strate-
gies for Protecting Significant Interi-
ors," Preservntion Law Update,
1)88-40, OctoUer 27, 1988.
15 Damlcxoger, 1990.
'~ Stephen A. Morris, "Zoning and
Historic Pxeservation,° Local Pres-
ervation, Washington, D.C.: Na-
tional Park Service, 1989.
" American Planning Association,
"Policy Implementation Principles
on Histoxic Yxcservation,° adopted
by die Chapter Delegate Assembly,
April 28, 1987 and ratified by the
Boaxd of Dixectors, Septemlier, 19,
1987.
'A Gale, 1991.
19 Peggy RoUin, Sac~ing the ,Neigh-
borhood: You Can Fight llevelopers
and Win!, Rockville, Md.: Wood-
bine House, 1990.
Where to Find Help
Locn! Resources
You can oUtain information regard-
ing the ~lanning pxocess within
your community, local preservation
activity, programs and agencies that
provide assistance to citizens inter-
ested in community issues, and ba-
sic community history and
reference material Uy contacting the
following:
• The local planning, community
development, or city managers
office.
• A downtown developinent
agency, Main Street project man-
ager, merchant or neighUorhood
organization.
• Tha local nonprofit preservation
organization or historical society,
• A puUlic liUrairy or university col-
lection.
State Resources
There are numerous statewide enti-
ties that can provide preservation
assistance:
Tl~e state historic preservation of-
fice ~SHPO~, especially ehe Cextified
Local Govemment (CLG) program
coordinator can prove to Ue a"one
stop shop" for complete preservation
assistance. Each SHPO is charged
with a federal mandate to carry out
the national historic preseroation
pxogram and provide technical as-
sistance to citizens, communities,
and organizations. SHPps are part
of a national netwoxk Uased in
Washington called the National
CanEereuce of State Historic Pxeser-
vation Officexs ~ASCSHPOJ. The
federal agency that is responsiUle for
administering khe national historic
presexvation pxogxain thxough the
SHPOs is the Department of the
Intcrior's Natioual Park Service.
Pox inoxc infoxmation contact: Na-
tional Conference of State Historic
Preservation Officers, Suite 342,
Hall of States, 444 Noxth Capicol
Stxeet, N.W., Washington, D.C.
zoooi. ~zoa~ ~z4-sa~s.
Many states have statewide nan-
profit preservation oxganizations
that can provide addieional pxeser-
vation assiseance. Some etatewide
nonprofits sponsor training programs,
publications, special evenes, and
conferences on preseivation topics.
The Nationll Trust puUlishes a di-
receory of statewide organizations;
the cost is $10. To order 1 copy
write to Programs, Services and Infor-
mation, National Trust for Historic
Preservation, 178.5 Massachusetts Av-
enue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
There are state and regional ~and in
some cases local~ chapters of na-
tional professional organizations
that can provide assistance in plan-
ning, preservation and design. Usu-
ally, the Amexican Institute of
Architects (AIA~, American Plan-
ning Association (APA), and Amexi-
can Society of Landscape Axchitects
(ASLA) provide the most helpful in-
forination. The national offices of
these organizations produce useful
publications, journals, magazines,
and newsletters. For more informa-
tion contact: American Institute of
~~~:
,.:.,a , ;~y.~.
~%
~
especially those that have bene-
fitted from tlte federal2nveStmEnt
tax credic projects, are good candi-
dates for ]~nding their suppo~,
In many communitias, especially
where devetopment pressure is in~
tense and extreme increases in 1ot
density are common, "transfer of
developrnent rights„ ~TDR) can be
one of the tools to counter the loss
of marltet vatue argttment. TDR is
a zneans uy k,h~ch a developer is
Pet'mitted to build more density on
ane site by building less ~or nothing
at a1]J on anothex. The unused de-
velopment rights of one parcel are
thus transferred (oftsn in exchange
Eor money) to the othei; although
the underlyAng restrictions of the
zoning code are still in force.19
7. DisIi[ce for "Bloated Bureaucra-
ciey'~
Many citizens believe that goyern-
ment already imposes too many
layexs of re~llation. They see the
creation of the revie~y ~ommission
~'~_
s;;~
~% ~d, and ehe designation of ]ocal dis-
tricts and the acconapanying reguja_
tions as an additiona] bur~[~n
Some citizens thin]< that efforts
shvuld be rnade to restrict govern-
ment razher than expand municipal
functions. Whi1e chis might seem a
good idea in theory, the mality of
cutbaclcs in federal domestic pro-
grams, the acceleratingpace of de-
~~1opment, a more transient and
mobile population, giobal commu-
nications, and rapidly disapp~aring
historicresources all demand that
8overnments manage their re-
sources more wisely nor~, than ~ver.
This reinforces che need for better
planning ,,yith specialized elements
designed To protect specific re-
sources.
8. Lack of Awarenesa oF the Signig.
cance of Fiistoric Hesources
Many citizens question whetlier
certain resources are worthy of
PYeservation. For example, many
people do not recognize Rhe historic
value of early 20th•century re-
sources or vernacutar 6uiiding tech-
niques. ,ys ~h~ Pregervation move
ment itself has leamed to embrace
more conteinporary and less recog-
nized resources, the gen~ral public
shonld also be encouraged to under
stand tlieir signlF~c~nce and impor-
tan~e• Realizing that there might
be a bias against certain classes of
historic rasources, it might be more
Prudent to initially create local his•
toric districts comprising r~sourcas
that aze easily recognized by the
pu6lic as historic. A community's
first local district might be a high-
style Vactorian•era neighborhoo~{
that is fairly homog~neous. Subse-
quent designacions of less obvious,
more obscure historic arels might
Yequire an intensified community
awareness pro~a~ li~ore the desig-
^ation process is initiafed.
SU1111I] 1Pjr
Althoilgh New york Citygarnered
the spottight because its Iandmarlc
case reached the U.S. Supreme
Court, anc! Charleston boases the
f'trsT historic district and axchitec-
tural review board, the use of local
historic districts as a means to man-
age growth and change is not re-
served for bIg ~ities, nor should it be
prsceived as a planning pooj tised
°n~y UY old east coast cities. Local
historic districts are ForALL corn.
munities. Diserict designation cai~
help accompiish community goals
jn anY gize villag~, town, citq, town-
ship, county, or parish, from the
smallest ta the iargest, From colo-
nial Virginia to suburban Phoenix,
The evaluadon of historic resources
ae the locallevet and develop~enc
of proeection strategies reaults in
better communities. Pressures
from n chanKing ~~on~my rapid de-
velopment, and declining popu]a-
tione can all contribuCe to che
demise or success of a particular
place. Community ~eaders and gov
ernment officials musc plan for a
successful future. There are tough
decisions to be made and not every.
°ne wi~~ agree all the cime. Solu-
tions can be f~llnd through careful
consideration of the many pianning
eools avaitable to a community.
A 1oca1 historic distr~~t is bue one
of those tools and it has proven to
be a very pou,erful one, Regulating
change within ~~istoric ar~s ~~,
proves the quaiity of life for citi,
zens. Creating ]ocal historic
districts will not automatically pro-
duce clean, beautifnj, and vital
places, bursuch re~~ation may
help avoid an unplanned atrocity,
Used in conjunction with other
tools and balanced with other com-
munity develop~l~t op~ons, hjstoric
districts protect investments and
epurrevitelization, Theycontinue
to make it possible for cotmtless
People to eqjoY, aPP~ciaee, and leam
hom our past, Theq have helped
parts of America bacome destination
9pots rather than places to bypass.
Ackxio~,~,~edg~ments
This Infnrmation Uooklet was pre-
pared by pratt Cassiry, pr~servltion
servicy5 co~rdinator For the Sehool
of Environmencal Design at the
University of Georgia. In that ca.
pacity he serves as executive direc-
tor of the National Alliance of
Preservatioti Commissions.
Endnates
' Scephen N. Dennis, „Policy Arg~i_
ments for the Creation of Beacon Fiij~
Historic District," pr~.~1 ~,atrpn Law
Update, 1192-1Q, M~ch 23, 1992
~ Historic Boston, Incotporated,
Save pur City; A Case far goston,"
~ompiled by Carter Wilkie and Wil-
liam Farrell, March 1992,
3 Il~id, P. 6.
a Constance E, $eaumont, "Local
Preservation Ordinances," Land-
mark Ye1lowPaS~s, Washington
p•C.; Preseroacion Press, 1992,
5 Dennis E. Gale, "'T'~~ ImPa~Cg of
~
~
~k i
.~...u ;
Architects, 1735 New York Av-
enue, N.W. Washington, D.C.
20006. ~202~ 626•7300. American
Planning Association, 1313 East
60th Street, Chicago, Ill., 60637.
~312) 955-9100. American Society
of Landscape Axchitects, 4401 Con-
necticut Avanue, N.W., Fifth Floor,
Washington, D.C. 20008. (202~ 686-
2752.
Many states have a variety of agen-
cics within state government that
may be helpful in answexing plan-
ning or preservation questions, The
state community or economic de-
velopment department, a league o#
cities or municipal association, and
even university pxograms and insti-
cutes of govecnment offer wide xang-
ing assistance tn local preservationists,
Natronal Resources
There are many organizations at
the national level to assist in his-
toric preservation. They can Ue
very helpfulin providing Uroader,
and in some cases, more compre-
hensive information to support lo-
cal preservation efforts.
The Amexican Association for State
and Local Hist~ry (AASLH) has a
very extensive puUlications list.
Many of the titles that are availaUle
relate directly to the work of local
preseroationists. For more informa-
tion contact: American Association
for State and Local History, 172 Sec-
ond Avenue North, Suite 202, Nash-
ville, Tenn. 37201. ~615~ 255-2971.
The National Alliance of Pxeserva-
tion Cammissions (NAPC) is the
single purpose, nonprofit memUer-
ship organization that pYOVides in-
formation and assistance to local
communities and individuals re-
garding preservation commissions
and local districts and landmark
protection programs. The NAPC
produces a quarterly newsletter and
sponsors national, statewide and lo-
cal meetings for commissions. The
organization was formed specifi-
cally to influence the creation and
pexpetuation of local preservation
programs. For more information con-
tact: National Alliance of Preserva-
tion Commissions, Hall of the
States, Suite 342, 0.44 North Capitol
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20001.
Staff assistance is provided through
Che Office of Preservation Services
at the University of Georgia (706~
542-4731.
The National Center for Preserva-
tion Law (NCPL,) is a Washington
Uased organization providing assis-
tance on the legal aspects of preser-
vation. The NCPL distributes
periodie Preservntion Law Updates
that summarize important preserva-
tion legal issues. The NCPL also
provides legal consulting services to
local govemments and orgarrizations.
For mote information contact: Na-
tional Center for Preservation Law,
1333 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 300 Wasl~ington, D.C. 20036.
~202~338-0392.
The National Trust for Histoxic
Pxeservation ~NTHP) is a nonprofic
organization chartered Uy Congress
to encourage puUlic participation in
the pxeservation oE sites, buildings
and oUjects significant in American
history and culture. The National
Trust acts as clearinghouse for in-
forination on all aspects of preserva-
tion, assists in coordinating effoxts
of preservation groups, provides pro-
fessional advice on preservation,
conducts conferences and seminars,
maintains historic properties and
administers grant and loan pxo-
grams. The National Trust operates
six regional offices and one field of-
fice to peovide services to state and
local organizations and individuals.
For more information contact the
regional office nearest you. The ad-
dresses are listed on the back cover
of this Information booklet.
Useful Publications
The American Mosaic: Preserving A
Nation's Heritage. Robert E. Stipe
and AntoinetCe J. Lee, editors. Wash-
ington, D.C.: US/ICOMOS, 1987.
America's Downtowns: Gro*nnh,
Politics and Preservation. Richard
C. Collins, ElizaUeth B. Waters, A,
Bruce Dotson, edited Uy Constance
E. Beaumont. Washington, D.C.:
The Preservation Press, 1991.
The Citizens Guide to Zoning.
Herbert H. Smitli. Chicago: Ameri-
can Planning Association, Planners
Press, 1983.
Creating. Successful Commtmities:
A Guidebook to C='rocvth Manage-
ment Strategies. Michael A. Mantell,
Stephen F. Harper, Luther Propst.
Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 1990.
Dealing cvith Ghnnge in the Cou-
necticut River Vnlley: A DesigtZ
Manunl for Consei•vntion and De-
velopment. RoUert D. Yare et al.
Cambridge, Mass.: Lincoln Institute
of Land Policy and the Environmen-
tal Law Foundation, Septeinber 1988.
Design Reviewin Histaric Disiricts:
A Handbook for Virginin Review
Boards. Alice Meriwether Bowsher.
Washington, D.C.: Preservation
Press, 1985.
Developing Downtocvn Design
Guidelines. California Main Street
Program, Sacramento, 1988.
Frederick: A Historic Preservation
Commission at Work. ~Videotape~.
Washington, D.C.: National Park
Service, 1957.
Good Neighbors 13uilding Next to
History. Coloxado Historical Soci-
ety, Denvex, 1980.
A Guide to Delineating Edges o/
Historic Districts. Russell Wright.
Washington, D.C.: The Preservation
Press, 1976.
A Handbook on Fiistoric Preserva-
tion Law. Christopher J. Duerksen,
editor. Washington, D.C.: The Con-
servation Foundation and the Na-
tional Center for Preservation Law,
1983.
~
w
HowTo Save Your Own Street.
Raquel Ramati. Garden City, N.X.:
DouUleday and Company, Incorpo-
xated, 1981.
Mastering the Politics of Planning.
Guy Benveniste, San Francisco:
Jossey-Bass,lncorporated,1989.
National Register BulleYin 24.
"Guidelines for Local Surveys: A
Basis for Preservation Planning,"
Anne Derry, H. Waxd Jandl, Carol
D. Schull, Jan Thorman, revised
1985, Uy Patricia L. Parker. Wash-
ington, D.C.: National Park Service,
U.S. Department of the fitterior, 1985.
Prepari~~g a Historic Preservation
Ordinance. Richard J. Roddewig.
Planning Advisory Service Report,
No. 374. Chicago: American Plan-
ning Association, 1983,
Reviewing New Construction
Projects in Historic Arens: Proce-
dures for Locnl Preservation Com-
missions. Information Series No.
62. Ellen Beasley. Washington,
D.C.: National Trust for Historic
Pxeservation, 1992.
Snving the Neighborhood: You Can
Fight Developers nnd Win! Peggy
RoUin. Kensington, Md.: Woodbine
House, 1990.
Saving Place: A Guide nnd Report
Card for Pratecting Community
Character. Yhilip B. Herr. Boston:
National Trust for Historic Preser-
vation Northeast Regional Office,
1991.
Appendix A
Historic District
Criteria
Historic district significance can Ue
ascribed to a collection of Uuildings,
structures, sites, oUjects, and spaces
that possess integrity of locatio.n,
design, setting, materials, work-
manship, feeling, and association:
1. Location
Areas with linkages of Uuildings,
structures, sites, oUjects, and spaces,
~
a majoxity of which wntinue to ex-
ist where they were first created in
traditionally accepted relationships.
2. Design
Areas that convey a sense of cohe-
siveness through the similariry or
dissiinilarity of their detail related-
ness ~architectural or otherwise~.
Based on the abstracts of aesthetic
quality, these include scale, height,
proportion, materials, colors, tex-
tures, rhythm, silhouette, and siting.
3. Setting
Areas that are readily definable Uy
natural or created Uoundaries or
contain at least one major focal point.
4. Materials
Areas that convey a sense of cohe-
siveness through similarity or dis-
similarity of theix matexial
relatedness, Uased on traditional
material use th~it contributes to a
sense oE loeality.
5. Woxkmanship
Areas that convey a sense of homo-
geneity through the high quality of
aesthetic effort of the periods repre-
sented Uy the majority of the units
compasing the district.
G. Feeling
Areas that create a sense of time
and place.
7. Association
Areas that are related-on national,
state ox local levels-to the lives of
individuals or events or have visual
aesthetic qualities that convey a
feeling of time and place.
Source: William J. Muxtagh, His-
toric Districts: Identification, So-
cial Aspects and Preservation,
1975.
Appendix B
Assistance Provided by
State Historic
Preservation Offices
1. Providing guidelines, standards,
forms, and approaches to survey
used in conducting historic re-
source surveys on a statewide Ua-
sis.
2. Advising aUout alternative ap-
proaches to surveys that are used
elsewhere.
3. Providing documentation aUout
the historic resources already
identified Uy the state.
4. Advising in the development of
high-quality local surveys.
5. Helping coordinate local surveys
with federal and state sponsored
surveys.
6. Helping establish systems for
storage and retrieval of survey
data to meet community needs.
7. Nominating properties to the
National Register.
8. Providing funds, if availaUle, ox
providing information about al-
ternativefunding sourcesfor con-
ducting the suroey.
Source: "Guidelines For Local Sur-
veys: A Basis For Preservation Plan-
ning," National Register Bulletin
24, National Park Service, U.S. De-
partment of Interior, Washington,
D.C. (Revised 1985~,
Appendix C
Basic Elements of a
Preservation
Ordinance
1. Statement of Purpose. An ordi-
nance should clearly state its puUlic
purpose. Although historic preser-
vation is a legitimate goal, many ju-
risdictions have found it politically
and legally necessary to link his-
toric preservation to Uroader com-
munity oUjectives.
~~
t
.;~:,
.
'~°a'
~~~
Architects, 1735 New York Av-
enue, N.W. Washington, D.C.
20006. ~202) 626•7300. American
Planning Association, 1313 East
60th Street, Chicago, Ill., 60637.
~312) 955-9100. American Society
of Landscape Architects, 4401 Con-
necticut Avenue, N.W., Fifth Floor,
Washington, D.C. 20008. (202J 686-
2752.
Many states have a variety of agen-
cies within state government that
may Ue helpful in answexing plan-
ning or preservation questions. The
state community or economic de-
velopment department, a league of
cities or municipal association, and
even univexsity programs and insti-
tutes of govexnment offer wide rang-
uig assistance to local pxeservationists,
National Xesources
There are many organizations at
the national level to assist in his-
toric preservation. They can Ue
very helpfulin providing broader,
and in some cases, more compre-
hensive infoxmation to support lo-
cal preservation e£forts.
The American Association fox State
and Local History (AASLH) has a
very extensive puUlications list.
Many of the titles that are availaUle
relate directly to the work of local
preservationists, For moxe infomia-
tion contact: American Association
fox State and Local History, 172 Sec-
ond Avenue North, Suite 202, Nash-
ville, Tenn. 37201. ~615~ 255-2971.
The National Alliance of Preserva-
tion Commissions (NAPC) is the
single purpose, nonprofit memUer-
ship organization that provides in-
formation and assistance to local
communities and individuals re-
garding preservation commissions
and local districts and landmark
protection programs. The NAPC
produces a quarterly newsletter and
sponsors national, statewide and lo-
cal meetings for commissions. The
organization was formed specifi-
cally to influence the creation and
perpetuation oE local preservation
programs. For more infoxmation con-
tact: National Alliance of Preserva-
tion Commissions, Hall of the
States, Suite 342, 444 North Capitol
Street, N.W., Wasliington, D.C.
20001.
Staff assistance is pxovided through
the Office of Preservation Services
at the University of Georgia ~70C)
542-A731.
The National Center for Pxesexva-
timi Law (NCPL) is a Washington
Uased organization providing assis-
tance on the legal aspects of preser-
vation. The NCPL distributes
periodic Preservation Law Updates
that suinmarize important pxeserva-
tion legal issues. The NCPL also
provides legal consulting services to
local govemments and organizations.
For more information contact: Na-
tional Center for Preservation Law,
1333 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20036.
~202~ 338-0392.
The Natioual Txust fox Histoxic
Yxeservation (NTHP) is a nonproFit
organization chartered Uy Congress
to encourage puUlic participation in
the preservation of sites, buildings
and oUjects significant in American
history and culture. The National
Trust acts as clearinghouse for in-
foxmation on all aspects oE preserva-
tion, assists in coordinating efforts
of preservation groups, provides pro-
fessional advice on preservaeion,
conducts conferences and seminars,
maintains historic properties and
administers grant and loan pro-
grams. The National Trust operates
six xegional offices and one field of-
fice to pxovide services to state and
local organizations and individuals.
For more information contact the
regional office nearest you. The ad-
dresses are listed on the back cover
of this Information Uooklet.
Useful Publications
The American Mosaic: Preserving A
Nation's Heritage. Robert E. Stipe
and Antoinette J. Lee, editors. Wash-
ington, D.C.; US/ICOMOS, 1987,
Americds Dohmtowns Growth,
Politics and Preservatiou. Richaxd
G Collins, ElizaUedi B. Waters, A.
Bruce Dotson, edited Uy Constance
E. Beaumont. Washington, D.C.:
The Preservation Press, 1991.
The Citizens Guide to Zoning.
Herbert H. Smith. Chicago: Ameri-
can Planning Association, Planners
Pxess,1983.
Creating Successful Cosnmunities:.
A Guidebook to Growth Manage-
ment Strategies. Michael A. Mantell,
Stephen F. Harper, Luther Propst.
Washington, D.C.: Island Pxess, 1990.
Dealing tvith C1~ange in the Con-
necticut River VaIIey: A Design
Manunl for Conservation und De-
velopment, RoUert D. Yare et al.
Cambxidge, Mass.: Lincoln Institute
of Land Policy and the Environmen-
tal Law Foundation, SeptemUer 1988.
Design Review in Historic Districts;
A Handbook for Virginia Review
Bonrds. Alice Meriwether Bowsher.
Washington, D.C.: Preservation
Press, 1J85.
Developing Downtown Design
Guidelines. California Main Street
Program, Sacramento, 1986.
Fredericle: A Historic Preservation
Commission at Worlc. ~Videotape).
Washington, D.C.: National Park
Seivice, 1987.
Good Neighbors Building Next ta
History. Colorado Historical Soci-
ety, Denver, 1980.
A Guide to Delineuting Edges o(
Historic Districts. Russell Wright.
Washington, D.C.: The Preservation
Press, 1976.
A Handbook on Historic Preserva-
tion Lacv. Christopher J. Duerksen,
editor. Washington, D.C.: The Con-
servation Foundation and the Na-
tional Centex for Pceservation Law,
1983.
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2. Definitions. Technical terms
need explanation to avoid confu-
sion over concepts not generally
understood.
3. Cxeation of Preservation Com-
mission. The commission's posi-
tion within government, the
numUer of inemUers, memUer
qualifications, their terms of office,
and the number of inemUers re-
quired for n quonim should Ue
spelled out.
4. Commission Powexs and Duties.
Everything that the commission
will have the authority to do must
Ue spelled out in this section of the
ordinance. The compulsory or ad-
visory nature of the commission's
decisions is outlined here.
5. Critexia for Designating Historic
Properties (districts and landmaxks).
Objective and selevant criteiia
must be established for designating
districts and landmarks. In many
cases, local governments have used
similax criteria to those used for
listing in the Nati~nal Register.
Although a few ordinances require
owner consent as a pxovision for lo-
cal designation this practice is gen-
erally not advised. Owner consent
provisions axe tantamount co allow-
ing individual citizens piclc and
choose among the laws they wish
to follow. It should also Ue noted
that private individuals are not al-
lowed to veto zoning regulations
and that historic district ordinances
are part and parcel of zoning,
G. Procedures fox Designating His-
toric Landmarks and Districts. The
ordinance needs to explain who can
nominate properties for designa-
tion; how and when affected prop-
erty owners are notified~ how many
puUlic hearings there are; who must
approve designations; and what the
timetaUle for these actions is.
7, Procedures and Standards fox Re-
viewing Alterations and Demoli-
tions. 'I'he ordinance should explain
what types of changes are suUject to
review Uy the commissian. The
standards, guidelines, and process of
review must also Ue fully explained
or referenced.
S, Economic Hardship. This por-
tion of the ordinance is its "safety
valve" and sets forth the process
and criteria to be used in determin-
ing whethex an oxdinance imposes
an economic hardship on an owner.
9. Penalties. Ordinances must be
enforced to be effective. Penalties can
range Erom fines to incaxcexation.
10. Appeals. Most ordinances spell
out a process for appealing decisions
rendered by the commission or gov-
exning body. An appeals provision
helps to ensure that a citizen's right
to "due process" is izot abxidged.
Source: Constance E. Beaumont,
"Local Pxeservation Ordinances,"
Lnndmark Yellow Pages, Washing-
ton: The Preservation Press, 1992.
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