10.75 Significance Criteria for Historic Districts
08.03 (2013)
ADOPTED 10/29/1975
City of Boulder
Landmark Preservation Board
Significance Criteria for District Landmarks
Historical Significance
The district, as an entity, should show character, interest or value as part of the
development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the community, state, or nation; be
the site of historic or prehistoric event(s) that had an effect upon society; or exemplify
the cultural, political, economic, or social heritage of the community.
1. Association with Historical Persons or Events: This association could be national,
state or local.
2. Distinction in the Development of the Community of Boulder: This is the most
applicable to institutions (religious, educational, civic, etc.) Or business area,
though in some cases residential areas 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.
3. Recognition by Authorities: If a number of structures are recognized by Historic
Boulder, Inc., the Boulder Historical Society, local historians (Barker, Crossen,
Frink, Gladden, Paddock, Schooland, etc.) F.L. Olmstead, or others in published
form, as having historical interest or value.
4. Date of Construction: This area of consideration places particular importance on
the age of the structure.
5. Other, if applicable
Architectural Significance
The district should portray an environment in an era of history characterized by
distinctive architectural period(s)/style(s); embody those distinguishing characteristics of
an architectural type specimen, a good example of the common; include the work of an
architect or master builder, known nationally, state-wide, or locally, and perhaps whose
work has materials or craftsmanship which represent a significant innovation; or include
a fine example of the uncommon.
08.03 (2013)
1. Architectural Identity: The area should display common characteristics or
continuity, and represent a distinguished entity that possesses integrity of
appearance, and/or feeling (mood).
2. Recognized Period(s)/Style(s): It should exemplify specific elements of an
architectural period/style, or contain good examples of more than one
period/style, thereby preserving a progression of styles; i.e.: Victorian Revival
styles, such as described by Historic American Building Survey Criteria,
Gingerbread Age (Maass), 76 Boulder Homes (Barker), The History of
Architectural Style (Marcus/Tiffin), Architecture in San Francisco (Gebhard et al),
History of Architecture (Fletcher), Architecture/Colorado (Thorsen et al) and any
other published source of universal or local analysis of “style”.
3. Architect(s) or Builder(s) of Prominence: A good example of the work of
architect(s) or builder(s) recognized for expertise nationally, state-wide or locally.
4. Artistic Merit: A skillful integration of design, detail, material, and color which is
of excellent visual quality and/or demonstrates superior craftsmanship.
5. Example of the Uncommon: Elements of architectural design, detail, material, or
craftsmanship that are representation of a significance innovation.
6. Indigenous Qualities: A style or material that is particularly associated with the
Boulder area.
7. Other, if applicable.
Environmental Significance
The district should enhance the variety, interest, and sense of identity of the
community by the protection of the unique natural and man-mad environments.
1. Site Characteristics: The site should be of high quality in terms of planned or
natural vegetation, and streetscape objects, i.e.: lighting, fences, sidewalks, etc.
2. Compatibility with Site: Consideration will be given to scale, massing,
placement, or other qualities design with respect to its site.
3. Geographic Importance: As an entity it represents an established and familiar
visual feature of the community, having unique and irreplaceable assets to the
city or neighborhood.
4. Other, if applicable.