HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5A - 1300 Canyon LB Memo 12.01.21
MEMORANDUM TO THE LANDMARKS BOARD
December 1, 2021
STAFF
Jacob Lindsey, Planning & Development Services Director
Charles Ferro, Interim Comprehensive Planning Manager
Lucas Markley, Assistant City Attorney
James Hewat, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Marcy Gerwing, Historic Preservation Planner II
Clare Brandt, Administrative Specialist II
Faith Hamman, Historic Preservation Intern
LANDMARK DESIGNATION REQUEST
Public hearing and consideration of the proposal to designate the property at 1300 Canyon Blvd. as an
individual historic landmark, pursuant to Section 9-11-5 of the Boulder Revised Code 1981, and under the
procedures prescribed by chapter 1-3, “Quasi-Judicial Hearings,” B.R.C. 1981.
Address: 1300 Canyon Blvd.
Applicant: Historic Boulder, Inc.
Owner: City of Boulder
Case Number: HIS2015-00086
Case Type: Landmark Designation
Code Section: 9-11-5, B.R.C., 1981
SITE INFORMATION
Date of Construction: 1969
Zoning: DT-5 (Downtown – 5)
Lot Size: 21,741 sq. ft.
Legal Description: LOTS 4-5-6 & 1/2 VAC ALLEY BLK 14 BOULDER O T
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Landmarks Board forward the application to the City Council with a
recommendation to designate the property as an individual landmark to be known as the Midland
Savings and Loan – Atrium Building.
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RECOMMENDED MOTION
The Landmarks Board recommends the City Council designate the property at 1300 Canyon Blvd. as a
local historic landmark, to be known as the Midland Savings and Loan – Atrium Building, finding that it
meets the standards for individual landmark designation in Sections 9-11-1 and 9-11-2, B.R.C. 1981, and
adopt the staff memorandum dated Dec. 1, 2021, as the findings of the board.
FINDINGS
The Landmarks Board finds, based upon the application and evidence presented, that the proposed
designation application is consistent with the purposes and standards of the Historic Preservation
Ordinance, in that:
1. The designation of the property will protect, enhance and perpetuate a property and building
reminiscent of a past era important in local and state history, and preserve a significant example
of architecture from the past.
2. The designation will maintain an appropriate setting and environment and will enhance property
values, stabilize the neighborhood, promote tourist trade and interest and foster knowledge of
the city’s living heritage.
3. The designation draws a reasonable balance between private property rights and the public
interest in preserving the city’s cultural, historic and architectural heritage. .
4. The property proposed for designation has historic, architectural and aesthetic value.
SUMMARY
• On April 7, 2015, Historic Boulder, Inc. submitted a landmark designation application for the
property.
• On Aug. 5, 2015, the Landmarks Board voted (4-0) to initiate landmark designation, with a condition
to hold the application until completion of a feasibility study.
• Pursuant to Section 9-11-5(C) of the Boulder Revised Code, the Landmarks Board must hold a public
hearing between 60 and 120 days unless agreed upon by the owner and the City. To provide time for
the completion of a feasibility study, the application was held by agreement by the City and Historic
Boulder, Inc.
• The Atrium Feasibility Study (link) was completed in 2016.
• On Aug. 25, 2021, Historic Boulder sent a letter requesting timeline and that the designation move
forward.
• The criteria for the board’s review are found in Sections 9-11-1, Purpose and Legislative Intent, and 9-
11-2, City Council May Designate Landmarks and Historic Districts, B.R.C. 1981.
• Staff recommends that the Landmarks Board forward the application to the City Council with the
recommendation to designate the property as the Midland Savings and Loan – Atrium Building.
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 2 of 40
Figure 2. 1300 Canyon Blvd., facing southwest, 2020. Photograph by Len Segal.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION2
The Midland Savings and Loan-Atrium Building, located at 1300 Canyon Blvd., was built in 1969 after
designs by noted modern architect Hobart Wagener. The building was surveyed in 2000 as part of the
Modern Architectural Structures in Boulder: 1947-1977 (link) and determined to be potentially eligible
for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and eligible for designation as a local landmark.
The survey form (link) provides the following architectural description of the building:
The Midland Savings and Loan is prominently sited on Canyon Boulevard in the central business district
of downtown Boulder. The building is a one-story rectilinear structure with a square footprint. The front
wall on the street side comprises a line of floor to ceiling glass windows with piers placed at regular
intervals. These square columns are clad in golden brown Colorado sandstone. These square stone
columns surround the entire building. On the other sides of the building, the walls are clad in sandstone
with large horizontally linked windows above. A distinctive feature of the building is the pyramidal roof
2 Landmarks Board Memo dated Aug. 5, 2015. City of Boulder.
https://documents.bouldercolorado.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=129315&dbid=0&repo=LF8PROD2
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 4 of 40
surmounted by a pyramidal skylight made of transparent acrylic. In the original floor plan that has been
lost, this large skylight once provided illumination for an enclosed central atrium. At that time, the
rooms of the building were arrayed around the atrium space. The pyramidal roof is clad in brown-colored
cast composition roof tiles. The materials choices are interested since they related to those used on the
University of Colorado campus buildings. The architect, Hobart Wagener employed golden brown
sandstone and brown roof tiles for the Midland Savings and Loan. This seems to be a critique of the
parallel relationship of the red sandstone and red roof-tiles, seen on many campus buildings. The
landscaping includes foundation plantings and screens of deciduous trees.
The survey continues, documenting the building’s significance to include its “association with the
development of the Modern movement in architecture in Boulder” and because it embodies the
characteristics of the Rustic Modern style, including:
o A mix of horizontals and verticals;
o Horizontal ribbon windows divided by vertical mullions and a skylight;
o Use of traditional materials like stone;
o Traditional conception of the building’s volumes;
o Integration of the indoors and outdoors;
o No ornamentation;
o Deep overhanging eaves; and
o Pyramidal hipped roof which is a prominent design feature.
The building is also significant for:
• The high standard of the construction craft. The stonework is of the highest quality as is the tile-
clad roof.
• The pyramidal roof structure is expertly crafted.
• The appearance of natural stone walls, a prominent feature in Boulder’s architecture that
relates to the University of Colorado campus and to many historic buildings off campus.
• As the work of Hobart Wagner, an acknowledged master of Boulder architecture.
• For its prominent location as a key commercial building on Canyon Boulevard in downtown
Boulder.
The survey also determined the building satisfies National Register Criterion Consideration G, achieving
significance within the past fifty years due to its exceptional significance, stating “This exceptional
significance is defined by its integral relationship to the post-war development of Modern architecture
in Boulder, a movement which has received extensive press coverage; by comparison with other Modern
architecture of the post-war period in Boulder; and as documented by an ever-increasing body of
scholarly evaluation on the historical importance of Modern architecture which developed during the
post-war period.” The building is now 52 years old.
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Figure 3. 1300 Canyon Blvd., South Elevation, November 2021.
Figure 4. 1300 Canyon Blvd., West Elevation, November 2021.
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Figure 5. 1300 Canyon Blvd., North Elevation, November 2021.
Figure 6. 1300 Canyon Blvd., East Elevation, November 2021.
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Figure 7. 1300 Canyon Blvd., Detail of Stone, North Elevation, November 2021.
ALTERATIONS
Figure 8. 1300 Canyon Blvd., Rendering of Midland Federal Building, 1300 Canyon by Jack Beavers, c.1969. Carnegie Library
for Local History.
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Figure 9. Midland Federal Savings building, view facing northeast, c. 1970s. Carnegie Library for Local History.
Figure 10. 1300 Canyon Blvd., view facing southwest, c.1970s. Carnegie Library for Local History.
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Figure 11. Aerial Photograph of Central Park, c.1969-1972. Carnegie Library for Local History.
The building appears to be largely intact to its original construction, retaining its overall form, materials
and details. The roofing shingles were replaced, and the glass appears to have been replaced, though
the window pattern appears to be original.
PROPERTY HISTORY 3
From 1927 until 1966, the southeast corner of 13th and Canyon was the site of the Miles D. Bradfield
Lumber Company. The Lumber Company was oriented towards 13th Street rather than Canyon
Boulevard, making its address 1776 13th Street. In 1966, the Bradfield Lumber Company relocated to 2490
Spruce St. where a “modern lumber and building supply facility” was built.4
3 Landmarks Board Memo dated Aug. 5, 2015. City of Boulder.
https://documents.bouldercolorado.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=129315&dbid=0&repo=LF8PROD2
4 Daily Camera. “Bradfield Lumber Co. Planning Relocation.” Jan. 12, 1966.
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Figure 12. View of the southeast corner of 13th St. and Canyon Blvd. and the Bradfield Lumber Company (1776 13th Street) c.
1965.
After the Bradfield Lumber Co. moved out in 1966, the land was acquired by the Flatirons Bank of
Boulder. In 1967, the lot was leased to the Midland Federal Savings and Loan Association, who
announced plans to build a new branch office at the location. The Boulder branch of Midland Federal
planned to relocate here from the office they then operated at 1125 Pearl St. The Midland Federal
Savings and Loans Association was established in 1891 in Denver. It is unclear exactly where in that city
their first office was located, but their largest and most grand was the building designed for the
company by the Fisher & Fisher firm in the 1920s. While no longer occupied by Midland Federal, the
building still exists and is located at 444 17th St. in downtown Denver.
MIDLAND FEDERAL
By the 1960s, Midland Federal already had several other branch buildings located throughout the
Denver-metro area, including Aurora, Littleton, Englewood, and Fort Collins. In 1970 Midland Federal
announced that their assets totaled to $200 million, making them one of the largest savings and loan
associations in the country.5 While Midland Federal’s downtown Denver building was designed by the
prominent Denver Fisher & Fisher architectural firm, many of its mid-century branch buildings were
designed by Boulder modernist architect, Hobart D. Wagener. In a 1967 Daily Camera article that
announced the new Boulder branch, it was also reported that the company would “[retain] Hobart D.
Wagener Associates of Boulder to design a 10,000 square foot, one-story building.”6
In 1984, the Midland Federal Savings and Loan Company merged and changed its name to the Midland
Western Federal Savings and Loan Association. Beginning in the 1980s, parts of the building at 1300
Canyon Blvd. were rented to various tenants, including the Bonded Business Services, Ltd. and the
Boulder Alcohol Education Center, in addition to the Savings and Loan Company. The 1994 city directory
shows that the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Real Estate departments shared a part of the building
with the Savings and Loan Company. Beginning in 1995, the building was occupied solely by City
5Daily Camera. “Midland Savings Assets Reported At $200 Million.” March 8, 1970.
6Daily Camera. “Midland Savings Plants 13th, Canyon building.” October 15, 1967.
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departments, such as Downtown Management, Urban Renewal, and Open Space and Mountain Parks.
The building is currently occupied by City departments.
Figure 13. Invitation for grand opening of Midland Federal Savings Boulder branch, 1968.
Figure 14. Advertisement for Midland Federal Savings in the 1975 City of Boulder Directory.
HOBART WAGENER
Hobart Wagener was born in South Dakota in 1921 and graduated from the University of Michigan,
School of Architecture in 1944. After serving in World War II in the Okinawa campaign, Wagener began
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his architectural practice in New York City with Eggers and Higgens. In 1950, Wagener and his family
moved to Boulder where he first worked with local architect James Hunter prior to launching his own
firm in 1953. In 1985 Wagener and his family retired to Coronado, California where he died in 2005.7
Wagener had a prolific career, designing over 200 public and private buildings in the Boulder area. Some
of his most notable commissions include The Greenshield Insurance Building and Labrot House (both
individual local landmarks), St. John’s Episcopal Chapel, the First Methodist Sanctuary, Fairview High
School, and the First National Bank. He also designed the University of Colorado Kittredge Dormitories
and Williams Village and collaborated in the design of the University’s Engineering Sciences Complex.
Ten of Wagener’s designs received either national or regional awards from the American Institute of
Architects and in 1985 the AIA recognized him as the architect of the year.
Hobart Wagener’s firm was responsible for designing at least ten Midland Federal buildings located in
Denver, Arvada, Aurora, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Longmont, Gunbarrel, and Boulder. At this
time, more research needs to be done to conclude how many Midland Federal branches existed along
the Front Range and exactly how many were designed by Wagener. Many of Wagener’s Midland Federal
buildings share a similar roof-dominated design, with ribbons windows and a horizontal emphasis. At
this time, only four addresses of Wagener’s Midland Federal buildings are known, but these four are all
still standing. They are:
• 1300 Canyon Blvd., Boulder
• 5400 Idylwild Tr., Boulder (Gunbarrel)
• 606 Mountain View Ave., Longmont
• 1435 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
7 Hobart D. Wagener Obituary. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/denverpost/obituary.aspx?n=hobart-
d-wagener&pid=15374827. Published Oct. 16, 2005.
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Figure 15. Midland Federal Savings and Loan Buildings designed by Wagener. Left-right: Arvada, Fort Collins (c.1970), Greeley,
Lakewood (c.1962), Gunbarrel (2012), Longmont (2012). Photos courtesy of the Wagener Collection at the Boulder Carnegie
Library for Public History, and Google Earth, 2015.
The design of the Midland Federal building is characteristic of Wagener’s commercial and institutional
building designs executed during the late 1960s and early 1970s, his most prolific period of work. The
Kittredge Complex and Darley Commons at the University of Colorado, constructed in 1963 and 1969
respectively, are both visually similar to the Midland Federal building with hipped roofs, deep
overhanging eaves, ribbon windows and natural stone walls. Kittredge Complex was constructed as a
group of units for student housing, located at the southeast corner of campus. Darley Commons
consists of a dining hall, studying areas, a convenience store, and a mailroom for students who live in
Williams Village.
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Figure 16. Left: photo of Kittredge Complex, c. 1970. Right: Darley Commons, undated (since demolished).
www.housing.colorado.edu/construction.
Figure 17. Wagener’s private residence, 7060 Roaring Fork Trail, c. 1965-1985.
One of Hobart Wagener’s most awarded designs was the private residence he built for himself and his
family at 7060 Roaring Fork Trail just outside of Boulder. Built about 1965, the house features deep
overhanging eaves, ribbon windows, and a hipped roof similar to the Midland Federal building. The
design merited an AIA Honor Award, was featured in the Sunset magazine’s Western Home Award, and
received the prestigious Architectural Record 1967 award. The house’s design incorporated a central
garden room with a 25-foot-high roof with a pyramid-shaped skylight. “The lush greenness of the
garden…is an integral part of every room – exotic, tropical, exciting – like a jungle in miniature.” The rear
elevation of the house that faces west is all glass, “giving the living room the feeling of being enveloped
by its surroundings…”8 Likewise, the Midland Federal building’s interior is visually similar to the Kittredge
8 The Denver Post. “Garden in the House.” April 7, 1968.
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complex and the Wagener residence. All feature high, slanted ceilings with exposed wood and tall,
vertical windows to maximize natural daylight into the interior spaces.
Figure 18. Interior view of Midland Federal Savings and Loans building, 1300 Canyon, c. 1970.
Figure 19. Left: interior view of the Kittredge Complex, c. 1970, Right: interior view of Wagener residence at 7060 Roaring
Fork Trail, 1968.
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CRITERIA FOR THE BOARD’S DECISION
Section 9-11-5(c), Public Hearing Before the Landmarks Board, B.R.C. 1981, specifies that in their review
of an application for local landmark designation, “the landmarks board shall determine whether the
proposed designation conforms with the purposes and standards in Sections 9-11-1, Legislative Intent,
and 9-11-2, City Council May Designate Landmarks and Historic Districts.”
Section 9-11-1, Legislative Intent, states:
a) The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by protecting,
enhancing, and perpetuating buildings, sites, and areas of the city reminiscent of past eras,
events, and persons important in local, state, or national history or providing significant
examples of architectural styles of the past. It is also the purpose of this chapter to develop and
maintain appropriate settings and environments for such buildings, sites, and areas to enhance
property values, stabilize neighborhoods, promote tourist trade and interest, and foster
knowledge of the city’s living heritage.
b) The City Council does not intend by this chapter to preserve every old building in the city but
instead to draw a reasonable balance between private property rights and the public interest in
preserving the city’s cultural, historic, and architectural heritage by ensuring that demolition of
buildings and structures important to that heritage will be carefully weighed with other
alternatives and that alterations to such buildings and structures and new construction will
respect the character of each such setting, not by imitating surrounding structures, but by
being compatible with them.
c) The City Council intends that in reviewing applications for alterations to and new construction
on landmarks or structures in a historic district, the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board
shall follow relevant city policies, including, without limitation, energy-efficient design, access
for the disabled, and creative approaches to renovation.
Section 9-11-2, City Council may Designate Landmarks and Historic Districts, states:
(a) Pursuant to the procedures in this chapter the City Council may by ordinance:
(1) Designate as a landmark an individual building or other feature or an integrated group of
structures or features on a single lot or site having a special character and historical,
architectural, or aesthetic interest or value and designate a landmark site for each
landmark;
Upon designation, the property included in any such designation is subject to all the requirements of
this code and other ordinances of the city.
To assist in the interpretation of the historic preservation ordinance, the Landmarks Board has adopted
significance criteria to use when evaluating applications for individual landmarks. The criteria are
included in Attachment E: Significance Criteria for Individual Landmarks.
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ANALYSIS
Staff’s analysis is based on the criteria for review provided above.
A. Does the proposed application protect, enhance, and perpetuate buildings, sites, and areas of the
city reminiscent of past eras, events, and persons important in local, state, or national history or
providing significant examples of architectural styles of the past?
Staff finds that the designation of the property at 1300 Canyon Blvd. will protect, enhance, and
perpetuate a building and site reminiscent of a past era, past events, and persons important in local
history and preserve an important example of Boulder’s historic architecture.
B. Does the proposed application draw a reasonable balance between private property rights and
the public interest in preserving the City’s cultural, historic, and architectural heritage by
ensuring that demolition of buildings and structures important to that her itage will be carefully
weighed with other alternatives?
Staff finds that the proposed designation will maintain an appropriate setting and environment for the
buildings and sites, and enhance property values, stabilize the neighborhood, promote tourist trade and
interest, and foster knowledge of the city’s living heritage.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The building located at 1300 Canyon Blvd. meets historic significance criteria 1, 2, 3 and 4.
1. Date of Construction: 1969
Elaboration: The 2000 survey form and the Boulder County Assessor document the date of
construction as 1969.
2. Association with Persons or Events: Development of the Modern movement in architecture in
Boulder
Elaboration: The building is significant for its association with the development of the Modern
movement in architecture in Boulder.
3. Development of the Community: Midland Savings & Loan
Elaboration: According to architectural historian Len Segal, “The expansion in the Savings and
Loan industry happened in large part as a result of Franklin Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’ which
expanded the economic tools to get loans, especially for home mortgages and cars. This in turn
fueled the great expansion of retail and other services to support the huge growth of the Baby
Boomers born between 1946 and 1964. Savings and loans like Midland Savings became a
preferred method for individuals to have greater access to money, vs. traditional banks which
served a more institutional customer. In the decade of the 1950s, Boulder’s population grew
from 25,000 to 37,000 and during the 1960s it grew by a whopping 29,000 to reach 66,000. The
Savings and loans companies, like Midland Savings, funded a lot of the expansion in Boulder.
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Savings and loans were popularized with the 1947 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In it the Bailey
Brothers Building & Loan Association was a backbone of the fictional community in Bedford
Falls, financing hundreds of single-family homes. In the real world they thrived for three
decades. As this layman understands it, in the 1980’s the Savings and Loan industry collapsed
when the high inflation rate in the U.S. exceeded the average mortgage interest rates, and the
loans were no longer economically viable for the banks.”
4. Recognition by Authorities: Len Segal and Michael Paglia
Elaboration: The building was included in survey of Modern Architectural Structures in Boulder:
1947-1977, which determined it to be potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places and eligible as a local landmark.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The building at 1300 Canyon Blvd. meets architectural significance criteria 1, 2, 3 and 5.
1. Recognized Period or Style: Rustic Modern
Elaboration: As identified in the 2000 survey, the building is significant in that it embodies the
characteristics of the Rustic Modern style, including: A mix of horizontals and verticals;
Horizontal ribbon windows divided by vertical mullions and a skylight; Use of traditional
materials like stone; Traditional conception of the building’s volumes; Integration of the indoors
and outdoors; No ornamentation; Deep overhanging eaves; and its pyramidal hipped roof which
is a prominent design feature.
2. Architect or Builder of Prominence: Hobart Wagener
Elaboration:9 Wagener is an acknowledged master of Boulder architecture. Hobart D. Wagener
is an acknowledged master of Boulder Modernist architectural design. Born in 1921 in Sioux
Falls, South Dakota, Hobart D. Wagener graduated from The University of Michigan in 1944 and
moved to Boulder in 1950. He worked with Eggers & Higgens in New York, Pietro Belluschi in
Portland, Oregon, and James Hunter before opening his own practice in Boulder in 1953. His
firm, Hobart D. Wagener Associates, designed over 200 projects, sixteen of which were featured
in architectural and professional publications; ten received national or regional awards from the
American Institute of Architects (AIA). Examples of his work include the Wagener House, which
was published in The Architectural Record in 1967 as part of a national recognition of twenty
homes in America; Fairview High School, an addition to Casey Middle School (Western Mountain
Region, AIA, Merit Award, 1957), St. John’s Episcopal Chapel, The Williams Village Dormitories at
the University of Colorado, the Mountain Savings & Loans Building (Western Mountain Region,
9 Landmarks Board Memo for the Designation of 900 28th Street. City of Boulder. May 5, 2010. (link)
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AIA, Design of Excellence, 1956), Presbyterian Manor apartments (Federal Housing Authority
National Awards Program, First Honor Award, 1963), the Boulder County Justice Center, the
Boulder City Hall Addition, Wesley Foundation Student Center & Chapel (Western Mountain
Region, AIA, Merit Award, 1958).Wagener co-authored the book ‘The School Library’ in 1963 and
served as the president of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce in 1971, Chairman of the Boulder
Planning Commission in 1966 and acted as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and President of
the Colorado Society of the American Institute of Architects. He was named “Architect of the
Year” in 1995 by the American Institute of Architects Colorado. Wagener died September 30,
2005.
3. Artistic Merit: High standard of construction and craft
Elaboration: As identified in the 2000 survey, the building is significant for its high standard of
construction and craft. The stonework is of the highest quality and the pyramidal roof structure
is expertly crafted.
4. Example of the Uncommon: Mid-Century Bank
Elaboration: This building is one of the few remaining modernist banks in Boulder. Three
remarkable mid-century bank buildings that have been demolished in Boulder include National
State Bank, 17th and Canyon Blvd. (designed by Alan Zeigel in 1971 and demolished in 2018), the
original First National Bank at 1800 Broadway (designed by Hobart Wagener in 1955 and
demolished around 1973) and the second First National Bank at 1800 Broadway (architect
unknown, constructed between 1973-1979 and demolished around 1999).
Figure 20. National State Bank, 17th and Canyon Blvd. (constructed in 1971 and demolished in 2018)
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Figure 21. First National Bank, 1800 Broadway, original bank (left) demolished c.1971 and second bank (right) demolished
c.1999.
5. Indigenous Qualities: Appearance of natural stone walls
Elaboration: As identified in the 2000 survey, the use of stone is a prominent feature in
Boulder’s architecture that relates to the University of Colorado campus and to many historic
buildings off-campus.
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Summary: The building at 1300 Canyon Blvd. meets environmental significance criteria 1, 2, 3 4 and 5.
1. Site Characteristics: Commercial Building
Elaboration: The building is located on the southwest corner of the property, surrounded by
paved parking areas to the north and east. The 13th Street Plaza is located on the adjacent
property to the south.
2. Compatibility with Site: The property is compatible with its surrounding context in the central
business district of downtown Boulder and adjacent to Central Park.
3. Geographic Importance: Visual landmark
Elaboration: As identified in the 2000 survey, the building is prominently sited on Canyon
Boulevard in the central business district of downtown Boulder.
4. Environmental Appropriateness: The building is integrated into its site and is suitable for its
location. As identified in the 2000 survey, the building is significant for its prominent location as
a key commercial building on Canyon Blvd. in downtown Boulder.
5. Area Integrity: Civic Area
Elaboration: The property is not located within a potential or designated historic district.
Nearby landmarks include the Boulder-Dushanbe Teahouse (1770 13th St.), the City Transfer and
Storage Building (BMoCA, 1750 13th St.). the Glen Huntington Bandshell (1236 Canyon Blvd.) and
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the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building (1777 Broadway). The Pearl Street Mall/Downtown
Historic District is located two blocks north.
LANDMARK NAME
Staff recommends the property be known as the Midland Savings and Loan – Atrium Building , to
recognize both its historic and common name. This is consistent with the Landmark Board’s Guidelines
for Names of Landmarked Structures and Sites (1988) and the National Register of Historic Places
Guidelines for Designation. See Attachment F: Guidelines for Names of Landmarked Structures and
Sites.
LANDMARK BOUNDARY
Staff recommends that the boundary be established to follow the property lines, which is consistent
with current and past practices and the National Register Guidelines for establishing landmark
boundaries.
Figure 22. 1300 Canyon Blvd. proposed Landmark boundary.
PROPOSED PLAQUE LANGUAGE*
Midland Savings and Loan – Atrium Building
1969
Designed by noted architect Hobart Wagener, this building embodies the characteristics of the
Rustic Modern style, including its pyramidal hipped roof, use of stone, integration of indoors and
outdoors and little ornamentation. Midland Savings and Loans operated here until the early
1980s.
Designated a City of Boulder Landmark in 2022
*(limited to 350 characters, incl. spaces)
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NEXT STEPS
Within 45 days of the hearing date, the Landmarks Board must adopt specific written findings and
conclusions approving, approving with modifications, or disapproving the application. Should the board
disapprove the application, the board must notify the City Council of that action within 30 days of the
hearing date. City Council may call up a decision disapproving a designation. Should an application be
disapproved, the same application may not be submitted for a period of one year.
If the board finds that the proposed designation conforms to Sections 9-11-1 and 9-11-2, B.R.C. 1981, it
shall adopt specific findings and conclusions approving or modifying and approving the application. If
the board approves the proposed designation, the application will be forwarded to City Council (within
45 days) for a public hearing. The public hearing before City Council must be held within 100 days of the
Landmark Board’s decision recommending designation.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Landmark Designation Application
B: Landmarks Board Initiation Memo dated Aug. 15, 2015 (link)
C: Historic Building Inventory Form (Survey) for 1300 Canyon Blvd. (link)
D: Atrium Feasibility Study (link)
E: Significance Criteria for Individual Landmarks (link)
F: Guidelines for Names of Landmarked Structures and Sites (link)
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Architectural Inventory Form
Resource # 5BL8248
17
18
19
20
21
Primary external wall material(s) 2 max
Roof configuration 1 max
Primary external roof material 1 max
Special features (all that apply)
General architectural description
Page 2 of 4
1300 Canyon Boulevard
Stone, Glass
Pyramidal roof
Other Roof Material
See architectural description
The Midland Savings and Loan is prominently sited on Canyon Boulevard in the central business district of
downtown Boulder. The building is a one story rectilinear structure with a square footprint. The front wall on the
street side comprises a line of floor to ceiling glass windows with piers placed at regular intervals. These square
columns are clad in golden brown Colorado sandstone. These square stone columns surround the entire
building. On the other sides of the building, the walls are clad in sandstone with large horizontally linked
windows above. A distinctive feature of the building is the pyramidal roof surmounted by a pyramidal skylight
made of transparent acrylic. In the original floor plan that has been lost, this large skylight once provided
illumination for an enclosed central atrium. At that time, the rooms of the building were arrayed around the
atrium space. The pyramidal roof is clad in brown-colored cast composition roof tiles. The material choices are
interesting since they relate to those used on the University of Colorado campus buildings. The architect,
Hobart Wagener employed golden brown sandstone and brown roof tiles for the Midland Savings and Loan.
This seems to be a critique of the pan1llel relationship of the red sandstone and red roof-tiles, seen on many
campus buildings. The landscap1,;g i:1cludes foundation plantings and screens of deciduous trees.
22.1 Architectural style
22.2 Building type
23 Landscaping or special setting features
24 Associated buildings, features or objects
IV.ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
25.1 Date of construction, estimated
25.2 Date of construction, actual
25.3 Source of information
26.1 Architect
26.2 Source of information
27.1 Builder / contractor
27.'l. Sourse 0f information
28.1 Original owner
28.2 Source of information
29.1 MaJor additions/alterations/dates
30.1 Original location Yes/No
30.2 Moved Yes/No
30.3 Date of move
Rustic Modernism
Not applicable
See architectural description
See architectural description
None
1969
City Tax Assessor Records
Hobart D. Wagener
Interview Hobart Wagener
Unknown
Unknown
Midland Savings and Loan
The Denver Post, October 15, 1967
Unknown
Yes
No
Not aoolicable
Attachment A - Application Materials
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 27 of 40
'Architectural Inventory Form
Resource# 5BL8248
V.HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS
31 Original use/s
32 Intermediate use/s
33 Current use/s
34 Site type/s
35 Historical background
36 Sources of information
VI.SIGNIFICANCE
37.1 Local landmark designation
37.2 Date of designation
37 3 Designating authority
38.1 A Associated with events
38.2 B. Associated with significant persons
38.3 C. Architectural significance
384 D. Yielded/likely to yield import hist
3B 5 �>iteria considerations Letter
38 6 Meets no criteria
39 Areas of significance
40 Period of significance
41.1 National
41.2 State
41 3 Local
42 Statement of si nificance
Page 3 of 4
1300 Canyon Boulevard
Financial Institution
Financial Institution
Government Office
Not applicable
See Boulder Modern Context and statement of significance
See bibliography, Boulder Modern Survey
No
Not applicable
Not applicable
No
No
Yes
No
G
Net applicable
Architecture
1969
No
Yes
Yes
The Midland Savings and Loan is significant for its association with the development of the Modern movement
in architecture in Boulder. The Midland Savings and Loan is significant in that it embodies the characteristics of
the Rustic Modern style it has a mix of horizontals and verticals, it has horizontal ribbon windows divided by
vertical mullions, there is a skylight, there is the use of traditional materials like stone, there is a traditional
conception of the building's volumes, there is the integration of the indoors and outdoors, there is no ornament,
there are deep over hanging eaves, and there is a pyramidal hipped roof which is prominent design feature.
The Midland Savings and Loan is significant for the high standard of the construction craft The stonework is of
the highest quality as is the tile clad roof. The pyramidal roof structure is expertly crafted. The Mi<iland Savings
and Loa:, is significant for the appearancE: of natural stone walls, a prominent feature in Boulder's architecture
that rela�e$ ;o the University uf Co!orado ca•T1pus and to many h1stori8 buiidings off-campus. The iv1iciiana
Savings and Loan is significant because it is the work of Hobart D. Wagener, an acknowledged master of
Boulder architecture. The Midland Savings and Loan is significant for its prominent location as a key
commercial building on Canyon Boulevard in downtown Boulder.
The Midland Savings and Loan also satisfies Criteria Consideration G, achieving significance within the past
fifty years due to its exceptional significance This exceptional significance is defined by its integral relationship
to the post war development of Modern architecture in Boulder, a movement which has received extensive
press coverage; by comparison with other Modern architecture of the post war period in Boulder; and as
documented by an ever increasing body of scholarly evaluation on the historical importance of Modern
architecture which developed during the post war period.
Attachment A - Application Materials
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 28 of 40
City of Boulder
Individual Landmark Designation Process
Sections 9-11-3 and 9-11-5, B.R.C., 1981
Subject Property:
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Date Application Filed:
DATE
1300 Canyon, the Atrium/Midland Savings and Loan
Historic Boulder, Inc.
City of Boulder
April 6, 2015
DEADLINE COMPLETED REQUIRED ACTION
April 7, 2015 Promptly notify owner, and applicant, that designation
application has been received
August 5, Hold a Initiation Hearing within 45 days of Application Date 2015
/ .
On hold with Hold a Designation Hearing between 60-120 days after the
consent from initiation hearing. (May be adjusted with owner approval on Individual
a J�licant landmarks)
Adopt finding within 45 days after designation hearing: board
shall adopt finding�/conclusions and a prove, modify or deny proposal
Notify City Council within 14 days of board's action
Hold a City Council public hearing within 100 days of
Landmarks Board's decision
Adopt findings within 45 days after council hearing: council
shall adopt findings/conclusions and approve, modify or disapprove
�ro�osed designation
Notify property owners; record copy of designating ordinance to
clerk and recorder
Civic Area Dates (5.7.2015)
■ Market Hall Feasibility Study/ Atrium Test Fit Study -Aug-Dec. 2015
■May 21 -Planning Board Public Hearing and Action
■June 16 -City Council Public Hearing and Action
■July 2015 -Open House
■July 28 -City Council Briefing
■Nov. 2015 -Parks & Rec Advisory Board Public Hearing and Action
■Dec. 2015 Planning Board Public Hearing and Action
■Jan. 2016 City Council Public Hearing and Action
■Construction begins 2016
Attachment A - Application Materials
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 35 of 40
(b)The City Council does not intend by this chapter to preserve every old building in
the city but instead to draw a reasonable balance between private property rights
and the public interest in preserving the city's cultural, historic, and architectural
heritage by ensuring that demolition of buildings and structures important to that
heritage will be carefully weighed with other alternatives and that alterations to
such buildings and structures and new construction will respect the character of
each such setting, not by imitating surrounding structures, but by being compatible
with them.
(c)The City Council intends that in reviewing applications for alterations to and new
construction on landmarks or structures in a historic district, the Landmarks
Preservation Advisory Board shall follow relevant city policies, including, without
limitation, energy-efficient design, access for the disabled, and creative approaches
to renovation.Section 9-11-2, City Council may Designate Landmarks and Historic Districts: (a)Pursuant to the procedures in this chapter the City Council may by ordinance:
(1)Designate as a landmark an individual building or other feature or an
integrated group of structures or features on a single lot or site having
a special character and historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or
value and designate a landmark site for each landmark;
Criteria for Review -Designation Hearing
Section 9-11-3{d), B.R.C., 1981
■ 9-11-1, Purpose and Legislative Intent■ Section 9-11-2, City Council May Designate Landmarks and Historic DistrictsCRITERIA FOR THE BOARD'S DECISION: Section 9-11-S(c), Public Hearing Before the Landmarks Board, B.R.C. 1981, specifies that in
their review of an application for local landmark designation, "the landmarks board
shall determine whether the proposed designation conforms with the purposes and
standards in Sections 9-11-1, Legislative Intent, and 9-11-2, City Council May Designate Landmarks and Historic Districts." ■ See above for Sections 9-11-1 and 9-11-2 3
Attachment A - Application Materials
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 36 of 40
Questions to help determine whether the application meets the criteria in Sections 9-11-1 and 9-11-2, B.R.C., 1981: A.Does the proposed application protect, enhance, and perpetuate buildings, sites, andareas of the city reminiscent of past eras, events, and persons important in local,state, or national history or providing significant examples of architectural stylesof the past?B.Does the proposed application develop and maintain appropriate settings andenvironments for such buildings, sites, and areas to enhance property values,stabilize neighborhoods, promote tourist trade and interest, and foster knowledgeof the City's living heritage?C.Does the proposed application draw a reasonable balance between private propertyrights and the public interest in preserving the City's cultural, historic, andarchitectural heritage by ensuring that demolition of buildings and structuresimportant to that heritage will be carefully weighed with other alternatives?To assist in the interpretation of the historic preservation ordinance, the Landmarks Board has adopted significance criteria to use when evaluating applications for individual landmarks. SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA Individual Landmark September 1975 On September 6, 1975, the City Council adopted Ordinance #4000 providing procedures
for the designation of Landmarks and Historic Districts in the City of Boulder. The purpose of
the ordinance is the preservation of the City's permitted cultural, historic, and architectural
heritage. The Landmarks Board is permitted by the ordinance to adopt rules and regulations as
it deems necessary for its own organization and procedures. The following Significance Criteria
have been adopted by the board to help evaluate each potential designation in a consistent and
equitable manner. Historic Significance The place (building, site, area) should show character, interest or value as part of the
development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the community, state or nation; be the site of
a historic, or prehistoric event that had an effect upon society; or exemplify the cultural,
political, economic, or social heritage of the community.
Date of Construction: This area of consideration places particular importance on the age of the
structure.
4
Attachment A - Application Materials
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 37 of 40
Association with Historical Persons or Events: This association could be national, state, or local.
Distinction in the Development of the Community of Boulder: This is most applicable to an
institution (religious, educational, civic, etc) or business structure, though in some cases
residences might qualify. It stresses the importance of preserving those places which
demonstrate the growth during different time spans in the history of Boulder, in order to
maintain an awareness of our cultural, economic, social or political heritage.
Recognition by Authorities: If it is recognized by Historic Boulder, Inc. the Boulder Historical
Society, local historians (Barker, Crossen, Frink, Gladden, Paddock, Schooland, etc), State
Historical Society, The Improvement of Boulder, Colorado by F.L. Olmsted, or others in
published form as having historic interest and value.
Other, if applicable. Architectural Significance The place should embody those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type specimen,
a good example of the common; be the work of an architect or master builder, known nationally,
state-wide, or locally, and perhaps whose work has influenced later development; contain
elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent a significant
innovation; or be a fine example of the uncommon.
Recognized Period/Style: It should exemplify specific elements of an architectural period/style,
i.e.: Victorian, Revival styles, such as described by Historic American Building Surve1J Criteria,Gingerbread Age (Maass), 76 Boulder Homes (Barkar), The History of Architectural Style
(Marcus/Wiffin), Architecture in San Francisco (Gebhard et al), History of Architecture
(Fletcher), Architecture/Colorado, and any other published source of universal or local analysis
of a style.
Architect or Builder of Prominence: A good example of the work of an architect or builder who
is recognized for expertise in his field nationally, state-wide, or locally.
Artistic Merit: A skillful integration of design, material, and color which is of excellent visual
quality and/or demonstrates superior craftsmanship.
Example of the Uncommon: Elements of architectural design, details, or craftsmanship that are
representative of a significant innovation.
Indigenous Qualities: A style or material that is particularly associated with the Boulder area.
Other, if applicable. Environmental Significance The place should enhance the variety, interest, and sense of identity of the community by the
protection of the unique natural and man-made environment.
5
Attachment A - Application Materials
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 38 of 40
Site Characteristics: It should be of high quality in terms of planned or natural vegetation.
Compatibility with Site: Consideration will be given to scale, massing placement, or other
qualities of design with respect to its site.
Geographic Importance: Due to its unique location or singular physical characteristics, it
represents an established and familiar visual feature of the community.
Environmental Appropriateness: The surroundings are complementary and/or it is situated in a
manner particularly suited to its function.
Area Integrity: Places which provide historical, architectural, or environmental importance and
continuity of an existing condition, although taken singularly or out of context might not qualify
under other criteria.
6
Attachment A - Application Materials
Item 5A - 1300 Canyon Blvd. LB Memo 12.01.2021 Page 39 of 40