Loading...
7B - Handouts - Consideration of a demolition permit for 1535 Spruce St. (HIS2009-00005) If you would like to speak this evening on behalf of Etown, here are some categories that could be relevant in the Board's decision making. Please choose one or two and be brief - literally a minute or two is just fine. Thank you!!! Historical Significance: Our position is that the building has been so altered over the years that it is not worthy of becoming a Landmark. It no longer resembles the building as it was constructed in 1925, and no historical events of note took place on site. Architectural Integrity: It does not represent any particular architectural style any more, nor was the architect who designed the original structure a significant or famous architect. Even the block in which it sits is now a hodgepodge of styles and materials. Neighborhood Fee(: Building is going to remain but will be improved upon. We're only planning to remove the front steps and entrance in order to make the building accessible, so while walking along, the building will still be there and will only get better. As of now it is underutilized and is a bit scary and is in desperate need of repair. Very happy that an owner-occupant is taking over. E Town's Use: E Town is bringing the building back into the community. For years it has been privately owned. It was built as a community resource and will be again with Etown. Music and conversation, much like what Chautauqua was founded on, will have a permanent home in downtown Boulder with Etown hall. Keeps Etown in Boulder by giving the organization a permanent home Existing Building Front as is: First impression of the building is that it is unattractive and slightly confused. Difficult to decipher what the use of the building is at this point Greening: It will be a great example of smart redevelopment, taking an existing building and making a Leed Certified Zero Carbon building -something all of Boulder can be proud of. First zero carbon performance space in the country and a media center from which the message of a new green economy and a more sustainable future will reach audiences worldwide. PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING 1535 SPRUCE STREET Hello, I hear there are some possible exciting renovations afoot! Very cool claim to fame for Boulder to have its first zero carbon perfozznance space. And always good to support Boulder's economy (especially these days) and the arts at the same tune. Looking forward to my next Boulder visit- love the city! illways seems cutting edge and lively there. Nancy Ilgenfritz Ladies and Gentlemen, I have learned recently that F,Town is hoping to create a remarkable new concert and workshop venue in the building located at 16tI' and Spnice in Boulder. The general refurbishment and improvements that they have in mind would make this a truly remarkable facility. F,nvironmentallyrwponsible solar energy capabilities, preservation of those architectural components of the building that are historically valuable and the creative addition of modern functionality will make this a brilliant example of urban cultural development. I hope very much that the board will not let the possibility of Iandmark status for the building dzsrupt or delay this exciting project. By all accounts the building's authenticity will be retained and its status as a landmark in Boulder enhanced through the proposed project. Kind regards, Mark Ilgenfritz Aresident u,t~;~~:t?n ifr~tt,Ti~,tHF r.: 400 Intezstate North Pkwy, Suite 900 Atlanta, GA 30339 770988.1880 p 770.988.1883 f To whom it may concern, It has come to my attention that there are plans to improve the building at 16th and Spruce, in hopes of turning it into a concert hall for LTown. I understand that the City of Boulder is often reluctant to allow contractors to alter the city's older buildings. However, this particular building holds very little historical significance, and the goals of ETown (creating the city's first zero carbon performance space) are certainly in line with Boulder's finest ideals and goals. It would also enhance both the economy and culture of our city. ETown is a nationally broadcasted program and gives many people far away from Colorado a small slice of Boulder culture. It is an export of Boulder that I, personally, am very proud o£ I am emailing you in hopes that the bureaucracy of city codes and regulations will not stand in the way of creating what would become another wonderful Boulder landmark. Thanks, Cameron Nail To the City of Boulder Planning Board: I am writing to you to show my support of the proposed "Etown Hall" at 1535 Spruce St. in Downtown Boulder. Specifically, I support Nick Forster's request, currently in front of the Plaiuung Board, to modify the existing nonstandard building (review number LU1Z2008-00112). I also support the planned changes to the structure that is being reviewed by the Landmarks Board. I live in the neighborhood of Etown Hall, specif cally at 2245 15th St (15th & Mapleton) within the "notification" boundaries. Etown is a valuable member of the Boulder Community. Etown was instrumental (no pun intended) in breathing life back into the Boulder Theatre back when the Boulder Community was in jeopardy of losing that venue. I fully support the vision for Etown Hall becoming a coirununity resource and cultural. gathering spot for the local neighborhood, and larger Boulder community. Respectfully Submitted, Steve Gabel 2245 ISth St. Boulder CO 80302 ce11303-579-7250 303-443-9730 To VVhozn It May Concern: My name is Cara Luneau. and I have lived in downtown Boulder for 12 years. My son, Oliver, attended Whittier elementary and is now about to graduate froze New Vista H.S. He and I have both enjoyed numerous F,town tapings and feel very fortunate for this amazing opportunity to experience high quality live music in our own neighborhood. We were excited to hear about Ltown's plan to move to 1535 Spruce Street and grateful to see the plans for renovation of the building. It is presently in such rough shape - zulder- occupi.cd, poorly maintained, in need of some TLC. It is my understanding that Etown plans to make the building highly energy efficient, which is a benefit to us all. The newly plazuied entry will make the building safely accessible to the handicapped, which is necessary for many Boulder residents who will then have access to these great live performances. As a long tezm resident of Boulder I am happy to support Etown's plan to make this building a model for what can be done as we move towards a renewable energy future. Sincerely, Cara Luneau 1726 Pine Street Cara Luneau MA, LPC 303-579-9478 Please trust Nick and Helen Forster to do the right thing in altering the building at 16th and Spruce. They care about Boulder and care about the environment and will do the best possible job for both. The building, as restored by them, will be a welcome addition to Boulder and become nationally known. Don't discourage them by delaying their work. Nancy Lee 30 year resident of Boulder I'm writing to ask that you allow Etown to make the small renovations to their new building at 16th. and Spruce...here axe a few reasons why i think this is important to our community... 1. Etown wants to restore an old building in Boulder, by bringing it up to date with the current realities of energy use and efficiency. L 2. Etown will be returning the building to public use. 3. Etown is supporting both the arts and the economy in Boulder...and has been for nearly 18 years. 4. This could be Boulder's first Zero Carbon performance space (and the country's first!!) if Etown is allowed to make the renovations! ! ! ! 5. The renovations F.,town hopes to make only represent 2% of the structure while they will be preserving and improving 98% of the structure. 6. It will make the building accessible to the handicapped. i support Etown Hall, i hope you will too! *allison metz boulder, Colot•ado dear ladies and gentlemen, i wish to make my view known that i regard Etown as an important asset to our country and, obviously, to the city of boulder. in regard to the Etown application to make various changes to their new home on spruce street, i call upon the city to be reasonable and flexible in its interpretation of existing strict rules and to look at the big picture of what Etown offers to our community. in particular, by redesigning an out-dated structure into an energy-efficient environment, Etown, with the cooperation of the city, wilt be making an important statement about where the city of boulder stands with regard to the need of the society to use less energy and to utilize existing structures in this effort. thank you. robert e. (bobby) brown 2S1 pearl st., no. 2 boulder 80302 Dear Board, Please let E=Down do the minor changes to the Building at 16th and Spruce that they are requesting without delay. The changes will make it so that it can be an energy efficient and accessible performance space. E-town has done so much good in so many ways. If you can't trust them to do the right thing, who can you trust. Thank you. Sincerely, Scott Schwartz, Ph.D. Hi, I'm waiting to support the wonderful innovations eTown has proposed for the space at 16th and Spruce. They are doing a wonderful service to the community, and setting a great example for what "green" means in the context of a performance space. THAT is ground breaking and will be the item of historical note for the future. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to seeing the improvements when they are completed! Very best regards, Jodi Pounds To Whom. it May Concern, We are residents of the Whittier neighborhood, have a daughter at Boulder High School and have been supporters of etown since their inception early 1990's. We are excited they have taken on the etown Hall Project as it will revitalize not only the building itselfbut the neighborhood as well. In these difficult economic times it is encouraging that etown is willing and able to move forward with their plans to bring energy and vitality to our neighborhood and downtown area. We desperately need these signs of growth and promise to keep our community competitive and appealing. Their project is an ambitious one and we ought to support their efforts remembering that we are the ultimate benefactors of their hard work. As always, etown will continue to serve as a community conscience, leading us forward with greener, more socially responsible business and communty models, producing yet another reason for us to be proud of living in Boulder. I encourage you to help them recreate this building into their exciting new vision. I understand they have made modest requests for redesigning the entrance and steps and the look appears consistent with the neighborhood and appropriate for updating, handicap access, etc. We fully support the plans and appreciate their tireless efforts to bring more culture and life to Bouldel•1 Please feel free to contact us for fiirther comments. Ellen and Ron Gager 1905 Bluff Street Boulder Dear Landmarks Board, rust, I would Like to thank you for you efforts to preserve histoz7c buildings in Boulder. I live in the Mapleton Hill Historic District, and your efforts are evident as 1 walk the neighborhood. I am writing in regard to the proposed modifications to the building at 1535 Spruce: I read tl~e staff memorandum on this property. I think that it is clear that the building has been significantly modified, and has lost its historic character. I pass that corner frequently on foot and by car, and I must say that the building as it is now does not inspire any passion to preserve the current appearance. Neither does it have the attributes that would qualify it for landmark designation. On the other hand, the folks at e-Town seem to have quite a vision of how this building could be an example of intelligent energy usage and efficiency. In addition, e-Town is an important part of our community, and I trust them to do right by the neighborhood and give back to all of us as neighbors. Thank you for considering my comments, Bi]l I-Iogrewe Bill Hogrewc, Ph.D., P.E. Rural Commttzuty Assistance Cozporation 611 Concord Ave. Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: 303/545-0964 Fax: 303/545-0979 Cell: 303/522-4396 The changes that e-town proposes to make to their building will make it of historical significance to generations to come. I hope you share my sentiment that what makes Boulder historically significant to begin with is our pioneering spirit and inventiveness. - - The changes that e-town propose to make are strongly aligned with those values that we must protect and support if we hope to be historically significant into the next century. Thazzlc you, Clup Dempsey 3421 4th St. Support the home known home town efforts of ETown to continue to contribute to our community! Outcome not process. Thanks Fred Zapp 4794 Lee Hill Rd Boulder CO 80302 Dear Landmarks Board - I a.m writing on behalf of Etown and the Etown Hall project that comes before your Board next Wednesday. I am a downtown Boulder resident and would like to express my support for allowing the requested modifications to the front entryway of the building on 16th and Spruce. Not only will this renovation bring the building into federal compliance with regard to handicap accessibility, but it will also allow the building to harness unrealized passive solar benefit with this South-facing portion of the building. The handicap access will truly allow Etown to cater to the entire Boulder community, and the passive solar design will enable this perfoz~nance hall to become the first Net Zero energy stage in the nation, complementing Boulder's Climate Action Plan and Xcel Energy's Smart Grid City to make our town. the most carbon responsible and energy efficient in the country. Etown exemplifies the best of what Boulder offers to the world with its unique blend of music, environmental message, and community-building effect. Because the show is broadcast to an international audience, Etown is a particularly powerful and effective voice for Boulder and our way of life here. As is clear from the City of Boulder staff review, the building does not meet Landmark status, so there is no reason to delay the progress of the proposed reconstruction on that basis. Etowzz IIall is exactly what Boulder needs in terms of a lneen performing arts and community gathering space. It would be a shame if the Landmark Board were to impede the progress of this important renovation which will simultaneously reduce the carbon footprint of the building while creating a more beautiful and functional performing arts space in downtown. "Thank you for your sincere consideration. Best, Mark Lewis 721 Pearl St. 303.725.4345 Just writing in support of the proposed renovation of Etown in Boulder. This wonderful site deserves a new facelift in order to better continue serving the community and making the way for new members and performances. Please pave the way for this renovation as soon as possible so that they can complete the work and shine. Thank you for your support! Colleen and Tony Jiron 2222 24th Street Boulder, CO 80302 It came to my attention that e-town is coming up for review for the remodel of their new building in downtown Boulder. Nick Forster explained the changes to me and they sounded well thought out and more importantly will allow e-town to make the building more energy efficient while also making it a viable community center. T am always conscience of the historical significance of old buildings in Boulder and I am an advocate far site protection. It seems to me that these changes do not alter any historical sigzuficance of this building, wlv.ch is in fact not even designated a landmark. In fact, they allows it to become historically significant for the next century! Thank you, jim zigarelli 3010 13th St. Boulder Colorado 80304 Dear Landmarks Board Members, I am writing to encourage you to allow the changes needed on eTown's building on 16th and Spruce so they will be able to remove the existing and non-original front stairs and vestibule. The idea of restoring the long vacant building, returning it to public use, and bringing it up to date with ADA standards while creating the country's first zero carbon performance state seems exciting to me as an area resident. I believe this will ei~liance the neighborhood and fits well with Boulder's reputation as a creative and cultural center and the intension of increasing it's sustainability and image as environmentally conscious municipality. Thank you for your consideration, Lisa Schaewe Dear City of Boulder, I am writing to voice my strong support of the renovations that Nick and Helen Forster are planning for the building in downtown Boulder. I have been a Boulder resident for 30 years and in that time have seen the building on the corner of 16th and Spruce go down lull during that time. I am tlu-illed that Nick and. Helen have chosen this spot for their E Town Hall and 1 fully support the renovations they are proposing. 1 have no doubt that any work they do on the building will be a positive improvement for the neighborhood and for Boulder as a whole. 1 am very excited about the potential of the F, Town Hall and hope that the City supports it fully. Thank you, Susanna Drogsvold I am a 25 year resident of Boulder, and I am writing to you for the first time in support of the renovation plans of the eTown group for their building at 16th and Spruce. As someone who was trained as an architect I can say that this is an old building with little aesthetic or historical merit. It is a great benefit to the community that the Forsters are willing to reinvent and repurpose the building and to do so with respect for neighborhood scale, pedestrian quality, and surrounding residential character. At the same time, they propose to take advantage of 21st century technology and create an outstanding, handicap accessible, 7,ero Carbon performance space. This mirrors the public philosophy and integrity of eTown and will be an exciting addition to the Boulder cultural scene. There are a number of "green" buildings sprouting up in Boulder which have replaced older structures of little consequence. The Forsters' decision to upgrade this eyesore rather than raze it, to add a much needed state-of-the-art performance space, and to create a permanent home in Boulder for an internationally acclaimed resource will e»liven the community for years to come. These are people who have always proven to have the interests of a Larger community at heart and I trust their judgment and integrity in this endeavor. Katherine Hutman 35310 Boulder Canyon Drive Boulder, CO 80302 Etown has been a Boulder cultural institution for nearly 18 years. Nick and Helen used to live in the Whittier neighborhood and understated how to be good neighbors. Whatever they have planned for this currently not very attractive building will no doubt be a significant improvement and a positive contribution to the neighborhood and the city. They will conscientiously remodel. and improve this structure using every environmentally sensitive buil.ding technology and employ the most up to date energy efficiency available. Please allow them to proceed with their plans because their commitment to the cnviromnent and the good of the community will ensure that this project will only benefit and enrich Boulder and it's citizens. Thank you, Jean Wentworth Dear Landmarks Board members, It is tremendously exciting that E-Town has elected to make a permanent home in Boulder by buying and restoring fhe oId church at 16`x' and Spruce. This church will become Boulder's first zero carbon performance space if they are allowed to proceed. A number of other cities were inviting E-Town to consider moving to their community but E-Town elected to stay in Boulder. As you know, E-Town provides vibrant local community events and adds tremendous cultural value to the City of Boulder. It has been doing so for a vcry Long time and E-Towns record speaks for itself. The church will be returned to public use and Boulder's art community and the local economy will be well served by this restoration. The church is not an original structure and it is not particularly attractive either. Parts of the building including the front stairs are not original nor is the property landmarked at this time. Frankly the property could seriously use a facelift. I cannot imagine a more responsible steward of this property than Nick and Helen Forester with their zero carbon building ethic. E-Town has arguably done more to increase awareness about enviromnental issues facing our society than any other institution in Boulder. Their goals reflect the energy efficient goals of the City. They will pump fresh new life into a rather dreary looking old building. Consider the effect of not allowing the property to be changed. Then it just remains the same. What good will that do`? I strongly encourage you to find a way to allow E-Town to get on with the work at hand. The project will. be a uniquely worthwhile addition to our community. There are many Long time citizens in Boulder and Boulder County who can't wait to see the new digs. Please allow them to proceed without delay. Thank you, Bruce D. Bz-uce Drogsvold Wright Kingdom Real Estate 4875 Pearl East Circle Suite 100 Boulder Co. 80301 Direct line 303-541-1948 Office 303-443-224() Cell 303-579-1627 Fax 303-443-2893 WWW.BRUCEDROGSVOLD.COM Dear Landmarks Board, The building that E-town proposes to renovate will be a SETTER landmark when t11ey are finished! Please do not place impediments ul the way of their wonderful plans. The building currently is not of value under your purview. Sincerely, Julie Luckey Dear Sirs and Madams, On a recent tour of Historic Boulder homes, the old Unity Church was included with plans for the new E-Town building. X found the front changes very ?.lplifting from the rather ordinary facade now present. Additionally, it is exciting that a national presence with the likes of Etown will remain downtown while remaining true to the their environmental mission of the last decade and a half in creating a Zero Carbon building. I encourage you to allow the changes. Yours fvr an aesthetic, environmentally sound and fun Boulder, Virginia Cottingham, Boulder resident for 35 years S l3 Pleasant Street Boulder, Cv 80302 303 447-9725 I ain writing in regards to the hearing scheduled. for February 4`" about plans to make improvements to the property know as etown hall. I participated in a showing of this building for many prominent people in Boulder inchiding the acting mayor. At the showing pictures of the original church with its stone facade and simple structure were exhibited. The current building bore no resemblance to the original church and if fact was a collection of additions over the years that offered little practical functionality and no artistic value. The outside of the building bears no resemblance tv the original stone structure and the front steps, while maybe beautiful 50 years ago, have become both a safety hazard and an eyesore. The planned renovations for etown hall call for major imprvvements to the building both structurally and cosmetically. They would not oirly enhance the fiinetionality of the structure for both etown and the community but would renovate what has become an unattractive, eyesore for the entire neighborhood. While I am strong supporter of preserving the historic structures of Boulder, this building would serve a much greater purpose with the planned renovations. `The renovations would also improve a structure that cannot be restored to its original designs. While I understand that the foundation of this original structure was hand dug by the congregation. I'he building, as it stands today, reflects none of the architecture or design of the original building. It seems almost ludicrous to consider the current structure a historic building. Please approve the proposed renovations and allow this building be revitalized returning it once again as a place to serve the entire community. Dave Williams 1069 Crestmoor Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 Etown volunteer since 1999. I would like to comment on the proposed changes ETown is asking for regarding the demolition of the non-original stairs and vestibule, part of the fbrnler church at 1535 Spruce. These changes will help make this facility handicap accessible and provide much needed passive solar gain. Etown is a very worthy organization and is trying to restore and develop a Carbon Free performance venue which will benefit Boulder and the surrounding area. As a former 12 year member of the Longmont Landmark Designation Comnussion I concur witl~z the city of Boulder staff report that this building has rzo architectural significance nor was it designed by a prominent architect. Having been modified extensively over the years it actually has very little of its original design or character intact. l do not believe this building meets the criteria to qualify as a Boulder landmark, therefore 1 urge you to agree with the small changes ETown is asking for in order for them to proceed with their redevelopment plans. Paul Medlicott C.P.LM Business Development SPC Performance 303-772-2103 cxt 4897 Longmont CO 80504 I just thought l would share my thoughts about Etown az-zd their plan to occupy the existing building at 16`x' and Spruce. I am such a big fan of Etown. Great message, well done show, very popular throughout the country. Every time it airs on hwidreds of radio stations, "live from Boulder Colorado" is heard by thousands of people. Y read where there is a hearing on Feb 4 to discuss whether the Landmarks Board will grant approval to remove the existing non-original stairs and entry vestibule. I cez-tainiy hope so and encourage this to happen. First, it is only a small portion of the building. Second, it is not part of the original structure. Third, it will allow for handicap accessibility. Fourth, it will allow for a passive solar entrance to be built which is absolutely the right thing to do. Please allow the removal to happen. It will allow Etown to thrive, which in and of itself is a good thing, but also will convey a very positive message to those outside of the city that Boulder has its act together regarding energy conservation. The building is cuzxerztly unoccupied. Let's work together to get a great tenant into it. Thank you Tim Bickmore 8161 N 4I s` St Longnnont, Co 80503 303-Fi(~4-mAn Dear Landmark Board, I am writing you in regards to the new E-town Hall Located on 16Th and Spruce street. I believe the Landmark Board should allow the following structural changes: Remove the existing structure on the front of the building,in order to: 1) make the building accessible to the handicapped (mandated by Federal taw) 2) use the direct southern exposure to make a passive solar entrance.(all buildings/homes need to be update for energy efficiencies) 3) make the building more attractive for the coznznunity. In addition, although part of the building was built in the mid 20?s (now the basement), it has been added onto and altered dramatically, especially from the 40Us into the 60?s. The City of Boulder issued a report that the building has been so thoroughly altered as to make it no longer historically or architecturally outstanding and therefore not eligible for Landmark status. As environmentalist, acitizen of Boulder and long tune supporter and fan of E-town, I support the idea of making this building a zero energy efficient building. Passive solar is probably the most productive way of reducing the energy needs of a building,especially one with direct solar exposure. Plans are to add many other energy saving devices to the building (solar panels,solar water heating,highly effzcient heating and cooling systems, water saving devices etc.). As you know E-town is not just a entertainment show, it is a pillow of the Boulder Community and is national know for its positive statements for the environment and much needed social and political changes this Nation is facing. I believe E-town Hall should be a model of energy efficiency for the rest of the Coznznunity and the Nation . Sincerely, Charles R. Roberts 3475 17Th Street Boulder CO 80304 720 565-9710 To: Landmarks Board, City of Boulder Re: Etown IIail, 1535 Spruce, Demolition Pcrn~it Date: February 2, 2009 Gentlemen/Ladies: I am writing to urge you to adopt the staff recommendations set forth in the staff report dated February 4, 2009 with respect to the referenced property-namely, that the Landmarks Board (i) refrain from "landmarking" this property and (ii) approve the issuance of a demolition permit for the property. I have reviewed the staff report associated. with this project, as well as the architectural renderings prepared by Etown's arclv.tects. The planned improvements not only complement the rest of the build.i.ng but adjoining properties as well. The renovations have been thoughtfully considered and deserve to be undertaken. My wife and I live at 1719 Mapleton Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood, approximately four blocks fiom the future home of Etown Hall. As you undoubtedly know, Etown is a nationally syndicated radio show, which has been broadcasting fiom Boulder since 1991. Etown has supported both the arts and the economy in Boulder for years; has brought national recognition and talent to Boulder thxough its prograuuning; and has encouraged the community and nation to embrace its slogan of znusic.ideas.coznmunity. F,town purchased the subject property in 2008, its intention being to convert it into a state-of--the art building which significantly would be the first 'Zero Carbon performance space in the United States. Etown's stated objective for the property is to convert a pzivately owned dilapidated building into a public space from which it will broadcast many of its weekly shows while at the same time designating a substantial portion of the building for use as community space. Tlus building, in its cuz-rent state, detracts from the neighborhood and the quality of homes located in close proximity. 1 understand that the building was originally constructed approximately 80 years ago but has undergone numerous alterations, including the multi-staired entrance f ronting on Spruce Street. This entrance detracts substantially from the rest of the building, is not original to the building and is dissimilar to virtually all other structures in the area. Etown intends to demolish this entrance, thereby making the ground floor of the building the main entrance and allowing handicap entrance to the building for the public, a feature not currently available. Furthermore, from looking at historic photos, it is obvious that the building has been altered substantially from that originally conceived and built, has lost any architectural or historic significance which it may have had at one time, az~d does not "represent a building of excellent visual quality or demonstration of superior craftsmanship" as noted in the staff report. Unlike the intended uses of Etown which will benefit the community L and its listening audience, prior uses ofthe building have not resulted in anything of local, state or national significance. I have been through the entire building and noticed its decay, lack of modern amenities and very limited uses. In order to convert the subject property into a useable space, Etown will, by necessity, be required to spend a significant amount of money. White such an expenditure would improve the look and usefulness of the building, it would not restore the building to anything resembling its original architecture or preserve any historic features, which have, long since disappeared due to the indiscriminate alterations that have taken place over the years. Tlis building was on the 25`h Anniversary Holiday I Iouse Tour sponsored by I-Iistoric Boulder, Inc. My wife and I were co-chairpersons of this event featuring the Whittier neighborhood. The property was included because we wanted to showcase for the public the property as it currently exists and what it would look like after Etown's proposed renovations. Over 800 persons went through the building and without exception, everyone was excited about the prospects of L;town Hall being a vital part of the neighborhood and of Boulder. I urge you to approve the issuance of the demolition permit for this property and to refrain from "Iandmarking" this building. Issuance, which would constitute demolition of the existing (non-original) stairs and front vestibule at the front of the building on Spruce Street (approximately 2% of the entire building), will enable Etown to build Etown Ha11, containing among other things, ahandicap-accessible main entrance, a passive solar entrance, a community room, auditorium for broadcasting of some of its programming, recording and editing facilities, offices and the first Lero Carbon performance space in the country. Failure to approve the issuance of this permit will prevent Etown from accomplishing these laudable objectives and its mission of providing music, sharing ideas and being part of the community. Please include these comments as part of the public record. Thank you. Richard S. Tucker Dear Landmarks Board, 1 am writing to urge you to approve the proposed changes to the Etown. building at 16th and Spruce. The changes they are requesting will allow them to make energy efficiency improvements such as a passive solar entryway. Removing the stairs that have no historical significance will also allow than to comply with federal guidelines for handicapped accessibility. I understand the need to review development projects to make sure the commmlity is not losing structures with historical significance, but this property has already been reviewed by city staff and deemed not elibible since it was changed many times throughout the years. Please do not delay the opportunity for Etown to make a positive change in our community by improving an existing building with energy efficient retrofits and better access for all to enjoy the uzzique events that Etown provides for Boulder. Thank you. Shireen Miller Etown volunteer Landmarks Board, I am a resident of North. Boulder and I want to offer my support of the proposed construction, renovation and rehabilitation of the building on the corner of Spruce and lb`~' St. The project as I have seen it described in both writings and drawings brings an exciting opportunity to reconnect a building with an extensive Boulder history with its community. The building as it stands today seems outdated, aesthetically out of place, and most of all impractical for today's uses. It goes without saying that the building has history. The question that I believe is important to answer is whether or not that history is aesthetically apparent and releva~it enough to stand in the way of responsible renovation by a long standing Boulder not for profit that is dedicated to many of the same ideals as the general Boulder community. In this case I think the answer is clearly no. While I think that there are aspects of the building that seem to represent some architectural significance that is certainly not the case with respect to the front stairs. Quite frankly the building seems out of place and detached from he community that. surrounds it. The changes proposed by Etown, most notably to the front of the building, offer an exciting opportunity for the coznznunity to improve on a real eye sore with an envirozunentallyresponslble, beautifully designed, and. welcoming facility. I think that the Board would be misguided to forgo the creation of what is very likely to be a future landmark in our l~zeat city because of an outdated and irrelevant addition (stairs and portico) to a historic building. I respect our history anal the need to protect it for future generations. But in doing so we shouldn't stop ourselves from renovating our history in a respectful way that will create an even more profound architectural piece. Thank you. David. Miles David F. Miles ~ Tax Consultant 11800 Ridge Parkway, Suite 400 Broomfield, CO 80021 303.938.9981 x114 office 1303.938.9986 fax Dear members of the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board of Boulder, Colorado, My name is Lori Preston. My husband John Preston and I moved our family to Boulder, Colorado a little over three years ago. We were drawn to Boulder for a number of reasons. One is because it an incredibly beautiful city, rich in culture, architecture, the arts, bountiful nature, and filled with good people. We know that our fine city is uzuque because of organizations like yours which serve to respect and retain the historic features as well as celebrate and invite the new and more efficient ways of living on this precious planet. Thank you for working to maintain these staaldards, and thank you for providing a forum which allows us to express our strong beliefs and convictions. We live at 1515 High Street in the heart of the downtown area. We chose this area so that we could walk and bicycle on a regular basis into Boulder's epicenter. As Whittier residents, we were absolutely thxilled in October of 2005 when we realized how close we were to the "home" of E Town. We had listened to the live broadcasted radio show for years in Southeast Texas. It tnily provided an oasis for us in a city which was almost exactly the opposite in every way compared to Boulder. That is why we immediately reached Nick and Helen Forster, founders of E Town, and sought to glean from them as they open Boulder to other parts of the world, often modeling the new and innovative ways of thinking and recycling to make this a better place through a coznznon denominator and love of many--- music. I am now honored to serve as a Board member of E Town, and have had the utmost privilege of being a pazt of this non-profit's excitement to finally gain their own home base and hear them bounce the ideas around of creating an intimate forum not only for music, but also for community meetings, neighborhood gathczings, educational "talks" and celebrations of the hard work of groups and individuals. They have created a neighborhood heartbeat and excitement beyond anything that I have seen in the three years we have been here. I know, I have canvased the neighborhood and have visited face to face with those who are surrounding the future home of E Town Hall, now located at 16th and Spruce Stz•eet. The businesses just up the block to the individuals living right next door to the old church have been 100% supportive. I know firsthand. I have wallced into their businesses and I have rung their doorbells. A highlight was recently serving as a volunteer during the Holiday Histoz-zc tour. Hundreds of people chose to pop in and hear a little more about E Town Hall. Some reminisced about the days they went to Sunday School in the old building. Some talked about when the building served as the Salvation Army and how they had volunteered there. A few even talked about being a part of the church group that attempted to do renovations to the building over the years. But the one common theme was excitement about what lies ahead. We had pictures of the proposed building, and people were thrilled to see the drawings. Not one expressed. disappointment. Several commented about the way the building looked when it was first built and about how the addition vestibule (now set ni front of the building) took away from its oritnal architectural character. They are excited about the major improvements that E Town. will bring to the neighborhood. They agree that it is super thrilling to think that this may be a showcase building for meeting "green" standards of energy use and efficiency as a RES"POKED building in Boulder-- a place that may draw thousands of people in from other cities to see that it CAN be done. There are some minor changes that need. to take place to the outside structure of the building, and we are asking that you view these changes as absolute positives--- (1) It would take the building back to same extent to what it looked like in the historic photos (prior to its not so attractive, and not-so-Boulder "art deco" look)-- more like it was first designed: (2) It would provide much easier access to our building for the elderly, the handicapped and. others that find an obnoxious set of stairs overwhelming; (3) It would assist in making it more energy efficient--creating a better flow of air into the main area. If you had been there as I was to gz•eet the visitors on the Historic Tour, you too would see the understanding of its neighbors that this is about making our neighborhood more appealing while respecting its roots of history and serving as a model for innovative ways to conserve in the future. The objectives set forth by this organization will put Boulder on the "green" map and historic map more than ever! People will want to see the beauty of maintaining a historic lazidmark yet meeting standards that sense as a mode] that many of us will not even have in our own homes when it comes to efficiency. E Town has a history of researching and selectively surrounding itself by people, sponsors and orgazuzations that mimic their mission. As community members and lovers of Boulder, let's not stand in their way, but instead support them as they create a draw that will have a major impact on our community. 'T'hey have proven themselves over the past 18 years, and time is of the essence in this economic crunch. To wait for decisions over whether or not to allow the minor change of an entrance that is not that attractive as it exists now is not necessary! We need to help them get started on this exciting project now. Go a step further, and sec how what they are doing preserves the existing structure closer to its original state and opens its doors--literally-- to many, many more people and life changing experiences through education, the arts and appreciation of historic Boulder. Thank you for your timely consideration, Lori Nreston 1515 High Street Whittier Neighborhood 720-352-5351 Bonnell, Juliet From: Donna and Bernie Mysior [dbmysior@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 5:13 PM To: lpab Subject: etown hall hearing My wife and I are 3S year residents of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. We relocated to Boulder S years ago for new work, residential appraisal. We love Boulder! What a great small city! One of the things we enjoy best is etown! We have seen projects in downtown Aspen become "hamstrung" on many occasions due to good intentions. And the opposite as well...when the Paepcke House was tom down almost overnight, everyone wondered how in the world that was not under the HPC? That's just the kind of thing you are probably worried about, but I think in this instance, you have no need to worry. As a Certif ed Residential Appraiser, I have looked at the Nazarene Church Building, and it looks like the front will not be any worse for the wear if it has a disabled entryway instead of the current steps leading to the vestibule. Please allow these outstanding Boulder people to move forward in a timely fashion! Bernie Mysior i Bonnell, Juliet From: sunny brown [sunnyb303@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 5:10 PM To: Ipab Subject: a-town hall Hello, As a long-time Boulder resident and home-owner who enjoys the fame and fortune of our town, and who especially embraces E-town as a trustworthy and epic member of our local environmental efforts, l ask you to approve E-town's proposed renovation of the new "E-town Hall" on Spruce. The building will only be improved both aesthetically and structurally. Sincerely, Sunny Morrison Brown i Bonnell, Juliet From: Donna and Bernie Mysior [dbmysior@gmail.comJ Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 5:03 PM To: Ipab Subject: ETown Hall, 1535 Spruce Street/Landmarks Board February 4, 2009 Landmarks Board To whom it may concern.: It seems that there is some consideration being made as to the historic status/significance of the property improvement located at 1535 Spn~ce Street. From what I understand, the entire neighborhood is being considered for historic/Landmark status as the potential Historic Whittier Neighborhood, and the subject property by default, due to its location within the neighborhood. It seems that the City of Boulder and others have evaluated the former Nazarene Church in the past, and concluded that the building was not worthy of historical designation in terms of architectural design/detail or craftsmanship. That does not, however, prevent the building from holding the hearts of those who live in the surrounding area. It also seems to have a rather colorful past in all its various forms. That being said... I began listening to etown at its inception on the first radio station to carry the program: KDNK of Carbondale, Colorado, some 17 years ago. It "made" my Saturdays. You should know that there are millions across the USA who feel the same way. Don't take this local entity for granted. The show is quintessential Boulder in the minds of many. Nick's vision of ETown Hall is along-standing one, and will serve many purposes, as I am certain all of you know. Perhaps not the least of those purposes is that it will give the radio show a way to become truly viable, that it may continue in perpetuity. It seems that of late, through the cooperation of so many in the community, the vision is becoming a reality. If we slow this organic process down now, it would cost us in terms of an intanl,~ible which is hard to regain: momentum. Please trust the new owners of this building, the Forsters, to have nothing but the best interest of the building at heart in this venture. Please allow for the removal of the non-original stairs and entryway so that ETown Hall can become easily accessible to seniors and the disabled, and to take advantage of passive solar energy. Please don't slow the impetus that will bring this vision to fruition. Sincerely, Donna Mysior 611 Arapahoe Avenue Boulder, CO 80302 i