Design guidelines update: Phase 1 draft released for public review and input

After receiving input from the community meeting we held in November, comments to our online survey, and comments from design review applicants, the Phase 1 draft of updates is available for review and comments through May 31, 2022.

The draft includes proposed changes to the guidelines focused on solar panels, retaining walls, and materials for use on additions, new construction, and accessory structures, as well as clarifications to guidelines associated with egress windows, landscaping, fences, lighting, and sheds.

Learn more about the design guidelines update project >>

Preservation Month is around the corner

Preservation Month kicks off in May! Celebrated by local preservation groups, state historical societies, business, and civic organizations across the country, Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in May 1973 and in 2005, the National Trust extended it to the entire month of May. 

Preservation Month aims to promote historic places and heritage tourism to demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.

Join us for a series of webinars dedicated to Denver architectural styles.

• May 5 | Part 1: Making the City | Register
• May 19 | Part 2: Old World Revivals and New American Architecture | Register
• May 26 | Part 3: Modernism to the Present | Register

And don't forget to follow us on Instagram to see posts celebrating Preservation Month and Denver's rich history.

West Area Plan: Public review draft coming soon

After months of collecting and reviewing input on the draft plan recommendations released last year, the West Area Planning team is putting finishing touches on the first draft of the West Area Plan, which covers Barnum, Barnum West, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, and West Colfax. In the coming weeks, community members will have the chance to review the plan and offer comments in a number of ways online and through in-person and virtual meetings with city planners. 

The draft plan includes many recommendations focused on preserving the unique architectural and cultural heritage of the six West neighborhoods.

Highlights include:

• Recognize and honor the diverse history and culture of the West Area through community collaboration to identify areas or sites for potential historic designation.
• Explore cultural historic districts to preserve the West Area’s unique cultural heritage, including the Jewish community, the Latino/Chicano community and the Asian community.
• Connect property owners to resources to encourage designation, such as technical assistance writing designation applications, financial incentives and grants.

For a preview of the full draft plan, watch a replay of the 3/16 Planning Board meeting  (presentation starts at 4:13). Staff presented a recap of the planning process as well as an overview of the document ahead of its release to the public.

Learn more about the West Area Plan >>

Denver Landmark Preservation receives 2022 Stephen H. Hart Award

Each year, History Colorado presents Stephen H. Hart Awards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation (named for Colorado's first State Historic Preservation Officer) to recognize organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of archaeology and historic preservation in Colorado.

This year, Denver Landmark Preservation, Historic Denver, and neighborhood advocates including Felix Herzog and Cathy Prieto received the "State Historic Preservation Officer Award" for the La Alma Lincoln Park Historic Cultural District designation. The La Alma Lincoln Park designation was one of only five projects from around the state chosen to receive this prestigious award.

Watch the awardee video (~3 minutes, opens in YouTube)

See the full list of award winners >>

Discover Denver begins work in Westwood

Discover Denver will begin documenting the buildings of Westwood in May. The project’s goals include identifying buildings throughout the city having historical, architectural or cultural significance and educating the public about the city’s history.  

Westwood is a vibrant neighborhood known today for its arts and food scenes, colorful murals and ethnic diversity. Westwood was nearly entirely farmland prior to World War II and did not become a part of Denver until 1947. Many homes in the neighborhood were constructed for returning servicemen and their families. Morrison Road cut diagonally through this area long before Westwood was annexed by Denver, serving as the main road to access the town of Morrison in the late 19th century. 

Discover Denver volunteers are excited to begin work in Westwood and learn more about its history from neighborhood residents. An open house “Discovery Day” event is tentatively scheduled for June 25th, where the public can come learn about the Discover Denver project and share their own knowledge about Westwood. 

Work in Westwood is expected to continue through the summer.

For more information on Discover Denver, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit DiscoverDenver.co.