By Shannon Lukens.

 

The building that housed the old Tugboat bar in Ski Time Square will be demolished in 30 days. 

 

The Historic Preservation Commission held a demolition review Monday night. They voted 2-1 to deny the demolition of the Tugboat, but based on the city’s Community Development Code, denial still allows for the demolition to occur 30 days after the vote. Now, owner Brian Bavosi with DBT Development Group out of Washington DC who also lives in Steamboat Springs, has to wait 30 days in case something comes up and he changes his mind. This provides time for the commission staff and the public to find alternatives for demolition, if that is the path he chooses.

Bavosi asked the committee to waive the 30-day waiting period because he has specialized equipment coming in to get the job done, and this will cost him more in time and money.

 

The demolition of the adjacent parking structure is permitted separately but also happening at the same time. The parking structure  has been condemned and shut down since October of 2022. That’s 4,300 tons of concrete that will be removed.

 

A new parking area will be built that will also be available to the Ski Time Square Condos, as residents there no longer have parking.

People testified to the committee, both online and in person, most in favor of keeping the Tugboat building, because it is iconic and special to so many people.

The building at 1860 Ski Time Square was built in 1972 in the same architectural style of the Steamboat Springs Post Office.  Historic Preservation Planner Caitlin Berube-Smith said it was the famous Tugboat bar, but it used to serve breakfast. People used to ride their horses there. It has been sitting empty for ten years.

 

It was deemed unsafe in October of 2022, mainly because the parking structure was condemned, and city staff said the Tugboat building was attached to the parking structure. The entire northern part of the foundation shares a wall with the parking structure.

If DBT Development chose to tear down just the parking structure, they would have to still shore up the Tugboat building to make it structurally sound.

Commission members listened to comments at the meeting.

Marc DiPinto said the Tugboat has sentimental memories but that doesn’t mean it meets the criteria to save it, even though Historic Preservation staff said it does meet the criteria.

Julie Alkema asked that the committee consider retaining “the very last remnant of Ski Time Square,” because “it is iconic and special to many people.”

 

Dave Miller said the building would make a good youth hostel. He said the building has a lot of heart and is a unique piece of history. “It’s Semester Break on Steroids,” from the 70s. He said a hostel would unify the town, and it’s a building worth saving.

Deon Glaser spoke online about visiting Steamboat Springs since the late 70s and the Tugboat and Ski Time Square were a huge part of her childhood. “The Tugboat is iconic and historic of the Steamboat I fell in love with so many years ago. It’s critical to continue the area’s legacy and charm.”

Candice Bannister from the Tread of Pioneers Museum said it is about collecting and preserving the history and heritage that is so unique. She emphasized how important it is to protect historic resources that are important to the culture of Steamboat Springs.

 

More on the Story — DEMOLITION OF TUGBOAT BUILDING BEING REVIEWED

More on the Story; Oct. 26, 2022 – PARKING STRUCTURE DEEMED UNFIT AT CONDO COMPLEX AT SKI TIME SQUARE