By Shannon Lukens.
**Note: The history of Steamboat Springs is being discussed at a Community Open House, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. The Historic Preservation Plan is “Building on History, Growing with Vision.” It’s at the new City Hall on 10th Street. All are invited.
The history of Steamboat Springs and future growth was discussed Wednesday at a meeting with industry stakeholders, like architects, real estate agents, builders, and local residents who work in historical preservation. Caitlin Berube-Smith is the Historic Preservation Planner for the City of Steamboat Springs.
“We are trying to better engage with the public, improve our historic preservation process and policies. So we’re doing that through an engagement strategy. We are also creating the city’s first ever historic preservation plan and we are updating our historic preservation guidelines.”
The meeting was in the new City Hall building.
Berube-Smith says they hope to have the guidelines for a new Historic Preservation Plan finished by the end of June to then get approval from City Council sometime this summer.
She called the meeting a “contribution session,” adding that having these historic property conversations are important.
Comments included a focus on the culture of the community. Developer Jim Cook said to blend contemporary with historic architecture, as an option. He also suggested updating the design guidelines. He added, “You can’t disregard the impact of the arts community.”
Nancy Kramer spoke of Steamboat’s Western Heritage image and how we can “blend contemporary with Western Heritage.” She added that, “It is about the contemporary western lifestyle,” and our living history and how that is a balance of our dual shared histories and western roots with ranching and agriculture and skiing and Olympics.
Dave Miller with MainStreetMatch.com said Steamboat Springs has a very valuable history and we are famous for being the town that we are. He said our community has a lot of heart. He added that there needs to be more support of youth in the town, because the ski industry, “is geared towards old folks now.” He spoke of honoring our Olympic heritage so more people know about it.
Joella West spoke of the stories that can be told in this town, such as in Olympian Hall, and on the different plaques on buildings, particularly along Lincoln Ave. She supported her son and his wife with relocating the Marshall House so that it won’t be torn down. They plan to tell a story about the life that was in that house, possibly through tours. She said another idea would be to target historic tourism in Steamboat Springs for those who travel and want to learn more about history.
Architect Tom Davis said one thing to consider is, “At what point is it worth saving? Is it really architecturally significant?” People would need to know the story behind a building. He also said every particular project has its particular nuances. Davis also said they are working on a restoration and revitalization of the Chief Theater.
Pete Van De Carr spoke about his business, Backdoor Sports, on Yampa Street. The building was built in the 70s and is still there, despite Yampa Street being completely redeveloped. He also spoke of the importance of the Yampa River and how it is older than all of the buildings. He says we need to keep the Yampa River in mind when building or restoring anything.
Planning & Community Development Director Rebecca Bessey agreed that, “We need to save these buildings.” She said the process shouldn’t be hard and there should be incentives. Right now, there is another layer of review and another set of regulations when it comes to an historic property. That’s something, “that can hinder what can be saved.”
Candice Bannister is the director of the Tread of Pioneers Museum. She suggested Steamboat Springs put together a list of important properties that we need to save. “As a community, we want to get ahead of the buildings that we want to save and see why it is valued.”
Dagny McKinley with Undiscovered Earth said the murals in the community are important, too.
Other comments were that residents have invested in Steamboat Springs and it needs to be supported and rebuilt or buildings will be bought and torn down and then new buildings will be built.
Other comments were that building prices may go up because of the fires in California.
Original Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs:
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 17, 2025-The city is laying the first cornerstone in the development of its inaugural Historic Preservation Plan: Building on History, Growing with Vision, with two open houses scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, to kick off the campaign. Logan Simpson, an award-winning, multidisciplinary consulting firm, is working with the city on the plan.
“Historic preservation is a field of planning that affects every person in uniquely different ways,” said Historic Preservation Planner Caitlin Berube-Smith. “Whether you are a new or long-term resident, a visitor, outdoor recreator, builder, contractor, architect or designer, your participation in this plan is vital to improving historic preservation across the community.”
The community’s input is needed to contribute to the creation of the Historic Preservation Plan, and update to the existing Historic Design Guidelines. Final recommendations of the plan will lend to policy outcomes finalized within the Community Canvas project that is currently updating the Area Community Plan.
As part of the plan, the existing Historic Design Guidelines will also be updated. This work is required as many residential/commercial properties are reaching 50 years of age, and current guidelines do not apply to newer architectural styles seen beyond Residential and Commercial Old Town.
The Community Open House, scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m. on Jan 22, is open to the entire community. Residents and visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend – youth included! An Industry Professionals session will be held earlier that same day from noon to 1:30 p.m. The stakeholder meeting is intended for industry professionals who work with the planning and building departments on alterations and redevelopments of structures over 50 years of age (homeowner/builder, contractor, roofer, architect, designer, consultant, etc.). Both Open Houses will take place in the new City Hall (115 10th Street), providing a sneak peek inside the new facility.
The public will have the opportunity to shape improved planning and building department processes, heritage and cultural programing, and the continued growth and development of the built and natural environment. So, think, what makes this place important to you? How do we share the stories of our past and reuse existing structures and sites to benefit the future? These questions, along with improving building and design practices, are what the community can collaborate on during this session.