A historic survey is a wide-ranging look at a large number of properties, meant to gather basic data on elements like architectural style, year built, and historical significance (if any). It can occur with or without the involvement of the property owner, and the resulting data is included in a publicly-available database. The long-term goal is to survey every property more than 30 years of age in the city of Denver, to identify the places that matter to Denver’s history, communicate the value of historic resources, and nurture a culture of reinvestment.
In contrast, the official designation of a historic landmark or district at the local level is a legislative action. That process begins when a person or group applies with Denver’s Landmark Preservation office. The property’s owner is involved in the process, usually as the applicant. Through the designation process, the city’s landmark preservation staff do research to determine whether the property or district meets a series of specific historic designation requirements. Ultimately, a local designation must be approved by Denver City Council.
The resulting landmark or district designation may make the property eligible for tax credits. When alterations are planned to the exterior of these historically designated buildings, the project is subject to design review to ensure the changes do not alter the building’s historic character.
State and National Register designations require a separate process, which is overseen by History Colorado.
Discover Denver hopes to uncover many more of Denver’s special historic resources, but properties will not be designated through the Discover Denver process.
