HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/16/2023 - Historic Preservation Commission - AGENDA - Regular MeetingPage 1
Kurt Knierim, Chair Location:
Jim Rose, Vice Chair This meeting will be held
Margo Carlock In person at Chambers, 300 LaPorte
Jenna Edwards And remotely via Zoom
Bonnie Gibson
Anne Nelsen
Andy Smith Staff Liaison:
Tom Wilson Maren Bzdek
David Woodlee Historic Preservation Manager
Regular Meeting
August 16, 2023
5:30 PM
Historic Preservation Commission
AGENDA
Pursuant to City Council Ordinance No. 143, 2022, a determination has been made by the Chair after
consultation with the City staff liaison that conducting the hearing using remote technology would be
prudent.
This hybrid Historic Preservation Commission meeting will be available online via Zoom or by phone and in person.
The online meeting will be available to join beginning at 5:00 p.m. Participants should try to join online or in person at
least 15 minutes prior to the 5:30 p.m. start time.
IN PERSON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
For public comments, the Chair will ask participants to queue at the podium to indicate you would like to speak at that
time. You may speak when acknowledged by the Chair.
ONLINE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
You will need an internet connection on a laptop, computer, or smartphone, and may join the meeting through Zoom at
https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/95421717693. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio). Keep
yourself on muted status.
For public comments, the Chair will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to
speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to comment.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BY PHONE:
Please dial 253-215-8782 and enter Webinar ID 954 2171 7693. Keep yourself on muted status.
For public comments, when the Chair asks participants to click the “Raise Hand” button if they wish to speak, phone
participants will need to hit *9 to do this. Staff will be moderating the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an
opportunity to address the Commission. When you are called, hit *6 to unmute yourself.
Documents to Share: Any document or presentation a member of the public wishes to provide to the Commission for
its consideration must be emailed to preservation@fcgov.com at least 48 hours before the meeting.
Provide Comments via Email: Individuals who are uncomfortable or unable to access the Zoom platform or
participate by phone are encouraged to participate by emailing comments to preservation@fcgov.com at least 48
hours prior to the meeting. If your comments are specific to any of the discussion items on the agenda, please
indicate that in the subject line of your email. Staff will ensure your comments are provided to the Commission.
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Fort Collins is a Certified Local Government (CLG) authorized by the National Park Service and History Colorado based
on its compliance with federal and state historic preservation standards. CLG standing requires Fort Collins to maintain
a Historic Preservation Commission composed of members of which a minimum of 40% meet federal standards for
professional experience from preservation-related disciplines, including, but not limited to, historic architecture,
architectural history, archaeology, and urban planning. For more information, see Article III, Division 19 of the Fort
Collins Municipal Code.
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and
will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-6001) for
assistance.
Video of the meeting will be broadcast at 1:00 p.m. the following day through the Comcast cable system on Channel
14 or 881 (HD). Please visit http://www.fcgov.com/fctv/ for the daily cable schedule. The video will also be available
for later viewing on demand here: http://www.fcgov.com/fctv/video-archive.php.
• CALL TO ORDER
• ROLL CALL
• AGENDA REVIEW
o Staff Review of Agenda
o Consent Agenda Review
This Review provides an opportunity for the Commission and citizens to pull items from the
Consent Agenda. Anyone may request an item on this calendar be “pulled” off the Consent
Agenda and considered separately.
Commission-pulled Consent Agenda items will be considered before Discussion Items.
Citizen-pulled Consent Agenda items will be considered after Discussion Items.
• STAFF REPORTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
• COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
• CONSENT AGENDA
1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JUNE 21, 2023
The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the June 21, 2023 regular meeting of the
Historic Preservation Commission.
The Consent Agenda is intended to allow the Commission to spend its time and energy on the important
items on a lengthy agenda. Staff recommends approval of the Consent Agenda. Anyone may request an
item on this calendar to be "pulled" off the Consent Agenda and considered separately. Agenda items pulled
from the Consent Agenda will be considered separately with Commission-pulled items considered before
Discussion Items and Citizen-pulled items considered after Discussion Items. Items remaining on the
Consent Agenda will be approved by Commission with one vote. The Consent Agenda consists of:
● Approval of Minutes
● Items of no perceived controversy
● Routine administrative actions
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• CONSENT CALENDAR FOLLOW UP
This is an opportunity for Commission members to comment on items adopted or approved on the
Consent Calendar.
• CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSION-PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
Any agenda items pulled from the Consent Agenda by a Commission member will be discussed
at this time.
• DISCUSSION AGENDA
2. REPORT ON STAFF ACTIVITIES SINCE THE LAST MEETING
Staff is tasked with an array of different responsibilities including code-required project review
decisions on historic properties, support to other standing and special work groups across the City
organization, and education & outreach programming. This report will provide highlights for the
benefit of Commission members and the public, and for transparency regarding decisions made
without the input of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).
3. CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT INTREPRETATION STRATEGIES – REPORT TO HPC
DESCRIPTION: In June 2022, the City of Fort Collins Historic Preservation Services Division
launched a project to develop a series of historic contexts focused on the Civil
Rights Movement in the city. The project consisted of historical and archival
research, interviews with community stakeholders, and community meetings.
Research partners and a Steering Committee of community members provided
feedback on early drafts. The project concluded in 2023 with the publication of
the historic context narratives to the City’s website. Themes included in this
project are:
• Voting Rights in Fort Collins (1867–1982)
• Racial Discrimination in Housing (1866–1983)
• Racial Desegregation in Public Education (1867–1975)
• Racial Desegregation of Public Accommodations (1867–1992)
• Equal Employment (1882–1992)
• Criminal Injustice (1873–1974)
• Indigenous Rights and the American Indian Movement (1968–1978)
The attached draft report discusses the basics of interpretive strategies and
options for educating the Fort Collins community and visitors about the Civil
Rights Movement. That is followed by a summary of best practices, including
case studies from other cities. Finally, this report presents a basic interpretive
framework, a potential phased approach to developing interpretive and
educational materials, and a list of technology and third-party products currently
available at the time this document was completed.
This discussion will serve as an opportunity to hear directly form the project
consultant, Steph McDougal of McDoux Preservation, and to provide any
feedback that will assist with finalization of the recommended strategies.
STAFF: Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager
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4. EDUCATION WORKSHOP: WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE PRIMER
DESCRIPTION: Staff will provide a brief summary of known history and historic places related to the
women’s suffrage movement in Fort Collins from the 1890s and beyond. This
presentation is being given at a regular meeting as opposed to a work session to
benefit the attending public. As a reminder, staff is partnering with the Poudre
Libraries District to offer an in-person walking tour of several of these sites this
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 9:30, beginning and ending at Library Park (west side).
Registration is required and is done through the Poudre Libraries website, HERE.
STAFF: Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
5. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND/OR VICE CHAIR
DESCRIPTION: Elections of officers for boards and commissions are held in February or March of
each year following the annual appointment of new members. Due to the resignation
of Kurt Knierim, current Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, effective at
the end of the August 16, 2023 meeting, the Commission must hold an election at
this meeting to elect a new Chair to serve as the presiding officer at meetings for the
remainder of this term, and a new Vice Chair to serve as backup for scenarios in
which the Chair is recused or absent.
The City’s handbook for boards and commissions states, “It is the presiding officer’s
responsibility to see that the meeting moves forward in an orderly fashion, that
discussion is guided and controlled, and that the meeting runs as smoothly as
possible.” It also states that “the success of presiding officers may depend upon
their ability to remain impartial and to keep business moving. Frequent displays of
partisanship or favoritism risk destroying members’ and citizens’ respect for the
presiding officer.”
Current members of the Commission willing to serve as Chair and/or Vice Chair may
nominate themselves or other Commission members for consideration. A simple
majority vote determines the outcome of the election.
Commission member Jim Rose, who currently serves as Vice Chair of the HPC, will
not be present at the August 16, 2023 meeting but has submitted the attached letter
to the Commission regarding his potential candidacy for the role of chair.
STAFF: Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager
• CONSIDERATION OF CITIZEN-PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
Any agenda items pulled from the Consent Agenda by a member of the public will be discussed at
this time.
• OTHER BUSINESS
• ADJOURNMENT
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Agenda Item 1
Item 1, Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY August 16, 2023
Historic Preservation Commission
STAFF
Melissa Matsunaka, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 21, 2023 REGULAR MEETING
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the June 21, 2023 regular meeting of the Historic
Preservation Commission.
ATTACHMENTS
1. HPC June 21, 2023 Minutes – DRAFT
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Kurt Knierim, Chair Location:
Jim Rose, Vice Chair Council Chambers, 300 Laporte
Margo Carlock And remotely via Zoom
Jenna Edwards
Bonnie Gibson
Anne Nelsen
Andy Smith Staff Liaison:
David Woodlee Maren Bzdek
Vacant Seat Historic Preservation Manager
Regular Meeting
June 21, 2023
Minutes
•CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Rose called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
•ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Margo Carlock, Jenna Edwards, Bonnie Gibson, Anne Nelsen, Jim Rose, David Woodlee
ABSENT: Kurt Knierim and Andy Smith
STAFF: Maren Bzdek, Jim Bertolini, Yani Jones, Heather Jarvis, Melissa Matsunaka
•AGENDA REVIEW
Ms. Bzdek stated there were no changes to the published agenda.
•CONSENT AGENDA REVIEW
No items were pulled from consent.
•STAFF REPORTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
•COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
Historic
Preservation
Commission DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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• CONSENT AGENDA
1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MAY 17, 2023.
The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the May 17, 2023 regular meeting of the
Historic Preservation Commission.
Member Gibson made a motion, seconded by Member Carlock, to approve the consent
agenda for the May 17, 2023 meeting as presented. Yeas: Carlock, Edwards, Gibson,
Nelsen, Woodlee and Rose. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
• DISCUSSION AGENDA
2. REPORT ON STAFF ACTIVITIES SINCE THE LAST MEETING
Staff is tasked with an array of different responsibilities including code-required project review
decisions on historic properties, support to other standing and special work groups across the City
organization, and education & outreach programming. This report will provide highlights for the
benefit of Commission members and the public, and for transparency regarding decisions made
without the input of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).
Mr. Bertolini reported on staff activities since the last Commission meeting, including the awarding
of a landmark rehabilitation loan for a porch rehab for the City landmark at 623 Mathews Street,
and development review survey results for two farmhouses on Spaulding, one of which was found
to be eligible for historic designation. Mr. Bertolini also noted it is Pride Month and reminded the
Commission of the City’s walking tour dedicated to LGBTQ+ history in Fort Collins.
3. LAND USE CODE TOPICS – OLD TOWN NEIGHBORHOODS AND ZONING
DESCRIPTION: This is a general overview of the information that was presented about the Old Town
Neighborhoods and the historic preservation impacts of the land use code at the
recent public open house about the existing land use code and what was proposed
in the repealed code. Discussion highlights from the Commission and any
participating members of the public will be added to the topics raised at the Open
House and shared with Planning staff. Tonight’s discussion will serve as preparation
for a staff report to request a recommendation about the land use code from the
HPC in the fall.
STAFF: Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager
Staff Presentation
Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager, provided a review of the information that was
presented at an open house at the Lincoln Center a few weeks ago. She noted there was a station
that was specific to providing a comparative of the impact of the repealed Land Use Code on the
Old Town neighborhoods versus the existing Land Use Code. She provided a summary of the
goals for the phase one update of the Land Use Code that was repealed, noting it was focused on
housing, housing capacity, housing affordability, and predictability of the development review
process, particularly regarding applications relating to housing. She discussed the important
factors in the Old Town neighborhoods, including mature landscaping and walkability, and
discussed the housing related strategies in the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan which involve
preserving the character and compatibility of the neighborhoods, encouraging a variety of housing
choices, protecting historic resources, facilitating and encouraging protection through designation
of eligible properties, and paying particular attention to compatible building design for new
construction and remodels. DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Ms. Bzdek discussed how the changes in the repealed Code would affect Old Town in particular,
specifically noting the repealed Code called for additional housing types to be added to the Old
Town districts, provided bonuses for affordable housing introduction, reduced the minimum lot size
for single-unit dwellings to be more compatible with older lots that would be shaped by the original
1929 zoning, reduced the maximum floor area of single-unit dwellings to be consistent district-
wide instead of being based on lot size, and recalibrated the design standards to ensure new
homes are more compatible with the neighborhood. She noted house size is calibrated to lot size
in the current Land Use Code; therefore, many lots in the Old Town area allow new houses that
are two times larger than the typical houses in the area. The repealed Code would have provided
some design limitations that would have limited the building height to 35 feet, maintained the
existing bulk requirements with some additional definition, limited the size of the primary dwelling
and allowed an ADU, allowed additional units while maintaining the scale and character of the
neighborhood, and would have allowed duplexes. She noted the zone district names were
changed in the repealed Code; however, the district boundaries were not.
Ms. Bzdek commented on the differences between what historic preservation regulations do and
what zoning does. Additionally, she noted the Land Use Code comes into play in terms of the
work of the Historic Preservation Commission specifically when commercial and multi-family
dwellings are being considered or when design review is occurring for designated single-family
dwellings. She noted the primary question for feedback at the open house was ‘how should Old
Town continue to evolve in alignment with the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan and the five guiding
principles to deal with some of our housing concerns?’ Additionally, a related question involved
how to encourage the preservation of existing structures. She provided a general overview of the
types of comments received in response to the questions, many of which related to the scale of
infill projects that are currently allowed and what would have been allowed in the repealed Code.
There was general support for limiting the size of new single-family detached homes to 2,400
square feet, correlating home size with lot size, emphasizing design compatibility, expressing
concern about changing character and loss of identity of the Old Town neighborhoods, balancing
priority and protection of historic resources with individual property rights, and considering parking
impacts, among others.
Ms. Bzdek provided a summary of the written document provided by Protect Our Old Town Homes.
Public Comment
Meg Dunn expressed appreciation for the item coming before the Commission prior to the Code
being written and noted the Commission previously recommended a maximum size of 2,000
square feet for new single-family detached homes and that was changed at the last minute by
Council to 2,400 square feet. She expressed concern about the need to demolish two single-
family units in order to construct a duplex and stated many moves that are positive for sustainability
goals are also positive for saving historic character. She suggested Council needs to first deal
with occupancy codes to provide for more housing units without demolishing older homes or using
natural resources. Additionally, she encouraged the development of internal or backyard ADU’s
instead of demolition and reconstruction and suggested work needs to be done on the
deconstruction ordinance.
Kate Connolly discussed the weaponization of historic districts as a tool against housing
development. She noted many of the housing types being discussed in the new Code are historic
types and Old Town residents are interested in the housing types. She commented on the human
experience aspects of historic neighborhood character, which she stated are supported by the
wider variety of housing types in the new Land Use Code.
Matthew Behunh commented on the significant need for affordable housing in Fort Collins and
noted Old Town is the primary location in the city for jobs, walkability, bike-ability, and transit, and
it should not be made more exclusive. He stated adding ADU’s could provide homeowners with
additional income to preserve or restore existing homes and commented on adaptive reuse of
historic properties. DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Chris Conway stated growth and change goals in neighborhoods are compatible with historical
goals and stated historic preservation in Fort Collins must always be in the context of the housing
crisis. He stated historic preservation, in many places, sometimes in Fort Collins, has been
weaponized as a way to limit development. He suggested limiting the number of historically
designated properties in Fort Collins to ensure there is enough room for adequate housing for all.
Nicole Swan stated the repealed Code is not incompatible with maintaining historic buildings and
Old Town character given the density permitted will allow for more housing while preserving the
buildings in the areas that have true historic or architectural value. She stated Old Town cannot
be excluded from being part of the housing solution in Fort Collins.
Roger Hoover expressed support for historic preservation and the qualitative difference historic
structures make to the city. He commented on the current Code stating it does a reasonable job
of defining historic properties; however, he noted it uses the phrase ‘to the maximum extent
feasible’ to specify limits on what kind of development can be done near historic structures, and
often a single individual is making that determination. He stated Historic Preservation needs a
better mechanism to determine what is and what is not acceptable if Fort Collins is serious about
changing the Land Use Code to enable additional housing development such as ADU’s.
Bill Whitley stated mixed-use zoning can be compatible with historic preservation if properly
administered. He also stated accessory dwelling units are historic as are small houses.
Additionally, he stated rehabilitation and repurposing buildings is historic, sensible, and
sustainable.
Commission Questions/Discussion
Commissioner Nelsen concurred mixed-use zoning makes sense in the context of an historic
neighborhood and concurred appropriately sized ADU’s are acceptable. She stated the city should
be providing adequate public transportation rather than ensuring there is enough parking for all
vehicles. She stated good design is compatible design and density should not be feared.
Vice Chair Rose concurred with Commissioner Nelsen’s comments regarding mixed-use zoning
and suggested looking at the aspects of a form-based code that consider density, scale,
walkability, commonality of materials, and common setbacks. He urged against becoming too
prescriptive and stated the Commission needs to be sensitive to what it is attempting to save. He
also commented on the importance of compatibility.
Commissioner Carlock commented on the importance of ensuring Old Town becomes livable for
all. She expressed support for the creation of internal ADU’s and over-garage units. She stated
fears exist that single-family homes will be scraped and replaced with apartment buildings thereby
changing the neighborhood character. She stated maintaining historic preservation can occur with
increasing density in limited respects. She suggested reforming the U+2 ordinance.
Commissioner Nelsen concurred with Mr. Hoover’s comment that the goal of a fair code would be
to remove everything that could be extremely subjective.
4. 313 N. MELDRUM ST. – THE EMMA MALABY GROCERY PROPERTY – APPLICATION FOR
FORT COLLINS LANDMARK DESIGNATION
DESCRIPTION: This item is to consider the request for a recommendation to City Council for
landmark designation of the Emma Malaby Grocery Property at 313 N. Meldrum St.
STAFF: Yani Jones, Historic Preservation Planner
COMMISSION’S
ROLE AND ACTION: One of the Commission’s responsibilities is to provide a recommendation to City
Council on applications for the designation of a property as a Fort Collins landmark.
Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code provides the standards and process for
designation. At the hearing, the Commission shall determine whether the following
two criteria are satisfied: (1) the proposed resource is eligible for designation; and
(2) the requested designation will advance the policies and the purposes for
landmark preservation in a manner and extent sufficient to justify the requested
designation. Following its review, and once the Commission feels it has the
information it needs, the Commission should decide whether to recommend
landmark designation to City Council and if so, adopt a motion providing the
Commission’s recommendation on the property’s landmark eligibility to City Council. DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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(**Secretary’s Note: Commissioner Gibson withdrew from the discussion of this item due to a
conflict of interest.)
Staff Presentation
Yani Jones, Historic Preservation Planner, stated the applicant and owner of the property is
Historic Larimer County. She outlined the role of the Commission and showed maps and images
of the property. She discussed the history of the property noting it was moved from North College
Avenue to its current location at 313 North Meldrum Street, and discussed the standards under
which the property is eligible for historic designation. She stated the store building is one of three
known examples of a false front store that remains in Fort Collins and is the last remaining frame
building from the original Old Town triangle area. She noted the barn is a rare example of a barn
that still remains within the boundaries of the original Fort Collins plat.
Ms. Jones stated there is great potential for the property to yield historic archeological information
related to life in the early- to mid-20th century. She showed images of the site and summarized
the property’s significance over the period from 1881 to 1992.
Applicant Presentation
Ron Sladek, Historic Larimer County President, discussed the history and purpose of Historic
Larimer County. He outlined the goals for the building, including turning its front into a store
museum and utilizing the area that originally served as the photography studio for a meeting room
and architecture and preservation library. Additionally, the building will house some office space
and a restroom. He noted the building will need a great deal of renovation work.
Meg Dunn, Historic Larimer County Vice President, showed photos of the site and detailed its
history and the formation of the Mercer Colony. She acknowledged the building was moved form
its original location; however, she stated the fact it was moved is part of its story and it was
common at the time for buildings to be relocated rather than demolished. She noted the barn
and the store building have siding issues that impact integrity; however, the significance of the
property is so high that the resource still remains valuable.
Public Comment
Carol Tunner commented on the history and construction of stacked plank buildings noting they
were built in such a way as to keep out vermin.
Karla Bruion commented on the moving of the building next to the store from Loveland to its
current location.
Commission Questions
Commissioner Woodlee asked if the well is currently filled in. Ms. Dunn replied various items
were thrown in over time and roof tiles are the only visible item at this point.
Commission Discussion
Member Edwards thanked Ms. Dunn for the presentation and stated the property meets all four
standards for designation.
Member Woodlee concurred and stated the standards are satisfied regardless of the building
having been relocated.
Member Carlock stated the fact the building is the last remaining frame building from the original
town is plenty of a reason to warrant landmark status. Additionally, the history of the Colimer
family and women-owned businesses also warrant designation.
DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Commissioner Nelsen made a motion that the Historic Preservation Commission adopt a
written resolution recommending that City Council adopt an ordinance to designate the
Emma Malaby Grocery Property at 313 North Meldrum Street as a Fort Collins Landmark
finding that this property is eligible for its significance to Fort Collins under standard one,
events, standard two, persons and groups, standard three, design and construction, and
standard four, information potential, as supported by the analysis provided in the staff
report and presentation, and the landmark nomination dated April 26, 2023, recommending
that this property clearly conveys the significance through integrity of location, setting,
design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association to a sufficient degree to warrant
the requested designation, and finding also that the designation of this property will
promote the policies and purposes of the City as specified in Chapter 14 of the Municipal
Code. Commissioner Carlock seconded the motion.
Commissioner Nelsen stated this was an excellent nomination for a worthy property.
Vice Chair Rose stated he is a member of Historic Larimer County, though not a Board member.
He stated this was a very well-developed nomination and the building is not only worthy of being
a Fort Collins landmark, but potentially has eligibility beyond that. He commended the work of
Historic Larimer County and the Burrill family to preserve the structure.
The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Carlock, Edwards, Nelsen, Woodlee, and
Rose. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
(**Secretary’s Note: The Commission took a brief recess at this point in the meeting.)
5. DOWNTOWN COLLEGE AVE SHF HISTORIC SURVEY – PROGRESS REPORT
DESCRIPTION: The City of Fort Collins is completing an historic resource survey of fifty selected
properties along the downtown College Avenue corridor. This includes previously
unsurveyed properties, properties with dated/incomplete survey, and developing
documentation for properties designated in the Old Town Landmark District that
have not been, or have been poorly, documented in the past. This project is being
sponsored by the City's Historic Preservation Services division, with grant funding
support from the State Historical Fund.
The lead consultant on this project, Ron Sladek of Tatanka Historical Associates,
Inc., will be presenting highlights from the research findings and inviting comments
from the Historic Preservation Commission as well as members of the community
attending in-person and online.
STAFF: Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Staff and Consultant Presentation
Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner, stated this work is being funded partially by a
2020 state historical grant and partially by the City. He outlined the overall scope of the project
which involves an evaluation of fifty properties in the downtown area, including a survey report.
He stated the project should be complete by the end of the year. He noted Fort Collins is a
certified local government, and as such, a system for survey must be maintained.
Ron Sladek, Tatanka Historical Associates, noted this project was delayed by the pandemic. He
stated the survey involved fifty commercial properties and the work involved field documentation,
archival research, preparation of site forms, writing the project report, conducting two walking
tours, and presenting the results. He noted the final walking tour is scheduled for this coming
Saturday.
Mr. Sladek stated the survey area was intended to be the College Avenue corridor from Laporte
Avenue to Mulberry Street, though it ended up including some buildings that face the intersecting
streets, including Mountain Avenue, Oak Street, and Olive Street. He commented on the history
of the downtown area and showed photos of its development over time. He discussed the
architectural inventory forms that have been drafted for each property and stated there were five
geographic segments to the survey. DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Mr. Sladek provided details on four specific properties, including the current Perennial Gardner
building which formerly housed a Chinese laundry. He discussed the discrimination faced by the
Chinese in Fort Collins and noted the building was determined to be a contributing element to the
Old Town Fort Collins landmark district and the National Register landmark district.
Mr. Sladek discussed the H.C. Bradley building, which is the building just north of the Cupboard,
noting it was built in 1905 to provide space for the business of the owners of the Fort Collins
Sugar Factory and later housed the Bradley photography studio. Mr. Bradley also operated a
Cadillac dealership in the adjacent building to the south, where the Cupboard is currently located.
Additionally, the Bradley building also housed the Miller photography studio on its second floor.
He noted the building remains largely intact from an architectural standpoint and appears to be
eligible for designation locally as well as at the state and national level.
Mr. Sladek detailed the Thompson Briggs professional building at the southeast corner of Oak
and Mason Streets. He noted the structure is four separate buildings connected by an H-shaped
interior passageway network and it held various medical and other businesses over time. He
stated the property appears to be eligible for local landmark designation.
Mr. Sladek detailed the residential foursquare building at 109 West Olive Street which originally
stood on the adjacent lot to the east and faced College Avenue. He stated the building served
as the Methodist parsonage from 1901-1919, and after it’s relocation, was remodeled into a
residential building followed by the Fort Collins Clinic which housed various medical offices. He
stated the property appears to be eligible for local landmark designation under two standards.
Mr. Sladek went on to discuss other buildings that appear to be eligible for designation, including
the current Lucky’s Market which he noted is the only Safeway building of its type of architecture
still intact in Colorado. He showed additional photos of the downtown area throughout the 1900’s
and discussed various buildings. He noted there are recommendations made in the project report
for how the City may want to proceed with preservation in the project area, including that the City
survey more of the post-World War II buildings in the downtown area, the City should regularly
conduct a comprehensive review of its completed surveys, that title searches be used in the future
for research, the City should develop an interpretive plaque program for the downtown area, and
the City should consider establishing a new town historic district in the downtown area.
Commission Questions and Discussion
Commissioner Gibson commended the in-depth historical information and suggestion for
interpretive signage. She also recommended some type of virtual interpretive program.
Commissioner Woodlee asked if Mr. Sladek’s PowerPoint presentation is available to the public.
Mr. Sladek replied it has been given to the City. Mr. Bertolini noted it will be part of the meeting
record and can be sent to anyone.
6. 3105 E. HARMONY ROAD – HENRY A. & ELLA ZIEGLER HOUSE, PROPOSED ADDITION
(MINOR AMENDMENT)
DESCRIPTION: Development application at 3105 E. Harmony Road to include demolition of the
existing rear porch and construction of a new 1.5 story addition onto the rear of the
existing house.
STAFF: Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
APPLICANT/OWNER
Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. (CASA), 3105 E. Harmony Road, Fort
Collins, CO 80528
COMMISSION’S
ROLE AND ACTION: Provide a recommendation to the decision maker (in this case, Planning staff)
regarding the proposed alterations, relative to their compliance with Section 3.4.7 of
the Fort Collins Land Use Code.
DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Staff Presentation
Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner, stated this item relates to a development
review application for a minor amendment for an addition to the office space at the Ziegler House
at 3105 East Harmony Road. He noted the Commission’s role is to provide a recommendation
to the decision maker, which is planning staff in this case. He showed photos of the property and
discussed the Harmony Community farming village which was established around 1870. He
noted the historic farmhouse which is the subject of this item was constructed in 1905 by Henry
and Ella Ziegler and it was determined to be eligible for landmark designation under three
standards.
Mr. Bertolini discussed the proposed rear addition which would include the removal of the rear
porch and using that area as a hyphen between the historic portion and the new addition. He
showed renderings of the proposed addition and noted staff did not consider the rear porch as a
character-defining feature given the loss of materiality.
Mr. Bertolini outlined the staff analysis of the project noting staff found the six applicable standards
to have been met. He recommended the Commission discuss the size of the addition and
whether a modification of standard is warranted based on the context and circumstances, the site
constraints related to programmed outdoor space for the nonprofit housed in the building and
historic trees, as well as whether the addition is compatible and subordinate to the historic
building. He commented on previously processed additions onto eligible and landmarked
buildings, one at 609 South College Avenue and one at 612 South Howes Street.
Applicant Presentation
Kala Bailor, Collab Architecture, stated the goal of the addition is to not overshadow or diminish
the significance of the historic building while paying homage to the building by using stone sills
and similar window sizes.
Jen Ryan, CASA Executive Director, discussed the role of CASA in the community and noted the
house was donated to CASA in 1991 for the specific purpose of providing supervised visits and
safe exchanges. She noted the programs provided by the organization have expanded and the
placement of the addition is important as it provides a secure entrance for family safety.
Ms. Bailor noted there are currently 18 staff members working in the building and the goal of
providing the addition is to create office space and a conference room to allow for the home to
be used solely for family visitation. Additionally, she noted the hyphen will serve as an accessible
secure entrance and the addition will provide a visual barrier between the play yard and the
parking lot which helps with security. She stated the addition is just over 2,500 square feet and
is positioned to take advantage of existing openings.
Ms. Bailor discussed the proposed addition and hyphen construction and materiality noting the
proposal is to utilize a different color of brick veneer, some horizontal lap siding, and a foundation
band of stone to match the existing building.
Public Comment
Meg Dunn commended the use of the property and suggested getting the property landmarked
because the organization could sell tax credits and receive grants for repair work or maintenance.
She also stated Historic Larimer County is holding a tour of the Harmony Community, including
the Harmony Cemetery and Harmony School, on August 12th.
Robert Fallbeck, Crawford Child Advocacy Center Executive Director, stated his organization
operates out of a landmarked home and has a great deal in common with CASA. He commended
the way the project maintains the integrity of the home and stated it will improve the valuable
services offered by CASA.
Wendy Banks, CASA Board President, stated CASA has been in need of additional space for
years and loves the existing building and way it fits with the program.
Commission Questions and Discussion
Commissioner Nelsen asked if the windows in the original home are single hung. Ms. Bailor
replied in the affirmative and stated they were likely replaced at some point. DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Commissioner Nelsen asked about what would trigger stormwater detention requirements. Ms.
Bailor replied the addition must be under 1,000 square feet of added impervious area to avoid
triggering those requirements and a great deal of siting work and planning was done to avoid that.
Commissioner Nelsen asked about the design intent with the columnar brick features. Ms. Bailor
replied the goal was for the addition to be modern while still speaking to a more residential style
of architecture. She noted bringing the stone base around the base of the foundation integrated
the two buildings and the addition’s darker brick on the east and south compliment brick as a
material but are different in texture and color. She stated the hyphen will likely be a stained lap
siding that will not require much maintenance.
Commissioner Nelsen asked about the overall lap width. Ms. Bailor replied the painted siding will
likely be an 8-inch exposure and the wood a 4-inch exposure.
Commissioner Carlock commended the design of the addition stating it mimics aspects of the
historic building without being blatant and giving a false sense of history. She stated she will
support the project, particularly given the use of the property, despite initial concerns about the
size.
Ms. Bzdek commented on neuroscience studies related to the healing properties of place and
stated studies have shown that lived experiences in older buildings are amplified in children.
Vice Chair Rose requested input regarding the footprint and scale of the addition and a discussion
of whether spatial relationships are being modified too greatly for the size compatibility standard
to be met.
Commissioner Gibson stated standard one appears to be generally met. She stated she has
some concerns about footprint and scale; however, that could be addressed with standard nine.
Commissioner Nelsen concurred standard one appears to be met and the hyphen does a good
job of separating the addition from the historical building. She also stated the original home is
not impacted in a way that its distinctive qualities are affected, and the use is appropriate.
Regarding standard two, Vice Chair Rose stated it has to do with the retention of the historic
character and relative effect that the new addition will have which has already been discussed.
Standard three relates to the physical record of its time and staff has noted the hyphen and
proposed materiality differentiates the mass of the proposed addition. Vice Chair Rose expressed
concern about the concept of a hyphen being an effective way to delineate the addition; however,
in this case, it is so close to the original structure that it almost melds together. He acknowledged
the site limitations and functionality considerations, but stated the hyphen could be more effective
if it were elongated and stretched further away from the house which could potentially create a
better situation in terms of respecting the overall nature and mass of the original house.
Commissioner Gibson concurred that some elevations show almost no visual distinction between
the original home and the addition.
Commissioner Nelsen disagreed and stated the hyphen is an effective space. She stated she
believes the massing accomplishes the separation and she is unsure elongating the hyphen
would yield a more sensitive addition.
Regarding standard four, Vice Chair Rose noted staff found the porch was not a character-
defining feature. Standard five calls for distinctive materials which are present in the design and
standard six relates to the removal of character-defining features, which is not occurring.
Standard seven relating to potential damage of the historic fabric does not apply in this case, and
staff’s judgement that since the site has been so heavily disturbed, the likelihood of archeological
recovery is not a consideration as per standard eight. Standard nine relates to exterior alterations
and new construction not destroying historic materials that characterize the property and it
generated significant discussion from staff. Vice Chair Rose stated the size of the addition is one
consideration related to compatibility.
Commissioner Gibson stated the design in terms of compatibility is appropriate and
distinguishable; however, she questioned whether the addition is subordinate to the original
structure. She noted the need and benefit to the community provided by the non-profit may
outweigh that concern. DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Commissioner Edwards stated the standards must be applied fairly and consistently despite the
use of the building.
Commissioner Woodlee commented on the importance of the evolution of spaces in terms of use
and stated the addition is not necessarily supposed to blend in.
Commissioner Edwards stated the decisions of the Commission need to be defensible.
Vice Chair Rose noted this is a recommendation of the Commission to another entity, not a
decision of the Commission to allow a design based on its determination.
Commissioner Nelsen stated the setting allows for the proposed massing and noted the addition
is single-story compared to the large two-story historical building which helps maintain balance.
She stated the size of the siding does give her some pause and she encouraged further
consideration of that aspect. She stated she is not concerned about standard ten not being met.
Vice Chair Rose suggested there may be a way to adjust the roof configuration of the addition to
make it more subordinate to the original home and appear clearly as a single-story building.
Commissioner Edwards asked about the next steps in the development process following the
Commission’s recommendation. Kaitlyn Puga, City Planner, replied staff will take the
recommendation and work with the applicant to ensure the expectations of the Commission are
met, after which a recommendation for the project will be formalized.
Commissioner Carlock made a motion that the Historic Preservation Commission
recommend to the Planning Director approval of the CASA addition at the Ziegler House,
3105 East Harmony Road, finding that most aspects of the proposal comply with the
Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and that the following proposed work
items do not meet standard nine of the Standards for Rehabilitation as the size of the
addition does not conform with that standard and a modification of standards regarding
that item is warranted because the project meets Land Use Code Section 2.8 related to
alleviating a problem of city-wide concern. Member Gibson seconded the motion.
Commissioner Carlock stated the Commission’s discussion of the spatial relationships under
standards one and two made her feel more comfortable about the relationship between the
addition and the historic building; however, the addition is clearly not subordinate, therefore
standard nine is not met.
Commissioner Nelsen stated she would support the motion as she does not believe the design
needs to be changed.
Vice Chair Rose questioned whether the motion provides significant direction to staff. Mr.
Bertolini replied the motion does not require any specific design changes but suggested the
Commission articulate the problem of city-wide concern that would justify the modification of
standard.
Commissioner Carlock stated she believes the problem of children and families in crisis,
specifically victims of domestic violence or child abuse, fits the definition of a problem of city-wide
concern. She stated the modification of standards can be justified based on that. Commissioner
Woodlee concurred.
The vote on the motion was as follows: Yeas: Carlock, Edwards, Gibson, Nelsen, Woodlee,
and Rose. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
• CONSIDERATION OF CITIZEN-PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
• OTHER BUSINESS
Vice Chair Rose reiterated the opportunity for the tour with Historic Larimer County on Saturday
morning at Oak Street Plaza. DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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• ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Rose adjourned the meeting at 10:13 p.m.
Minutes prepared by and respectfully submitted by Melissa Matsunaka.
Minutes approved by a vote of the Commission on __________________.
_____________________________________
Kurt Knierim, Chair
DRAFTITEM 1, ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item 2
Item 2, Page 1
STAFF REPORT August 16, 2023
Historic Preservation Commission
ITEM NAME
STAFF ACTIVITIES SINCE THE LAST MEETING (COVERING JUNE 8, 2023 TO AUGUST 2, 2023)
STAFF
Yani Jones, Historic Preservation Planner
Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager
INFORMATION
Staff is tasked with an array of different responsibilities including code-required project review decisions on
historic properties, support to other standing and special work groups across the City organization, and
education & outreach programming. This report will provide highlights for the benefit of Commission members
and the public, and for transparency regarding decisions made without the input of the Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC).
Specific to project review, in cases where the project can be approved without submitting to the Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC), with issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness or a SHPO report under
Chapter 14, Article IV of the City’s Municipal Code. Staff decisions are provided in this report and posted on
the HPS’s “Design Review Notification” page. Notice of staff decisions are provided to the public and HPC for
their information, but are not subject to appeal under Chapter 14, Article IV, except in cases where an
applicant has requested a Certificate of Appropriateness for a project and that request has been denied. In that
event, the applicant may appeal staff’s decision to the HPC pursuant to 14-55 of the Municipal Code, within
two weeks of staff denial.
Beginning in May 2021, to increase transparency regarding staff decisions and letters issued on historic
preservation activities, this report will include sections for historic property survey results finalized in the last
month (provided they are past the two-week appeal deadline), comments issued for federal undertakings
under the National Historic Preservation Act (also called “Section 106”), and 5G wireless facility responses for
local permit approval.
There is a short staff presentation this month highlighting recent items and events. This staff activity report
covers the period from June 8 to August 2 because the July HPC meeting was canceled.
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Agenda Item 2
Item 2, Page 2
Education & Outreach Activities
Part of the mission of the Historic Preservation Services division is to educate the public about local, place-
based history, historic preservation, and preservation best practices. Below are highlights from the last month
in this area.
Program Title Sponsor-Audience-
Partner Description # of
Attendees
Date of
Event/Activity
Fort Collins
Juneteenth
United Way, CSU,
BIPOC Alliance
Educational programming
for community – tabling of
event, video screening
300 June 17, 2023
Downtown Fort Collins
Historic Survey Public
Walking Tour
Ron Sladek
(contractor)
SHF-required education
program to share results of
historic survey of downtown
30 June 24, 2023
NoCo Pride NoCo Pride; City
Equity Office
City tabling of event;
distributed Pride walking
tour brochure
4400 July 15, 2023
Staff Design Review Decisions & Reports – Municipal Code Chapter 14
Property Address Description of Project Staff
Decision Date of Decision
419 E. Elizabeth St.
(419 E. Elizabeth St.)
Repouring settled concrete stair, including rail
replacement. Contributing property in Laurel
School NRHP District. Reviewed by staff
under Municipal Code 14, Article IV.
Approved June 9, 2023
1014/1016 Peterson St.
(W.E. Pyke Residence)
Replacing damaged concrete deck/steps and
removing side concrete pieces due to water
issues; house painting. Contributing property
in Laurel School NRHP District. Reviewed by
staff under Municipal Code 14, Article IV.
Approved June 14, 2023
723 W. Olive St.
(Parson/Morgan House
& Attached Garage)
Deck on rear addition. City Landmark.
Reviewed by staff under Municipal Code 14,
Article IV.
Approved June 20, 2023
100 First St.
(Maneval/Mason/Sauer
Property)
Renewal of COA for upgrade of non-historic
gazebo. City Landmark. Reviewed by staff
under Municipal Code 14, Article IV.
Approved June 24, 2023
720 W. Prospect Rd.
(Emma Brown/Susan
Winter House)
Concrete stoop replacement for building code
egress compliance. City Landmark. Reviewed
by staff under Municipal Code 14, Article IV.
Approved June 29, 2023
200 Mathews St.
(Heritage Courtyard -
Wishing Well)
Removal of wood shelter for courtyard
wishing well for storage in FCMOD offsite
collection storage. City Landmark. Reviewed
by staff under Municipal Code 14, Article IV.
Approved July 14, 2023
121 N. Grant Ave.
(McMillen-Patterson
Property)
In-kind reroofing of non-historic structure. City
Landmark. Reviewed by staff under Municipal
Code 14, Article IV.
Approved July 20, 2023
419 Mathews St. (H.W.
Schroeder Property)
Rehab of 3 attic windows and 2
screens/storms. City Landmark and
contributing property in Laurel School NRHP
District. Reviewed by staff under Municipal
Code 14, Article IV.
Approved July 21, 2023
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Agenda Item 2
Item 2, Page 3
Selected Staff Development Review Recommendations – Land Use Code 3.4.7
Property Address Description of Project Staff Decision Date of Decision /
Recommendation
401/405 Smith St. Magnolia & Smith Subdivision
Minor corrections to
enforce HPC approval of
Landmark boundary
change
June 27, 2023
2215 W. Mulberry
St.
Conceptual Development Review:
Addition onto duplex
Historic survey needed
(option to waive fee) July 13, 2023
335 E. Magnolia St.
Conceptual Development Review:
Conversion of single-family to duplex;
change from previous HPC-reviewed
plans for demo & 4-plex
Not an historic resource;
No outstanding
Preservation concerns.
July 13, 2023
605 S. Shields St.
Conceptual Development Review:
scrape and infill w/ single-family
attached and multi-family housing
Historic survey needed July 20, 2023
305 N. Meldrum
Conceptual Development Review:
adaptive reuse exploration for various
rental housing options
Historic survey needed
(option to waive fee) July 20, 2023
Historic Property Survey Results
City Preservation staff frequently completes historic survey for properties for a number of reasons, usually in
advance of development proposals for properties. The table below includes historic property survey for the
reporting period for any historic survey for which the two-week appeal period has passed.
Address Field/Consultant Recommendation Staff Approved
Results?
Date Results
Finalized
1312 NE Frontage
Road Not Eligible Yes July 11, 2023
National Historic Preservation Act – Staff Comments Issued
The City of Fort Collins is a Certified Local Government, which provides the Historic Preservation Services
division and Landmark Preservation Commission an opportunity to formally comment on federal undertakings
within city limits. This includes actions that are receiving federal funding, permits, or have direct involvement
from a federal agency.
Note: Due to changes in how Preservation staff process small cell/5G wireless facilities, staff does not provide
substantive comments on those undertakings (overseen by the Federal Communications Commission) and do
not appear in the table below.
National Historic Preservation Act – Staff Comments Issued
The City of Fort Collins is a Certified Local Government, which provides the Historic Preservation Services
division and Landmark Preservation Commission an opportunity to formally comment on federal undertakings
within city limits. This includes actions that are receiving federal funding, permits, or have direct involvement
from a federal agency.
Lead Agency & Property
Location Description of Project Staff Comment
Date
Comment
Issued
None
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Agenda Item 2
Item 2, Page 4
Staff 5G Wireless Facility Summary
Note: Co-locations with existing street infrastructure, usually traffic lights, is considered a co-location and not
subject to denial due to proximity to properties that meet the City’s definition of historic resources (Sec. 14-3)
Due to recent changes in how Preservation staff reviews small cell/5G towers, co-located towers no longer
receive substantive review except where historic resources would be impacted directly by the tower’s installation.
These types of direct impacts would include potential damage to archaeological resources and/or landscape
features throughout the city such as trolley tracks, carriage steps, and sandstone pavers. This report section will
summarize activities in this area.
Within this period, staff processed a total of 39 5G/Small Cell tower requests total, with 5 seen for the first time.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Staff Presentation
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Staff Activity Report
August 16, 2023
Historic Preservation Commission
Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner,
Yani Jones, Historic Preservation Planner,
Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager
Design Review Highlight
200 Mathews St. (Heritage Courtyard – Wishing Well Shelter)
Removal for storage in Fort Collins Museum of Discovery’s collection storage for potential future
reconstruction or material analysis
• Due to relocation, this object is being treated as a Museum artifact rather than a landscape feature
• Removed to accommodate relocation of main entrance to Carnegie Building to south side
• Wishing well itself not impacted
2
1
2
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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Education and Outreach 3
- June 24 – Downtown Walking Tour of
Commercial Historic Survey
- Part of SHF-funded grant
- July 15 – NoCo PRIDE
3
ITEM 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item 3
Item 3, Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY August 16, 2023
Historic Preservation Commission
SUBJECT
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORIC CONTEXT – DRAFT INTERPRETATION STRATEGIES
STAFF
Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In June 2022, the City of Fort Collins Historic Preservation Services Division launched a project to develop a
series of historic contexts focused on the Civil Rights Movement in the city. The project consisted of historical
and archival research, interviews with community stakeholders, and community meetings. Research partners
and a Steering Committee of community members provided feedback on early drafts. The project concluded in
2023 with the publication of the historic context narratives to the City’s website. Themes included in this project
are:
• Voting Rights in Fort Collins (1867–1982)
• Racial Discrimination in Housing (1866–1983)
• Racial Desegregation in Public Education (1867–1975)
• Racial Desegregation of Public Accommodations (1867–1992)
• Equal Employment (1882–1992)
• Criminal Injustice (1873–1974)
• Indigenous Rights and the American Indian Movement (1968–1978)
The attached draft report discusses the basics of interpretive strategies and options for educating the Fort
Collins community and visitors about the Civil Rights Movement. That is followed by a summary of best
practices, including case studies from other cities. Finally, this report presents a basic interpretive framework, a
potential phased approach to developing interpretive and educational materials, and a list of technology and
third-party products currently available at the time this document was completed.
This discussion will serve as an opportunity to hear directly from the project consultant, Steph McDougal of
McDoux Preservation, and to provide any feedback that will assist with finalization of the recommended
strategies.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Interpretation Strategies Report from McDoux Preservation
Packet Pg. 23
THE HISTORY OF THE CIVIL
RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
INTERPRETIVE STRATEGIES
AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR
EDUCATION
JULY 2023
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
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CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
City Council
Jeni Arndt, Mayor
Susan Gutowsky, District 1
Julie Pignataro, District 2
Tricia Canonico, District 3
Shirley Peel, District 4
Kelly Ohlson, District 5
Emily Francis, District 6
Historic Preservation Commission
Margo Ann Carlock
Jenna Edwards
Bonnie Gibson
Kurt Knierim
Anne Nelsen
Jim Rose
Historic Preservation Staff
Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager
Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
Yani Jones, Historic Preservation Planner
MCDOUX PRESERVATION LLC
Steph McDougal, MTSC, MSHP
Jenn Beggs
Isabel Araiza, Ph. D.
Tara Dudley, Ph. D.
Cover: City of Fort Collins preservation planner Jim Bertolini leads a walking tour in
Tres Colonias in August 2022.
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
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CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORIC CONTEXT STUDY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................1
WHAT IS INTERPRETATION? .............................................................................................................................5
SOCIAL ASPECTS OF INTERPRETATION .............................................................................................................5
UNDERSTANDING THE AUDIENCE ....................................................................................................................6
TYPES OF INTERPRETIVE MATERIALS ...............................................................................................................6
INTERPRETATION AT HISTORIC SITES ...............................................................................................................7
ACCESSIBILITY ................................................................................................................................................8
OPPORTUNITES FOR EDUCATION ......................................................................................9
DEVELOPING AN INTERPRETIVE CONTENT FRAMEWORK .................................................................................11
DEVELOPING INTERPRETIVE METHODS AND APPROACHES ...............................................................................12
DEVELOPING INTERPRETIVE CONTENT, PRODUCTS, AND PROGRAMMING .........................................................13
CASE STUDIES .................................................................................................................................................15
INTERPRETING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT HISTORIC CONTEXTS
IN FORT COLLINS .....................................................................................................................17
HOUSING - DRIVING TOUR ...............................................................................................................................18
VOTING RIGHTS - WALKING TOUR ....................................................................................................................18
EDUCATION - WALKING OR BIKING TOUR ........................................................................................................19
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION - WALKING OR BIKING TOUR ...................................................................................20
INTERPRETIVE FRAMEWORK ...........................................................................................................................21
POSSIBLE PHASED APPROACH .........................................................................................................................22
OPTIONS FOR TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES ........................................................................................................22
FOR MORE INFORMATION .....................................................................................................23
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
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CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
This project was made possible in part by a grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund.
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
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CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORIC CONTEXT STUDY
1
INTRODUCTION
In June 2022, the City of Fort Collins Historic Preservation Services Division launched a
project to develop a series of historic contexts focused on the Civil Rights Movement
in the city. The project consisted of historical and archival research, interviews with
community stakeholders, and community meetings. Research partners and a Steering
Committee of community members provided feedback on early drafts. The project
concluded in 2023 with the publication of the historic context narratives to the City’s
website. Themes included in this project are:
• Voting Rights in Fort Collins (1867–1982)
• Racial Discrimination in Housing (1866–1983)
• Racial Desegregation in Public Education (1867–1975)
• Racial Desegregation of Public Accommodations (1867–1992)
• Equal Employment (1882–1992)
• Criminal Injustice (1873–1974)
• Indigenous Rights and the American Indian Movement (1968–1978)
This project is the latest entry in a series of historic context documents developed
by/for the City of Fort Collins. A historic context is a tool used in historic preservation
to help identify, evaluate, register, and treat historic properties by placing them in
the context of other related properties based on a theme, geographic limits, and
chronological period. A single historic context may describe one or more aspects of
the historic development of an area, considering history, architecture, archeology,
engineering, and culture.
The use of historic contexts in organizing major preservation activities ensures
that those activities result in the preservation of the wide variety of properties that
represent our history, rather than only a small, biased sample of properties.
Previous historic context projects in Fort Collins have resulted in the publication of
reports as well as the development of walking tours, exhibits, and other interpretive
and educational materials.
This report considers how the information contained in the seven chapters of the Civil
Rights Movement Historic Context Study may be similarly utilized for interpretive and
educational purposes. Each of the seven historic context reports culminates in a list
of associated property types and significant sites; the complete list appears on the
following page. Some of these sites are extant (still in existence) and others have been
demolished. This report discusses ways to interpret both extant and non-extant sites.
The report that follows discusses the basics of interpretive strategies and options for
educating the Fort Collins community and visitors about the Civil Rights Movement.
That is followed by a summary of best practices, including case studies from other
cities. Finally, this report presents a basic interpretive framework, a potential
phased approach to developing interpretive and educational materials, and a list of
technology and third-party products currently available at the time this document
was completed.
Information contained in this report was compiled and synthesized from seven
decades of previous research and writing on this topic, as well as our own research.
Because many writers have made the same arguments, we have not included citations
throughout the report; however, sources consulted are listed in the bibliography.
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
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CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
2
SIGNIFICANT SITES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Site Address Site Name Historc Name Historic Context
235 Linden Street Poudre Valley Bank Grange Hall No. 7 Voting rights
137 Mathews Street House at 137 Mathews St.Lucy McIntyre House Voting rights
3039 W. Vine Drive House at 3039 W. Vine Dr.District 10 Schoolhouse Voting rights
123 N. College Avenue Private business(es)Opera House Block (NR) Voting rights
120 N. College Avenue Vinyl Records Mossman Building (1901)Voting rights
172 N. College Avenue Northern Hotel Apartments Commercial Hotel, Northern Hotel Voting rights
234 N. Grant Avenue Corner Church Condominiums 2nd Presbyterian Church, Grant
Avenue Presbyterian Church, LULAC
Hall
Voting Rights
421 Smith Street House at 421 Smith St.House at 421 Smith Street Housing
120 First Street House at 120 First St.Larimer Co. Human Development
Office
Housing
151 College Avenue The Still Whiskey Steaks State Theater Public Accommodation
1005 W. Oak Street House at 1005 W. Oak St.Charles and Mamie Birdwhistle
House
Public Accommodation
312 N. Meldrum Street House at 312 N. Meldrum St.Mattie Lyle House Public Accommodation
211 Canyon Avenue 211 Canyon Avenue Rocky Mountain Bank Building,
Larimer County Community Center
Board
Public Accommodation
200 Mathews Street Carnegie Center for Creativity Carnegie Library Auditorium Public Accommodation
220 N. Grant Avenue Fullana Early Learning Center Juan Fullana Elementary School Education
501 S. Washington Avenue Dunn Elementary Dunn Elementary School Education
501 E. Elizabeeth Street Harris Bilingual Immersion School Abraham Lincoln School; Harris
Elementary School
Education
330 E. Laurel Street Centennial High School Laurel Elementary School Education
233 S. Shields Street CSU Early Childhood Center George Washington School Education
645 S. Shields Street Diversity House, Conference Services
Center
Morgan Residence Education
236 Walnut Street Fire House Books City Hall Employment
1101 Center Avenue Lory Student Center West Lawn West Lawn, CSU Student Services
Center
Indigenous Rights
301 University Avenue Andrew G. Clark Building Social Sciences Building Indigenous Rights
1600 W. Oak Street City Park City Park Municipal Campground Criminal Injustice
961 W. Plum Street Moby Arena Moby Gymnasium Criminal Injustice
Slade Acres Neighborhood Slade Acres Neighborhood Housing
Circle Drive Neighborhood Circle Drive Neighborhood Housing
Alta Vista Neighborhood Alta Vista Neighborhood Housing
Andersonville Neighborhood Andersonville Neighborhood Housing
Buckingham Neighborhood Buckingham Neighborhood Housing
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
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CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORIC CONTEXT STUDY
3
SIGNIFICANT SITES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Site Address Site Name Historc Name Historic Context
(Demolished)327 Jefferson St. Elizabeth Stone House Voting Rights
(Demolished)402 Remington St.Sarah Jane Leffingwell Corbin House Voting Rights
(Demolished)318 Remington St. Remington School Voting Rights
(Demolished)415 Remington St. Colonnades Restaurant/Tearoom Voting Rights
(Demolished)238 N. Meldrum St.House at 238 N. Meldrum St.Housing
(Demolished)131-133 E. Mountain Ave.Lyric Theatre Public Accommodation
(Demolished)714 Laporte Ave.Laporte Elementary School Education
Some of the sites on this list have already been included in Walking Tours or other
interpretive materials produced by the City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins Museum of
Discovery, or other organizations.
WEBSITE
Fort Collins History Connection: https://history.fcgov.com/explore/city-history
WALKING TOURS
• Downtown Walking Tour (Poudre Landmarks Foundation) includes the Northern
Hotel, Opera House block, Carnegie Library, Lucy McIntyre House, and original
City Hall.
• Black/African Americans in Fort Collins (City of Fort Collins) includes the State
Theater, Mattie Lyle House, Charles and Mamie Birdwhistle House, Morgan
Residence (CSU), Moby Arena, Lory Student Center,
VIDEOS
• Fort Collins Museum of Discovery “Daily Discovery: The 19th Amendment”
• City of Fort Collins: “Full Story Fort Collins: Black History in Fort Collins”
INTERPRETIVE SIGNS OR PLAQUES
The Poudre Landmarks Foundation has placed several interpretive signs marking
historic locations in Fort Collins.
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Interpretation is ...
Interpretation is revelation based upon information.
Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage
Interpretation is a mission-based approach to communication aimed
at provoking in audiences the discovery of personal meaning and
the forging of personal connections with things, places, people, and
concepts.
Sam H. Ham, Making a Difference on Purpose
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INTERPRETIVE STRATEGIES: THE BASICS
Much of the history of the Civil Rights Movement involves challenging or difficult
subject matter, such as violence, discrimination, oppression, and threatening
behavior directed toward people of a particular race, ethnic group, religion, or other
marginalized group. As a result, interpreting that part of Civil Rights history, in a
way that is accessible for the public, can lean toward “dark tourism” — the desire to
experience sites where some of the worst events in human history have taken place.
This project, while acknowledging the harm caused to people who are/were not
White, Anglo, Christian, cisgender and heterosexual, and able-bodied, has purposefuly
focused on Civil Rights activism and the agency of people who experienced
discrimination, rather than focusing on the people and institutions that created and
enacted discriminatory events, practices, policies, and laws. By intentionally centering
attention on the people who fought to be treated equally, rather than those who
denied them those rights, this project hopes to avoid sensationalizing the harmful
behavior exhibited toward marginalized Coloradoans in Fort Collins and perpetuating
historical traumas, and instead aims to highlight the resilience and courage exhibited
by people whose histories have often been excluded from the public record. This
report continues that approach.
WHAT IS INTERPRETATION?
Interpretation is the communication process by which we connect audiences with
a topic, such as history, art, culture, science, nature, people, or events. Interpreting
means not just presenting facts, but also helping audiences find connections between
those topics and their lives. Interpretation is a process which creates understanding
and helps audiences discover meaning and relationships among shared stories,
descriptions, and messages. Viewers may discover that they are more similar to other
people than they ever imagined or may come away from an interpretive experience
with a whole new awareness about people, places, events, processes, or things that
help to broaden their world.
SOCIAL ASPECTS OF INTERPRETATION
When interpretation is at its best, it evokes a response from viewers on many levels.
This response may come immediately or at a much later time, but nonetheless, the
interpretive process provokes the viewer’s personal and collective discovery about
the world, their communities, their families, and themselves. This experience may
be uplifting and inspiring, or deeply disturbing and troublesome. It can deepen
understanding, compassion, appreciation, or convictions, and spark a desire to learn
more and act upon that knowledge.
Ideally, interpretation will provide individuals with the opportunity to investigate the
sites and interpretive signs themselves, actively and on their own “personal journey.”
However, this experience is enhanced when groups of people undertake it together.
Interpretive materials have the ability to create an atmosphere of trust and mutual
respect among individuals. Therefore, the best interpretive programs create a social
experience that anticipates and proactively answers questions.
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Attending events together or sharing these experiences enables friends and family
members to discuss ideas among themselves, and the less-shy people in the group
may ask questions or initiate conversations that benefit those who would not feel
comfortable doing so themselves. In addition, all participants can continue to share
the experience after the event is over, which makes the experience last. This social
process enables learning by helping people to understand something that is relevant
to them and presenting the topic as a problem that they can help solve in their lives
going forward.
UNDERSTANDING THE AUDIENCE
People who encounter or interact with interpretive materials often do so on a
voluntary basis, as part of a leisure activity in which they have chosen to participate.
Individuals also may happen upon interpretive material unexpectedly and then
choose to interact with it; in both cases, engaging with interpretation is a choice.
In the past, that interaction might have most often taken the form of reading a sign,
but today’s audiences are just as likely to scan a QR code and listen to an audio
recording or watch a video. In any case, if the interpretive content does not capture
their attention, they may become bored and choose not to continue engaging with
the material.
Developers of interpretive materials have to earn and keep the attention of their
audience(s). Developers must also consider that the audience may consist of a single
individual or a small or large group, and think about how people prefer to move
through a site or landscape. For example, if a walking tour is based around a series of
sites and one segment between tour stops is especially long, perhaps an interpretive
stop could be developed along that segment to convey non-site-specific information.
TYPES OF INTERPRETIVE MATERIALS
People can function as interpreters of historic events or sites, most commonly as an
actor at a living history museum, as a docent in a museum or historic site, or as the
leader of a tour. While this type of interpretation is valuable, it is difficult to maintain
and to make available for large numbers of people, because it depends on the
presence of a trained, knowledgeable guide. Interpretation in this form is consumed as
it is presented, and therefore its availability and replicability are strictly limited.
This report, therefore, focuses on the types of interpretive materials that can be
produced once and consumed by many people over a long period of time, at their
convenience, rather than having to wait for this information to become available. The
word material here means “having a physical form.” and may be produced as durable
goods (such as a plaque or permanently installed sign) or non-durable goods (a paper
brochure or a vinyl banner).
Interpretive materials can take many forms, including:
• Printed materials, such as a brochure, handout, pamphlet, or book
• Signage, such as a plaque, sign, or banner
• Multimedia, such as a video or audio recording, narrated walking tour, or digital
exhibit
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Utilizing multiple formats can ensure that everyone in the community has the
opportunity to access interpretive information. For example, a sign with a limited area
for printed text could include a QR code that can be scanned to access additional
content.
INTERPRETATION AT HISTORIC SITES
Developing interpretative materials for historic sites requires us to consider why
people visit those sites, what people want to learn, how individuals prefer to learn,
and what we want them to do as a result of having learned.
People who visit historic sites and seek out opportunities to learn about historic
people, places, and events are seeking something of value, something special that
will add to the way they experience the world. For example, a walking tour might be
designed to illustrate that “The contributions, experiences, and history of Hispanic
people can be found throughout the city, and are not limited to the so-called ‘Mexican
side’ of town.” Taking a tour that illustrates this concept would enable people to see
the city in a new light and experience it with a greater understanding of how it came
to be.
INTERPRETING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
The United States Civil Rights Trail invites visitors to “Walk in the Footsteps of Giants”
and “Chart the course of the Movement through the Civil Rights Trail and see firsthand
the struggle for equity and the power of equality.”
People may want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement themselves and/or
introduce the topic to their friends or family members. In some cases, individuals may
seek out this information as a way to become a better ally to communities who have
experienced and continue to experience discrimination.
Helping viewers/participants connect historic events to present-day civil rights
struggles will not be difficult, since many Americans are still fighting for equal
treatment under the law and in our society.
Because African American and Hispanic neighborhoods historically have been
targeted for transportation projects, urban renewal projects, anti-blight campaigns,
and university and municipal expansions, historic sites connected to the Civil Rights
Movement may no longer be extant. This report considers ways to interpret sites that
remain as well as those that have been lost.
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ACCESSIBILITY
Designing interpretive materials to be accessible to as many people as possible
requires that we consider design, content, and location. For example, when
developing a linear tour or “trail,” the developer should consider:
• How long is the route? How many stops are included along the route? How far is
the distance between stops?
• Does the route form a loop so that people end at the same place they started? Or
will people have to retrace their steps?
• Is the route accessible to (can it be reached by) people who do not drive?
Conversely, are interpretive materials accessible to people who must remain in a
vehicle and cannot get out at every stop to read a sign?
• Does the route include any benches or other places where people can stop and
rest along the way?
• Does the route start at a certain place or can people join the trail anywhere along
the route? If it starts at a certain place, is parking available there?
Once the route has been established, provide summary information on a website,
brochure, flyer, etc. so that individuals can make an informed decision about whether
to undertake the tour/trail.
Be sure to provide information about the route on a website, brochure, etc., so that
potential users will know the distance, type of surface, width of the sidewalk or path,
maximum angle and slope of the path, etc. This is critical for scooter and wheelchair
users, as well as people with other assistive devices such as walkers or canes.
For information about creating accessible interpretive signage and materials, please
refer to the National Park Service’s Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National
Park Service Interpretive Media, available online at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/
upload/Master-Program-Guidelines-Interp-Media-V2-4.docx.
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OPPORTUNITES FOR EDUCATION
Interpretation is just one type of educational activity for which sites associated with
the Civil Rights Movement in Fort Collins could add value.
Unlike interpretive materials, which are generally accessed on an ad-hoc basis by
people with an interest in the subject matter, educational programming tends to be
more formalized, organized, and prescribed. In addition, educational programs usually
take place over longer periods of time, while interpretive programming may engage
an individual for a few minutes or perhaps an hour or two.
Educational materials are also different from interpretive materials in that they
typically have broader goals or identify specific learning objectives that have been
identified by the State of Colorado and/or the Fort Collins school system. The Fort
Collins Museum of Discovery (FCMOD) also develops educational materials for adults
and children. Other organizations in Fort Collins, such as the Poudre Landmarks
Foundation, develop both interpretive and educational materials and activities.
The City of Fort Collins has an opportunity to collaborate with local educators and
other partners to create educational materials based on the information contained in
the Civil Rights Movement Historic Context Study.
FORT COLLINS K–12 SCHOOLS
The Colorado Academic Standards establish goals for the content that students will
learn in each subject at every grade level, K–12, but how those goals are met is a
local decision. The Colorado Department of Education provides helpful resources
for developing educational content in social studies, including an explanation of
the standards, sample curricular materials, and information about best practices in
social studies instruction. For example, Eighth Grade Standard 4: Civics, is intended to
prepare high school graduates to “Express an understanding of how civic participation
affects policy by applying the rights and responsibilities of a citizen.” At grade level,
students are expected to “Construct an understanding of the changing definition of
citizenship and the expansion of rights of citizens in the United States.” Many of the
essential skills and topics of inquiry related to this academic standard have to do with
the Civil Rights Movement.
In high school, Standard 1. History also examines themes of changes in American
society, including the Civil Rights Movement, and Standard 4. Civics includes
discussions of legislative and judicial actions that advanced civil rights in America.
Read more here: https://www.cde.state.co.us/cosocialstudies.
While this report does not recommend that the City of Fort Collins attempt to develop
its own social studies curriculum around the Civil Rights Movement, a collaboration
with eighth-grade and high-school social studies teachers may help them bring
the Civil Rights Movement to life for their students by including the stories of Fort
Collins residents and the historic sites identified during this project in their lessons.
Ideally, the development of interpretive and educational materials will consider these
academic standards so that educators in Fort Collins can easily connect their lessons
to those materials, activities, etc.
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FORT COLLINS MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
FCMOD offers educational opportunities for young people through its Virtual
Resources Hub. It also offers continuing education and professional developent to
educators, and solicits ideas for new classes or events.
POUDRE LIBRARIES
Fort Collins’ public library system offers educational resources for educators and
homeschool families.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS
Adults may access educational opportunities through a wide variety of media as well
as traditional classes. Some options in Fort Collins might include:
• Poudre Library Book Clubs: help choose a book that connects to the Civil Rights
story in Fort Collins.
• The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Colorado State University offers classes
including “Primer in Fort Collins History” and other topics; the City could work
with someone to develp a class about the Civil Rights Movement in Fort Collins
that would connect to the sites of significance idetnified during this project.
• Other organizations offer adult enrichment classes featuring speakers on
different topics.
TELEVISION/ VIDEO
The City of Fort Collins develops informative videos for its YouTube channel as well as
for broadcast on FC Public Media, the public access television and community media
center. In addition to making video programming available to residents, FC Public
Media can provide production assistance and facilities to nonprofits or independent
producers.
If the City is interested in potentially working with Rocky Mountain PBS to air content
that it develops, please contact the Content Coordinator as early as possible in the
development process to learn more about what type and length of content would be
most likely to fit Rocky Mountain PBS’ programming schedule and needs.
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BEST PRACTICES IN INTERPRETATION
An interpretive program is best planned as a complete package, to ensure that its
components are cohesive, visual branding is consistent, and information is accessible
to as many people as possible through a variety of media and materials. Developers of
interpretive programs need to determine (1) which messages to convey about a topic
as well as (2) how, when, and where they will communicate those messages.
DEVELOPING AN INTERPRETIVE CONTENT FRAMEWORK
The organizing structure often utilized for an interpretive program is called an
interpretive content framework. This helps developers to complete their first task:
identifying what they want the visitor, reader, etc. to learn about the topic.
The first step is to answer several key questions that will guide the rest of the planning
process:
• Why is this topic important?
• So what and who cares? Are we articulating ideas that are compelling to others?
• What difference does this topic make in the lives of individuals, families, and
communities?
Next, developing a theme statement for the interpretive program ties together the
various components and communicates to the visitor or participant what they can
expect to get out of the experience. Remember that a topic is the subject matter, but
a theme is the point that you want to express about your subject matter, or the idea
that you want the audience to think about. For example, if the topic were birds, some
theme statements might include:
• Native birds in this country are rapidly disappearing.
• Studying how birds fly led to the invention of early airplanes.
• Hummingbirds are a lot like helicopters; their special wings allow them to fly
backwards or hover in the air.
A theme statement is a single sentence that captures the idea behind the interpretive
program; the previous example — “The contributions, experiences, and history of
Hispanic people can be found throughout the city, and are not limited to the so-called
‘Mexican side’ of town” — is a theme statement.
After brainstorming possible theme statements, select the most important statements
about the topic to include in the interpretive content framework.
Educational psychologists agree that most people cannot thoughtfully consider
or learn about more than three or four complex ideas at the same time, so the
interpretive content framework should be limited to three or four key theme
statements that are connected by a single unifying idea.
Relating the subject matter to the lives of the audience can help determine which
theme statements to include. This goes back to the “So what and who cares” question.
Interpretation is relevant when it relates to something the audience cares about, so it
is personal and meaningful.
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The most compelling themes describe universal human concepts that have significance
to humans everywhere and for all time, such as:
• Emotions: love, hate, fear, elation, blessings, joy, kindness, mourning, sorrow
• Qualities: persistence, resilience, remembrance, adaptation, change, uncertainty,
mystery, suspense, wisdom
• Basic biological imperatives: birth, death, youth, adulthood, old age, hunger,
thirst
Universal concepts speak to the individual human experience, as well as to how
people think about their families, neighborhoods, health and wellbeing, quality of life,
and their deepest values, beliefs, values and convictions. Interpretive themes and big
ideas that focus on universal human concepts help connect a story to audiences of all
kinds. This makes the interpretive experience memorable and transformative.
The interpretive content framework should then include:
1. Answers to the three key questions
2. A single unifying idea
3. Theme statements that relate to that idea
4. A list of universal human concepts that relate to the unifying idea and themes
DEVELOPING INTERPRETIVE METHODS AND APPROACHES
With the interpretive content framework in place, the next step is to determine how
to communicate the message to a variety of audiences. Communication approaches,
include:
• Person-to-person experiences
• Exhibits
• Interpretive signage
• Publications
• Tours
• Films and videos
• Audio recordings
• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Living history
• Computer simulations
• Special events
• Structured programs
• Geotagging
• Artificial intelligence and virtual reality
These experiences can be facilitated or self-guided, on-site or online. There is no “best”
interpretive method—each approach has its strengths and weaknesses.
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As stated earlier, interpretive messages should be shared through multiple
interpretive approaches. The same thematic content could be shared
through exhibits (both online and on site), a guided walking tour, a self-
guided walking or driving tour, wayside interpretive signage, a descriptive
brochure, a film or video presentation (on site and online), a lecture, a special
event, a demonstration or hands-on learning activity, and/or a structured
education program. Resources — people, space, money, time, expertise and
technology, as well as (in the case of Civil Rights sites in Fort Collins) whether
important structures or cultural landscapes are extant — will determine
which interpretive methods to utilize. Other important considerations include
whether community organizations and other potential partners are willing
to host or collaborate in the development and presentation of interpretive
products.
DEVELOPING INTERPRETIVE CONTENT, PRODUCTS, AND PROGRAMMING
After developing an interpretive content framework and deciding on the
appropriate methods for communicating these messages, it is time to
develop the content! The following core principles and general best practices
for developing interpretive content, interpretive products, and innovative
programming are specifically geared to outdoor interpretation and walking
tours.
Visitor Meaning-Making
Visitors are actively engaged when they construct personal meaning for
themselves, rather than passively receive expert knowledge. Visitors may
apply what they are learning to their own identities, their place in the world,
or their sense of purpose. They come with rich and varied life experiences
that may lead them to be open, closed, or indifferent to interpretive offerings.
Interpretive content can help visitors find personal meaning by using universal
human concepts and posing questions about how the historical information
presented connects to their modern experience.
Visitors as Free-Choice Learners with Multiple Intelligences
Visitors become “free-choice” learners when they choose to engage in the
experiences that being offered. Decades of research have shown that human
learning is complex, multi-layered, and multi-faceted. At least seven important
“intelligences” govern the way that people learn and interact with the world:
verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial (visual), kinesthetic–
physical, interpersonal (with others), and intrapersonal (self-knowledge). This
knowledge can help design walking tours and interpretive experiences with
options that help people learn in different ways; for example, including music,
charts, or physical activities.
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Experience Design
American consumers value memorable experiences more than goods and services.
They will pay to spend time enjoying a series of memorable events that are
purposefully planned to engage them in a personal memorable way. The heritage field
is just beginning to tap the potential of experience design by borrowing techniques
from theater, movies, written narratives, themed attractions, retail spaces, and food
operations. Research demonstrates that walking or driving tour experiences can
be enhanced by providing options for rest and dialogue, local food and shopping,
and other cultural and natural attractions — in other words, people want to learn
something, eat something, and buy something.
Offering Multiple Perspectives
Everything we interpret — people, events, places, issues, or processes — has multiple
dimensions, stories, and points of view. Visitors across different races, classes,
socioeconomic statuses, and cultural/ethnic traditions can be drawn into interpretive
scenarios when multiple perspectives are presented. When this strategy is used in
walking tours or interpretive programs, it helps visitors understand the inherent
complexity in history, as well as in their contemporary lives.
Transformative Content
Planners work diligently to develop interpretive content that is based on sound
historical scholarship. However, they often fail to address the things that people care
about and that matter in their daily lives. Walking tours and interpretive programs can
be compelling, transformative, and memorable when they link to topics, themes, and
big ideas that are relevant to modern-day values, issues, and needs.
Community Engagement, Ownership and Partnerships
Community groups, stakeholders, and organizations should be involved in the
design, planning, delivery, evaluation, and refinement of interpretive products to
build buy-in and ownership. This means going beyond informational meetings to
build collaborative relationships where partners share decision-making, control,
risks, rewards/losses, and resources. Partnerships change how content developers set
priorities, assign task responsibilities, communicate effectively, share access to data,
and evaluate our progress towards goals. This can be challenging in the beginning, but
community partnerships can lead to long-term sustainability.
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CASE STUDIES
The following examples illustrate how different cities or local history nonprofit
organizationshave developed walking tours that showcase various thematically
grouped historic sites. In some cases, these examples include technologies or the
names of products that were available when these tours were developed; this report
does not guarantee that those specific products or technologies are still available
today. Nevertheless, the concepts should be applicable today.
Note: Most walking tours of Civil Rights sites in various cities are presented by for-
profit companies and include a guided experience and, in some cases, transportation.
It is likely that, because other organizations or enterprises are already presenting this
content, city governments do not feel the need to duplicate those efforts. Therefore,
this report includes case studies of a few city- or nonprofit-presented Civil Rights tours,
then continues with walking tours developed by cities on other topics.
Historic Nashville (Tennessee) Civil Rights Tour
https://www.historicnashvilleinc.org/what-we-do/civil-rights-tour/
This walking and driving tour is organized into six broad chronological and thematic
sections:
• Early Civil Rights Efforts, 1866-1955
• Public School Desegregation, 1955-1957
• The Nashville Christian Leadership Council, 1959
• The Nashville Student Movement and the Sit-ins, 1959-1960
• The Aftermath of the Sit-ins, 1960-1964
• The Public School Busing Crisis, 1971-1980s
A 10-page brochure (for download as a PDF) includes a map, as well as the name,
address, photograph, and description of each site.
This is a typical format for many city- or nonprofit-developed walking tours. The
itinerary, map, and information about each site may be presented as a printable PDF
or as a website that can be referenced as the tour progresses. No additional resources
are provided.
Washington DC African American Civil Rights Tour
https://historicsites.dcpreservation.org/tours/show/12
This website utilizes an interactive map of at least 100 sites, some of which are no
longer extant. Clicking on a location icon generates a pop-up with the name of the
site and its site number. Another click on the site name navigates to a new webpage
for that historic site, including photographs, a textual description, a map of just that
property, website for the property or organization (if applicable), and metadata tags.
the website is responsive and works as well on a smartphone as on a computer.
The sites on this map are not clearly organized by theme, so the map as a whole
is somewhat overwhelming. It would be difficult to create a walking tour of a
manageable size and scope from this information.
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Preservation Austin (Texas) Historic Tours
https://www.preservationaustin.org/historic-austin-tours
Local nonprofit Preservation Austin presents historic tours with five different
themes:
• South Congress (one of the primary historic commercial corridors in the
city and a National Register historic district)
• East Austin Barrio Landmarks
• Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross: Black Heritage, Living History
• Historic Austin Churches
• Downtown Doorsteps
Each tour is accompanied by a printable PDF with map and site information.
Some of these include downloadable GPS bike routes, in partnership with Bike
Austin. The Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross and Downtown Doorsteps tours
are companion piecse to the nonprofit’s 2020 and 2021 Virtual Homes Tours
(presented during the COVID-19 pandemic), which are available on YouTube
for viewing before or after the tour.
A separate series of audio tours under the “Historic Austin Tours” banner are
available through the Otocast app, and include:
• African-American Austin
• Austin’s Post-War Boom
• Congress Avenue
• East Sixth Street (Austin’s other historic commercial area and National
Register historic district)
• Iconic Music Venues
• Old West Austin
• Tejano Trail
These self-guided tours include narrated histories and historic photographs.
St. Augustine (Florida) Walking Tours
Florida Humanities created its own map-based Florida Stories app, which 30
communities have used to create walking tours. St. Augustine leads the pack
with five diferent tours in that city:
• St. Augustine – Colonial Florida
• St. Augustine – Flagler College
• St. Augustine – Gilded Age
• St. Augustine – Lincolnville
• St. Augustine – South of the Plaza
Each tour can be downloaded or viewed through the web app. The app
provides a map with location icons that can be used to navigate to sites and
view photographs, a brief text description, and an audio narration (including
walking directions). The user can also access GPS directions to the next stop.
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INTERPRETING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT HISTORIC
CONTEXTS IN FORT COLLINS
The remainder of this report presents a brief discussion of findings and
recommendations for establishing interpretive materials based on the historic sites
and neighborhoods associated with the Civil Rights Movement in Fort Collins as
identified during this project.
The Civil Rights Movement Historic Context Study identified 32 individual sites and
five neighborhoods that help tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement in Fort Collins
(see list of Significant Sites on pages 2–3).
Sites on this list are identified by the historic context(s) with which each is associated:
• Voting Rights (11 sites)
• Housing (3 individual sites and all 5 neighborhoods)
• Public Accommodation (6 sites)
• Education (9 sites)
• Employment (1 site)
• Indigenous Rights (2 sites)
• Criminal Injustice (2 sites)
Two sites, one associated with Voting Rights and one with Criminal Injustice, are also
associated with Education.
In addition, two sites are owned by the City of Fort Collins, four by Poudre R-1 School
District, and five by Colorado State University.
Seven sites are no longer extant but can and should be interpreted anyway.
When constructing a walking tour, we recommend limiting it to those sites which can
be visited within two hours. Assuming that the tour begins with a longer intitial stop
to establish the context of the tour before proceeding to the first site, several minutees
at each site, an average of five minutes of walking between sites, and a 10-15 minute
walk to return to the beginning location, this probably will limit the number of sites to
a maximum of 12 per tour.
In addition to themes and the interpretive framework, tours have to work logistically.
Based on our analysis, we believe that the City of Fort Collins could consider tours
based primarily on the following themes:
• Housing
• Voting Rights
• Education
• Public Accommodation
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HOUSING - DRIVING TOUR
Due to the size of neighborhoods and geographic distribution of neighborhoods
and sites, we recommend that Housing be set up as a driving tour. It would take
participants through the five neighborhoods (Alta Vista, Buckingham, Andersonville,
Slade Acres, Circle Drive) and to three sites:
• Previous site of the house at 238 Meldrum Street (no longer extant)
• 421 Smith Street
• 120 First Street
VOTING RIGHTS - WALKING TOUR
This tour would include 10 stops (1 initial stop and 9 sites before returning to the place
of beginning). The tour is just over 2 miles long on mostly level terrain (sidewalks and
city street crossings) and includes 40 minutes of walking time. It starts and ends at the
Downtown Transit Center. It does not include the District 10 Schoolhouse at 3039 W.
Vine Street or 234 N. Grant Avenue (former Grant Avenue Presbyterian Church/LULAC
Hall), which are too far away from the rest of the sites.
1. Downtown Transit Center
2. 327 Jefferson St.
3. 235 Linden St.
4. 237 Mathews St.
5. 120 S. College Ave.
6. 318 Remington St.
7. 402 Remington St.
8. 415 Remington St.
9. 172 N. College Ave.
10. 123 N. College Ave.
11. Downtown Transit Center
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 45
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORIC CONTEXT STUDY
19
EDUCATION - WALKING OR BIKING TOUR
This tour would include 11 stops (1 initial stop plus 10 sites, before returning to the place
of beginning. In addition to 8 sites associated with Racial Discrimination in Education,
this tour includes 1 Indigenous Rights site (CSU Anthropolgy Department) and 1 Criminal
Injustice site [CSU Moby Arena] which are located in an educational setting. The tour is 5.3
miles long on mostly level terrain (sidewalks and city street crossings) and includes 2 hours
of walking time or 40 minutes on a bicycle. It starts and ends at the Old Town Library.
In the interest of keeping this to a manageable length, the tour does not include 234 N.
Grant Avenue (former Grant Avenue Presbyterian Church/LULAC Hall), which is too far
away from the rest of the sites, or Dunn Elementary School.
1. Old Town Library
2. 330 E. Laurel St.
3. 501 E. Elizabeth St.
4. 501 S. Washington Ave.
5. 645 S. Shields St.
6. 233 S. Shields St.
7. 714 Laporte Ave.
8. Old Town Library
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 46
CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
20
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION - WALKING OR BIKING TOUR
This tour would include 9 stops (1 initial stop plus 8 sites). In addition to 6 sites
associated with public accommodations, this tour also visits the old City Hall at 232
Walnut, which was the site of a Civil Rights case regarding Employment against the
City of Fort Collins. The tour includes 1 hour and 15 minutes of walking time or 30
minutes on a bicycle, to cover a total of 3.5 miles. It begins and ends at the Old Town
Library and does not include the City Park, which is too far out of the way.
1. Old Town Library
2. 131 E. Mountain Avenue
3. 232 Walnut Street
4. 151 N. College Avenue
5. 312 N. Meldrum Street
6. 1005 W. Oak Street
7. 211 Canyon Avenue
8. 200 Mathews Street
9. Old Town Library
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 47
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORIC CONTEXT STUDY
21
INTERPRETIVE FRAMEWORK
The thematic approach to this project, as dictated by the existing National Park Service
Civil Rights Framework and Theme Studies, provides a convenient starting point for
the development of the interpretive content framework for this project.
• Why is this topic (the Civil Rights Movement in Fort Collins) important?
This topic provides an opportunity to tell a part of the Full Story of Fort Collins
that has not previously been explored or made visible to the community.
• So what and who cares? Are we articulating ideas that are compelling to others?
Local residents’ reactions to events of the past several years have demonstrated
that a sizeable proportion of the community, across many demographic
categories, is interested in civil rights and social justice.
• What difference does this topic make in the lives of individuals, families, and
communities?
We hope that learning about the stories of Fort Collins residents who fought for
equal rights will inspire community members today to take pride in their family
backgrounds and stand up for one another in the face of discrimination.
The unifying idea is that everyone deserves to be treated equally.
A potential theme statement for this project might be:
“In Fort Collins, as in the rest of the United States, many groups of people have
had to — and continue to — fight for equitable and equal treatment under the
law.”
Each of the potential walking/biking or driving tours suggested on previous pages
would illustrate that theme statement.
Universal concepts that might be incorporated into this framework include the
qualities of persistence, resilience, remembrance, adaptation, and change.
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 48
CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
22
POSSIBLE PHASED APPROACH
1. Develop initial walking/biking or driving tour brochures, featuring static maps
and site photos and information. These could begin as downloadble PDF
documents during a trial/pilot period and revised before moving this information
into other formats.
2. Add additional media in different formats, such as:
• Interactive web version of map with pop-up windows for each site
• GPS-driven audio narration at each site
• Audio/video clips from existing or new oral history interviews focused on
specific sites
• “Hot spot” links or other access to additional information on the web at
each site
• Signs, plaques, or sidewalk decals at each site (color coded by tour)
containing brief text, photo, and QR code to access more information
3. Using all media assets created thus far, and creating new ones, develop an
expanded exhibit, website, StoryMap, etc. in digital and/or analog format(s).
Potentially partner with FCMOD.
OPTIONS FOR TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Some of the tools and technology products that could be utilized for this project
include:
• Interactive PDF documents with buttons, movies and sound clips, hyperlinks,
bookmarks, and page transitions can be created with Adobe InDesign: https://
helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/dynamic-pdf-documents.html
• Location-based mobile audio guides such as Otocast: https://www.otocast.com/
• Mobile engagement and augmented reality for curated tours such as Cuseum:
https://cuseum.com
• Open source Content Management Systems (CMS) for creating custom mobile
apps, such as Omeka + Curatescape: https://curatescape.org
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 49
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORIC CONTEXT STUDY
23
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For further reading on the subject of interpretation at historic sites, we recommend the following sources.
Braden, Donna R. (2014). “Not Just a Bunch of Facts: Crafting Dynamic Interpretive Manuals,” Technical Leaflet #267: A
Publication of the Association for State and Local History. History News, volume 66, number 3, Summer 2014.
Brochu, Lisa and Tim Merriman (2008). Personal Interpretation: Connecting Your Audience with Heritage Resources,
second edition Fort Collins, CO: National Association for Interpretation.
Brochu, Lisa (2003). “The Planning Process.” Interpretive Planning: The 5-M Model for Successful Planning Projects. Fort
Collins, CO: The National Association for Interpretation, InterpPress, pp. 51-65.
Carter, James, editor (2001). A Sense of Place: An Interpretive Planning Handbook, second edition. Scottish
Interpretation Network, www.scotinterpnet.org.uk
Dierking, Lynn (1992). “Historical Survey of Theories of Learning,” and “Contemporary Theories of Learning.” The
Audience in Exhibition Development, Course Proceedings from a Training Program developed by the Office of
Museum Programs, Smithsonian Institution. Washington DC: Professional Practice Series, American Association of
Museums, pp. 21–29.
Enelow-Snyder, Sarah (2021). “Black History Tours are Finding a Broader Audience,” Travel & Leisure Magazine, January
22. https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/black-history-tours-are-finding-a-broader-audience
Falk, John H. (2009). “The Museum Visitor Experience Model,” Chapter 7, Identity and the Visitor Experience. Walnut
Creek, CA: Left Coast Press, pp. 157-197.
Glines, Timothy and David Grabitske (2003). Telling the Story: Better Interpretation at Small Historical Organizations.”
Technical Leaflet #222: A Publication of the Association for State and Local History. History News, volume 58, number
2, Spring 2003.
Ham, Sam H. (2013). Interpretation, Making a Difference on Purpose. Golden, Colorado. Fulcrum Publishing.
Ham, Sam H. (1992). “Practicing Thematic Interpretation,” Chapter 2. Environmental Interpretation: A Practical Guide for
People with Big Ideas and Small Budgets. Golden, CO: North American Press, pp. 33–44.
Lewis, William J. (1981). Interpreting for Park Visitors. Fort Washington, PA: Eastern National Park and Monument
Association.
Matelic, Candace T. (2011). “New Roles for Small Museums,” Chapter 6, Book 4, Reaching and Responding to the
Audience, Small Museum Toolkit. edited by Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko and Stacy Klingler. AASLH, Rowman and
Littlefield Publishers, pp. 141-162.
Matelic, Candace T. (2009). “Reflections on Current Best Practices and Criteria for Innovative Programs,” white paper,
with contributions from Donna Braden.
Miller, Ellen and Aaron Novodvorsky (2008). “Creating Outdoor Trail Signage, Part 2: Fabrication and Installation,” Tech
Talk, Minnesota Interpreter, Minnesota Historical Society.
Pine, B. Joseph and James H. Gilmore (2012). “The Experience Economy,” Chapter 14 in Reinventing the Museum: The
Evolving Conversation on the Paradigm Shift, second edition, Edited by Gail Anderson. Lanham, MD: AltaMira Press,
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (2012) pp. 163-169.
Rand, Judy. (2000). “The Visitors’ Bill of Rights, A List of Important Human Needs, Seen from the Visitor’s Point of View,”
Curator: The Museum Journal, volume 44, number 1, January, pp. 7-14.
Tilden, Freeman (1977). “Principles of Interpretation,” Chapter 1, Interpreting Our Heritage, third edition, (originally
published in 1957). Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press.
Wilkening, Susie (2021). Audiences and Inclusion: A Primer for Cultivating More Inclusive Attitudes Among the Public.
Washington, DC: American Alliance of Museums. Available under resources at: http://www.wilkeningconsulting.org.
ITEM 3, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 50
Agenda Item 4
Item 4, Page 1
August 16, 2023 STAFF REPORT
Historic Preservation Commission
SUBJECT
EDUCATION WORKSHOP – WOMEN’S HISTORY PRIMER
STAFF
Jim Bertolini, Senior Historic Preservation Planner
SUMMARY
Staff will provide a brief summary of known history and historic places related to the women’s suffrage movement
in Fort Collins from the 1890s and beyond. This presentation is being given at a regular meeting as opposed to
a work session to benefit the attending public. As a reminder, staff is partnering with the Poudre Libraries District
to offer an in-person walking tour of several of these sites this Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 9:30, beginning and
ending at Library Park (west side). Registration is required and is done through the Poudre Libraries website,
HERE.
Packet Pg. 51
FORT COLLINS
VIRTUAL WALKING TOUR:WOMEN’S
SUFFRAGE
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Heritage Courtyard in Library Park
Auntie Stone’s Cabin
137 Mathews St.
Lucy McIntyre’s Residence
166-180 N. College Ave.
The Northern Hotel
123 N. College Ave.
Opera House Building
151 W. Laurel St.
Routt Hall
402 Remington St.
Sarah J. Corbin Residence
1
2
ITEM 4, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 52
WHOA!
Women in Colorado got the vote in 1893 – That’s 27 years
before the 19th amendment extended voting rights to
women nationally. However, that right was kept from
Native American, African American, Asian American, and
other minority women for many years more.
ELIZABETH STONE’S CABIN
200 MATHEWS ST.
3
4
ITEM 4, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 53
LUCY MCINTYRE’S RESIDENCE
137 MATHEWS ST.
5
6
ITEM 4, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 54
THE NORTHERN HOTEL
166-180 N. COLLEGE AVE.
7
8
ITEM 4, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 55
Courtesy of the CSU Archives & Special Collections
Fort Collins Courier, 4/5/1894
OPERA HOUSE BUILDING
123 N. COLLEGE AVE.
9
10
ITEM 4, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 56
Photo from Library of
Congress NAWSA
Suffrage Scrapbook
Collection
Excerpt, FCC, 12/21/1893
ROUTT HALL
151 W. LAUREL ST.
11
12
ITEM 4, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 57
SARAH J. CORBIN RESIDENCE
402 REMINGTON ST. (SITE)
13
14
ITEM 4, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 58
CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, and
includes icons by Flaticon and infographics & images by Freepik
THANKS!
preservation@fcgov.com
Fcgov.com/historicpreservation
https://www.fcgov.com/historicpreservation/
suffrage-2020
15
16
ITEM 4, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 59
Agenda Item 5
Item 5, Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY August 16, 2023
Historic Preservation Commission
SUBJECT
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
STAFF
Maren Bzdek, Historic Preservation Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Elections of officers for boards and commissions are held in February or March of each year following the
annual appointment of new members. Due to the resignation of Kurt Knierim, current Chair of the Historic
Preservation Commission, effective at the end of the August 16, 2023 meeting, the Commission must hold an
election at this meeting to elect a new Chair to serve as the presiding officer at meetings for the remainder of
this term, and a new Vice Chair to serve as backup for scenarios in which the Chair is recused or absent.
The City’s handbook for boards and commissions states, “It is the presiding officer’s responsibility to see that
the meeting moves forward in an orderly fashion, that discussion is guided and controlled, and that the meeting
runs as smoothly as possible.” It also states that “the success of presiding officers may depend upon their
ability to remain impartial and to keep business moving. Frequent displays of partisanship or favoritism risk
destroying members’ and citizens’ respect for the presiding officer.”
Current members of the Commission willing to serve as Chair and/or Vice Chair may nominate themselves or
other Commission members for consideration. A simple majority vote determines the outcome of the election.
Commission member Jim Rose, who currently serves as Vice Chair of the HPC, will not be present at the
August 16, 2023 meeting but has submitted the attached letter to the Commission regarding his potential
candidacy for the role of chair.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Knierim Resignation
2.Rose Letter to the HPC
Packet Pg. 60
From:krknierim@comcast.net
To:Maren Bzdek
Cc:Jim Bertolini; Yani Jones; Jim Rose-Contact; Susan Gutowsky; Melissa Matsunaka; Davina Lau
Subject:[EXTERNAL] Resignation
Date:Friday, July 14, 2023 8:54:29 AM
To those concerned with the Historic Preservation Commission,
It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as chair of the Fort Collins Historic Preservation
Commission. I have greatly enjoyed my time on the commission and working with the capable and
competent staff and commissioners. My final meeting will be August 16, 2023 Regular Meeting.
The reason for my resignation hinges on my recent appointment to the history department at the
University of Colorado Denver. The times that the courses I will be teaching interfere irrevocably
with the times of the scheduled work sessions and regular meetings of the commission. Please feel
free to contact me with any questions.
Regards,
Kurt R. Knierim
ITEM 5, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 61
From:Jim Rose
To:Maren Bzdek
Subject:[EXTERNAL] HPC Election
Date:Friday, July 28, 2023 10:22:10 AM
Historic Preservation Commissioners and Staff:
I join with all of you in sending my best wishes to Kurt Knierim as he takes his pedagogical
skills into a new educational realm. I am also saddened with the realization that his leadership
of the HPC ends with the August meeting.
In light of the need to fill the vacancy that Kurt's departure creates, it has been recommended
that an early election of officers take place during the HPC meeting on August 16th.
I regret that I will not be able to attend the August meeting due to a trip to Canada planned
months ago. Since I am currently serving as vice-chairman, I think it is appropriate to clarify
my expectations in writing since I won't be present on the 16th. I was not anticipating that I
would eventually, or ever, assume the chair with the completion of Kurt's tenure, and I have
no expectation that I should do so in the current situation.
My desire is that the coming election will result in placing the best commissioner into the
difficult task of filling the void that Kurt's departure creates and while I am willing to do my
part if that is the HPC's choice, I will have no regrets if another member assumes the role of
chair.
Thank you for your consideration.
Jim Rose
ITEM 5, ATTACHMENT 2
Packet Pg. 62