Access the 2024 Endangered Places Nomination here
Since 1998, Colorado Preservation, Inc. has been working with communities throughout the state to save endangered historic buildings, landscapes, and archaeological sites through its Endangered Places Program.
This program provides advocacy, awareness, and technical assistance to significant historic sites throughout Colorado that are in danger of being lost. Colorado Preservation, Inc. devotes staff time and resources to rally concerned citizens and build local capacity so that listed as well as un-listed sites can be saved. In 26 years, the Colorado’s Most Endangered Places program has highlighted 135 historic sites throughout the state; 55 sites have been SAVED and only eight have been lost. The program has a wide reach, with sites located in every region of the state in 49 of the 64 counties.
Colorado’s Most Endangered Places are located throughout the state. The general public is invited to visit, learn and be inspired! Experience Colorado’s history firsthand by picking a region and taking a self-guided road trip.
This project is paid for in part by a
History Colorado State Historical Fund grant.
Watch the CBS4 special about the 2021 Endangered Places sites here:
Discover past stories behind the listed endangered sites!
| 2022 Brochure | 2017 Brochure |
| 2021 Brochure | 2016 Brochure |
| 2020 Brochure | 2015 Brochure |
| 2019 Brochure | 2014 Brochure |
| 2018 Brochure | 2013 Brochure |
Click here to view all of our Endangered Places >>
Working on a historic property? Make sure to consider the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Meaning Behind the Categories of Save, In Progress, Alert, and Lost
These categories are often site-specific as to what they actually constitute; however, generally, a “Save” constitutes that the historic resource is no longer endangered and threatened. This often means that one or more of the following have been completed: rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, conservation, documentation, stabilization, or interpretation. When sites are ”In Progress” this means that they are currently in the process of the aforementioned; however, the work is not complete. “Alert” means that the Listed sites are still in the planning process to become a “Save,” and “Lost” means that the site has been demolished.
What We Have Learned…
Since the inception of the Endangered Places Program in 1997, Colorado Preservation, Inc. has only lost eight sites. While this is a good track record, with these losses there are important lessons to be learned. One of the biggest lessons we have learned is that community support is huge. How a site moves from “Alert” to a “Save” depends in great part on how involved and dedicated the community is to protect the resource. In recent years with the loss of the Given Institute in Aspen, and the Kit Carson Hotel, we have learned that it is best to be pro-active regarding advocacy and outreach on the benefits of preservation and historic resources in general. Over the years we have also learned the importance of engaging, educating, and empowering communities not only with the outcome of a particular listed endangered resource but also on how to prevent future threats.
How You Can Help
At the heart of historic preservation are the dedicated efforts of individuals. Successful preservation requires the collaborative efforts of many and Colorado Preservation, Inc. needs your help.
1. Nominate a threatened historic site to the Most Endangered Places List
For many sites in Colorado, the first step in moving towards a save is raising awareness that a particular place is important and in danger. The Endangered Places Program can provide the necessary outreach and technical assistance to communities throughout the state. Access the nomination form here.
2. Volunteer your time to a local preservation organization or Colorado Preservation, Inc Many of our Endangered Places sites hold community workdays to clean up and/or restore the building. Signup to receive the Colorado Preservation, Inc. newsletter to keep up-to-date on the latest calls for volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about how to save a particular Endangered Place site, contact Colorado Preservation, Inc. or visit the individual site page to learn more.
3. Join Colorado Preservation, Inc. Your membership to Colorado Preservation, Inc. helps us build a future with historic places in Colorado. Membership allows us to provide technical assistance to communities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals for grant preservation project management, interpretation, and advocacy. Become a member today!
4. Donate to a particular Endangered Places site or the Endangered Places Program Many of our sites have associated nonprofit groups who hold fundraisers or would appreciate donations, which go towards stabilization and restoration. View the individual site page to learn more.
5. Share the information about the Most Endangered Places Program with friends, local preservation groups, or local officials.
