Most Endangered Places: Lost but Not Forgotten

Colorado’s Most Endangered Places speaks to the immediacy and severity of threats facing historic sites across the state.  Landmark buildings and landscapes valued as part of the fabric that help define a community can, and do, disappear overnight.  While in some cases a last minute appeal can delay or prevent demolition, more often the heavy equipment rolls forward.  The Most Endangered Places Program was formed as an additional preservation tool to ignite interest, bring technical expertise, identify funding resources, and create partnerships between the important players.

Unfortunately, despite a communities best efforts, significant buildings are lost.  These six Most Endangered Places buildings were demolished, but their loss is not forgotten.  The lessons taught in their demise can serve as examples to other communities throughout Colorado to ensure their architectural heritage remains for future generations.

If you are interested in joining the fight for historic preservation consider nominating a building to the Endangered Places Program, becoming a member of Colorado Preservation, Inc, and visiting our Call for Volunteers page to learn the latest efforts across the state.

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Christian Science Church (1998)

Columbian 

Elementary (2004)

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Currigan Exhibition Hall (2000)

Given Institute (2011)

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Great Western Sugar Factory (2016)

Kit Carson Hotel (2003)

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Willowcroft Manor & Farm (2010)

Craig Depot (2008)

 

 

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Featured Project

Preservation for a Changing Colorado

Historic preservation has a direct economic benefit to communities and Colorado! Take a look at the 2017 study, which considered the ways adaption of historic places has a direct financial effect on the state.

This updated, most resent study, was the result of a partnership between Colorado Preservation, Inc and History Colorado, funded by a grant from History Colorado's State Historical Fund. Prepared by Clarion Associates, the new report document the economic benefits of rehabilitation projects, analyzes property values and neighborhood stability in local historic districts, and summarizes the increasing impact of heritage tourism, private preservation development and the success of Colorado’s Main Street program.

In a key finding, researchers determined that for every $1 million spent on historic preservation in Colorado it produced $1.03 million in additional spending, 14 new jobs, and $636,700 in increased household incomes across the state!

The 2017 report also considers the important role preservation plays in helping Coloradans provide new spaces for creative communities and co-working, create and sustain meaningful places, responds to the state’s changing demographics, and addresses climate concerns.

Click Here to see download and read the full report, "Preservation for a Changing Colorado".