Historic Schools Survey

North High School, Denver, Colorado

Historic Schools Survey in Colorado

The goal of this project is to demonstrate to Colorado’s school districts that historic schools can be rehabbed to meet today’s standards, save capital costs, provide economic efficiencies through their locations in walkable neighborhoods, and be a source of pride to the district, students, and community. The objectives of this project are to:

  • Encourage schools to consider the intrinsic cultural value of historic schools and the unique character of historic architectural design when analyzing their facilities. Show how historic schools are an anchor for historic neighborhoods and house not only an educational facility, but lifetimes of memories for multiple generations
  • Highlight successful historic school rehab projects, featuring those receiving grants from the State Historical Fund. These projects can serve to encourage others to investigate continued use of an existing facility when upgrades are needed as well as demonstrate that demolition is not the only alternative if continued use as a school is not deemed viable

 

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We hope you will extend your appreciation for Colorado's heritage by helping us take advantage of this $1 to $1 matching campaign. Learn more about our matching campaign and make your tax-deductible donation today!

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".