St Aidan's Church leadership requests demolition permit to ensure future sustainability

The Boulder City Landmarks Board convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss the future of St. Aidan's Church, a mid-century modern structure facing potential landmark designation. The church's rector, Mother Mary Kate Rae Juy, along with church leaders, presented their case for a demolition permit, emphasizing the need for a new building to ensure the congregation's sustainability.

During the meeting, Juy highlighted the church's current financial challenges and the inadequacy of the existing structure to meet their needs. She noted that St. Aidan's, which serves approximately 200 people weekly, is at a crossroads, facing declining membership and rising expenses. The rector argued that the church's future depends on its ability to adapt and evolve, which necessitates the demolition of the aging building.

Juy pointed out that while the church has historical significance, it is the community and its members that truly define its value. She expressed concern that designating the building as a landmark would hinder the church's ability to thrive, stating, "If the board chooses to landmark the building because of people associated with St. Aidan's in the past, it will do so to the detriment of St. Aidan's people in the present."

The board was presented with three options: initiate landmark designation, not initiate designation, or approve the demolition application. Juy urged the board to either initiate designation or approve the demolition, arguing that delaying the decision would leave the church in uncertainty and jeopardize its future.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the tension between preserving historical architecture and supporting the ongoing mission of community-serving organizations. The board's decision will have significant implications for St. Aidan's and its role within the Boulder community.