Historic Boulder Advocates Repurposing 1836 Nineteenth Street to Preserve Postmodern Architecture

The Boulder City Planning Board meeting on July 19, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the future of the property at 1836 Nineteenth Street. Representatives from Historic Boulder expressed strong support for repurposing the building as a single-family dwelling. They emphasized its architectural significance, noting it as a prime example of postmodern design, a style that gained popularity from the 1970s to the 1990s.

The speaker highlighted the building's resemblance to the work of renowned architect Robert Venturi, who is known for his playful reinterpretation of traditional architectural styles. Historic Boulder argued that preserving this unique structure is essential to maintaining the city’s architectural heritage, rather than allowing it to be demolished for higher-density development.

Another participant, Lynn Siegel, echoed these sentiments, advocating against increasing density in the area. Siegel raised concerns about the city’s financial management, pointing out a significant budget deficit and the implications of funding decisions on local services. She also supported the idea of maintaining the property as a single-family home, aligning with the preservation goals discussed earlier.

The meeting underscored a broader debate in Boulder about balancing development needs with the preservation of historical architecture. The Planning Board will consider these perspectives as they move forward with decisions regarding zoning and property use in the city.