BOULDER, Colo. — On June 4, 2025, the Boulder Landmarks Board voted 5-0 to approve an application to demolish the building at 2889 Valmont Road (the public record also refers to the property as 2889 Belmont Road), allowing the Boulder Valley Health Center27s (BVHC) proposed consolidation plans to move forward.

The decision follows a staff recommendation under Boulder Revised Code (BRC) section 9-11-23 that the house, constructed about 1905 and associated with the Olmec family, does not retain the integrity needed for individual landmark designation. Claire Brandt, historic preservation planner, told the board that "staff's recommendation today is that the Landmarks Board approve the demolition of the building at 2889 Valmont Road," citing substantial later additions, altered context, and diminished ability to convey its original historic character.

The staff presentation summarized the criteria the board must apply: eligibility for individual landmark status, relationship to neighborhood character, the building27s physical condition, and projected cost of restoration. Brandt noted the house retains some historic materials (decorative shingles, a Palladian-style window and some sash-and-transom windows) but that later dormers, a large rear addition and changes to the site27s setting had significantly reduced its architectural and environmental significance.

The applicant, represented by planning consultant Rosie Dennett of Front Range Land Solutions and BVHC facilities director Christy Burkhart, emphasized structural and operational factors. Dennett said the contractor27s assessment found "significant structural issues," including a lack of a proper foundation and visible settlement cracking. Burkhart described the clinic27s operational need to consolidate: "Consolidating into one building significantly reduces that risk. It allows us to strengthen and streamline our security, not just for us as staff, but for every patient that walks through our doors." BVHC said the neighboring property purchase and demolition would allow renovation of BVHC27s main facility at 2855 Valmont Road to better serve patients.

Public comment was strongly in favor of demolition. Speakers included members of Historic Boulder and clinic supporters who said the building is not visible from the street, lacks accessibility and modern safety systems, and would be prohibitively expensive to bring up to current code. Neighbor Deborah Holvey said the house "excludes people with disabilities by design," noting the lack of ADA access and compliant restrooms. Several speakers also urged BVHC27s consolidation for safety and operational efficiency.

Board discussion referenced the statutory criteria rather than potential future uses. City Attorney Chris Reynolds cautioned members that discussing a future use in deliberations could create legal error because future use is not part of the demolition criteria. Several board members said they appreciated the thorough staff report and the applicant27s supporting materials; members agreed that the house27s alterations and condition meant it no longer met the standard for landmark designation.

Motion and vote: A motion to approve the demolition application and adopt the staff memorandum findings carried unanimously. The board instructed staff to require archival photographic documentation to be deposited with the Carnegie Library for local history before the approval is final.

The board27s approval is valid for one year from the date of the decision; if a deconstruction permit is not pulled within that year the applicant will need to reapply. Claire Brandt told the applicant she would provide details on the archival photograph requirements and submission process.

Votes at a glance
- Motion: "Approve the application to demolish the building at 2889 Valmont Road and adopt the staff memorandum findings that the building does not meet the criteria set forth in section 9-11-23 (BRC 1981)." Mover: not specified (record does not name the mover). Second: not specified. Vote: John Decker: Aye; Chelsea Castellano: Aye; Abby Daniels: Aye; Michael Wray: Aye; Renee Golubic (Chair): Aye. Tally: 5 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.

Next steps and context: The board noted the approval does not itself authorize demolition work; BVHC must secure required permits and complete the archival documentation. The transcript record also shows an unrelated brief items section and an announcement about a local historic-preservation film festival on Sunday at Chautauqua.

The board27s discussion and the record reflect the narrow legal standard for demolition reviews under BRC 9-11-23: whether a building is eligible for landmark designation and whether a stay is warranted to explore alternatives. The board found that, under those criteria, the house did not qualify for a stay or landmarking.