Landmarks Board unanimously recommends 'Tiara House' designation for 658 Pleasant Street

The Landmarks Board on Feb. 5 voted unanimously to recommend that City Council designate the property at 658 Pleasant Street as a local historic landmark to be known as the Tiara House.

The recommendation follows staff research that found the Dutch Colonial Revival house retains its original form, character-defining stone and brickwork, and a distinctive gambrel roof. Staff also noted that the Landmarks Design Review Committee has approved plans to reconstruct a curved “tiara” front porch removed in the 1920s.

Marcy Gerwing, the city’s historic preservation planner, told the board the house “meets the historic significance criteria” and that many original materials and workmanship remain, including the stone lintels and belly band that help define the building’s character. Gerwing explained the Anderson Ditch crosses the front of the lot and that the proposed ordinance language would clarify that routine work on the ditch would not require a separate landmark alteration certificate.

Owner representatives Joel Smiley and Laura Schaffer addressed the board after being sworn in for the quasi-judicial hearing. Smiley, a contractor on the project, thanked staff and said the project team is “excited about the reintroduction of this really kinda rare, delicate, roof form” and described methods for reconstructing the curved porch.

Two in-person speakers voiced support during public comment. Catherine Barth called the project “wonderful” and praised the owners’ commitment; Leonard Siegel, speaking for Historic Boulder, urged recognition for the building and praised staff outreach that led the owner to seek designation.

Board members described the house as a visible, poetic feature of the neighborhood and endorsed staff’s recommendation. Ronnie Palusio moved that the board recommend designation and Chelsea Castellano seconded; the board recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

With the Landmarks Board recommendation, the designation will proceed to City Council. Gerwing told the board the ordinance will appear for first reading on consent and that the second, public reading must occur within 100 days (before May 16); staff will coordinate dates with the owner. If Council adopts the ordinance, staff will work with the owner to finalize plaque language and recognize the property at the annual historic preservation awards.

Why it matters: Local landmark designation creates an additional review path for changes to the building and formally recognizes its architectural and historical significance, giving the community a clearer process to protect the resource while staff and the owners proceed with the approved rehabilitation and porch reconstruction.