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Historic Preservation Commission awards $50,000 in downtown grant funding
Summary
The Littleton Historic Preservation Commission approved allocation of a $50,000 Downtown Historic District preservation grant fund to three property owners for electrical safety work, elevator design services and roofing/paint work, voting 6-0 to carry the recommendation from staff and the review committee.
The Littleton Historic Preservation Commission on a unanimous vote approved HPC Resolution 03-2025 awarding $50,000 in Downtown Historic District Historic Preservation Grant funds to three applicants.
Staff recommended splitting the fund to cover design and safety work: $17,500 to the Littleton Elks Lodge at 5749 S. Curtis St., $15,000 to Roots Colorado for Dirt Coffee at 2506 W. Alamo St., and $17,500 to 2530 LLC for Jake's Beer Garden (OJ Hill Drugstore) at 2530 W. Main St. The motion carried 6 in favor, 0 opposed.
The grants program is structured to cover up to 80% of eligible project costs and allows retroactive funding in some cases, staff said. Planner Sarah Duesenberry told commissioners the Elks Lodge application sought funding for electrical work that, while largely interior, posed a safety risk: “This type of mechanical upgrade does not require a COA,” she said, adding that maintenance, repair and mechanical work can be eligible when safety concerns are present.
The Elks Lodge project included replacement of damaged electrical panels; the applicant had completed the work after an electrician reported damaged components that could not be safely switched off. Dirt Coffee sought $15,000 toward architectural design services for an elevator previously approved by a certificate of appropriateness; staff recommended the full $15,000 because the elevator is at the rear of the building and improves access. Jake’s Beer Garden applied for maintenance work including roof replacement behind a parapet, repainting of previously painted brick and a proposed front-door replacement; staff recommended that grant funds be limited to reroofing and repainting unless a COA for the door is later approved.
Applications requested substantially more than was available. Staff reported the Elks had requested $28,173 and Jake’s had requested $45,975; Dirt Coffee’s total project was listed at $150,000 with a $15,000 request. The review committee — a staff-led panel that evaluated eligibility and public benefit — recommended the allocation above. Duesenberry said invoices and permits are required for retroactive awards.
Commissioners asked technical questions about eligibility and whether older mechanical equipment is required to be historic to qualify; Duesenberry said program language focuses on building threat and safety rather than the age of mechanical parts. After discussion and allowance for small adjustments by the commission, a motion to approve the staff recommendation passed 6-0.
The commission noted that replacement of exterior features such as doors still requires a COA if the replacement affects the building’s character; staff will stipulate awards if necessary so grant funds cover only eligible scope. The commission directed staff to notify awardees of COA requirements where applicable and to document compliance with permit and invoice requirements before issuing funds.
Commissioners and staff said the program aims to preserve downtown building fabric by supporting safety and maintenance projects that prolong building life.
