Boulder Landmarks Board declines landmarking of St. Aidan's; stay of demolition remains until March 19

The Boulder Landmarks Board voted unanimously March 12 not to initiate landmark designation for St. Aidan's Episcopal Church at 2425 Colorado Avenue, leaving a stay of demolition in place until the stay expires on March 19.

Staff had recommended against initiating designation over the owner's objection, citing limited staff resources, the applicants' redevelopment timeline and the prospect of future discretionary review that would allow a fuller public process, Marcy Gerwing, principal planner in Planning and Development Services, told the board.

"Staff recommends that the Landmarks Board not initiate landmark designation for the property at 2425 Colorado Avenue for the following reasons," Gerwing said, adding that the applicants had represented the demolition request was exploratory and that preservation might still be achieved during a later redevelopment review.

The public hearing drew church members, preservation advocates and neighborhood residents. Mother Mary Kate Rae Juy, rector of St. Aidan's, said the congregation needs certainty to plan its future and that the building alone should not determine the church's fate.

"St. Aidan's is important not because of its building, but because of its people," Mother Mary Kate said. "We are asking you for a future and in this instance our future is tied to being allowed to demolish our current building and construct a new one to match our present and future needs."

Board members weighed the building's architectural significance against the congregation's financial and programmatic claims. Staff found the mid‑century A‑frame church eligible under the code's criteria but recommended against initiating designation without owner consent and strong community support.

Chelsea Castellano, who said she was moved by the church's case and the volume of supporting letters from parishioners, urged the board to approve the church's demolition request, saying the congregation's ability to continue its ministry should be a central consideration. "If those with the deepest personal and historical ties to this place believe it is time to reimagine how this property serves their needs, then I want to respect that decision," Castellano said.

Acting chair John Decker said the board's role is to balance preservation interests with broader community and property‑rights concerns and noted that any future redevelopment would return to public review.

After deliberation, the board adopted the staff memorandum as its findings and voted to "not initiate the process for landmark designation," a motion seconded and approved in roll call votes with all four members present voting yes. With that decision the existing stay of demolition remains in place until it expires on March 19.

City staff said that if the stay expires, the City Manager will approve the pending demolition application and that the approval will include archival documentation requirements. Gerwing told the board the city already has original building and addition plans and will work with the church to preserve those records in the Carnegie Library for Local History and to collect current photos for archival purposes.

The board's decision does not prohibit future preservation efforts. Gerwing and several board members said a later discretionary review or redevelopment application would allow a more comprehensive look at whether elements of the building could be retained or integrated into new construction.