Landmarks board unanimously recommends designation of 658 Pleasant as the 'Tiara House'

The Boulder 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.

Board staff told members that the house, a Dutch Colonial Revival with a distinctive gambrel roof form and masonry work, meets the city—s historic and architectural criteria found in Chapter 9-11 of the Boulder Revised Code. Historic preservation planner Marcy Gerwing told the board the property was likely built by stonemason Lyman Leland between 1906 and 1909 and retains original materials and workmanship, including arched stone lintels and a leaded-glass window.

The board—s recommendation follows staff and committee review. Gerwing said staff and the Landmarks Design Review Committee previously approved a set of rehabilitation measures, including the reconstruction of an original semicircular front porch and restoration of original siding and fenestration. "This property was recognized in the 1994 survey considering the house to be significant as representative of the Dutch Colonial Revival style," Gerwing said during the presentation.

Joel Smiley, speaking for the owner, praised staff research and described the project team—s technical approach to reconstructing the porch: "I'm not gonna use 10 minutes. I'd like to thank Marcy and staff for, you know, the incredible job of researching the property." He told the board his team plans to build the curved porch using layered plywood in a shop jig and steel or otherwise-engineered columns to match the original form.

Public commenters supported designation. Catherine Barth said she was "happy . . . that the owners are going back and restoring it to its original forms." Leonard Siegel urged recognition of the craftsman who likely built the house and noted the unusual roof and porch combination.

Board members praised the house—s visibility and distinctive form and discussed naming conventions. Staff recommended the Tiara House name to reflect the semicircular porch; board members agreed the plaque could also recognize the stonemason in its text. Commissioner Ronnie Palusio moved the board recommend designation; Chelsea Castellano seconded. Roll call votes were unanimous.

Next steps: following a Landmarks Board recommendation, Gerwing said the ordinance will appear for two City Council readings (first reading on consent and a second public hearing) within 100 days, after which staff will work with the owner on plaque language and enumeration of the designation.

Ending: The board—s recommendation now goes to City Council; if the council approves the ordinance the property will be formally added to Boulder—s list of local historic landmarks and recognized at the city—s annual preservation awards.