The Boulder Landmarks Board voted unanimously on Jan. 7 to conditionally approve a landmark alteration certificate to demolish an existing accessory building and build a new 1,054-square-foot accessory structure at 2408 8th Street in the Mapleton Hill Historic District.

Claire Bryant, historic preservation planner, presented the staff analysis and concluded the existing accessory building had been altered sufficiently that it no longer retained the historic materials or workmanship needed to be considered contributing to the district. She recommended approval of demolition and concurrent review of new construction, subject to conditions on design details, materials and site grading to ensure the new structure would be compatible with the principal 1898 building and district guidelines.

The applicant’s architect, Blake Sullivan (Radovan Architecture), told the board the proposal would reorient the accessory structure to better match the alley rhythm, employ fire‑resistant materials appropriate to the wildland-urban interface, and include an all-electric, high-efficiency envelope. Sullivan said the team was prepared to revise porch depth, window spacing and other details requested by staff.

A public commenter, Lynn Siegel, swore to tell the truth and said she considered demolition in this case "approvable," supporting timely resolution.

Board members raised detailed questions about trash-enclosure placement, porch depth and window proportions. After discussing refinements that could be addressed by the board’s Design Review Committee, board member John Decker moved that the board adopt the staff memorandum dated Jan. 7, 2026 as the board’s findings and conditionally approve the LAC, with the exception that the porch depth be reduced as discussed. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call (5–0).

Under the process described by staff, City Council has up to 16 days to call up the decision; if council does not call it up the LDRC will review the conditions and, once satisfied, the LAC will be issued and the applicant may apply for building permits.