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Board flags historic resources at North Boulder campus as county moves to sell site in City of Boulder
Summary
Staff told the Historic Preservation Advisory Board the county-owned North Boulder campus (former poor farm) is on the market and sits inside the City of Boulder; because HPAB lacks jurisdiction there, staff recommended notifying county commissioners and coordinating with city processes to explore preservation options.
County staff informed the Historic Preservation Advisory Board on Aug. 7 that a county-owned campus on North Broadway (Iris and Bridal) — historically a county poor farm and more recently a county campus — is being marketed for sale, and that several members of the public have raised concerns about historic resources on the site.
Denise explained the parcel lies within the City of Boulder, which means the county HPAB does not have authority to designate landmarks there under county code. She said the county’s practical options are limited: staff can notify county commissioners and suggest consideration of designation before sale, but formal landmarking would proceed through the city’s designation and demolition-review processes.
Board members discussed the site’s mix of older Spanish‑style structures that date to the poor‑farm era and newer buildings; they noted a long-standing ball field and public desire to preserve parts of the campus. Denise said she had encouraged previous county design or rehabilitation efforts to consider designation, but budgetary constraints and changing office‑space needs led the county to market the property.
Denise recommended staff check with City of Boulder processes and inform the county commissioners of public concern so the commissioners could weigh designation or other protections before the sale. She referenced recent Daily Camera reporting for background and suggested the board and public monitor city-level landmarking procedures.
Next steps: staff will contact City of Boulder staff to determine whether city landmarking discussions are underway and will inform county commissioners and the public about historic-resource concerns as the sale proceeds.
