Historic preservation board approves landmark designation for Wild Patch At The Maples with two non‑contributing resources

The Boulder County Historic Preservation Advisory Board voted Nov. 6, 2025, to designate the Wild Patch At The Maples (4617 Highland Drive) as a county landmark while listing the garage and a metal shed as non‑contributing resources.

Staff member Jessica McKinnon told the board the roughly 5.6‑acre farmstead contains an I‑house farmhouse, multiple outbuildings and features that make it significant for the development of agriculture in northern unincorporated Boulder County. "Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation advisory board approve and recommend to the Board of County Commissioners approval of docket HP‑25‑0002," McKinnon said.

Board members questioned alterations to Building 2, including changes to siding and window size. Owner Brett Hart responded about recent changes: two end windows were lowered about 18 inches while "the rest of the windows were kept at the same size," he said, noting the owners support the landmarking process and intend to investigate site features further, including planned infrared drone flights to explore reports of a hot spring.

After discussion, a board member moved to designate the property as a landmark while excluding the garage and metal shed from contributing‑resource status; another member seconded. In a roll call, Buffy Andrews, Rachel Gart, Kathy Kaler, Caitlin McKenna and George Schuessler voiced support and the motion passed.

The board’s approval forwards a recommendation to the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners; staff noted that altered outbuildings could be reconsidered for contributing status or added to the designated site in the future if new information emerges.

The board moved on to other business after the vote.