Landmarks Board approves relocation of Chestnut House on Naropa site

The Boulder Landmarks Board voted unanimously April 8 to approve a landmark alteration certificate to relocate the Chestnut House within the Naropa redevelopment site, finding staff’s analysis that the move would not harm the building’s historic integrity persuasive.

Claire Brandt, historic preservation planner, presented the staff analysis and recommended approval. Staff told the board the house (constructed in 1897) will be raised on a new foundation to meet flood protection requirements, rotated on-site to orient toward a proposed campus walk, and will have its rear enclosed porch removed to accommodate an access ramp. Brandt said staff “finds that the proposed relocation does not detract from the overall historic character of the site and does not require removal of a significant historic building element.”

Applicant representative Kathleen Adams and architect Adrian Sofa said they have coordinated with staff on grading and accessibility needs and emphasized efforts to preserve significant materials and to maintain visibility of Lincoln School from the site. Community commenters including Michelle Bishop and Tim Plass of Historic Boulder described the proposal as a reasonable way to preserve the structures and relate them to the neighborhood and school.

The board’s motion (moved by Michael Ray) included two specific conditions: revise the entry stair to a traditional notched stringer detail and review the portion of the shared campus walk that falls within the proposed landmark boundary to ensure the house entry ‘presents itself on a street-like condition’ as represented. The motion passed by roll call, 5–0.

Next steps: the decision is subject to a council call-up period through the May 7 council meeting; if council does not call up the decision, applicants will revise plans to meet conditions and staff will complete final review for LAC issuance.