Historic Preservation Committee recommends landmark consideration for Voss Building at 209 E. Midland

The Woodland Park Historic Preservation Committee voted to accept an application to designate the Voss Building at 209 East Midland Avenue as a local historic landmark and will forward its recommendation to the city council for a public hearing scheduled Aug. 20.

Planning Director Karen Schmincke told the committee the building, constructed in 1939, meets the committee’s 50‑year threshold and was identified in a 2015 cultural resources inventory as potentially eligible. But she said the application lacks documentation showing “sufficient original or accurately restored materials that maintain its original historic character,” citing window replacements and a sizable 1993 addition as issues that limit evidence for that criterion.

Steve Plute, who submitted the nomination, argued the building’s distinctive shape and the property’s association with Clara Voss make it locally significant. “They can affect its eligibility for designation if they undermine the property's historic character, but they do not disqualify a building,” Plute said, referring to vinyl windows and past additions.

Property owner Andrew Wing described delays in restoring the building after alleged contractor fraud and family tragedies. “The contractor took over $270,000,” Wing said, and added that COVID and family bereavement hindered restoration progress. He said he remains committed to restoring the building and pursuing grant funding if designated.

Mike Bryant of the Ute Pass Historical Society offered the society’s support for the nomination, telling the committee the society is “fully behind” the restoration effort.

After discussion — during which committee members said the vinyl windows and the 1993 addition did not, in their view, disqualify the building — a committee member moved to accept the application for local landmark recognition; another member seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. Staff said the committee’s recommendation will be added to the staff report that goes to city council for the Aug. 20 public hearing.

The committee’s staff report documents supporting materials and letters from regional historical organizations and notes that the city received one comment from the health department asking about restoration responsibility and future use. The report also included an AI‑generated illustration submitted by the applicant to show a potential restored façade.

The next step is the city council public hearing on Aug. 20, when council members will consider the HPC’s recommendation and the supporting documentation. If council approves an ordinance, the designation process would proceed according to the city’s historic preservation code.