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Steamboat Springs commission designates Maxwell Squire Building a local landmark
Summary
On July 13, 2026, the Steamboat Springs Historic Preservation Commission approved PL20260171 to designate the Maxwell Squire Building at 840 Lincoln Avenue as a local landmark, noting its 1908 construction, long commercial use and ongoing repairs after a January 2025 vehicle accident.
The Steamboat Springs Historic Preservation Commission voted on July 13 to designate the Maxwell Squire Building, 840 Lincoln Avenue, as a local landmark and add it to the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places (PL20260171).
Caitlin Barby Smith, staff, presented the application and described the Maxwell Squire Building’s architectural significance: constructed in 1908, the brick two‑part commercial corner storefront has long served downtown commercial uses and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Staff noted designating it locally would make it the fourth locally designated structure in the National Historic District and would better protect it from demolition.
Erica Hewitt of Hewitt Design Studio, representing the owners, described repair and restoration work after a January 2025 vehicle accident, including masonry and window repairs, restoration of double‑hung single‑pane wood windows using the existing pulley system, installation of historic storm windows and painting. Hewitt said the owner wanted local designation to formalize preservation commitments: "it'll be nice to get all the repairs done from the accident, and it can continue to be the most photographed building downtown," she said.
A commissioner raised a concern about a plaque text in the packet that reads that a drugstore has been located there since 1920; staff responded that plaques were originally produced by the former Bridle Pioneers Museum (now the Steamboat Springs History Museum), that wording can be updated as new historical information becomes available, and suggested working with the museum and the city's incentives and education budget to replace plaques.
After discussion the commission moved to approve PL20260171 to designate the structure as the Maxwell Squire Building and add it to the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places. The motion passed on an affirmative vote.
Commissioners and the applicant discussed a possible grand reopening or plaque unveiling once repairs are complete; Hewitt estimated the remaining work could finish by August. Staff asked the applicant to hold for a few minutes after the meeting to discuss plaque details and placement.
The meeting subsequently approved routine administrative items including corrected meeting minutes; the commission then moved toward adjournment.
