Recent articles in the Daily Camera reported that the Boulder Valley School District may sell the University Hill Elementary School to the University of Colorado. This magnificent building and city landmark has been part of the University Hill community of Boulder since 1905, both as a functioning and vibrant school and a focal point for our city. Historic Boulder is concerned about this potential sale because the University of Colorado has repeatedly demolished or removed buildings that were eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and the university is not bound by city ordinances, including the landmarking of buildings.
Boulder City Council landmarked University Hill Elementary School by ordinance in 1998, finding that the building:
• “….possesses a special character and special historical, architectural, or esthetic interest or value.”
• Is one of four schools in Boulder that qualified for the National Register of Historic Places.
• Is significant for its pioneering role in the advancement of educational methods and achievements in the state of Colorado and for its association with some of Boulder’s most respected educators.
• Is architecturally significant as an excellent example of the Italianate Betpas Style as reflected in its low-pitched hip roof, wide bracketed overhangs, symmetrical façade, square dormers arched windows, arcaded front entrance and projected east and west porches. It is also associated with architects Redding & Sons, who also designed the Hotel Boulderado, and the McInnes mansion in Boulder.
• Is environmentally significant as a catalyst for the development of the historic University Hill neighborhood.
Historic Boulder, Inc. was founded 45 years ago in response to the demolition of Colorado’s oldest school — Central School in downtown Boulder. Today, we continue to advocate saving the rich historic resources of one of Colorado’s oldest cities (1859), including our schools. As a result of Historic Boulder’s endeavors to preserve Boulder’s architectural and cultural history, no school has been entirely demolished since Central School in 1972 and the BVSD has been a good partner in achieving this record.
Historic Boulder hopes that this record remains unbroken. The Boulder Valley School Board should engage us and other community stakeholders and solicit our input before any irreversible decisions are made that endanger this most valuable community resource. If the school is sold to the university, the school board should ensure that the school’s landmark status and the community’s interests are respected as part of any ownership change.
Gail K. Gray is president of the Historic Boulder, Inc. Board of Directors.
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