Tracing Changes
Dec 14th, 2007 by rlsorbe
Design Critics From The Road – Historic Boulder brought together Boulder residents from different backgrounds and neighborhoods to discuss our city’s history from 1859 through present day. Some featured topics at our round-table discussion included brief highlights of Boulder’s history, current and future historic districts, the West Pearl Historic District, residential and commercial spaces native to historic Boulder, landscape, and specific design elements around town. Having a variety of perspectives and material helped unravel historic designs and developments of Boulder.
The City of Boulder Planning and Development Services donated map depicting the current and future designation of Historic Districts, areas evaluated and based on criteria relating to historic, architectural and environmental significance. This map was a visual means to conceptualize different styles and ages of buildings and homes throughout Boulder. You can view this map at the city’s home page by visiting, “Historic Property Search.”
Terra Verde Architects contributed interior kitchen designs from a home built on Mapleton Avenue. These designs depicted a French country feel for design located in a quaint home built in the early 19th century. It was interesting to see how designers are able to integrate designs of the past and present in to a space.
Historic Boulder provided posters of the Arnett-Fullen house, located in the West Historic Pearl District. This Gothic Revival house built in 1877 is a great example of a historic Boulder home renovated to it’s original romantic style design.
Two of our guests contributed historic photos and designs that struck them throughout our city. They were able to capture a myriad of architectural styles, building materials, and details along with a sense of place relating to historic homes in present day. David Bailey from Urban Oasis was able to use these photos to explain his approach to landscape design at historic locations. It was fascinating to learn how historic landscapes have changed. (See Slide Show)
This event helped to open my eyes and look beyond the space and see the story of buildings within our city. Every building, new and old, has a history. It is interesting to uncover the stories of your space and trace the changes. Find out why it was built, who built it, significant details and designs, and how has the space changed over time. The development and design of today is the history of tomorrow. Together we create our city’s future.
Here are some helpful links to trace the changes of your Boulder Space:
Carnegie Library
Historic Boulder
Boulder History Museum
City of Boulder Planning and Development