Central City’s paint program: Barbara Lockerman secures partial grant for restoration of porch, roof, and paint in a Historic District residence, vowing to uphold the region’s heritage through code compliance.[/caption]

Central City’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is a six-member board appointed by City Council to maintain and enhance the historical, architectural, and geographic heritage of the City. The HPC reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, which affirm the Commission’s approval of plans for rehabilitation, construction, and demolition within the National Historic Landmark District.

HPC meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. in City Hall, located at 141 Nevada Street in Central City.

The Commission consists of:

David Forsyth, Chair (expires 12/26)

Chuck Webster, Chair Pro Tem (expires 12/26)

Ernie Van Deuchen (expires 12/24)

Shawn Connelly (expires 12/24) (via Zoom)

Jeremy Kaiser (expires 12/26) (absent)

James Everett, Alternate (expires 12/26)

Historic Preservation Officer Kimberly Kaufman and City Planner Alison Lueck also attended the monthly meeting held on April 10, 2024.

Forsyth said he would recuse himself from the hearing concerning Eric Chinn because of a conflict of interest, since Chinn serves on the museum board.

Seven applications for exterior alterations in the historic district were scheduled.

Central City has funds available through the The Historic Preservation Paint Reimbursement Grant Program, which offers up to a 50% reimbursement for exterior painting and paint preparation costs for work completed by a licensed contractor; or up to 100% reimbursement of exterior paint and paint supplies for work completed by a property owner. Reimbursements are capped at $5,000 per property.

Costs associated with rock wall, roof, window, siding, and structural repair are capped at $10,000 per property and can be up to 50% reimbursed. Contact Alison Lueck at alueck@cityofcentral.co or 303-582- 5251 ext. 31 for more information.

Public hearings included:

HR 24-05 – 395 Roworth – Owners Barbara and Mark Lockerman request changes to their porch, roof, and paint.

The proposal is to remove the porch to remedy the foundation and then reconstruct the porch with wood. The applicants said they seek to be historically correct with the code and there will be no changes to the footprint. The design guidelines require that any replacement of materials must maintain the character of the original building.

Kaufman recommended approval for the porch, roof, and paint on the house since it contributes to the historic district.

Everett asked if there were any estimates for the foundation. Kaufman said the applicants did not need to submit estimates because they are not applying to the grant program for that expense.

“Our intention is to give back curb appeal,” said Barbara Lockerman.

She said that amazing things can be found when remodeling old houses and reported finding some 1934 newspapers under the carpets, among other things.

The Commission said they would like facade work over any visible cement.

Webster moved to approve the proposal as discussed, Van Deuchen seconded, and all were in favor.

RG 24-04 – The Lockermans also requested a grant to change the roof color from brown to black. The intended materials were previously approved. The applicant applied for $10,000 from the grant program. The Central City Council will approve or deny the application at the April 16 City Council meeting.

The cost includes materials and labor. The applicant proposed asphalt shingles in a graphite black color.

The project met all criteria required by the Commission. Staff recommended approval of the grant.

Without further discussion, Van Deuchen moved to approve the application, Webster seconded, and all were in favor.

HR 24- 03 – 314 E 4th High – Bron Wright requested approval for a change in the railing.

The application concerned using iron pipe for a handrail rather than rebuilding the original wood porch railing with spindles.

Kaufman explained that the criteria to remain in the historic program may not be met due to the remodeling of the home. The guidelines suggest using original materials, or if unrepairable, to use similar materials. Staff did not recommend approval of the application.

The temporary Certificate of Occupancy (COA) was granted in 2023 on the condition that Wright replace the wooden railing. He was given a 30-day extension on the 90- day deadline.

The applicant appealed to the Commission on the matter. He said the weather has not been ideal for the required work, and added that he does not like the iron railing and would like to fix the issue in the summer.

He also said the pipe/iron railings are all through the City, including many historical buildings.

Everett clarified that there was existing pipe railing on other parts of the porch. The applicant responded in the affirmative.

Kaufman said pipe railing may exist elsewhere in town, but, in certain cases, has not been approved.

The applicant said he is asking for a reasonable decision from the Commission, considering the cold weather and a broken shoulder. He said little communication was given to him that he should appear today.

Forsyth asked Kaufman if they could approve the application with a condition. Kaufman said the applicant has had since November and that the conditions for the COA have not been met.

The Commission discussed approving the application with a condition that the iron railing be replaced with a wooden one within three months.

Van Deuchen asked what would happen if they choose to not approve. Kaufman said the applicant could face a municipal citation and summons, thereby losing grant money. Kaufman said it is ultimately up to the building official.

Webster moved to approve the application on the condition that prior stipulations be met within 90 days. Van Deuchen seconded. The motion passed 3 to 2.

HR 24-04 – 318 E. 4th High – Wright also had planned to present a change regarding his door, but he had to leave the meeting due to a prior engagement. He noted that he was confused as to why the order of the hearings was changed on the docket, since he was originally listed as having the first hearing. The matter was tabled.

RG 24-02 – 340 Lawrence – Eric Chinn requested a roof grant. Forsyth recused himself from the hearing. Luecke explained all criteria have been met and recommended approval.

Chinn approached the podium, saying that it is imperative the roof be replaced to prevent leaking into the kitchen. He said there were some buckling shingles and that the insulation around the chimney is inadequate.

Everett moved to approve and all were in favor.

RG 24-03 – 455 Roworth – Property owner Gerkins requested a roof grant.

Luecke explained that the property is used for residential purposes and the applicant is up-to-date on property taxes. Staff recommended approval.

The bid and assessment for the roof were included in the application.

The applicant explained that his roof was leaking when the Reimbursement Plan was introduced. He said the project was started today and is incomplete.

Everett moved to approve and all were in favor.

RG 24-05 – 445 Roworth – Deborah Wightman applied for a roof grant.

Luecke said staff has no recommendation for the application.

Wightman explained that the work had been started today on her leaking roof.

Everett asked why the house was a non-contributor to the district since it was built in the 1800s. Kaufman and Wightman said this was due to several non-original materials.

Van Deuchen asked if the property was eligible for the grant money since the grant guidelines specify that the property must be in the historic district or be “rated.”

Webster asked how much in the way of grant funds would be left after this application, if approved. Luecke responded that the available grant money would be about 50% depleted.

Webster moved to approve, Van Deuchen seconded, and all were in favor.

The Staff Report included an Administrative Approval for HR 24-06 – 112 Lawrence – property owner Elizabeth Sousa, for egress lighting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

More information on the Central City Historic Preservation Commission can be found at https://centralcity.colorado.gov/historic-preservation. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2024, and will be held in the Council Chambers at 141 Nevada Street in Central City.