This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting.
Link to Full Meeting
Boulder City’s Landmarks Board convened on August 8, 2025, to discuss the future of a historic home at 2747 Fourth Street, ultimately recommending its demolition due to significant structural issues and prohibitive restoration costs.
The building, originally constructed in 1920 for Katherine Jamieson and her daughter, Kitty Parker, has been recognized for its historical significance, particularly as a representation of early 20th-century working-class development in Boulder. Kitty Parker, notable for her role as one of the few female telephone operators in the area, contributed to the house's unique character, which includes an early prototype of an attached garage.
However, the board's assessment revealed that the house is in poor condition, suffering from extensive water damage, a failing foundation, and dangerous indoor air quality due to mold. A recent incident involving a burst pipe exacerbated these issues, leading to structural cracks and making the home uninhabitable. Staff noted that the building's deterioration is not due to neglect but rather its age and the challenges posed by the local soil conditions.
The estimated costs for restoration range from hundreds of thousands to potentially over a million dollars, making rehabilitation financially unfeasible. Given these findings, the staff recommended that the Landmarks Board approve the demolition application, emphasizing that while the building is eligible for landmark designation, its current state and the costs associated with restoring it warrant a different approach.
The owner, Jacqueline Wade, expressed her appreciation for the house's history but acknowledged the overwhelming challenges of restoration. The board's decision reflects a balance between preserving Boulder’s historical character and addressing the realities of maintaining aging structures. The next steps will involve public participation and further deliberation by the board before a final decision is made.
Converted from 8-6-25 Landmarks Board Meeting meeting on August 08, 2025
Link to Full Meeting