Discover Denver citywide building survey moves to South Broadway

Discover Denver, a project to identify historic and architecturally significant structures citywide, begins work along South Broadway this month.  The survey is gathering information about all Denver buildings using public records, neighborhood canvassing, academic research, and tips from the public. Findings from the survey will later be accessible online so that everyone can learn about Denver’s past — building by building.

Historic Denver, Inc. and the City and County of Denver lead this project, funded mainly by a Colorado State Historical Fund grant.

As a part of its efforts this summer, the project will hold a Discovery Day event on August 25th from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Emerson School, at 1420 Ogden St. Residents are invited to bring historical information, old photographs, and memories to share with Discover Denver.  Volunteers will be on hand to scan documents and photos, and to capture stories.

Denver joins other major cities, including Los Angeles and Phoenix, that are conducting building surveys. Project benefits include:

• Uncovering buildings of historic, cultural, or architectural significance
• Bolstering civic pride
• Providing property owners up-front information about buildings to inform reinvestment and sale decisions
• Equipping city planners with information about historic resources when creating neighborhood plans

Over the next few months, residents and business owners will experience minimal – if any – impact from volunteer surveyors working along South Broadway between 1st Avenue and Alameda. Survey volunteers observe a property from the public street or sidewalk, taking notes on its physical integrity (whether or not the building retains its historic features). Volunteers will have project-specific identification and should identify themselves to you if asked. No one associated with Discover Denver will enter or access your property without your permission.

Community input is key to the success of the project! Tell us your stories and learn more about the project at www.DiscoverDenver.CO.