Colorado Springs Historic Preservation Board Meeting: July 7, 2025

The Historic Preservation Board of Colorado Springs met on Monday, July 7, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM MDT. The meeting included introductions of new staff, approval of minutes, consent calendar items, and a contested discussion on a deck expansion. Key actions included approval of two consent items, one after a citizen's objection led to separate consideration, and a presentation on future preservation outreach.

Communications

• Board member Ethan Schaefer (urban planner) introduced himself, noting his recent return from work in Manitou Springs and his background in historic preservation.
• Chair Christy Lovenberg announced that beginning in August 2025, all remaining meetings would be held downstairs in room 1 or 2 (specific room numbers to be confirmed on future agendas).
• Staff reported that the Historic Resource Survey Plan would be ready for review at the August meeting.
• A work plan group (members Judy Beerbaum, Sarah Potter, and Ethan Schaefer) is developing six educational blurbs for the preservation website, starting with “Why Preservation.” The group seeks board suggestions for local individuals to interview in short video segments on the topic.
• Staff confirmed that Kim King from Parks and Recreation will present on the status of the Odd Fellows building (the “Odd”) at the August meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5B (1424 North Tejon Rear Deck, HIST-25-0007): Approved unanimously as part of the consent calendar after initial approval of both items was rescinded to address a citizen’s concern on Item 5A.
• Item 5A (1614 North Tejon Rear Deck, HIST-25-0006): Initially approved on consent, but withdrawn after Jennifer Sweet (18 East Carameo) called in with a privacy objection. The board subsequently considered Item 5A as a separate discussion item.

Discussion Items

Item 5A – 1614 North Tejon Rear Deck Expansion

• Staff Presentation (Ethan Schaefer): The application sought a report of acceptability to demolish and reconstruct a structurally unsound rooftop deck and laundry room deck cover. Proposed expansions included a ground-level deck increase of 62.5 square feet and a rooftop deck and cover expansion of 255 square feet, staying within existing setbacks. The property is zoned R-16 and HP-O. Staff received no public comments during the notice period (24 postcards mailed).
• Public Comment: Jennifer Sweet (18 East Carameo) stated that the existing deck (and the proposed expansion at 11–12 feet height) destroys her privacy by allowing direct views into her dining room and backyard. She said she only received notice of the meeting on the preceding Friday.
• Board Discussion: Multiple members (Chair Lovenberg, Matt Fitzsimmons, and others) noted that privacy concerns are outside the board’s purview. The board’s criteria are limited to historical/architectural character, architectural style, arrangement, texture, materials, and the effect on the HPO district. Staff found the proposal met all criteria. The board declined to consider the privacy issue and proceeded to vote.
• Vote: Motion to approve the report of acceptability for 1614 North Tejon Rear Deck, based on findings that criteria under City Code Section 7.5.528 were met. The motion passed with 5 votes in favor (Chair Lovenberg, board members Music, Fitzsimmons, Potter, Hines). Board member Beerbaum’s audio was not audible, but a quorum was present and the motion passes.

Key Outcomes

1. Consent Calendar (Item 5B) Approved: 1424 North Tejon rear deck (HIST-25-0007) was approved unanimously.
2. Item 5A Approved: The deck expansion at 1614 North Tejon (HIST-25-0006) was approved unanimously (5-0, with one board member’s vote not recorded but quorum confirmed).
3. Appeal Instructions: Affected parties may appeal any board action to City Council within 10 days (by July 17, 2025) by filing a notice and $176 fee, specifying code requirements not addressed.
4. Future Agenda: The August 2025 meeting will include the Historic Resource Survey Plan and a presentation from Parks and Recreation on the Odd Fellows building.

Note: No additional new business, unfinished business, or other presentations occurred. The meeting adjourned following the vote on Item 5A.