Historic Preservation Board Meeting – June 10, 2026

The Historic Preservation Board (HPB) held a regular meeting and study session on June 10, 2026, at 6:31 PM at Golden City Hall. The main agenda item was a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application (HPB 26-03) for demolishing an existing 1945 tile block garage and constructing a new two-car garage at 1735 Ford Street in the East Street Historic District. After public testimony and deliberation, the board imposed a 64-day stay of demolition to allow for further review, including a pending Planning Commission decision on driveway access. The board also received updates on the Schall Residence demolition and the Past Forward initiative, and conducted a study session on proposed Historic Preservation Design Guidelines and board authority.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion passed voice vote 8-0.
• Approval of Minutes (May 13, 2026): Motion passed voice vote 8-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Phil Chris (property owner, 504 18th Street): Expressed that the existing garage's tile block is structurally unsound (crumbles, cracks, foundation failure) and that moving or saving it is infeasible. Supported demolition and the proposed design.
• Brian Dono (neighbor, 509 18th Street): Expressed full support for the project, stating the new design is compatible with the neighborhood aesthetic and that the owners are trusted neighbors. Noted that the unique tile block material is structurally unsound based on observations of similar structures.
• Written comment from Lloyd Athearn (Golden resident): Submitted via email; expressed support for the new garage design fitting into the neighborhood but raised concerns about the future ADU potentially being used for short-term rentals and parking pressure on 18th Street. Also noted that the owner's home across the alley is not a contributing structure.

Discussion Items

• HPB 26-03 – Demolition and New Garage at 1735 Ford Street:
  • Staff (Lauren Simmons) presented the staff report, noting the garage was built in 1945 with unique hollow tile blocks, is considered a contributing structure, and that a stay of demolition (up to 190 days) is required under Section 18.58.230. Staff recommended a 64-day stay until August 12, 2026, contingent on Planning Commission review of driveway access.
  • Applicant architect Erin Elston (TKP Architects) presented plans for a one-and-a-half-story gabled garage with wood siding and standing seam metal roof, designed to accommodate a future ADU. Discussed structural condition (foundation failure, cracking, previous repairs) and difficulty of salvaging the brittle tiles. Proposed to maintain side driveway access from 18th Street rather than alley access.
  • Board members discussed design elements: gable treatment, window and door simplification, siding material (recommended flush Hardy panel to mimic horizontality of tile block), and roof pitch. Board directed the applicant to study these modifications and salvage tiles. There was general consensus that the orientation should remain side access to preserve neighborhood character.
  • Board affirmed that demolition of the existing garage is warranted due to structural condition.
• Other Matters:
  • 612 10th Street (Schall Residence): Staff reported that the ad hoc committee (Rooney and Cook) sent a letter to City Council about potential acquisition. AC DevCo is advertising the building for moving, discussing a museum tour, and engaging a third party for structural feasibility assessment.
  • Past Forward Update: Staff described ongoing public engagement for updated design guidelines and board authority. A focus group of former planning commissioners, HPB members, and community members will be formed to dive into technical details. A survey is available online and at pop-ups. City Council study session targeted for early September 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Stay Demolition: Moved by Keller, seconded by Rooney. Motion passed via roll call vote 7-0 (all present: Lierman, Rooney, Cook, Sniff, Keller, Cummings, Trout; Kalbfell absent). The stay is set for 64 days, until the August 12, 2026 HPB meeting. Conditions include:
  • Applicant to salvage as many tile blocks as possible and offer them to the Golden History Museum or other interested parties.
  • Applicant to study and possibly modify gable treatment, window/door styles, and siding material (recommended flush Hardy panel with V-groove or U-groove).
  • Maintain side driveway orientation (18th Street access) and submit recommendation to Planning Commission.
• Next Steps: The board will reconvene on August 12, 2026 to review Planning Commission's decision and evaluate applicant's progress on design modifications. If no alternative plan is accepted, the Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued upon expiration of the stay with a finding of inappropriate.
• Study Session (Design Guidelines): No formal action taken. Board discussed zoning code components (form-based code, building envelope areas, design standards) and provided preliminary feedback that design standards align well with HPB review but that board input on setbacks and lot coverage would be valuable. Further discussion and public engagement will continue.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM after the study session.