Call Number 760-24-12
Date 2001
Contents 1 folder.
Description This folder contains documents pertaining to the designation of the property at 1777 Broadway as a historic landmark (L01-1). Included is the memorandum to the Landmarks Board to consider the recommendation to request individual landmark status, application for landmark status, historical and biographical information on the building and its architect, James M. Hunter. The memorandum includes the historical significance, the distinction in the development of the community, the architectural significance, and the environmental significance of the property., At the time of its construction, the Municipal Building was the sixth structure to serve as offices for Boulder's municipal government. The Boulder Town Company, which was organized in 1859, was not an official government, and as such, did not require an official center for governmental operations. It wasn't until November 4, 1870 that the county commissioners granted a request to set aside the original townsite and three additions at the Town of Boulder., The first town hall was established in 1880 on the ground floor of a block owned by Jonn Ellet (1100 Pearl Street). It contained the offices of the attorney, clerk, water department and town board. One year later, a site on 14th Street between Pearl and Walnut was bought by the city for a combination city hall and fire station. A two-story building at 1921 14th Street was completed in 1882, and remained as the city hall for the next 70 years. As early as 1890, though, the city was beginning to outgrow this site and thus purchased the lot at 13th and Spruce for a new town hall. It was never built, however, and the lot sold in 1892., When the fire department was centralized in 1898, its equipment was removed from city hall, and the former fire department quarters were converted into city offices. Although this helped the crowding for a short time, by 1903, the city was again advocating for a new city hall. A $50,000 bond for a new city hall was placed before the citizens in 1907, but was defeated by a vote of 457-403. The city hall was later expanded by renting the adjoining one-story building at 1914 14th Street. The three rooms in this addition housed the city council chamber and the offices of the ciy manager and director of public service. Hoping to take advantage of federal funds, another bond was brought before the voters in 1933, but this was defeated by 37 votes., On November 6, 1945, a $225,000 bond for a new municipal building was finally passed, this time by an overwhelmingly supportive vote of 1,217 to 171. The building was to include the city hall, library, and museum, and was to be constructed on the site between Boulder Creek and the railroad tracks, facing Broadway across from Central Park. The project funds were to be held in reserve for the economic depression which was expected to follow World War II. Instead, the prices of materials and labor rose, and the city finally began earnest planning for the new municipal building in 1950. Precipitating this was the fact that the city had to vacate the one-story building it was renting at 1915 14th Street when it was sold. The city manager, his staff, and the public service director were crowded back into the building at 1921 14th Street, forcing the police department into another city-owned building at 1763 Broadway. This was situated in a row of buildings which were purchased in 1948 to clear the site for the new city hall. The city council had to meet in a new location -- first at the county commissioner's room, then the library of Central school--until the new city hall was finished., When the city council was forced to move in 1950, they reopened discussion of the new municipal building. By this time, the originally planned building would have cost between $350,000 - $400,000. The library board decided the proposed space was inadequate and requested that the library remain in its present location at 1125 Pine Street. When the first bids came in, further revisions were made to meet the construction budget. Extras such as a basement and a proposed pistol range for the police department were removed. The bids for the revised plans were finally awarded on August 7, 1951 and a ground-breaking ceremony was held on August 22, 1951. The building was occupied on July 20, 1952., The architect for the building was James M. Hunter and staff, and the general contractor was Jack H. Cys, who had offices both in Denver and boulder. The 12,600 square foot building was 160 feet long, with two wings that were 37 feet wide. The south wing was 72 feet long, and the north wing 60 feet. The building had 42 rooms, with a council chamber, public lounge, main foyer, city offices, and a ciy jail (Boulder's first in 28 years). Ten inch aluminum letters of the "Municipal Building" were on the stone wall at the front entrance. This wall formed a backdrop to the entrance terrace, which was conceived as a place of city ceremonies. A 30' by 70' reflecting pool was also included in the orignal plans for the front lawn.