While Boulder is undoubtedly a city that looks toward the future, we revere our history. If you’re new to town, you’ll want to check out the ten distinct historic districts throughout Boulder. These districts are home to significant cultural resources that the city of Boulder vows to preserve for future generations. Interested in learning more about our historic districts? Here’s what you need to know:
Floral Park: Designated in 1978
Floral Park is Boulder’s first official historic district. David Dobbins originally platted this land in 1906 and named the area after his wife, Flora. The one-block area was purchased by University of Colorado professors in 1939 to create a privately owned community housing project. Designed by architect James M. Hunter, all eight residences in Floral Park utilize an adaptation of the Monterey Revival architectural style. All residences are a mix of one-story, one-and-one-half-story, and two-story brick and frame construction. This historic district includes all eight original homes and the community garage. This one-block district is bounded by 15th Street, Mariposa Avenue, 16th Street, and Bluebell Avenue.
Chautauqua: Designated in 1978
Chautauqua Historic District is one of the most distinctive areas in Boulder. Located on a southwestern mesa, this spot overlooks the stunning Boulder Valley. This district is situated south of Baseline Road from Bluebell Road east to 12th Street and is bordered by the City of Boulder Open Space to the south and west. Since the late 1800s, Chautauqua has been a venue for cultural events and programs such as concerts, debates, and recreational activities. This district is known for its small-frame cottages, which were built to replace the original tents where Chautauqua summer residents stayed. Its famed auditorium was constructed in less than eight weeks and still stands today.
Mapleton Hill: Designated in 1982
Mapleton Hill was designated as Boulder’s third (and largest) historic district in 1982. After its expansion in 2002, this district is now bounded by Concord Street on the north, Spruce Street on the south, 4th Street on the west, and Broadway on the east. When the land was platted in the 1800s, the developers noted that the barren, wind-swept area lacked aesthetic appeal. To beautify the neighborhood, over 200 Silver Maple and Cottonwood trees were planted. Mapleton Hill is known for its elaborate architecture, including the iconic house at 1020 Mapleton Avenue. Coined “The Wedding Cake House,” this property is a wonderful example of Colonial Revival Style.
West Pearl: Designated in 1994
West Pearl Historic District was previously part of the former town of West Boulder. This area extends from 3rd Street on the west to 6th Street on the east, bordered by Pearl Street on the north and Canyon Boulevard on the south. West Boulder was an industrial area thanks to its proximity to the Colorado Central Railroad and housed smelters of gold, silver, and tungsten mills. West Pearl was designated as a historic district in 1994 and includes 25 buildings, most of which reflect the lifestyle of those of modest means in the 19th century.
Chamberlain: 1995
Chamberlain Historic District was designated in 1995 and was primarily developed from 1859 to 1910. This residential area encompasses 16th Street through 19th Street, from Walnut Avenue south to Canyon Boulevard. Although this part of town was initially considered an undesirable place to live, it’s now an important part of our history. There are several architectural styles throughout the Chamberlain Historic District, including Queen Anne, Edwardian, Classic Cottage, and Terrace variants. One of the oldest buildings in Boulder resides in this district: The First Presbyterian Church of Boulder, which was built in 1895.
Downtown: Designated in 1999
Boulder’s Downtown Historic District is best known for Pearl Street, one of the most successful pedestrian malls in the country. Pearl Street is central to the Downtown Historic District, and the southern boundary runs along Walnut Street. This district is bounded by Spruce Street on the north and extends from 10th Street to 16th Street. Downtown is part of the Boulder Original Townsite, which was established in 1859. Many of the buildings that housed Boulder’s first commercial businesses still exist today. The architecture throughout the Downtown Historic District is incredible and ranges from Italianate style to Art Deco. Local gems such as the Boulder Theater and Hotel Boulderado were built in the early 1900s and are still going strong.
Hillside: Designated in 2001
Hillside Historic District is named for the steep slope that it runs alongside. This district is generally defined as the area between 15th Street and 9th Street along both sides of Hillside Road (near the University of Colorado). Most buildings here are excellent examples of the rustic Tudor Revival style. If you’re stopping by, you’ll want to check out the house at 1220 17th Street. Not only is it a fantastic representation of the Tudor Revival architectural style, but it was also home to Fred Watts, the founder of the Watts-Hardy Dairy (now the Dairy Arts Center).
Highland Lawn: Designated in 2005
Highland Lawn encompasses one block of Marine Street between 6th and 7th Streets, with Flagstaff Mountain as the backdrop to the west. This historic district has an impressive concentration of well-preserved buildings that reflect the architectural tastes at the turn of the 20th century. Hannah Barker was responsible for platting the area, and she remains one of Colorado’s most prominent women in history. Her former house is located at 800 Arapahoe Avenue and was landmarked in 2005.
University Place: Designated in 2006
University Place Historic District is a residential neighborhood that was developed in the first part of the 20th century. This two-block district extends alongside 14th Street from Baseline Road on the south to Aurora Avenue on the north. As the name suggests, this area is significant due to its association with the growth and development of the University of Colorado. There are multiple architectural styles here, including Tudor Revival, Norman/English Cottage Revival, Craftsman Bungalow, Italian Renaissance Revival, and Colonial Revival. Several of the homes in this district are works of exceptional architectural and artistic merit, including the 1924 Italian Renaissance Revival house located at 707 14th Street and the 1917 Craftsman-style house at 851 14th Street.
16th Street: Designated in 2006
Last but certainly not least is the 16th Street Historic District. This is Boulder’s smallest historic district and is located at the southern entrance of the University Hill neighborhood. This small district includes just five properties, all of which are situated on the 700 block of 16th Street. All five homes were crafted in the 1930s, a time when development was hard to come by in Boulder due to the Great Depression. At 700 16th Street, you’ll find the Elizabethan/Jacobean Revival style house that features decorative stonework and brickwork. The house at 701 16th Street is a great example of the Mediterranean influence that was popular in Colorado at the time and still boasts its red tile roof and arched entrance.
One of the many reasons I love Boulder is that our community is committed to honoring the beautiful architectural styles of the past. Our city certainly has a rich history, and each of the ten historic districts has something exceptional to offer. If you’re new to Boulder, I encourage you to explore each of these districts and dive a little deeper into our roots.