Supporting History

Historic Routt County! and the State Historical Fund

May, 2001

It will come as no surprise that Historic Denver, Inc. has received more grants from the State Historical Fund than any other municipal or county-based nonprofit historic preservation organization. Denver has a dense collection of historic resources, a high population, and preservation partnerships have been developing there for many years. Historic Denver has fulltime professional staff, an active and influential board, and broad membership.

Based on those criteria, who would be second on the list of the most grants awarded to a municipal or county-based nonprofit historic preservation organization? The answer might surprise you. Population and density of resources would indicate that the number two position would be held by a nonprofit located in El Paso, Larimer, Boulder, or Pueblo counties. But that isn't the case. Another likely location would be small counties with non-gaming National Historic Landmark communities, like Lake, San Juan, or Clear Creek counties. But although Historic Georgetown places high on the list of grants received, many projects in these communities have been carried out either by the municipal and county governments or by a series of nonprofits associated with individual properties.

Perhaps the answer lies in one of those "smaller" communities that come to mind when considering Colorado history, such as Trinidad, Durango, Aspen or Ouray? Or in a place like Montezuma County, with its rich archaeological resources?

All of these places have impressive resources, and many have excellent, active nonprofit organizations supporting their preservation efforts. But the second place position goes to Historic Routt County! based in Steamboat Springs (and yes, the exclamation point is part of their official name).

Although their first contact with the State Historical Fund was through a partnership project with the Tread of Pioneers Museum, HRC first applied for a grant from the Fund just two years ago. In those two years, the organization has been awarded sixteen grants totaling $336,365. These have been smaller grants, averaging less than $20,000 each, which accounts to some extent for the organization's success in obtaining funding. Larger grant amounts face more competition. But there is more to it than that. Their success also lies in good grantsmanship, skilled staff, and supportive local governments.

Eight of HRC's grants have been for the development of Historic Structure Assessments. These assessments are granted non-competitively to hire qualified architects to develop a plan for the preservation or restoration of an historic building. This is often the first and best opportunity a nonprofit organization has to create a partnership with a building owner, and to assist them in learning what they need to know about their project before work begins. Projects have included the Town Hall in Oak Creek, the Yampa Bible Church in Yampa, the Community Club building in Toponas, the Maxwell Squire, Pioneer, and Routt County National Bank buildings in Steamboat Springs, Haymeadow Ranch at the southeastern end of Steamboat, and Lake Catamount Ranch.

Two grants have funded other planning projects, including the development of design guidelines for Steamboat Springs, and a survey of 30 historic ranch properties in Routt County.

Three grants have fallen into the "education" category. Two of these grants were awarded to support public awareness about the advantages of designation to the Routt County Register of Historic Places. The third provided funding for the development of interpretive signs at Lake Catamount Ranch Historic District, an early log ranching complex.

Three grants have gone toward the stabilization and restoration of historic buildings. The most visible grant was the $81,000 awarded toward the exterior restoration of the Routt County National Bank. Built in 1919 on a prominent downtown corner, the building housed a variety of retail businesses on its main floor, with the upstairs reserved for use by the local Masonic lodge. Carl Howelsen, famous for bringing the sport of skiing to Steamboat Springs, participated in the construction. But in more recent years, the building was almost entirely camouflaged through the construction of a mansard roof and the application of a coat of stucco. Historic Routt County worked with the Masonic Temple Association and Steamboat Springs Agency, LLC, (the legal owners) to proceed with the restoration of this important building. Now completed, the building once again takes its place as one of the treasures of Steamboat's main commercial thoroughfare.

Comparable in size, if not in visibility, was the $83,382 awarded for the stabilization of the Rock Creek Stage Stop on Gore Pass west of Kremmling. Abandoned for many years, the Rock Creek Stage Stop is a two-story log building standing on a picturesque hillside overlooking a valley frequented by hikers, cross-country skiers, hunters, and fishermen. Listing precariously to one side, the building had reverted to use as a cattle shelter, and collapse was imminent. Now the building has been stabilized, and is awaiting decisions as to possible reuse.

In the most recent grant round, $42,943 was awarded to Historic Routt County for the restoration and interpretation of the US Forest Service-owned Mad Creek Barn. This unusual resource dates from 1906 and features a log first story and frame upper story. Restoration will include a log preservation seminar, and the property is always open to the public.

As every preservation advocate knows, projects like these require partnerships. And Historic Routt County works closely with the Routt County Commissioners, as well as with the elected representatives of the local municipalities and their staffs to accomplish these projects. We have enjoyed our relationship with this impressive organization, and look forward to future projects.

BY MARK WOLFE, Director, State Historical Fund