Development News for Castle Rock, Colorado

Historical Society Museum Updates and Upcoming Events

David Rowe provided an update from the Historical Society Museum. The annual Victoria T fundraiser was sold out and successful. Two new exhibits, 'Colorado before 1876' and 'Origins of Castle Rock after 1876,' have opened. Upcoming June events include a presentation on the Continental Army on June 13th at the library, a kids' craft fair at the museum on June 13th, and a downtown Castle Rock walking tour on June 27th.

Discussion on Royalite Butte Landmark Designation Process

The discussion focused on the historical significance of the Royalite Butte area in Crystal Valley and the process for landmark designation. The area is historically significant due to the discovery of Royalite in 1872, which led to a building stone industry that lasted 35 years. While the town website and its forms section were checked, a specific application form for landmark designation could not be found. Brad Boland will provide a link to a fillable online form. It was clarified that the property owner, in this case, the Parks Department, must submit the application. Traditionally, the Parks Department has not pursued landmark designation for this site, as they consider it preserved and worry about potential restrictions from grant processes. However, the rock itself was landmarked in 1994, making it the first landmark in Castle Rock. The board can make recommendations to Town Council regarding landmark designation. A work session on the criteria and process for landmark designation was proposed for the next meeting.

Board Elects New Chair and Vice Chair, Discusses Meeting Quorum

The board conducted elections for Chair and Vice Chair. Robert was nominated for Chair by Robin and seconded by Dan. He was elected Chair by a unanimous roll call vote. Chris was nominated for Vice Chair by Robin and seconded by Dan. He was elected Vice Chair by a vote of six yeas and one abstention. The board also discussed upcoming meetings and quorum requirements. The next meeting is scheduled for July 1st. The board requires four members for a quorum. Several members indicated potential unavailability for the July 1st meeting, raising concerns about achieving a quorum.

Historic Preservation Board Members Appointed to Design Review Board

The Design Review Board requires appointments for two positions from the Historic Preservation Board. Brad Boland, Planning Director, explained the board's responsibilities, including reviewing projects within the downtown overlay district. Projects over 10,000 new square feet require Town Council approval, with the Design Review Board providing a recommendation. The board composition includes two property owners (three-year terms), two representatives from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), two from the Historic Preservation Board, and one from the Planning Commission (one-year terms). Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6 PM, though the frequency has been lower recently due to a lack of agenda items. The board has four applications currently in process, and new applications are anticipated. The board reviews facade changes, new development, and proposed murals. The next scheduled hearing is June 24th, with appointments to be confirmed by Town Council on June 16th. Robin and Susan were nominated and approved to fill the two vacant positions.