Denver Looks to Landmark Designation Changes

Denver city councilmember Kendra Black is developing proposed changes to the city’s landmark designation law. The changes would require more council member votes to pass designations opposed by property owners and, in historic districts, approval by a majority of landowners before an application is filed. 

"Recently, the case of Tom’s Diner got national attention: A group of residents wanted to permanently preserve the building as a landmark, but owner Tom Messina wanted to sell the property for demolition and redevelopment," writes Andrew Kenney.

Kenney reports that, in a separate action, a working group has developed additional recommendations for changes to Denver’s landmark designation regulations. "As they consider the changes, city leaders will have to balance the value of historic buildings against the importance of new development and property owners’ rights," notes Kenney.