Gaming Town: Black Hawk
Year Listed: 1998
County: Gilpin County
Status: ALERT
Context: Mining
Date Constructed: 1800s
Significance:
One of three of the most historic mining towns in Colorado and the nation. A National Historic Landmark District.
Threat When Listed:
Insensitive development
Since Listing:
Black Hawk has hired a historic preservation consultant and is currently resurveying its historic district.
Gaming Town: Central City
Year Listed: 1998
County: Gilpin County
Status: PROGRESS
Context: Mining
Date Constructed: 1800s
Significance:
One of three of the most historic mining towns in Colorado and the nation. A National Historic Landmark District and a Preserve America Community.
Threat When Listed:
Insensitive development
Since Listing:
Central City has ordinances in place that have prevented large-scale changes to their historic district but the city suffered from lack of economic vitality. In cooperation with the city and their Main Street organization, Colorado Preservation, Inc. assisted in building a consortium of nearly sixty individuals and organizations (the Central City Summit Partners) that contributed to a revitalization plan, portions of which have already been instituted. Colorado Preservation, Inc. assisted the local Main Street organization in its successful bid to become an official Main Street community in 2004 and encouraged an application to the National Park Service for assistance in developing a plan for preservation and economic recovery. The application was successful and led to a charrette in August 2004 to create solutions for Central City's major challenges including preparation for the opening of a major new road into the city that year. The City of Central, Main Street Central, the National Park Service, the Central City Opera House Association, and Colorado Preservation, Inc. are currently working to implement the plan.
Related Links:
Central City
Central City Opera
Last Updated:
January 2006
Gaming Town: Cripple Creek
Year Listed: 1998
County: Teller County
Status: SAVED
Context: Mining
Date Constructed: 1800s
Significance:
One of three of the most historic mining towns in Colorado and the nation. A National Historic District.
Threat When Listed:
Insensitive development
Since Listing:
Cripple Creek adopted strict design guidelines which address the treatment of historic structures and require new construction within the district to be appropriate in size and massing. A new Heritage Center is in the works which will promote area museums, businesses and attractions. While strong preservation efforts have maintained much of the historic integrity of the town, Cripple Creek's economy is still attempting to expand its base beyond gaming.