One of the three most historic mining towns in Colorado and the nation, Black Hawk is a National Historic Landmark District, and Black Hawk was placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered Places in America list in 1998. Shortly after listing on Colorado Preservation, Inc.’s Most Endangered Places, the Colorado Senate Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 98-069 to define the size and style of casinos and to clarify vague language in the original constitutional amendment authorizing gaming. While this bill did not pass, it created new opportunities. The moving of historic structures for casino development, as well as facilitating homeowner information sessions, are both issues CPI wishes to address.
Large-scale casino development continues, and the City of Black Hawk is no longer a Platinum Level CPI Conference sponsor. CPI will continue to monitor legislation passed that gives communities a greater role in the gaming industry. There is debate over whether the site should be considered a loss. Establishing a new site contact would help facilitate a new assessment of historical properties and arrange a homeowner information session in the future.