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Historic Preservation Commission Seeks Middle Ground with Owners, AT

“When I buy my own lot, I feel like I am the king, and I feel like I am being intruded upon,” said property owner Jack Wilke. “Not one member of HPC has talked to me for two seconds. Why shouldn't I be furious?”

ASPEN REAL ESTATE — The Aspen Historic Preservation Commission, attempting to find the middle ground on a controversial initiative that in 2007 placed a number of properties on a list that prevents renovations or additions, could leave inclusion on the list up to the property owner. The City Council on Tuesday night asked the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to create an amendment to Ordinance 48 that would make the status voluntary for all property owners.Currently, the rule prevents people who own 52 of the 53 buildings that are on that list, including The Given Institute, from demolishing, renovating or adding on to them.The list arose from an effort to establish a robust historic preservation program in 2007, when the City Council passed an emergency measure aimed at protecting the architecture of older buildings. Many of the buildings are more than 30 years old, but some are as recent as five years old.
By Aaron Hedge, Sept. 1, 2010 Aspen Times

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