Attachment B - Public Comment, CPI Letter to LB 7-31-2026

August 31, 2026 City of Boulder Landmarks Board Boulder, Colorado Re: Glen Huntington Bandshell Dear Members of the Landmarks Board, On behalf of Colorado Preservation, Inc. (CPI), I am writing in support of the continued protection and preservation of the Glen Huntington Bandshell as Boulder moves forward with improvements to the surrounding park and considers proposed changes to its historic seating. CPI has been involved in the preservation of the Bandshell for more than a decade. In 2016, we listed it as one of Colorado’s Most Endangered Places in response to proposals that placed the future of the Bandshell and its historic setting in question. At that time, CPI joined local advocates in calling for the structure to remain in its historic location and to be reintegrated into the park as an active community asset. Built in 1938 and designed by prominent Boulder architect Glen H. Huntington, the Bandshell is a rare example of Art Deco architecture and one of only two surviving Colorado bandshells from the early to mid twentieth century. Its significance is strengthened by its relationship to the surrounding landscape designed by noted landscape architect Saco DeBoer and by nearly ninety years of community gatherings, performances, and civic life. CPI strongly supports retaining the historic seating as part of this important landscape. The seating contributes to the character, design, and experience of the Bandshell and helps convey the historic relationship between the stage, audience, and surrounding park. We believe preservation of the existing seating would provide the strongest preservation outcome. At the same time, CPI recognizes the substantial progress that has been made since the Bandshell was listed as endangered. The Bandshell itself is no longer being considered for demolition or relocation and is instead being incorporated into broader improvements to Boulder Creek Park. Proposed replacement seating would retain the scale, rhythm, and radial configuration of the historic seating, and planning has benefited from a thoughtful study of how historic outdoor theaters can accommodate change while retaining their defining character. For CPI, the fundamental preservation priority remains the Glen Huntington Bandshell itself: protecting the structure, maintaining it in its historic location, preserving its landmark status and ensuring that future improvements reinforce rather than diminish its historic significance. While we continue to encourage retention of the historic seating, we do not believe the seating question should overshadow the considerable achievement represented by securing the Bandshell’s long-term protection.

The evolution of this project demonstrates what Colorado’s Most Endangered Places Program is intended to accomplish. A resource once facing the possibility of demolition or relocation now has a path toward continued preservation, investment, and active use as part of Boulder’s civic landscape. CPI is pleased to support that progress and looks forward to the day when the Glen Huntington Bandshell can officially be recognized as a SAVE through our Endangered Places Program. Thank you for your continued stewardship of this important Boulder landmark. Regards,

Jennifer Orrigo Chales Executive Director

Katie Peterson Endangered Places Program Director