Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Historical buildings may be in better shape, thanks to a maintenance plan created by the city of Steamboat Springs.

The city, in partnership with the State Historical Fund, has completed a Historic Properties Maintenance Plan. The plan outlines maintenance and repairs that should be performed on historical buildings to ensure continued use.

The plan is in addition to the city's individual outlines for city-owned historical buildings, said Laureen Schaffer, the city's historical preservation specialist. The individual plans lay out ways to maintain and treat city buildings.

The general plan was prepared by the architectural firm Humphries Poli Architects. It includes development checklists for system inspections and maintenance review as well as a work history log for tracking inspection, review and maintenance.

The plan is based on four types of buildings: stone, masonry, log and frame, said Linda Kakela, the city's director of intergovernmental services.

The universal plan is unique in Colorado, Schaffer said, but she hopes that other governments and building stewards in the state will use it as a model.

"We're hoping that a lot of people in the state use it and develop what works for them," she said.

The plan is available online and at the city's offices.

"We're hoping that people will use it. Maintenance is the best way of preserving a building and will hopefully prevent a big restoration project later down the road," Schaffer said.

Project partners include the Colorado Municipal League, Colorado Preservation, Historic Routt County and the Tread of Pioneers Museum.

--To reach Dana Strongin, call 871-4229 or e-mail dstrongin@steamboatpilot.com