Lincoln Park Historic District Guidelines and Standards

We own 2 homes within the Lincoln Park Historic District, which shows our strong desire to keep this area intact and to be able to maintain the integrity of the craftsman period of homes. These homes represent Grand Junction history that should be preserved and cherished.

I have owned my home in the district since 2014. As I walk the neighborhood almost every day it brings me joy to see construction that is keeping the "historic" feel but is bringing the neighborhood into the present. Energy efficient building through windows, siding, and roofing should not be looked down upon as it maintains the resiliency of these Craftsman homes. Fences in front yards that keep small children safe from increasing traffic allow young families peace of mind. Historic guidelines that mirror HOA guidelines are not why I moved to the area. If these guidelines hinder physical structure upkeep because of financial burden, the danger of historic turning into disrepair looms. Socioeconomic diversity of the neighborhood drew me to this area; keeps me speaking and learning with my neighbors. Although a committee came up with a draft of standards and guidelines (2018 more than 2 years past) my adjacent neighbors have not seen them. I have only seen them in conjunction with the notice of public hearing. 11 responses from 111 distributed drafts and standards is not enough to set neighborhood guidelines. More time and effort to communicate with those living in the impacted area should happen. I love my neighborhood but do not want to see rushed guidelines that keep it from improving.

We have had our primary home in the historic district for 10 plus years. We were initially attracted to the home and area for its proximity to Lincoln Park with its green offerings as well as CMU and the cultural and musical events available there. We have always been admirers of the older homes in the district and sincerely hope that the proposed guidelines and standards will preserve and protect the integrity and style of these rapidly disappearing homes. It is a pleasure to live in an area of diverse architectural styles as well as diversity of its inhabitants. We are hopeful that this area can remain the lovely green area that it is and believe that Lincoln Park plays a primary part in what makes this a great walkable .. friendly ..welcoming neighborhood.

We have lived in the Lincoln Park Historic District for 20 years, and we support these Guidelines and Standards. The historic nature of the area is what led us to purchase a home in this neighborhood. We feel that having these standards will preserve our property value, and ensure that the neighborhood maintains its historic charm and character. We have family in a historic neighborhood in Denver, where older homes have been razed and replaced by huge, modern duplexes that look totally out of place, and dwarf the smaller, older homes, blocking their views and light. It would be a shame for that to be allowed in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

I am new to Lincoln Park but not to Grand Junction. I purchased a home in the 1400 block of Ouray because of the charm of the older homes. I look at my home as an investment and the thought of this area ever changing would be very sad. To see any of these beautiful old homes being restored and maintained is what drew me to Lincoln Park. I welcome the guidelines as a way to ensure the integrity of this community

I was very specific in the area in which I wanted to purchase a home. I wanted my son to grow up in a neighborhood that represented strong community values and where the homes showed character and a strong sense of establishment. I joined the committee in hopes of placing guidelines so that this community could maintain the values I want to instill in him

Lincoln Park is a diamond in the rough. It holds the history of the City of Grand Junction and represents an era of craftsman-style homes and tree-lined parkways from a time when working-class people took pride in their homes and their neighborhood. Preserving this area shows the community that newer is not always better. Homes within the historical district are always in high demand and often sell before they ever hit the market. I have been proud to be a part of the Lincoln Park Historic District Committee and firmly the Standards and Guidelines the committee has developed.

I have only owned a home in the Lincoln Park district for a few years, but the "old town feel" afforded by large trees is important to me. Walking in our neighborhood offers shade even in the warmest months and the trees give a coziness factor to the neighborhood that is welcoming. Preserving that character is important to me.

I have been a resident of this district for almost 25 years and I wholeheartedly support these guidelines and standards. i am proud of our Lincoln Park Historic District and do not want all kinds of things being built in our District that would detract from its appearance and make it a hodgepodge.

Preserving the style and craftsmanship of a bygone era helps us understand of who we are as a community and how we got here. A walking tour around the residential neighborhoods surrounding Lincoln Park sparks the imagination and piques an interest in our history as good as any museum. Many communities across the country, in a rush to modernize and "develop" for a growing population, have forgotten to preserve their past and only recognize the loss when it's too late. I hope the Grand Junction City Council will not lose sight of the fact that many folks around the park cherish their quiet, tree lined streets in the heart of the city and will help preserve this lifestyle. Riecke Claussen

As a neighborhood resident for the past 30 years, as a former city council member and City Planner, and committee member, I strongly support these Lincoln Park Historic District Guidelines and Standards. I have seen older neighborhoods decline and decay in our nation's central cities. We are hopeful that this will not happen to our neighborhood. On the contrary, we have seen an appreciation in home values and stronger neighborhood pride! These guideline and standards will only reinforce this trend. One way of allowing additional infill housing in our neighborhood is the addition of accessory apartments which is allowed under these regulations in accordance with the city's accessory housing provisions.

As a Committee member for the last 2-1/2 years, and a homeowner for the last 30 years in the Lincoln Park Historic District, I believe these proposed Standards and Guidelines will strengthen and stabilize our neighborhood and preserve its historical character.