UPDATE: The landmark designation passes in a unanimous vote of City Council on August 2, 2021. Starting on August 6, Landmark Preservation will follow the standard design review process for projects within the new historic cultural district.
The La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood is one of Denver’s oldest residential neighborhoods and was home to many important events and leaders connected to the Chicano Movement. Established near the railroad and Burnham Yards as a working-class immigrant community in the 1870s and 1880s, the architecture of the neighborhood reflects the early development of the area and illustrates the changes over time. Through the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, the neighborhood was home to much of the Chicano community and was the space to meet, support each other, and advocate for equal treatment.
Through a partnership with Historic Denver, a local preservation non-profit, community members researched the history of the neighborhood, held informational and listening sessions with residents, and interviewed long-time community residents and leaders. On March 22, 2021, community members and residents of the neighborhood applied to designate the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood as Denver’s newest Historic Cultural District.
The La Alma Lincoln Park Historic Cultural District will preserve Denver’s rich cultural history by protecting buildings and significant sites connected to our Latino/Chicano community.
Through a year-long community process, Landmark Preservation has customized the design guidelines to appropriately reflect the history and culture of the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Photo: La Alma (The Soul), Emanuel Martinez, 1978, located at the La Alma Recreation Center.
Landmark designation recognizes the historic, architectural, geographical, and cultural significance of the area. Properties within the proposed historic cultural district will need to get approval from Landmark for exterior changes that require a permit, are eligible for State Historic preservation tax credits, and in some instances, may be granted flexibility in zoning requirements.