OTR 2026 Program_FINAL by Colorado Preservation, Inc.

welcome to buena vista!

DearFriendsandSupporters,

OnbehalfoftheColoradoPreservation,Inc.(CPI)BoardofDirectorsandstaff,Iamdelightedtowelcomeyouto SavingPlacesontheRoadinBuenaVista!

OntheRoadoffersauniqueopportunitytoexperienceacommunitythroughtheeyesofthosewhoknowitbest. Behind-the-scenestours,localperspectives,andaccesstoplacesnottypicallyopentothepublicofferadeeper understandingofthehistory,culture,andcharacterthatmakeeachhostcommunitydistinctive

AsyouexploreBV’svibrantMainStreet,historiccivicandcommercialanchors,agriculturallandscapes,and transportationheritage,itbecomesclearthatpreservationandreinvestmentarethrivinghere.BV’shistory remainsvisible,valued,andactivelystewardedthroughdedicatedlocalleadership,creativepartnerships,andthe ongoingworkoftheBVHPCtorecognize,protect,andcelebratethetown’shistoricresources.

Thisyearmarksthe10thanniversaryoftheBVHPC,andwearepleasedtocelebratethismilestonealongside Colorado’s150thandAmerica’s250th.Thisweekendoffersanopportunitytodeepenappreciationforhow preservationsustainsvibrantcommunities,expandengagement,buildnewconnections,andfosterastronger understandingoftheplacesthatshapeColorado’spast,present,andfuture.

CPIworksstatewidetoprotect,promote,andadvancehistoricpreservationthroughadvocacy,education,outreach, andtechnicalassistance.Overthenexttwodays,youwillexperiencepreservationinaction,fromthestewardship oftheComancheDrive-InTheatretotheefforttoSAVEthePearlTheater,recentlynamedoneofColorado’sMost EndangeredPlaces.Theseplacesremindusthatpreservationisnotsimplyaboutprotectingthepast.Itisabout investinginthefuture,supportinglocaleconomies,fosteringcommunitypride,andensuringthatthestories embeddedinplaceremainpartofColorado’slivingheritage.

Aneventofthisscaleisonlypossiblethroughextraordinarycollaboration.Weextendoursinceregratitudetothe BVHPC,TownofBuenaVista,localschools,communitypartners,sponsors,planningcommitteemembers,speakers, tourhosts,volunteers,businesses,caterers,artisans,musicians,andlocalorganizationswhosededicationbrought thisgatheringtolife.

Thankyouforjoiningusthisweekend.Wehopeyouleavewithfreshconnections,renewedinspiration,anda greaterappreciationfortheplacesthatconnectColorado’spast,present,andfuture

ForourPast,Present,andFuture,

Jennifer Orrigo Charles, Executive Director

we are colorado preservation, INc.

Since 1984, Colorado Preservation, Inc. (CPI) has diligently worked to make a difference in communities throughout the state. Energized around a central theme of “building a future with historic places,” CPI was founded by visionary leaders who identified a need for a statewide nonprofit organization structured around preserving, protecting, and promoting Colorado’s historic places. Historic preservation is much more than keeping “old” buildings standing; preservation is about creating a sense of place, enhancing communities, and revitalizing economies. Our organization promotes the critical connection between people and place

CPI works to ensure historic places across Colorado are protected and will be preserved for future generations with a small staff supported by a board of 20, and a devoted volunteer corps. CPI advances its mission by partnering with property owners, nonprofit organizations, educators, and local governments through its signature initiatives: Preservation Services (technical assistance), Colorado’s Most Endangered Places Program (EPP), its annual Saving Places® Conference and its Dana Crawford & State Honor Awards.

The On the Road Event is a weekend program focusing on the role of historic preservation planning and practice in creating healthy and vibrant communities. Throughout the program, CPI seeks participation from local stakeholders to share information about the area resources in order to understand the unique opportunities and challenges of historic preservation planning and practice.

Thank you to the many people, organizations, and supporters who have helped (and continue to help) make the conference what it is today! CPI is particularly grateful to History Colorado - State Historical Fund for their generous support, which has made this weekend possible Thank you for joining us and please find us throughout the event and introduce yourself to our Executive Director, Jennifer Orrigo Charles, CPI Board and Staff.

Colorado Preservation, Inc Staff

Jennifer Orrigo Charles Executive Director

Amy Aschliman Preservation Services Director

Stephanie Bakken Strategic Engagement Officer

Katie Peterson Endangered Places Program Director

Amanda Tollberg Events & Development Manager

Kate McCoy Tax Credit Consultant

The Buena Vista Historic Preservation Commission (BVHPC) welcomes you to

On the Road in Buena Vista!

We are excited to share the historic and architectural places that define our community character, along with stories of Buena Vista’s ranching, railroading, and mining past, recent preservation successes, and ongoing challenges.

Thisyearmarksthetenthanniversary havedesignatedcherishedlocallandma Street,andsupportedcommunityeduc theCommissionwasformallyrootedin historicandpotentiallyhistoricbuildin incentivesforpreservation.

KeymilestonesfortheBVHPCinclude:

Fall2016 BVHPCholdsitsfirstmeeting,andBuenaVistabecomesaCertifiedLocalGovernment. Fall2018–Fall2020 CommissionmembersdraftandrefineArchitecturalDesignGuidelinesforEastMain Streetthroughpublicengagement.

Winter2021 BuenaVistaBoardofTrusteesadoptsguidelineswithvoluntaryconsultationandoptional compliance

Spring2022 TrusteesmakekeyguidelineprovisionsmandatoryfornewinfillprojectsonEastMainStreet andincorporatestandardsforscale,materials,andarchitecturalelementsintotheTownbuildingcode.

TheBVHPChasbenefitedfromextraordinarymemberswhoseeducation,professionalexperience,and dedicationhavehelpedpreserveandprotecttheplacesthatdefineBuenaVista.Wearegratefulforthe tremendoussupportoftheTownofBuenaVista,Planningstaff,localbusinesses,BuenaVistaHeritage,Colorado Preservation,Inc.,andthemanypartnerswhohelpedmakethiseventpossible.WehopeOntheRoadservesasan importantstepinexpandingpublicengagement,visibility,andcontinuedcollaborationaroundpreservationin BuenaVista.

Featured Community Project

The McGinnis Gym was constructed in 1936 by Superintendent Harry McGinnis of the Buena Vista School District, using federal Public Works Administration (New Deal) economic stimulus funds. In 2026 the project was recognized by History Colorado with a Stephen H. Hart Award. They will be hosting several of our gatherings this weekend!

schedule of events

Around the town of buena vista

FeaturedRestaurants

Amalie Bistro & Wine

The Blend

Brown Dog Coffee

Crave BV, Main Street Tavern

Deerhammer Distillery & Tasting Room

Joyful Bakery

K's Dairy Delite

The Lariat

Loback's Bakery

The Long Table

Louie's Ice Cream

Simple Eatery

The Slammer

Sorelle's Delicatessen

Spark Provisions

Veya Coffee Bar

FeaturedShopping

Book Nook

BV Art and Photo

Growing Wild Flower Shop

Little Elk Trading Company

Luna Vista Revival Consignment

The Mercantile

Mt. Antero Treasures

Once Upon a Trapeze Bookstore

Peace Love Dirt

Rock Paper Scissors

Rustic Woods

Serendipity Yarn & Gifts

Souled Out T-Shirts

The Trailhead, Sundog Colorado

The Village

OntheRoadSites&ImportantLocations

Grace Church – Early check-in location- 203 W. Main St

Turner Farm & Apple Orchard – Friday night activity & Sunday breakfast – 829 W. Main St.

Comanche Drive-Inn – Friday night activity – 27784 Co Rd 339

Collegiate Peaks Stampede Rodeo Grounds - Friday night activity – Gregg Dr.

McGinnis Gym – Saturday Breakfast & Check In – 113 N. Court St.

Historic Chaffee County Courthouse & Museum – 506 E. Main St.

Town Square Boulder – Saturday afternoon tour 2 meetup location - 924 S. Main St.

The History of Buena Vista

Buena Vista was established in 1864 and initially called Cottonwood and then Mahonville after a founding family. In October 1879 a committee of local citizens incorporated the town, naming it Buena Vista for its ‘good view’ of the surrounding mountains and Arkansas River. The earliest European settlers followed the lure of gold and silver, mining in the nearby hills. By incorporation Buena Vista served as a supply hub for both mining and surrounding agriculture.

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Key milestones for early Buena Vista:

1880 – Catholic, Congregationalist, and Episcopalian churches erected

1881 – Fire department, known as DeReemer Hook and Ladder Company, established 1883 – Courthouse (now the BV Heritage Museum) completed; the County seat remained here until 1928 when it moved to Salida

1883 – Telephone service available in Buena Vista

1887 – Colorado Midland Railroad arrives, offering service from Woodland Park to Cripple Creek

1888 – Dam on river provides electric service

1889 – Both Denver, South Park, & Pacific and Denver & Rio Grande railroads arrive, providing service, respectively, from Denver and Pueblo

1889 - Colorado State Reformatory established; initially it served as a reform school for boys but transitioned to the Buena Vista Correctional Facility in 1978

1893 - Buena Vista opens two-story, brick schoolhouse (no longer extant); town also had a cemetery, several city parks, and the Town Lake

1894 – Arc streetlights installed

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In the 1920s the head lettuce industry was established near Buena Vista, providing a financial boost to the town. This new cash crop combined three local assets: mountain climate, area lakes, and railroad access. Lettuce was an ideal crop for Buena Vista’s relatively cool temperatures and short growing season Workers cut ice on lakes to ship the lettuce via train. The head lettuce trade continued until refrigerated train cars and trucks were invented, eliminating the need for shipping on ice. In this new era California-grown lettuce dominated commercial production and national sales.

Tourism has been a major economic driver for Buena Vista since the arrival of the railroad. Present-day tourists come

Arriving early? Check in at Grace Church, grab your conference materials, and enjoy an evening exploring Buena Vista before the conference begins. Choose from live music, local events, hot springs, or a classic drive-in movie experience.

ChooseYourOwnAdventureinBuenaVista!

Friday Evening Activities (All Optional)

Music&Social

LiveMusicatTurnerFarm(6–8PM)

CPIMemberHappyHour@Deerhammer Distillery(6PM)

LocalEvents

CollegiatePeaksStampedeRodeo($22.28,7 PM)

“Here”attheComancheDrive-In($15,8:45PM HotSprings

CharlotteHotSprings($35,openuntil9PM)

MountPrincetonHotSprings($45,openunt 9PM)

CottonwoodHotSprings($45,openuntil midnight)

This bustling mountain town boasts several amazing options: enjoy some music at Historic Turner Farm & Apple Orchard, grab dinner and drinks on Main Street, take a dip at the Cottonwood, Charlotte, or Mount Princeton Hot Springs, and finally join us for a drive-in movie at the legendary Comanche Drive-In after sunset. What you do is up to you, but you will see some familiar CPI and Buena Vista Heritage folks around town to show you around!

Grace Church has been a part of Buena Vista’s story for over a century, serving as a historic gathering place at the heart of the community.

The church will be open for tours during check-in!

saturday, june 13th

7:30 AM-8:30 AM

Opening Remarks, Breakfast & Check-In McGinnis Gym: 113 N Court St

For those of you that missed early check in on Friday, we will be waiting to greet you on Saturday morning We'll have a light breakfast to fuel your morning tours and some opening remarks from our staff and local Buena Vista guides and officials.

All morning tours leave from this location immediately following opening remarks If you get a late start, head to this location and we will get you plugged in.

SPEAKERS: Dr. Mary Therese Anstey (Chair, Historic Preservation Commission), Libby Fay (Mayor, Town of Buena Vista), Dan Nauchtreib (Board President, Collegiate Peaks Stampede Rodeo), Jennifer Orrigo Charles (Executive Director, CPI)

8:30 AM- 12:30 PM - WALKING TOUR OPTION

Buena Vista Historic Main Street: Building a Long-Term Preservation Strategy Tour begins @ McGinnis Gym: 113 N Court St

Explore the heart of Buena Vista on a walking tour focused on historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and community revitalization along East Main Street Learn how this former railroad and mining town is balancing growth and preservation through public-private partnerships, adaptive reuse, and Architectural Design Guidelines (ADGs).

The tour includes visits to the historic McGinnis Gym and the Grove Early Learning Center, two preservation projects led by Watershed, Inc. in partnership with the Buena Vista School District. Participants will hear how the long-vacant 1936 McGinnis Gym was restored after years of deterioration and how the adjacent historic Chaffee County Shop Building was adaptively reused into a public early learning center serving children ages 1–5 Discussions will include funding and legal strategies, construction challenges, and lessons learned from restoring National Register-listed properties.

Participants will also explore how Buena Vista developed and implemented its ADGs as a preservation tool to guide infill development and manage change within the historic downtown Walking along East Main Street, the tour will highlight real examples where the ADGs successfully supported preservation efforts, as well as areas where the guidelines proved less effective.

SPEAKERS: Rick Bieterman (Director, Watershed, Inc ), Natalie Lord (Principal Architect, Form + Works), John O’Brien (Director, Watershed, Inc.), Katy Welter (President, Watershed, Inc.)

saturday, june 13th

(Continued)

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM - BUS TOUR OPTION

Legacy on the Land: Exploring Chaffee County's Historic Ranches Meet in front of Heritage Museum: 506 E Main St

Step into the living legacy of ranching in the Arkansas Valley, where heritage landscapes and working lands have shaped Buena Vista since the 1860s. This guided bus tour travels south along Highway 285 to three multigenerational cattle ranches, each stewarded by their families for up to 140 years

At McMurry, Cogan, and Kelly Ranches, you will hear directly from the ranchers whose lives are intertwined with this land Learn how early settlement, irrigation, and hay production supported both survival and prosperity in this high-elevation valley, and how these operations continue to adapt today.

This is more than a tour, it is an opportunity to experience the enduring relationship between people, places, and preservation in Chaffee County

This tour will have one scheduled restroom stop about halfway through, please be prepared to be on the bus in rural areas for the entire duration

SPEAKERS: Bruce Cogan (Owner, Cogan Ranch), Judy Hassell (Buena Vista Heritage), Dave Kelly (Owner, Kelly Ranch), Ken & Connie McMurry (Owners, McMurry Ranch), Jo Reese (Vice Chair, Historic Preservation Commission)

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Pick Up Picnic Lunch & Tour the Buena Vista Heritage Museum

MCGINNIS GYM: 113 N COURT ST

Boxed lunches will be available after your morning tours Feel free to relax in the McGinnis Gym, or take your lunch for a walk eastward down Main Street and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Arkansas River!

The Buena Vista Heritage Museum is also open during this time and is right next door! Along with its permanent collection of historical artifacts, they are featuring a photography exhibit by the Curtis Legacy Foundation. This organization strives to elevate awareness of American Indians/Alaska Natives through storytelling while perpetuating the work of photographer Edward Curtis.

1:30 PM - 5:30 PM - AFTERNOON WALKING TOUR OPTION 1

If These Walls Could Talk; A Historic Look at the Stores of East Main Street! MEET IN FRONT OF THE HERITAGE MUSEUM: 506 E MAIN ST

Take a deeper dive into Buena Vista’s historic core, where every building tells a story. Through historic photographs and engaging storytelling, you will uncover the people, businesses, and events that shaped these buildings and the community around them. From boom-era optimism to modern-day revitalization, this tour reveals how Buena Vista continues to adapt while honoring its past.

SPEAKERS: John Groy (Owner, Pearl Theater), Nancy Locke (Local Historian, Historic Preservation Commission)

saturday, june 13th

1:30 PM - 5:30 PM - AFTERNOON WALKING TOUR OPTION 2

Celebrating Placemaking: How Design Shapes Community

Meet in Front of Town Square Boulder: 924 South Main Street

Discover how Buena Vista is balancing growth and new development with community identity on a lively walk around South Main Street. Set along the Arkansas River, the new South Main Street neighborhood is a nationally recognized example of New Urbanism constructed on what started as a vacant dump site in Buena Vista.

Hear from local leaders and developers about how zoning, architectural guidelines, and community values come together to shape place As you walk through South Main, you will see how thoughtful design can create walkable streets, vibrant public spaces, and architecture that feels both new and rooted in historic building principles.

Buena Vista Planner Carly Croft and HPC Chair Mary Therese Anstey will provide introductory context, emphasizing, respectively, what the local building code allows and the role of the architectural design guidelines to manage change along East Main Street South Main Co-founder and President Jed Selby then will lead a walking tour of the South Main neighborhood, sharing his architectural philosophies, importance of design guidelines for maintaining appearance and feel within the development, and the role of South Main within the Buena Vista community --

SPEAKERS: Dr. Mary Therese Anstey (Chair, Historic Preservation Commission), Carly Croft (Planner, Town of Buena Vista), Jed Selby (Co-Founder & President, South Main)

1:30 PM - 5:30 PM - AFTERNOON BUS TOUR OPTION

You'll Find No Ghosts Here: A Tour of Historic St. Elmo! MEET IN FRONT OF THE HERITAGE MUSEUM: 506 E MAIN ST

Travel deep into Chalk Creek Canyon to one of Colorado’s best-preserved mining towns. Founded in 1880 and fueled by the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad, St. Elmo once bustled with prospectors, merchants, and travelers chasing opportunity in the Rockies

Today, it stands as a remarkably intact historic district, offering a rare glimpse into Colorado’s mining-era past. Walk among original buildings virtually unchanged since the early 20th century and step inside select structures to learn about ongoing preservation efforts supported by the State Historical Fund.

Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Collegiate Peaks, pass the historic Mount Princeton Hot Springs, and follow the path that once carried ore and passengers into the high country And yes, there will be time to meet St. Elmo’s famously friendly chipmunks!

SPEAKERS: Melanie Roth (Historian, Historic St. Elmo)

Taste of Buena Vista

Saturday, June 13 , 6:30 - 9:00 PM th

McGinnisGym:113NCourtSt

Gatherwithfellowattendeesforaneveningdesignedtocelebratecommunity,connection, andthesharedstoriesthatshapeBuenaVista.FewtraditionsintheArkansasValley capturethespirit,grit,andheritageofBuenaVistaquiteliketheCollegiatePeaks StampedeRodeo.Therodeotracesitsrootsbackto1921,beginningasBuenaVista’s“Head LettuceDay.”Inspiredbythetown’shistoriccommunitygatherings,this“Tasteof”event featuresathoughtfullycuratedmealwithdishesthathighlightfreshingredientsandpay homagetoBuenaVista’slegacyasthe“HeadLettuceCapitaloftheWorld.”Rootedinthe agriculturaltraditionsoftheArkansasValley,themenuoffersamoderntakeonthe flavorsthatoncebroughtthecommunitytogethereachharvestseason.

SetagainstthebackdropoftheCollegiatePeaks,theeveningiscomplementedbylive musicfromColoradosinger-songwriterCarinMari,whosewarm,Americana-inspiredsound reflectsthelandscapesandspiritoftheWest.Together,greatfood,music,and conversationcreateawelcomingspacetocelebrateplace,heritage,andthepowerof community!

7:30AM-8:30AM

PicnicBreakfast&Reflections

TurnerFarm&AppleOrchard:829WMainSt

JoinusforalightpicnicbreakfastatthebucolicTurnerFarm,andhearfromBuenaVistaHeritage's ExecutiveDirector,LisaWagner.Lisa'songoingworkontheHistoricChaffeeCountyCourthouse,a cornerstoneofciviclifethathasevolvedfromcountyseattoschooltocommunitymuseum,alongwith severalothergrantprojectshavebuiltthelegacyofthetownyouseetoday.CPI'sExecutiveDirector, JenniferOrrigoCharles,willspeakontheimportanceofprojectslikethisinthestateofColoradoandhow youcantakethelessonslearnedherebacktoyourcommunity Thefarmwillbeopenforshorttoursastime allows.

-SPEAKERS:JenniferOrrigoCharles(ExecutiveDirector,CPI)&LisaWagner(ExecutiveDirector,Buena VistaHeritage)

8:30 AM- 12:45 PM - Bus Tour Option

All Aboard: Ride the Transportation History Road!

Departing from Turner Farm & Apple Orchard: 829 W Main St

Follow the “roads” on which Buena Vista was built. This tour explores the transportation networks that transformed a remote mountain valley into a hub of commerce and connection Travel toward Granite and the Midland Railroad corridor, where engineering feats once carried passengers and freight across rugged terrain. Learn how railroads like the Denver South Park & Pacific and the Rio Grande shaped settlement patterns, industry, and daily life in Chaffee County beginning in 1880 Stops include the historic Midland tunnels and the Granite Stage Stop, a project CPI is working on with Deep Roots Craftsmen.

Through tunnels, grades, and dramatic landscapes, this journey reveals how transportation infrastructure defined Buena Vista’s past and continues to influence its future.

-SPEAKERS: Amy Aschliman (Preservation Services Director, CPI), Suzy Kelly (Local Historian, Historic Preservation Commission), Natalie Lord (Principal Architect, Form + Works), Rick Lueb (Historic Preservation Commission), Kyle Nettleingham (Deep Roots Craftsmen, Carrol Rhead (Property Owner) sunday, June 14th

8:30 AM- 12:45 PM - WALKING TOUR OPTION

Take a Walk on the West Side!

Departing from Turner Farm & Apple Orchard: 829 W Main St

Take a walk on the not wild side but west side! Learn about the historic properties that lie just west of Buena Vista’s historic business district. Starting at Buena Vista Heritage’s Turner Farm and Apple Orchard, the tour will wind its way down West Main Street to Highway 24 and then back National and State Register properties on the tour include: the Turner Farm, an early 1900s homestead; Grace Episcopal Church; the Buena Vista Depot that was relocated to McPhelemy Park; and several historic homes. Forays into several side streets will afford the opportunity to learn about some of Buena Vista’s other historic residences and neighborhoods and the challenges they face as the town experiences the growth it shares with many Colorado mountain towns.

-SPEAKERS: Bill Bryans (Historic Preservation Commission), Nancy Locke (Historic Preservation Commission)

9:30 AM- 12:45 PM - WORKSHOP OPTION

Window Restoration Workshop with Deep Roots Craftsmen

McGinnis Gym: 113 N Court St

Those old windows don't have to go! In this hands-on workshop, learn how to ma p restore original windows rather than replace them.

From basic tune-ups to energy-efficiency upgrades and full restoration techniques, this workshop offers practical skills for homeowners, preservationists, and anyone passionate about keeping historic buildings intact. Participants will work directly with original Buena Vista windows (historic windows from 300 E Main St), gaining confidence and insight into this essential preservation craft.

($25 charge for non-On the Road attendees)

SPEAKERS: Jon Sargent (Deep Roots Craftsmen)

thank you to our sponsors!

PremierSponsor

PresentingSponsor

SupportingSponsors

WorkshopSponsor

Exhibiting Sponsor

melanieroth&

On the Road Committee Members

Colorado Preservation, Inc. would like to thank the many people who contributed to the production of Saving Places on the Road in Buena Vista We are humbled by their support Thank you!

MaryThereseAnstey CommitteeChair