Left Hand Valley Courier - All Local, All The Time

Niwot Community Association board members showed their support for the Niwot Fire House Museum restoration project by voting to donate $2,000 toward the project at the NCA board’s Oct. 4 meeting. Proceeds from the NCA’s July 4 pancake breakfast were used to make the donation.

The restoration project, which must be done to meet Boulder County historic preservation requirements, is expected to cost more than $10,000, according to Niwot Historical Society President Kathy Koehler.

“We must follow Boulder County requirements because this building is located in our Niwot Historic District,” Koehler said. “But we are happy to meet those standards as the Niwot Historical Society fully supports restoring historic buildings to the highest standards.”

The historical society had to raise at least $5,000 to get work started, and Koehler said that amount will be surpassed with the NCA’s donation. The renovation will be done by Porchfront Homes in Niwot. Koehler expects work to begin this month.

Boulder County has approved the project and will provide matching funds up to $5,000 for the project. But county regulations require that the project be completed before any matching funds can be requested and dispersed, and the completed work must be certified to meet county historic preservation standards before costs can be reimbursed.

“It’s hard for a small non-profit to front a larger sum of money, which is why donations are important,” Koehler said.

NCA board members said supporting the project falls within the goals of the NCA to preserve the quality of life in Niwot. “I think this preservation project is a worthy project that would benefit the community and we should support it,” NCA board member Lance Goff said.

“Proceeds from the July 4 pancake breakfast are used for a community purpose and the firehouse museum enhances our community,” agreed board member Pat Murphy. “This project deserves our support.”

The firehouse building, built in 1910, was moved around town over the years andrepurposed into a laundry shed and later, an office. In 1997, it was donated to the Niwot Historical Society, taken apart into six sections and moved to its current location next to the LeftHand Grange Hall on 2nd Avenue in Niwot. It was landmarked by Boulder County in 1999.

The work includes adding vertical side trim on all corners to restore the original design; replacing and repairing skirt boards; cleaning, repairing or replacing original siding and fascia boards and painting window frames; and patching and refinishing thefront door. All wood used must come from reclaimed buildings of a similar age, and the nails used must be square like those made by blacksmiths in the early 1900s.

Koehler said any funds that remain after the firehouse restoration is complete will be set aside for future maintenance of the fire house building.

In other business, dog walkers and others using the Niwot Loop trail will soon have an additional trash receptacle along the trail near Niwot High School. NCA Vice Chair David Limbach said Boulder County officials have agreed to place and maintain the trash bin along the trail. “It should be in place this month,” Limbach said.