Historic American Buildings Survey/ Historic American Engineering Record Reports and Other Documentation Projects
Front Range is sometimes called upon to produce documentation for historic resources that goes beyond that required for historic resource surveys. Such documentation often occurs in anticipation of an adverse impact to a historic resource, such as demolition. Documentation may follow the requirements of the Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER) or other levels of recordation. Such projects produce detailed documentation of significant historic resources, including historical research, complete large format archival quality photographic documentation, and a written narrative describing the architectural qualities of the resources and placing them in historical perspective.
HABS/HAER
Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER) documentation is edited, catalogued, and packaged according to exacting specifications and is reviewed by the National Park Service.

Shoshone-Denver Transmission Line, Garfield County, Colorado (1998, 2014)
HAER documentation of a 1906-09 high-altitude electrical transmission line associated with the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant for Public Service Company of Colorado. The project focused on two transmission tower types (manufactured by Milliken and Riter-Conley) located near Carbondale, Colorado. Roger Whitacre produced the large format archival photographs.
HAER documentation of a 1906-09 high-altitude electrical transmission line associated with the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant for Public Service Company of Colorado. The project focused on two transmission tower types (manufactured by Milliken and Riter-Conley) located near Carbondale, Colorado. Roger Whitacre produced the large format archival photographs.
Other Documentation
Some resources are recorded at a more simplified level than that of full HABS/HAER. A Colorado OAHP or U.S. BLM Level II documentation accepts medium format archival photography.
Rand/Showalter/Hoyle Farm, Louisville, Boulder County, Colorado, OAHP Level II Documentation (1915-16). Front Range prepared OAHP Level II documentation for this twentieth century farm in southeast Boulder County, including a historical background, architectural descriptions, and archival photographs. The firm teamed with Avenue L Architects, who prepared measured drawings of the main house on the property. The 33-acre farm contains a variety of agricultural buildings including a main house, barn, concrete stave silo, granary, garage, chicken house, and irrigation ditches.
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Gates Rubber Plant, Level II Documentation, Denver, Colorado (2012-14). Front Range prepared OAHP Level II documentation for the buildings and site of the Gates Rubber Company in south-central Denver. The project included architectural descriptions, historical background, reproduction of architectural drawings, and black and white archival photography (performed by local professional photographer Roger Whitacre). Sixty-six black and white prints were prepared.
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McDonald House, 1800 Gilpin/1707 East 18thAvenue, Denver, Colorado (2012)
Front Range completed Colorado OAHP Level II documentation for this large 1899 Mission Revival residence designed by Walter L. Rice. The project included medium format archival photography, preparation of a measured plan drawing of the house, historical background, and architectural description. The house was demolished following documentation. |
Fitzsimons Theater Murals Documentation, Aurora, Colorado (2005)
Photography, historical research, and description of historic murals in a theater slated for demolition on the former Fitzsimons General Hospital site. The murals were painted by Private Philip J. Henselman while stationed at the post during World War II. |

Clear Lake Dam, Clear Creek County, Colorado, Historic Resource Documentation (1996)
The Green and Clear Lakes Company erected Clear Lake Dam in 1902-03 as part of a hydroelectric power system in the Georgetown, Colorado, area. Documentation consisted of large format (4" x 5") photographs by Bill Tate and written historical and descriptive information. The project was undertaken for Public Service Company of Colorado.
The Green and Clear Lakes Company erected Clear Lake Dam in 1902-03 as part of a hydroelectric power system in the Georgetown, Colorado, area. Documentation consisted of large format (4" x 5") photographs by Bill Tate and written historical and descriptive information. The project was undertaken for Public Service Company of Colorado.
Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, Colorado, Historic Buildings Documentation (1995)
Documentation of representative historic resources within two potential National Register historic districts at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, Colorado. Bureau of Land Management Level II documentation prepared for 47 buildings included historical research, medium format photography, and measured site plans. Property types included two large hangars, the administration building, officers' quarters, training school buildings, boiler plant, chapel, barracks, and miscellaneous support buildings. The project also developed an interpretive plan for the project area, including recommended signage and an interpretive brochure. |
Gregory House Historical Research, Westminster, Colorado (1995)
Documentation of the Gregory House undertaken for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which acquired the property under the Gifts for Heritage program. Recordation included photography, preparation of measured drawings of the site and house, and historical research. |

Elitch Gardens Wildcat Roller Coaster, Denver, Colorado (1995)
Originally named the Skyrocket, this camelback out-and-back wood roller coaster was designed by Herbert P. Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and installed at Elitch Gardens in northwest Denver in 1926. In 1936, Schmeck redesigned the ride which was renamed the Wildcat. The Douglas fir structure was composed of approximately 285 bents, reached a maximum height of 71' 11", and formed a circuit 2,900' long. It was demolished in the 1990s when Elitch's moved to a new location in Denver's Central Platte Valley.
Originally named the Skyrocket, this camelback out-and-back wood roller coaster was designed by Herbert P. Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and installed at Elitch Gardens in northwest Denver in 1926. In 1936, Schmeck redesigned the ride which was renamed the Wildcat. The Douglas fir structure was composed of approximately 285 bents, reached a maximum height of 71' 11", and formed a circuit 2,900' long. It was demolished in the 1990s when Elitch's moved to a new location in Denver's Central Platte Valley.

Elitch Gardens Theatre, Denver, Colorado (1995)
When John and Mary Elitch opened their Elitch Gardens amusement park in northwest Denver in 1890, this octagonal theater building was one of its primary attractions. Denver architects C. Herbert Lee and Rudolf Liden designed the frame, Resort-style theater. The theater operated during the summer season, presenting vaudeville, concerts, and stock play productions. Listed in the National Register, the theater remained at the site after Elitch's moved to a new location in Denver's Central Platte Valley in the 1990s.
When John and Mary Elitch opened their Elitch Gardens amusement park in northwest Denver in 1890, this octagonal theater building was one of its primary attractions. Denver architects C. Herbert Lee and Rudolf Liden designed the frame, Resort-style theater. The theater operated during the summer season, presenting vaudeville, concerts, and stock play productions. Listed in the National Register, the theater remained at the site after Elitch's moved to a new location in Denver's Central Platte Valley in the 1990s.

Elitch Gardens Carousel Building, Denver, Colorado (1995)
Located at Elitch Gardens amusement park in northwest Denver, this twelve-sided carousel building with a bell-shaped roof and flared eaves was erected ca. 1927-28 to house a new carousel designed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The carousel (PTC number 51) was a four-row, 67-horse carousel with two chariots. The carousel was relocated to Elitch's new location in Denver's Central Platte Valley in the 1990s, but this carousel building remained on the original site.
Located at Elitch Gardens amusement park in northwest Denver, this twelve-sided carousel building with a bell-shaped roof and flared eaves was erected ca. 1927-28 to house a new carousel designed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The carousel (PTC number 51) was a four-row, 67-horse carousel with two chariots. The carousel was relocated to Elitch's new location in Denver's Central Platte Valley in the 1990s, but this carousel building remained on the original site.

Elitch Gardens Office and Greenhouse, Denver, Colorado (1995)
The ca. 1919 office building provided essential support functions for the Elitch Gardens amusement park in northwest Denver, including office, shipping, warehouse, and shop space for park operations and the company's expanding floral business. The ca. 1910-14 greenhouses provided plants for the gardens' floral displays, as well as those for retail sale. It was demolished in the 1990s when Elitch's moved to a new location in Denver's Central Platte Valley.
The ca. 1919 office building provided essential support functions for the Elitch Gardens amusement park in northwest Denver, including office, shipping, warehouse, and shop space for park operations and the company's expanding floral business. The ca. 1910-14 greenhouses provided plants for the gardens' floral displays, as well as those for retail sale. It was demolished in the 1990s when Elitch's moved to a new location in Denver's Central Platte Valley.
Trail/Early Automobile Road Segment, Bear Lake County, Idaho (1993) Documentation of an early twentieth century automobile road north of Georgetown, Idaho, which followed the earlier route of the Oregon Trail.
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Old U.S. 30 Segment, Bear Lake County, Idaho (1992-93)
Documentation of a mid-twentieth century automobile road north of Georgetown, Idaho. |
Twin Falls Main Canal, Twin Falls County, Idaho (1992-93)
Documentation of an early twentieth century irrigation canal, southwest of Murtaugh, that was part of the Twin Falls South Side Reclamation Project. |