The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Over the next few weeks, the town of Crested Butte will affix historic markers to 33 of its historic buildings, outlining the history and ownership of many of the historic properties within the Crested Butte historic district.
The plaques are the end result of a concerted effort by Molly Minneman, historic preservation coordinator for the town of Crested Butte, to compile the histories of some of the oldest and most unique buildings in town.
With the help of long-time locals Rudy, Richard and Lois Rozman, Trudy Yaklich, Henrietta Raines and building department assistant Phillip Supino, Molly compiled the history of the buildings from the mining boom era of the 1880s to the arrival of ski lifts in the 1960s.
The historic buildings represent the town’s most significant historic structures and examples of the architecture from the period of significance for the Crested Butte National Historic District.
The project also provides insight into those residents and pioneers who lived in and created early Crested Butte.
The plaques will serve as points of interest for locals and tourists alike. Heritage tourism is the fastest growing form of tourism in the United States, and heritage tourists are highly valued for their length of stay and contribution to local economies. The plaques will provide a focal point for this interest and a window into the town’s history and unique character.
The town thanks the property owners who agreed to allow the town to place the plaques on their buildings. The town plans to produce more plaques, hoping to eventually include all of its historic primary commercial and residential buildings in the plaque program. A map and plaque walking tour are being developed and will be available this summer at the town offices, the Chamber of Commerce and the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum.
If you are the owner of a historic building that has not yet been included in the plaque program and are interested in being included in the future, please contact the Building Department staff at 349-5338.
