Meeker

Meeker board OKs plan to seek National Historic Register status

The old army garrison, which now includes the White River Museum on Park Street in Meeker, could be a part of the designation of several blocks downtown which would be included on the National Register of Historic Places.
The old army garrison, which now includes the White River Museum on Park Street in Meeker, could be a part of the designation of several blocks downtown which would be included on the National Register of Historic Places.
EDITOR’s NOTE: This story is being presented in two parts. This first part takes a look at the plan for the possible inclusion of parts of downtown Meeker on the National Register of Historic Places, a definition of what inclusion on the National Register means and the lack of forced restrictions on any property owner in the proposed area.

MEEKER I The Meeker Town Board gave its approval Feb. 3 to the Rio Blanco County Historical Society (RBCHS) to proceed with a long process that could end with part of downtown Meeker being listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Board members Scott Creasy, Bryce Ducey and John Strate, the only board members present for the meeting, told Ellene Meece, president of the RBCHS, that the only reluctance they had to approving the resolution was they wanted to make certain that approving the resolution would in no way tie any resident within the proposed historic district to any commitment on their part.
Meece said the resolution doesn’t tie anyone or their property to any future commitment, and she pointed out the paperwork from History Colorado, which will help with the paperwork and possibly provide a grant to pay for a consultant, states that any property owner within the proposed district can object to participating and that if a majority of the landowners within the proposed historic district object to the proposal, then there will be no historic district.
The parameters of the proposed district start at the intersection of Fourth and Main streets, travel north on both sides of Fourth Street to Park Street, turn left (west) to cover both sides of Park Street to Eighth Street, where it would cover both sides of Eighth Street, turning west through the alleyway to Seventh Street, then turn south from the alley, running down to Main Street, then turning east and running back to Fourth Street, covering both sides of Main.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
A historic district is a group of buildings, properties or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings and sites within a historic district are normally divided into two categories, contributing and non-contributing.
On June 5, 2013, a team from the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for History Colorado visited Meeker to conduct survey work and make an assessment to determine if there might be historic district eligibility and to update individual eligibility recommendations.
Their report was positive and was presented as a starting place for Meeker to consider ways to expand historic preservation in the community and to consider applying for one of the most competitive application processes—to be named a designated historic district.
Meeker’s rich history and a considerable amount of existing historic structures lend themselves to at least applying for the coveted title of a national historic district.
Benefits of attaining a National Historic District designation include: Formal recognition of the history of the community. Meeker would be listed in a register nationally, which would give strong exposure to the town’s credibility as a historic place to visit and ultimately boost heritage tourism; Provide local government with substantial information for community planning and heritage tourism efforts; Give eligibility to apply for tax credits for restoration, rehabilitation or preservation; Give eligibility to obtain federal rehabilitation tax credits for income-producing properties that meet specific standards for work; Give eligibility to compete for grants from the State Historical Fund that can be used for acquisition and development, education and survey and planning projects. Grants vary in size to amounts in excess of $200,000; Gives accessibility to apply for CHF Revolving Loan Fund with low interest rates; and Ability to purchase and display a plaque to commemorate designation.
Other benefits include: Nationwide studies demonstrate that designated historic districts outpace undesignated neighborhoods in market value; Limited protection from federal agency actions that would affect the property; and Federal tax deductions available for charitable contributions of partial interests.
While Meeker has satisfactory qualifications to prepare a nomination, private property owners are given the opportunity to object. If the majority of property owners within a potential National Historic District object to the nomination, the district cannot be listed.
“Even though several preliminary steps have been taken to pursue this daunting task of applying for national historic district designation, such as a resolutions from Rio Blanco County Historical Society, Meeker Arts and Culture Council and the Town of Meeker, we are still in the beginning steps to making this a reality,” Meece said.
There are only 112 National Historic Districts in Colorado.
What are the restrictions, rules, regulations for historic property owners?
From the federal perspective, a property owner can do whatever they want with their property as long as there are no federal monies attached to the specific property inside the district.
However, before this occurs, the property owner should contact the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which is the state agency that oversees historic preservation efforts in the state. There may be state or local preservation laws that they should be aware of before they undertake a project with a historic property.
Can a property owner modify, remodel or renovate without restriction in a historic district?
Again, from the federal perspective, a property owner can do whatever they want with their property as long as there are no federal monies attached to the property.
Owners of private property listed in the National Register also have no obligation to open their properties to the public, to restore them, or even to maintain them, if they choose not to do so. Owners can do anything they wish with their property provided that no federal license, permit, or funding is involved.
“What those answers mean is that the historic district designation means nothing to a private property owner who wants to opt out of the program,” Meece said. “Opting in means that the property owners will have access to grants, low-interest loans and other benefits if they wish to improve their property, but that is not a required part of being within the historic district. If they do take federal funding for any of the improvement purposes, then they are bound by the rules of a federal historic district. The decision is totally up to the property owner.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Part 2 will look at the process, which can take well in excess of 18 months before any decisions are made; the grant and other funding available for improvements should the district become a reality; the listing of the two buildings in downtown Meeker that are already listed on the National Register; the two buildings in downtown Meeker already on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties; and the list of 22 properties listed as possibly eligible for inclusion on the state or national registers.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!