Page 5 - Denver, CO Sunken Gardens

HISTORIC ASSESSMENT

Reconstruction installed at various locations on a site and may appear in
Reconstruction is the act or process of depicting, by publications. Exhibits that include artifacts from historic
means of new construction, the form, features and detail- resources also may be used. Interpretation may apply to
ing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure a resource that is preserved, but often applies to those
or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at that no longer exist as well. (Many opportunities for inter-
a specific time and in its historic location. (Reconstruc- pretation exist in the park.)
tion of some missing features may be an option for some
individual resources in the park.) The Sequence of Preferred Treatments
This analysis of historic resources in the park suggests a
Combining Actions variety of alternative treatments that draw upon the best
While these terms for treatment are used interchange- practices described earlier. These treatments are listed in
ably in informal conversation, the more precise meanings the order of preference in the report. For those structures
often are used when describing the overall strategy for a that are in relatively good condition and that retain a high
historic property. degree of integrity, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse are
preferred treatments.
Best Practices in the Preferred Sequence
of Disposition Options for a Historic Re- Several of the historic resources identified in this memo
source could enliven the park, provide touchstones needed to
When considering the disposition of a historic resource, a ground people’s experience in this place, and help it
range of actions may be considered. In general practice, retain its unique character. For example, reusing the
those actions that require the least intervention with the foundation of the early neoclassical pavilion as a staging
property are preferred. This applies to a building, struc- area could help users experience, albeit in new ways,
ture or site feature. Generally, preservation in place is the sense of overlooking the park that the pavilion once
best, and should be considered as the first option when provided. As another example, historic walkways could
it is feasible. If preservation in place is not feasible, then help define spaces for various activities and experiences
alternative treatments may be considered. The options in the park.
described below are listed in order of preference.
Comments about the Condition Ratings
1. Preserve in Place Comments on the general condition of a resource are
The best practice is to keep the resource in its original provided in some of the recommendations. These criteria
location, because part of its significance derives from its were used in making those findings:
siting and relationship to other features in the area. Using
the resource for a purpose similar to its historic function Good Condition
also is preferred, but adaptive reuse that maintains the An element or structure is described as in Good condition
character while accommodating new uses is also appro- when:
priate when preserving in place. The option may also • It appears to be intact
include making alterations that are compatible and that
help to extend the life of a resource. Constructing an ad- • There are few or no cosmetic imperfections
dition to a building is an example. (Preserving in place is
likely to apply for several resources in Sunken Gardens.) • It needs only minor repair

2. Relocate to a Compatible Location Fair Condition
When preservation in place is not feasible, then relo- An element or structure is described as in Fair condition
cating a resource such that it can be reused is the next when:
alternative to consider. This is best when the resource is
sited in a setting that is similar to its historic site or that • There are signs of wear, failure, or deterioration, but
is essentially compatible with its character. (Application of is generally sound
this approach is unlikely in Sunken Gardens.)
• There is failure of a key component or feature
3. Document and then Demolish
Demolition is not recommended, except when other • Replacement of some materials and features (up to
alternatives are not feasible. If the property has historic 25%) may be needed
significance, documenting it before it is removed is rec-
ommended. This information will contribute to the record Poor Condition
of the history of the site and may provide material that An element or structure is described as in Poor condition
can then be used in heritage interpretation programs. The when:
level of documentation to be provided may vary, de- • Many key features are missing
pending upon the reasons for significance, its distinctive
features or the condition of the property. (It is unlikely • Deterioration or damage affects more than 25%of the
that demolition will be appropriate for any of the historic element or structure
resources in the park.)
• Substantial repair and replacement of key features
4. Interpret the Resource may be needed
Interpretation may take a wide range of forms, but of-
ten includes printed and graphic material. This may be

CITY & COUNTY OF D ENVER | P ARKS & RECREATION
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