Historic Denver Rail Yard Demolished Amid Preservation Outcry

In a move that has drawn the ire of preservationists, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has commenced the demolition of buildings at Burnham Yard, a historic rail yard that once played a pivotal role in Denver's railroad industry. Several structures at the site were identified as potentially historic properties, but CDOT has proceeded with the demolitions, citing the need for site cleanup and preparation.

The decision to tear down these buildings has sparked a fierce backlash from community members and organizations like Historic Denver, who argue that the demolitions represent a missed opportunity to celebrate and protect the city's rich railroad heritage. "This came as a total surprise, and it's very disappointing that buildings, which told the unique story of this site, have been destroyed in a matter of days," lamented Historic Denver's President and CEO, John Deffenbaugh.

CDOT, however, maintains that the demolitions are part of a broader effort to prepare the Burnham Yard site for a potential future sale and development. The agency says it has worked with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure that none of the buildings found to be historically eligible are being demolished, and that the historic easements on those structures will remain in place after the property is sold.

Despite these assurances, the demolitions have been met with widespread criticism, with community members and preservationists arguing that the state's actions show a "stunning lack of vision" and a disrespect for the history of the neighborhood, which was once home to many railroad workers and their families.