What makes buildings in Congress Park special? Discover Denver, a project focused on identifying historic and architecturally significant structures citywide, begins work in Congress Park next month and wants your help!

The survey is gathering information about all Denver buildings using public records, neighborhood canvassing, academic research, and tips from the public. Volunteers play a significant role in Discover Denver, helping to document buildings, research building histories, and collect stories from members of the community. Findings from the survey will later be accessible online so that everyone can learn about Denver’s past — building by building.

Historic Denver, Inc. and the City and County of Denver lead this project, funded mainly by a Colorado State Historical Fund grant. Denver joins other major cities, including Los Angeles and Phoenix, that are conducting building surveys. Project benefits include:

• Uncovering buildings of historic and architectural significance
• Providing property owners up-front information about buildings to inform reinvestment and sale decisions
• Equipping city planners with information about historic resources when creating neighborhood plans
• Bolstering civic pride

Over the next few months, residents and business owners will experience minimal – if any – impact from volunteer surveyors working in Congress Park (bordered by York, Colfax, Colorado and E. 6th Avenue). Survey volunteers observe a property from the public street or sidewalk, taking notes on its physical features and integrity. Volunteers will have project-specific identification and should identify themselves to you if asked. No one associated with Discover Denver will enter or access your property without your permission.

Community input is key to the success of the project! Tell us your Congress Park stories and learn more about the project and how to get involved at www.DiscoverDenver.CO .