Historic Preservation

Old Town Niwot Historic District

The Old Town Niwot Historic District represents a significant collection of commercial buildings that were once typical in early Boulder County agricultural communities. Located along Second Avenue between Murray Street and Franklin Street, the historic district contains nine contributing buildings that still retain their historic integrity from the early 1900s. Unlike larger main street commercial areas that have continuous facades running along the entire block, smaller rural communities like Niwot typically contained vacant lots, detached buildings, different setbacks and varying building heights in their main street commercial areas – all of which remain in place today in the historic district. Notable buildings include Nelson Hall (known today as Left Hand Grange No. 9), which served an important role contributing to agricultural and social causes in the area, the unusual corner entrance designed Niwot State Bank and the Victorian era influence of the Frank Bader House. Design guidelines to protect the historic character of the buildings within the district were established in conjunction with the historic district’s designation.