History of the Depot
In 1890, the Union Pacific Railroad built the Depot on
14th Street on the north side of Canyon Boulevard (then Water Street).
It was constructed of Boulder County stone at the cost of $16,000.
On August 13th, 1890 the Boulder County Herald newspaper noted that “The
stonework is not to be surpassed in the state. The woodwork is exceedingly
well done and is handsome. A gentleman who has made a critical examination
of the work says ‘one ounce of putty will cover all the defects in the
way of joints, cracks, etc.” The Depot continued to serve as the
railroad passenger station until 1957, when a new station was built east
of town. The Depot then changed to a bus terminal operated by the
Denver-Boulder Bus Company and the Travel Center travel agency. In
1973 the City of Boulder began the removal of the Depot to open 14th Street
to Canyon Boulevard. Historic Boulder and other concerned citizens
thought that tearing down one of Boulder’s most prominent architectural
landmarks would be a great loss. The Jaycees acted upon this community
service opportunity and approached the City and the Pow Wow County Fair
association with the idea of moving the building to the Pow Wow Grounds.
Jaycees purchased the building for $68,000 and obtained a lease for the
new site. Members of the Jaycees personally guaranteed the note from
Colorado National Bank to pay for the building and the move which was accomplished
two parts on its way to the present location at Pearl and 30th Streets.
The first half was moved on June 25th 1973, and the second half on September
14th of the same year. In addition to moving the Depot, the Jaycees
rehabilitated the building. The cupola was rebuilt using historic
photographs for reference and the entire roof was replaced. The sandstone,
originating from the Anderson Quarry in Skunk Canyon, was cleaned.
The interior was remodeled to contain meeting rooms, small offices, and
a kitchen. The Depot became the home of the Boulder Jaycees as well
as meeting place for other community organizations, and a place for groups
to conduct craft fairs, dance classes, wedding receptions, and business
meetings. The Jaycees conducted many fundraisers to retire the original
purchase and relocation loan.
The Depot was rededicated on its new site on July 4th,
1976, and in 1979 the Depot was Landmarked by the Boulder City Council
(ordinance 4444)
The
Depot Today
