PRESERVATION IN ACTION
BLENDING HISTORIC PRESERVATION, SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
In 2008, the Colorado Chautauqua embraced environmental sustainability as integral to its historic preservation mission and committed to making the Colorado Chautauqua the most environmentally sustainable National Historic Landmark in the country, marrying historic preservation with resource efficiency. Since then, Chautauqua has been implementing initiatives related to energy use, water conservation, storm water management, and reuse/recycling. Chautauqua also offers opportunities for other public, private, and nonprofit organizations and individuals to learn about the challenging realities of uniting historic preservation and environmental sustainability principles.
“When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such a work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and people will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, See! This our parents did for us!”
− John Ruskin
2022 Sustainability and Resilience Strategy Report (pdf)
Wildfire Mitigation Plan (Phase 1 PDF) (Phase 2 PDF)
Chautauqua’s Wildfire Mitigation project was paid for in part by a History Colorado – State Historical Fund grant.
Learn more about Chautauqua’s Firewise Garden here: (PDF)
Tell us what you think at [email protected]!
High Performance Preservation
SHOWCASING SUSTAINABILITY AND PRESERVATION
The Colorado Chautauqua is committed to integrating innovative and environmentally sustainable practices within the framework of our National Historic Landmark setting. Consistent with our historic mission, our goal is to showcase the Chautauqua campus as a demonstration site and to educate visitors about innovative environmental concepts and technologies in the context of historic preservation – all in the spirit of lifelong learning, one of the most important values of the Chautauqua Movement.
Energy Performance
DEMONSTRATING BEST PRACTICES IN ENERGY CONSERVATION
The Colorado Chautauqua seeks to reduce energy demand while also enhancing visitor comfort. We take an integrated approach that balances “best practices” in sustainability, including insulation and air sealing, lighting, appliances, windows, heating and cooling, hot water and passive shading, all while adhering to historic preservation guidelines and constraints.
As part of our Sustainability and Resiliency Strategy, we are also exploring innovative, alternative and renewable energy generation technologies that can be implemented without compromising the historic integrity of the campus and its structures.
Water Conservation
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR STRATEGIES
The Colorado Chautauqua continues to reduce indoor water consumption by employing high-efficiency toilets, low-flow aerators, low-flow faucets, and exploring potential greywater applications. We are also pursuing more effective storm water management techniques as part of our Sustainability and Resiliency Strategy. This includes improving storm water management to minimize needs for potable water for landscape irrigation. We are also converting to high-efficiency irrigation system features and controllers and developing landscape design guidelines specifying plant selections that are drought tolerant and generally indigenous to the Colorado Front Range.
Waste Management
ON THE PATH TO ZERO WASTE
For more than a decade, the Colorado Chautauqua has been working toward becoming a Zero Waste facility. We have expanded our recycling and composting programs, which includes equipping every cottage and public building with receptacles to sort waste materials. We also provide educational materials to guests and residents to help reinforce our commitment to waste reduction and diversion, minimizing materials bound for the landfill.
Case Study
MARY H. GALEY COTTAGE
For three years, the Chautauqua team worked tirelessly to rehabilitate the Mary H. Galey cottage, an important historic landmark. The cottage is now a beautiful, comfortable and Energy Star certifed, living, meeting and entertaining space for families, friends, business and visiting performers, including the likes of Chautauqua favorites, David Crosby, the Indigo Girls and Keb’ Mo.
Case Study
KING’S GATE
In 2019, as part of our ongoing commitment to the preservation of the National Historic Landmark, the Colorado Chautauqua rehabilitated King’s Gate, the historic entry to the park located on Baseline Road. This initiative included restoration of the stone columns and column caps on the gate, and reestablishing the rose garden and flower beds originally planted in the early 1900’s.
Archives
OVER 120 YEARS OF HISTORY
The archive collection at the Colorado Chautauqua contains thousands of historic records dating back to 1898. The archives include photographs, marketing materials, extensive information on Chautauqua’s buildings and grounds, and information on the organization’s operations.
Part of the collection has been digitized and a sampling of historical photographs and printed materials is available for viewing. If you have a request related to the archives or would like to make a donation, please contact us and a member of our staff will be in touch.
Preservation & Planning Documents
Chautauqua Design Guidelines (1989) 1.7MB
The Chautauqua Park Historic District Cultural Landscape Assessment and Plan (2004) 12.8MB
Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark Application (2005) 264KB
Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark Certificate and Letter (2006) 324 KB
Chautauqua Environmental Sustainability Plan – Executive Summary (2008) 772KB
Chautauqua Interpretive Services Plan (2008) 8.4MB
Chautauqua Master Signage Plan (2009) 3.6MB
Landscape Design Guidelines (2012) 14MB
Colorado Chautauqua Strategic Plan (2015) 135KB
Colorado Chautauqua Lighting Design Guidelines (2018) 2.58MB
Chautauqua Sustainability and Resilience Strategy: Study Group Reports (2020)
Sustainability and Resilience Strategy: Vulnerabilities Assessment (2020)
Pavilion Presentation (2021) 3.5MB
Questions?
We would love to hear from you.