Nordstrom Ranch Silo Landmark Nomination
This is a new historic landmark nomination proposal. The Historic Landmark Board reviewed the request on September 1, 2026, in accordance with the application review process timeline. Recommendations from the Board will be considered by the Council on September 22, 2026, during a public hearing. This page can be accessed to stay up to date with the proposal and provide feedback about the request.
Project Details
Location: 1790 W 160th Avenue
Project Type: City and County of Broomfield (CCOB) Historic Landmark Nomination
Applicant: Open Space and Trails Department, CCOB
Project Overview
The Open Space and Trails Department, represented by Director Kristan Pritz, requests local historic landmark nomination for the c. 1948 Nordstrom Ranch silo, located at 1790 West 160th Avenue. Situated on a 3.16-acre CCOB-owned parcel, the structure is the sole remaining element associated with the historic Nordstrom Ranch.
State Register of Historic Places: Not listed
National Register of Historic Places: Not listed
Legal Description: United Power Parkway Substation, Filing No. 1, Outlot 1
Age of Structure: Circa 1948
The silo is a mid-20th-century agricultural-related utility outbuilding that was constructed ca. 1948. It exemplifies the functional, utilitarian architecture that defined mid-century agricultural operations in Colorado and the broader region. The following is a brief description of the silo and the materials used for construction:
Classic Concrete Stave Form: The structure embodies the distinctive elements of a precast concrete stave silo:
A 40-foot-tall circular footprint (15 ft x 15 ft) resting on an 8-inch-thick slab-on-grade concrete foundation.
Outer walls composed of 2-inch-thick, 10-inch-wide by 30-inch-tall precast tongue-and-groove concrete staves.
A classic conical roof constructed of 20 pie-shaped corrugated steel panels with a central opening and a slope hatch.
Ten vertically aligned east-facing access openings framed in steel, featuring original flat wood-plank hatches with metal handles.
In 2014, local ranchers who grew up in the area near the Nordstrom Ranch gathered to remember and celebrate their agricultural roots. Here is a link to the article that was published in the Broomfield Enterprise about that day!
Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan: The property is designated as "Open Lands" per the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. Consistent with Policy CF-A.5, this nomination helps to: Continue to preserve and advance Broomfield's historic resources when feasible and to connect historical motifs and themes to Broomfield's form and identity.
Site Layout and Access: The site is located south of W 160th Ave, east of the United Power transfer station.
Project Status: The Historic Landmark Board voted to recommend approval on September 1, 2026. The Council will review the nomination and the HLB recommendation on September 22 at 6:00 pm, 1 DesCombes Drive, in the Council Chambers.
Possible Key Issues:
Staff has not identified any key issues with this landmark nomination request.
Criteria for Designation
Per the Broomfield Municipal Code, Chapter 17-72-050, properties receiving historic designations shall be at least fifty years old, except as otherwise provided herein, and possess architectural, social, or geographical/environmental importance by meeting one or more of the following:
- Exemplifies architectural style or period
- Example of work of an architect or builder who is recognized nationally, statewide, regionally, or locally
- Demonstrates superior craftsmanship or artesian
- Represents innovation in construction, materials or design
- Represents a style particularly associated with the Broomfield area
- Represents a built environment of a group of people in an era of history
- Represents a pattern or grouping of elements representing at least one of the above criteria
- Experienced a significant historic remodel
- Associated with a historic event that affected society
- Exemplifies cultural, political, economic, or social heritage of the community
- Associated with a person or work of a notable person
- Represents a typical example/association with a particular ethnic group
- Represents a unique example of an event in Broomfield's history
- Enhances a sense of identity of the community
- Significant landform or natural setting
In this case, the property is being nominated under four of the 15 criteria for designation. The Nordstrom silo exemplifies specific elements of an architectural style or period; it represents a style particularly associated with the Broomfield area; it exemplifies cultural, political, or social heritage of the community; and it enhances a sense of identity of the community.
Process and Next Steps
The Historic Landmark Board reviewed the landmark nomination application during a public hearing on September 1, 2026, where the Board voted to recommend approval (6-0).
The Council will make the final decision on the application during the second hearing, which is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 6 pm.
Public Engagement
Public comment can be provided via the forum below or emailed directly to the case planner. Questions should be posted in the "Q&A" section. Feedback will be provided to the applicant for consideration, and questions will be responded to within 72 business hours. Prior to public hearings on the proposal, public notice will be provided to nearby residents outlining the meeting date and attendance information. All comments on the Broomfield Voice and sent via email will be provided to the Historic Landmark Board and Council before they review the proposal.
Q & A
Submit your questions about the application below. City and County of Broomfield staff will respond to your question within 2-3 business days.
City and County of Broomfield staff are required to be neutral parties in the development application process and can only restate what information the developer has shared in their application. If you would like to share your feedback with City Council as they determine whether to approve the project, please use the “Comments” tab.
