Written on a wall in the Tread of the Pioneers Museum on the corner of Eighth and Oak Street, are the words, “A city without its historical buildings is like a man without a memory,” by Graeme Shankland. 

The words resonate with many people in Steamboat Springs and their passion for preservation can be seen in an exhibit titled, “This Place Matters”, which is currently on display at the museum. 

The exhibit is the result of a social media campaign which was initiated during historic preservation month in May. Throughout the month, a slew of residents of all ages headed for locations that they hold dear, armed with a camera and an orange placard marked with the words “This Place Matters.” The end result was a smorgasboard of imagery, which recognize the character of Routt County. Famous sites include the Crawford House, The Routt County National Bank Building and the Arnold Barn, intermixed with lesser-known treasures, The Hayden Granary and Crossans M & A Market in Yampa. 

Steamboat Springs is one of the only ski towns without mandatory historic preservation protections. Any building, which is 50 years old or more, is at risk of being destroyed. Escalating land and home values threaten older premises, a plight many local entities want to resolve. Despite outcries of some locale residents, a rustic log cabin built in 1941 on Pine Grove Road was recently demolished to make way for the new construction of a Residence Inn hotel. 

Throughout the coming months, Colorado Group Realty will be showcasing a number of the historic buildings, which will never simply become a memory.