historic preservation eastlake grain elevator

​Historic Preservation Plan

Thornton is embarking on a Historic Preservation Plan. Outreach and project development are underway and are planned through the Fall of 2023; for more information please visit the project webpage. 

Contact Thornton Long Range Planning Division to be added to the update email list: LongRange.Planning@ThorntonCO.gov or call 303-538-7438

Historic Recognition​ Code - Proposed Changes Coming Soon

Community recognition of Thornton's history and heritage creates a sense of belonging, pride, and identity. Identification and preservation of buildings and structures from the city's history help make Thornton a special place. In December 2012, City Council adopted the "Historic Recognition Code" which is Chapter 19 of the Thornton City Code to provide a procedure for officially recognizing historic sites, structures, and districts within the city.

Like many suburbs built after 1950, Thornton's history begins at its agricultural roots in the late 1800s and early 1900s, long before its incorporation as a municipality in 1956. This history extends through the original post-WWII subdivisions into the extraordinary population growth of recent decades. Structures built before the early 1960s are now older than 50 years and are eligible for listing in the state and national register of historic places. Thornton's Historic Recognition Code now provides a mechanism for nominating these structures for local historic designation as well. Formally recognizing our collective history will preserve and enhance Thornton's past for future generations.

Proposed Code Changes

The city is proposing changes to the code language. Please contact Thornton Long Range Planning Division for more information on this project at LongRange.Planning@ThorntonCO.gov or call 303-538-7438.

Thornton Historic Preservation Documents of Interest 

In working towards preserving Thornton's history the city has researched and prepared studies, masterplans and design guidelines to assist Thornton's community members and developers in understanding Thornton's history and what actions should be taken to preserve that history. Below is a list of documents to assist in better understanding what actions to take and what actions have been taken to preserve Thornton's history.  


Historic Preservation Documents of Interest
  • City of Thornton Historical Archive and Art Collection
    A digital archive aimed at preserving and sharing the history of the City of Thornton.
  • Eastlake Farmers Co-Operative Elevator Company National Register Nomination Form
    The nomination form, accepted by the United States Department of the Interior and National Park Service, listing the Eastlake Farmers Co-Operative Elevator as a National Historic Landmark.
  • Reitzenstein Barn Historic Recognition
    A 2015 resolution recognizing the Reitzenstein Barn, near York Street and E 148th Avenue, as a historic landmark. The Reitzenstein Barn is within the Big Dry Creek Open Space and near Quail Valley in north Thornton.
  • Reitzenstein Barn Historic Recognition Council Communication
    City Council communication regarding a 2015 resolution recognizing the Reitzenstein Barn, near York Street and E 148th Avenue, as a historic landmark.
  • Lambertson Lakes Homestead Master Plan
    The Lambertson Lakes Homestead Master Plan includes a historic structure assessment and a development plan for the 32 acre Thornton-owned Lambertson Lakes Park and Open Space.
  • Eastlake Historic Buildings Survey
    A survey performed in 2000 of the historic buildings within historic Eastlake, Colorado. Eastlake was a community annexed by the City of Thornton in 1990 and is located in the north-central portion of the City and abuts the current end-of-line station for the N-line commuter rail. Eastlake was established in 1911 and represents the nucleus of a historic agricultural community.
  • Eastlake Historic Building Survey Sheets
    Individual survey sheets for specific buildings in the Eastlake neighborhood performed together with a survey performed in 2000 of the historic buildings within historic Eastlake, Colorado.
  • Heritage Trail and Linkage Concept Plan
    A 2012 concept plan, the Heritage Trail system is to convey Thornton’s spirit, character, and uniqueness by integrating a diverse spectrum of regional themes, or stories, which pertain to Thornton’s history, culture, and environment.
  • Eastlake Farmers Co-Operative Elevator Heritage Trail Signage
    Information on the history and use of the Eastlake Farmers Co-Operative Elevator.
  • Original Thornton Pattern Book
    Original Thornton represents the founding subdivision of the city, formally incorporated on Mary 26, 1956, and a development pattern and style similar to other Denver metro suburbs of the Post-War era. The Pattern Book aims to capitalize on the strengths and unique regional character of Original Thornton.
Thornton Historic Context
Historic Recognition Information