Colorized photo of the historic Hartman Castle in Gunnison, Colorado for Hartman Castle Preservation Corp. blog titled "The Social Power of Preservation and Placemaking"

May 22, 2025 | History

The Social Power of Preservation and Placemaking

Written by Hartman Castle Preservation

Historic preservation is more than just saving beautiful old buildings—it’s about safeguarding the soul of a community. Places like Hartman Castle are more than brick and stone; they are cultural anchors that foster identity, continuity, and connection across generations. This Historic Preservation Month, we reflect on the social power of preservation and placemaking—how saving historic places like Hartman Castle helps build stronger, more resilient communities.

What Is Placemaking?

Placemaking is a people-centered approach to planning and revitalization. It emphasizes community input, local culture, and shared values to shape public spaces that promote well-being and belonging. When rooted in preservation, placemaking allows us to retain the stories, struggles, and triumphs embedded in historic places—reminding us not only where we came from, but who we are. It also helps us connect to each other and our local environment, strengthening community in the process.

Preservation as a Social Catalyst

Preserving historic sites can ignite community pride, foster civic engagement, and even address issues of equity and representation. Historic buildings are tangible reminders of a community’s layered narrative. When we protect and repurpose them, we invite people to experience history in place—and give future generations the tools to understand and interpret their heritage.

The Molly Brown House: A Denver Story

One of Colorado’s most iconic preservation success stories is the Molly Brown House in Denver. In the early 1970s, the home of Margaret “Molly” Brown—philanthropist, suffragist, and Titanic survivor—was under threat of demolition. A group of determined citizens, led by Historic Denver Inc., rallied to save the house. Their efforts were successful, and the Molly Brown House Museum opened in 1971.

But the impact didn’t stop there.

This grassroots campaign not only preserved an important piece of Colorado’s history—it sparked a movement. The rescue of the Molly Brown House inspired the formation of Denver’s historic preservation ordinance in 1967 (passed shortly before the campaign) and helped solidify a framework for saving other historic neighborhoods and landmarks. It proved that preservation could be a public, participatory effort—and that citizens could be powerful stewards of their city’s story.

Today, the Molly Brown House Museum serves not just as a tourist attraction, but as a hub for community education, advocacy, and dialogue around women’s rights, immigration, and social change. It is living proof that preservation can preserve more than architecture—it can preserve purpose.

Photo of winter from the historic Hartman Castle in Gunnison, Colorado for Hartman Castle Preservation Corp. blog titled "The Social Power of Preservation and Placemaking"

Our castle stands as a symbol of what Western communities once dared to build—and what we now dare to protect.

Hartman Castle: Gunnison’s Legacy in Motion

At Hartman Castle, we are inspired by stories like that of the Molly Brown House. Built by Alonzo and Annie Hartman as a testament to vision, craftsmanship, and commitment, our castle stands as a symbol of what Western communities once dared to build—and what we now dare to protect. As we work to restore and repurpose this historic gem, we are committed to making Hartman Castle not just a monument of the past, but a place of meaning for the present and future.

Through community partnerships, educational programming, and events that invite people to gather and learn, we hope to make Hartman Castle a space where memories are made, histories are shared, and the social power of preservation is realized—brick by brick, story by story.

Join Us!

Preservation is a shared responsibility—and a shared opportunity. Whether you support our efforts financially, volunteer your time, or simply share our story, you become part of a movement that values heritage, place, and people.

This Preservation Month, let’s remember: when we save a place, we save a piece of ourselves.

Give Today!

Help save Hartman Castle and the carriage house behind it for the people of the valley that Alonzo Hartman loved. The intent is to see it used for weddings, business retreats, and social gatherings. We are in desperate need of donations to bring this Gunnison historical treasure back to life. We have had a great response to our efforts including working with the county to make it happen. Please be a part of this piece of Gunnison Valley History! All amounts large and small will be put toward the purchase. For larger amounts, please contact Hartman Castle Preservation directly at info@hartmancastle.org or send your check by mail.

Mail-In Donation

Mail checks to :
Hartman Castle Preservation Corp
PO Box 1294
Gunnison, CO 81230

Online Donation

$25.00 – $5,000.00

Please choose an amount and click “Add to Cart”.