Historic Downtown
Take in the unique native stone architecture of Monte Vista's Downtown Historic District, designated on the National Register of Historic Places, and explore some of the town's cultural gems. A walking tour brochure is available to guide your visit. The district encompasses eleven structures along First Street (US Hwy. 160), which are built of locally quarried lava stone (rhyolite) or locally kilned brick. Two museums and eight additionally designated historic structures on Adams and Jefferson Streets and on First Avenue highlight the local culture.
Monte Vista Historic Preservation Commission
The Monte Vista Historic Preservation Commission is established with the general purpose to aid in the preservation of historic properties and districts within the city of Monte Vista. A Historic Property Alteration Permit must be obtained prior to any external alteration, construction, removal or demolition impacting a historically designated property. Applications for a historic property alteration permit shall be submitted to the Community Development Department.
Projects exempt from the permit and review processes include interior renovation. As a general rule, any project that would constitute a noticeable change to the exterior of the building should be submitted via the permit process.
City Council may designate by ordinance historic landmarks in the City of Monte Vista. Applications for a Local Historic Landmark Designation shall be submitted to the Community Development Department.
Click on the links above for more detailed information regarding the Historic Property Alteration Permit and the Local Historic Landmark Designation guidelines.